Sennheiser HD650 Appreciation Thread!! - Page 591

Sounds good, though still have my question, maybe nobody knows, but is the HiSound Studio V good/adequate to drive the Senns? I can spring for a few bucks if need be, though I've been somewhat out of control the past few weeks (blame it on "the Deals Thread"). I'm no stranger to high end, have a well regarded Main Rig (Krell Electronics, Linn turntable, assorted digital stuff, Thiel speakers, interconnects my wife likes to make fun of), though this stuff all predates marriage/kids/college, nuff said. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by antberg 

Tsujigirl how much did you paid for those HD650 on promotion?

$366.35 total with tax, but it supposedly includes a $50 itunes gift card that I'll sell off (not a fan of itunes bitrates or policies).

I jumped on the HD650 deal yesterday as well. I'm eBaying my iTunes card. I've never had problems selling gift cards for close to their full value there. I even once sold a $20 gift card for $23 dollars...some people on eBay clearly aren't the brightest bunch..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsujigiri 

Hey guys, I was debating between these and the Hifiman HE-400's, but then the Sennheiser USA deal came up and I jumped on the HD650's. I want to get a portable amp to go with it (Yes, I know how open the headphones are, but I think they'd be fine on quiet walks between classes), and am having trouble understanding exactly what differences in sound different amps produce. Does anyone know what specific advantages, say, an O2 has over a Fiio E11? I guess if possible, I'd want an amp that counteracts the high frequency rolloff of the HD650's, but I'm not sure what I'd prefer beyond that. All I know for sure is that I really don't like overly thin headphones and overly bloated headphones... still on the fence about forward vs. laid back presentation. If it helps, I've been listening to Westone 3's, Swans M200 MKiii's, Sleek Audio SA6's, and Grado SR80i's, all of which I like despite the different sound signatures.
 

I'd be more concerned with the concept of wearing these cans on-the-go.  Not only are they're open (you already know)... it's also that they're clearly not designed for that purpose... so it's fair game for any dust, rain, sunlight, etc. So no qualms bout damaging a headphone this nice??  It's almost like I want a lunch that I can bring to class and eat during a lecture and then deciding to bring a 4 course steak dinner.  Sure I can do it, but would I enjoy the dinner properly, or would it really be appropriate for the situation?  If you're thinking portable your Westone 3's should do your ears plenty of justice eh?  But... this is just a suggestion... your cans, your choice =). 

Love the HD650s tho... hope you enjoy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by joebobbilly 

I'd be more concerned with the concept of wearing these cans on-the-go.  Not only are they're open (you already know)... it's also that they're clearly not designed for that purpose... so it's fair game for any dust, rain, sunlight, etc. So no qualms bout damaging a headphone this nice??  It's almost like I want a lunch that I can bring to class and eat during a lecture and then deciding to bring a 4 course steak dinner.  Sure I can do it, but would I enjoy the dinner properly, or would it really be appropriate for the situation?  If you're thinking portable your Westone 3's should do your ears plenty of justice eh?  But... this is just a suggestion... your cans, your choice =). 

 

Love the HD650s tho... hope you enjoy!

That didn't really cross my mind.... Are they that much more fragile? I certainly would have qualms about damaging headphones like that, but I wouldn't expect the dust to be that much worse outside unless you're in an agricultural area, or the sun to be an issue unless you leave it out for a while. As for the rain, I definitely wouldn't chance bringing them out on a rainy day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsujigiri 

 

That didn't really cross my mind.... Are they that much more fragile? I certainly would have qualms about damaging headphones like that, but I wouldn't expect the dust to be that much worse outside unless you're in an agricultural area, or the sun to be an issue unless you leave it out for a while. As for the rain, I definitely wouldn't chance bringing them out on a rainy day.

They are not particularly fragile. But they are large open headphones. I picked up a pair of Senn HD25-1 ii's for on the go and they are a great travel substitue. Light, closed and great sound. Not the equal of the HF650's but along with the Beyer DT1350's probably the best closed portable's out there.

Yeah, the 650 doesn't make a good travel hp for the reasons mentioned above. Plus the headband seems particularly prone to chipping which is why I always have mine on a stand. There are better choices if you want something to travel with. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsujigiri 

 

That didn't really cross my mind.... Are they that much more fragile? I certainly would have qualms about damaging headphones like that, but I wouldn't expect the dust to be that much worse outside unless you're in an agricultural area, or the sun to be an issue unless you leave it out for a while. As for the rain, I definitely wouldn't chance bringing them out on a rainy day.

Actually, yea, they are that fragile. I used to own a pair of HD-580's, and the drivers themselves are really exposed to the outside air. As in, air from the outside can actually reach into the drivers, since all that separates the air and drivers is literally plastic mesh or grill (depending on the headphone model (580/600/650)). It's not a solid shell or wall of x-material that protects the drivers. 

So, it's not that the actual headphone frame is fragile... but it has fragile components in the inside, and a lot of things from the outside can get into those inside components.

But, this is all IIRC. The last I owned the HD-580 was a little over 10 years ago, so... I may be wrong. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxanex 

I know I won't be taking mine outside...

Same here. The longest distance it has ever travelled since it arrived here must have been three feet :P

I sometimes migrate to the couch and bedroom with mine, but never outside. Not even to the porch or patio. 

I migrate about a 20' radius around my amp with the extension cable or 10' without. That's as much traveling as my HD650's do. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattTCG 

I sometimes migrate to the couch and bedroom with mine, but never outside. Not even to the porch or patio. 

I love the idea of being able to take these around the house whenever I want. Unlike my Q701, they do a better job with portable amps. I might even be able to get good results with my Fiio E11. They do love my Total Airhead though. I lost my Fuze (for LOD) so i've just been using my Clip+ to Airhead. Obviously this is only for semi-portable use.

It's ridiculous how little volume I need for the HD-650 with my Micro Amp. About 30% on low gain. The K601 I have seems more power hungry than everything i've ever owned except the K400/K501. Of course I wish it was really just only about volume levels.

BTW I remember someone once coming up with this crazy idea that Sennheiser made a revision making the HD-650 easier to drive 

Unrelated note. I still think my pair has some very slightly forward sounding upper mids. Why it doesn't show up in most graphs I'l never know. My DJ100 also has forward upper mids and those don't show up in graphs also. Actually in Purrin's HD-650 graph it shows a sight hump at around 4.5k (or so).

With my main setup (and ODAC) this pair is one of the most detailed and revealing headphones i've heard. Weird. Somehow it doesn't seem to pick up recording hiss though   It's only forgiving of my harsh/fatiguing tracks like most Jpop, but not too much. I have an easier time picking out low bitrate tracks with this HD-650 than my Q701. Maybe the DAC is playing a role..who knows. I think so. Perhaps neutral gear helps even more.

Maybe the DJ100 and HD-650 are non-fatiging due to having less lower treble and more upper treble. I know the 650 doesn't show neutral upper treble in it's graphs. My 650 certainly doesn't sound dark at all or even laid back. It's mids are fun and very engaging. Too addicting really IMO.

I haven't had such variations in track quality though since I had the DT-880! No joke..wonder why since the HD-650 isn't supposed to be this way.