[madwolfa]

  Wow!! What year did you buy them?

 
Back in 2002, I think. I was 18. Was feeding them from TEAC C1D headphone output and absolutely blown away.
 
Head-Fi was a bit different back then. Much younger, I guess. Amazing how far the whole market progressed since that time!
Even more amazing is that HD600 are still here and kicking!

 

[Solrighal]

Aye, it does look good. My reasoning for buying it was purely practical though as I needed it to be shorter.

 

[jimmers]

Aye, it does look good. My reasoning for buying it was purely practical though as I needed it to be shorter.

I needed a shorter one too, bought the connectors and I had some silver-plated OFC in clear teflon wire, but being busy (lazy) I didn't get round to making it; then I saw one on the bay, just like I was going to make  (but better finished) and I won it for $30. It did actually seem to make a difference (don't know how), whether it did or not I like it and it's pretty and new - what more could you ask.

 

[madwolfa]

  whether it did or not I like it and it's pretty and new - what more could you ask.

 
Amen to that.

 

[Krutsch]

 
 
Not all of the songs have painful piano passages, but there are some notes that really hit hard. This screen cap was taken at a point that was very irritating. It's worse playing through my Mackie MR5MK2's

 
Yes, exactly.
 
The first track on Aventine (Chord Left) drives me crazy on my speakers and Grados, but is really tough to listen to on my 650s; the EQ shots I posted earlier show something similar to the above.  I'm glad it's not just me.
 
Funny thing is, her first album ("Philharmonics", which is also amazing) has similar passages - a beautifully recorded voice, but too hot and with those piano passages... sheesh!
 
I've been wondering all this time if the audio engineering was intentional, like it sounds great with cheap ear buds and she doesn't care about audio-nerds.  But, now I think it's just plain and simple incompetence.

 

[Solrighal]

There's a lot of incompetence around these days.

 

[Wildcatsare1]

Do you all have primer for Newbies to JRiver you recommend? So far only the direct sound out appears to work with my Modi? I appreciate any assistance.

 

[RedBull]

I still have the 650 and returned the pm-1

Thanks for the 'assurance'

 

[FlySweep]

I'm absolutely in LOVE with the NFB-11.32 (DAC & preamp) > Vali > HD650.  Such a silky presentation, rich with detail.. and surprisingly dynamic.  Tossing a pre-amp at the Vali is the way to go!

 

[RedBull]

Ringing issue aside.. I'd like to wholeheartedly recommend the Schiit Vali for the HD650.  I had the Vali once before (right when it was released).. and sold it only because I needed to allocate funds for another HF related purchase.  Since then, I've missed its wonderful sound.  For kicks, I bought it again last week (the 'ringing' issue on this most recent Vali seems almost completely eliminated) and I absolutely love it with the HD650.  Among the many superlatives I can spout off, it was refreshing to witness the Vali's incredible resolving ability, phenomenal tonal accuracy, smooth dynamics, and extremely black background.. the Vali's ability to sound so natural, especially with the HD650 is quite simply addictive.  I feel a HQ DAC is important to hearing just what the Vali is capable of, too.. I'm using the Geek Out 1000, atm and I find this combo to be thoroughly satisfying.  The Vali is truly a '(hybrid) tube amp done right'.. at under $150, no less!

+1 for Vali plus the ability to maintain longer decay, which to me sounds more natural.

 

[RedBull]

For those who have hd650, hd600 and Vali care to share impressions?

 

[MattTCG]

  I'm absolutely in LOVE with the NFB-11.32 (DAC & preamp) > Vali > HD650.  Such a silky presentation, rich with detail.. and surprisingly dynamic.  Tossing a pre-amp at the Vali is the way to go!

 
Try tossing a quickie at the Crack. Then you'll have found the true path. 

 

[whirlwind]

   
Try tossing a quickie at the Crack. Then you'll have found the true path. 

I was reading about the quickie, it sounds pretty cool.
 
Soon would need a bigger desk though for gear, though 

 
 
you receive your HD800 yet, Matt

 

[MattTCG]

^^ That's real downside to the quickie. You've got to have room for it. Right now I have the Crack/Quickie and lyr/bifrost on my desk. It's do-able but not ideal. Plus the little Mrs. is giving me the stink eye. 
 
I've got a small rack that I'm planning to move everything to. It's made by Salamander I believe. No hd800. 

 

[whirlwind]

  ^^ That's real downside to the quickie. You've got to have room for it. Right now I have the Crack/Quickie and lyr/bifrost on my desk. It's do-able but not ideal. Plus the little Mrs. is giving me the stink eye. 
 
I've got a small rack that I'm planning to move everything to. It's made by Salamander I believe. No hd800. 

 Yeah, a rack and maybe you could at least get a smaller or less frequent stink eye 

 
I usually don't buy and release gear much...for the most part I read and get feedback from others that I trust...then purchase.
 
My wife would love me to get rid of a headphone, once I get the HD800....which I want to release the HD650 , once I get them....that is ....if I end up liking them.
 
I just hate to let the HD650 go....because I know I will want them back at some time.
 
Plus, you ever get the stupid thought come in your head....like maybe the next set of HD650 I get, might not be as good as the "magical" ones I already have. 

 
How does that sound........may have to try that line with my wife in the near future!