Sennheiser HD650 Review
Apr 2, 2006 at 8:24 AM Post #46 of 85
Quote:

Originally Posted by Connectz
Does it really make a BIG difference when taking the foams out? Can I damage the drivers if I take the foams out? And most importantly, if I don't like the sound with them out, can I put the foams back in place?


This was asked on the first page, no? The foams are just cut outs so you can pop em back in place if you don't like them without it. Just pull gently on the earcups to pop them off and that gives you direct access to the foams, I prefer mine on because I would not want to risk the chance of something getting into the drivers and getting the dreaded rattle can experience.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 11:38 AM Post #47 of 85
That was indeed a very nice read.
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Now I'm certainly considering buying HD650s with the K701, which will seriously keep me hungry for some weeks.
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But since I heard the HD650 some time ago for some hours I remember liking them quite a bit, even with this short amount of listening time. (and they weren't even "burnt-in" if you believe in it)
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 11:48 AM Post #48 of 85
Quote:

Originally Posted by Connectz
Does it really make a BIG difference when taking the foams out? Can I damage the drivers if I take the foams out? And most importantly, if I don't like the sound with them out, can I put the foams back in place?


IME replacing the foams give much greater clarity (but with potentially some harshness in the highs). Rather than just taking out the foams, it is better to replace them with sheets of thinner materials, e.g. thin socks/stockings. They are accoustically more transparent than the foams and will still protect the drivers from dust & hair. It is an easy task to replace back the foam if you don't like them since they are simply wedged between the driver housings and earpads.

Regards.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 4:00 PM Post #49 of 85
Why did this review never make it into the Featured Full Reviews? It would've deserved a place there IMO.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 5:50 PM Post #52 of 85
Congrats!
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Very well written review of one of the most interesting and best sounding cans around.

I had the HD650 twice, and the only "veil" (that's not a veil) I can hear it's something missing in "changing color scheme" when the music claims it (Solti's Mahler 8th sympohny final brass part for example, or others), this in my setup. So I ordered the HD600 hoping that they will have a somewhat "clearer" sound, accepting some more graininess (as I've read about it), but maybe with better sinergy in my rig
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. We will see...

bye and happy listening
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Andrew
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 6:20 PM Post #53 of 85
Very objective review without a hint of favoritism or disdain
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You siad my thoughts on the 650 better than I could have put them into words!!

I prefer the 600's over the 650 myself based on the bass issues you mentioned, and the fact that it isn't that much different accross the board.

My consipiracy theory is that they received feedback about the 600's not being as exciting the Grado's and wanted to add some slam, so they made the upper bass boomy (a la bose). My theory probably has nothing to do with reality, but if it is true, hopefully, the 700 will go back to doing what Senn does well, which is polished accuracy and let Grado offer speed and colored warmth.

Thank you for the review - seriously, one of the best!
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 6:20 PM Post #54 of 85
I've sort of personally made a decision about the "veil." I really only hear it when I switch directly from a bright can (the SA5K in particular) over to the Senn. The thing is, you just can't do that. The balance of the HD650 is TOTALLY different. It's merely providing you a different view of the treble regions. You have to step away from the presentation of the other headphone, and approach the 650 with new ears.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 9:00 PM Post #55 of 85
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercuttio
I've sort of personally made a decision about the "veil." I really only hear it when I switch directly from a bright can (the SA5K in particular) over to the Senn. The thing is, you just can't do that. The balance of the HD650 is TOTALLY different. It's merely providing you a different view of the treble regions. You have to step away from the presentation of the other headphone, and approach the 650 with new ears.


Happily addicted to the HD650 as I am, my educated guess is I would find the SA5000 a hyperrealistic, artificial kind of sound.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 9:06 PM Post #56 of 85
Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea
Happily addicted to the HD650 as I am, my educated guess is I would find the SA5000 a hyperrealistic, artificial kind of sound.


It actually pulls off detail in a listenable way, but yes, there is a degree of artificiality to it. I feel that the treble bias they have tends to push details in places they may not exist at times, emphasizing things that sometimes don't need to be.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 9:09 PM Post #57 of 85
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercuttio
It actually pulls off detail in a listenable way, but yes, there is a degree of artificiality to it. I feel that the treble bias they have tends to push details in places they may not exist at times, emphasizing things that sometimes don't need to be.


Which I think is common to headphones, anyway, excepting the HD650 with few others.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 9:24 PM Post #58 of 85
Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea
Which I think is common to headphones, anyway, excepting the HD650 with few others.


One of the really lovely things about the HD650 is that you do get a great degree of detail without sacrificing a lovely dark soothing sound. It would have been very easy to lose that in the mix.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 9:46 PM Post #59 of 85
I like this review, I agree very much. Have to try removing the pads.
 
Apr 2, 2006 at 9:47 PM Post #60 of 85
What a great review! Having lived with a HD-650 for many months and several amplifers I think this review provides a very accurate description of the attributes of the HD-650. I am going to use it to guide me to another pair of headphones, probably in the Grade line that I hope will sound much different than the HD-650's. I'm very pleased with the Sennheiser sounds, but man cannot live by one type of sound alone
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