[ridethespiral]

I'm not going to lie, I had them plugged into my 160gB rockboxed iPod classic while I was walking around the house doing stuff. I mean it didn't sound awesome like when it is amped, but I had no problem with the sound... I would have used my SE535's but for some reason I can't be completely isolated when I'm home. It bugs me haha.

 

[chee006]

  Anyone using the HD650 as their portable headphone?  
 
I'm looking at the HD650 for use during walks and chores around the house.  I'll be mating it with the AK120 and the Pure II amp (at least that's the plan).  
 
Also-I just received my HD650's last week and plugged them into my 5th gen IPod and was unimpressed.  It was dreadful sounding IMHO.  Is this because the HD650's need allot of power to perform?  
 
Am I correct in assuming that I will notice a  HUGE improvement when driven by a separate amp?  I sure hope so because I'm about to return them.

When I got my HD650 I was using it with my Ibasso PB2 which is one of the more powerful AMP that can push the HD 650 which requires 300ohm. Now I just plug my DX50 to my Bravo Ocean tube amp and let it sing,if you wan to get the full experiance then tube amp is really the wya to go as it will effortlessly push the HD650 to it's potential. 

 

[intlsubband]

I got wooden cups that can replace the grills to create closed-back headphones. It's a neat option and just takes a minutes to change.

 

[ridethespiral]

 

[spiderking31]

.Anyone using the HD650 as their portable headphone?  

I'm looking at the HD650 for use during walks and chores around the house.  I'll be mating it with the AK120 and the Pure II amp (at least that's the plan).  

Also-I just received my HD650's last week and plugged them into my 5th gen IPod and was unimpressed.  It was dreadful sounding IMHO.  Is this because the HD650's need allot of power to perform?  

Am I correct in assuming that I will notice a  HUGE improvement when driven by a separate amp?  I sure hope so because I'm about to return them.

The hd650 is 300 ohm headphones. They sound best with a dedicated amp, preferably a tube amp. And they definitely aren't portable. Hook them up to a nice amp, and you will definitely wanna keep them. I promise you

 

[m2man]

I got wooden cups that can replace the grills to create closed-back headphones. It's a neat option and just takes a minutes to change.

I'm curious how they sound with NO back. Do tell....

 

[intlsubband]

I'm curious how they sound with NO back. Do tell....

 
I never tried playing it with no back, but I find it hard to believe it would be very different compared to with the grill? I'm in the office so don't have them on hand to test.
 
You can try it yourself, all you need to do is use a spoon and pop the grills out.
 
On this page that sells those wooden cups (I got mine through someone who bought on that page) there are simple instructions on how to take the ear pads and grills off and on. http://www.headphile.com/page4.html

 

[alejandro7]

If you must use HD650 as portable rig you DEF need an amp. They are 300ohm speakers and need amp with grunt. Look at the NECO V4 or any of his products. Super! Good hunting! alejandro

 

[pdrm360]

Sometimes I drive my HD650 by AQ DragonFly, It's OK. 

 

[Mad Max]

Quickstep/Stepdance will do justice to HD650 on the go.

 

[jimmers]

Originally Posted by blownaway /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Is this because the HD650's need allot of power to perform?  
 

No, just need more voltage than an iPod can output (unless you like it quiet), for instance my "portable" amp can supply around 20x the voltage of iPod (400x the power)  into HD650.

 

[jorge8]

The HD650 requires amplification. I'm affraid that pure ii is not enough for the job. 3.2Vrms and 34mW @ 300Ohms is not enough, specially if you listen to classical music or jazz.
I am using Fiio E12 and it sounds very good.It is more powerful than those mentioned and cheaper. Also it is about the size of an iphone.
Check here some guidelines about power required:  http://fiio.com.cn/news/index.aspx?ID=100000046224759

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

  Anyone using the HD650 as their portable headphone?  
 
I'm looking at the HD650 for use during walks and chores around the house.  I'll be mating it with the AK120 and the Pure II amp (at least that's the plan).  
 
Also-I just received my HD650's last week and plugged them into my 5th gen IPod and was unimpressed.  It was dreadful sounding IMHO.  Is this because the HD650's need allot of power to perform?  
 
Am I correct in assuming that I will notice a  HUGE improvement when driven by a separate amp?  I sure hope so because I'm about to return them.

 
I use them primarily out of my CEntrance HiFi-M8, and its a beautiful pairing.  The HD650s respond fantastic to improved sources and amplification...
 
BTW, I found a new way to tell when my HD650s are getting my primary head time.  When I play my "most played recently" playlist, its packed full of female vocalists...
 
I've been listening to a bunch of Corinne Bailey Rae lately, and I'm just wow'd once again...

 

[Solrighal]

I'm sitting here awaiting delivery of my pair. I'm already looking into upgrading the cable

 

[Zojokkeli]

I'm sitting here awaiting delivery of my pair. I'm already looking into upgrading the cable

I recommend the Forza Audioworks cables. Reasonably prized, fantastic build quality and no fear of customs fees inside EU.