Sennheiser HD650 Appreciation Thread!! - Page 686

I wouldn't sweat it about the 192kHz capability.  If you're still using itunes to rip lossless from regular cds, the files will still be 16 bit/44.1kHz.  So unless you're doing SACDs or high quality studio grade tracks (like purchasing the ones from HD Tracks) then your DAC will only be handling 44.1 kHz. And since you probably don't wanna be upsampling, then even 96 kHz will be above what you need.

Personally, to me the HD 650s are not suitable as a portable solution, they're open (not good for anything out of your home) and not exactly designed to weather the elements of outdoors/travel.  So I'd say you should stick with more of a desktop solution... the M&M combo from Schitt seems to be your best bet for budget performance from what the reviews here say.  I have the Fiio e09k/e17 combo (~$250 new), which is nice cause I use the e17 as a portable solution with my IEMs and then at home for my HD650s I stick it back in the dock on the e09k and run foobar from my PC via TOSLINK.  Had this rig for about 6 months now, and it's the best my ears have heard thus far (although MattTCG is always tempting me with the Lyr )

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry S 

The M&M are small enough to easily move around--I do on a regular basis and it's not a hassle.  If you have a couple main listening spots, I might see about getting a second wall wart--I'm going to check on this myself.

I actually did think of the extra wall wart, but drifted away from the idea. Given your favorable experience with porting the M&M stack around the house, I may reconsider. Having done all the research, something appeals to me more about the M&M than the DF on some existential level. Maybe its the marketing, or just a more attractive set of kit. 

I don't have a fixed listening station, but there are really only two rooms in which I'd do any serious listening, three at most. I'd be tethered to the laptop anyway, subsequently tethered to wall power for listening sessions that exceed the laptop battery power. 

I can also live without portability outside the home. I have the HD 239 for truly mobile listening and don't require a DAC/amp upgrade for that.

Sounds like the Magni power supply is somewhat custom, and that Schiit's manufacturing and distribution operation is quite lean and potentially ill-suited for special requests. But Schiit still has that small-and-nimble company vibe about it, so hopefully it can sell an extra wart with purchase, or recommend a suitable aftermarket alternative. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerocraft67 

 

I actually did think of the extra wall wart, but drifted away from the idea. Given your favorable experience with porting the M&M stack around the house, I may reconsider. Having done all the research, something appeals to me more about the M&M than the DF on some existential level. Maybe its the marketing, or just a more attractive set of kit. 

 

I don't have a fixed listening station, but there are really only two rooms in which I'd do any serious listening, three at most. I'd be tethered to the laptop anyway, subsequently tethered to wall power for listening sessions that exceed the laptop battery power. 

 

I can also live without portability outside the home. I have the HD 239 for truly mobile listening and don't require a DAC/amp upgrade for that.

 

Sounds like the Magni power supply is somewhat custom, and that Schiit's manufacturing and distribution operation is quite lean and potentially ill-suited for special requests. But Schiit still has that small-and-nimble company vibe about it, so hopefully it can sell an extra wart with purchase, or recommend a suitable aftermarket alternative. 

I think you'll be happy pairing the HD650 with the M&M.  The stack can easily be picked up and moved with one hand--and besides sounding great--it looks really nice on a desk or table.  The folks at Schiit seem pretty reasonable, so it shouldn't be impossible to get a spare power supply--have to email them and see, though.  No doubt the Chinese factory supplying them could make 10,000 in a week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joebobbilly 

I wouldn't sweat it about the 192kHz capability. 

Agreed. I just started shopping at HDTracks. Looks like 192 kHz files are significantly less available than 96 kHz, and where they are available, there's a 96 kHz option that costs less. Never say never, but 96 kHz is plenty of sampling rate for my short to intermediate term needs, so it makes sense to focus the budget accordingly. On the off chance I just have to have an HD track that's only available at 192, I'll just have to live with a little downsampling. Further down the road, the next DAC upgrade will almost certainly have that capability and then some. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry S 

The folks at Schiit seem pretty reasonable, so it shouldn't be impossible to get a spare power supply--have to email them and see, though.  

Indeed. I literally received an e-mail response to this question in five minutes, quoting an extra supply for $10. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerocraft67 

 

Indeed. I literally received an e-mail response to this question in five minutes, quoting an extra supply for $10. 

That's great to know! I don't have a HD650 but I do enjoy following this thread, in case I ever get a pair. I like the idea of moving the Magni from room to room that easily! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by joebobbilly 

Personally, to me the HD 650s are not suitable as a portable solution, they're open (not good for anything out of your home) and not exactly designed to weather the elements of outdoors/travel.  So I'd say you should stick with more of a desktop solution... the M&M combo from Schitt seems to be your best bet for budget performance from what the reviews here say.  I have the Fiio e09k/e17 combo (~$250 new), which is nice cause I use the e17 as a portable solution with my IEMs and then at home for my HD650s I stick it back in the dock on the e09k and run foobar from my PC via TOSLINK.  Had this rig for about 6 months now, and it's the best my ears have heard thus far (although MattTCG is always tempting me with the Lyr )

QFT. To be honest, I think a proper IEM will always be the best solution for portable listening. Simply put, they offer the best passive noise cancellation. Not to mention this can happen while wearing expensive looking cans in the metro = 

Do everyone else's 650 creak when you first stretch them to put them on? Just curious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattTCG 

Do everyone else's 650 creak when you first stretch them to put them on? Just curious.

Dunno about that, I don't think I ever stretch them (or I don't know what you mean by it)

I mean when you put them on...you have to stretch them a bit to get them on. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattTCG 

I mean when you put them on...you have to stretch them a bit to get them on. 

Mmm.. I don't think that I do, to be honest... I slide them on my head so to speak, there's basically no stretching involved I think

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattTCG 

Do everyone else's 650 creak when you first stretch them to put them on? Just curious.

Does anyone else want to see a picture of MattTCG's head? Just curious. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattTCG 

I mean when you put them on...you have to stretch them a bit to get them on. 

Mine definitely did, especially when i was gaming and talking with them on. I had to put some of this on the hinges, but after i did, all the noise went away:http://www.amazon.com/3M-08877-Silicone-Lubricant-Plus/dp/B0002KKVKC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358370329&sr=8-2&keywords=silicone+lubricant

Quote:

Originally Posted by imackler 

 

Does anyone else want to see a picture of MattTCG's head? Just curious. 

 

Yes. Yes I definitely do :P

btw question at MattTCG...
 

I read you also started the HE-400 thread... Could I ask how you feel about the HD650 in relation to it? I'm sure you've posted about that at some point, but I figure it probably won't hurt to ask you anyway. Pretty interested in your opinion.