recommend a DIY amp for HD650 - Page 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfcubed 
*  have come about to agree that cables matter & and some stock ones really can hold back cans: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/514509/need-help-in-choosing-cable-sleeve-for-modding-d2000#post_7097550

 

I'm reserving judgement on what I think of my CK2III until I swap out the BD139/140 for 2SA1837FM / 2SC4793FM this weekend.  Finding BD139/140 a bit "dry" for my tastes.

Which cables do you use?  I'm not a cable fan, personally, but if I have time, I'll give it a whirl.  They are dark phones though and not my favorite by a long shot.

I have the BD139/BD140 in my CK2III...I think, I can't quite remember anymore.  I think I have some Hitachi in my SOHA II, "borrowed indefinitely" from my Dynahi.  I haven't tried the HD650 with my CTH.

Right now just Mogami that's talked about in that cable thread I linked.  It's inexpensive but I think its an improvement over the stock senn & beyer stock cables I've seen...  Look esp @ that stock DT880 wire.. I'm sure there's fair crosstalk & impedance issues esp as it has 3-wires in single 8ft? cable.  HD650 is better crosstalk-wise but probably not impedance-wise & there are very few actual strands of wire down its 8ft? length.  Note those are guesses, I've not measured data to support them.

You won't find me rolling cables or spending more than, say $100 on a set, but nor am I likely to settle for stock on this kind of gear.  I think w/good source & the kind of gear we are talking about here you'd hear a difference.  Pretty cheap to try.

The cable on right I bought here for like $45 shipped & its pulled Mogami wrapped in techflex IIRC like talked about in that d2000 cable thread.  One on left is the straight Mogami.

WRT HD650s & CTH - again I couldn't get that combo sounding very good  as great as HD600/CTH to me.  IMO HD650 are better w/my SS amps.

BTW listening to my CKKIII w/replaced output transistors & I think I notice a subtle difference for the better.

I agree with cfcubed ... I've never been one to go off the deep end about cables, but with Sennheisers, they can make a big difference.  I was able to lay my hands on a set of Cardas cables for my Senns (HD580, HD600) and the difference is easily distinguishable - more prominent highs, crisper dynamics and detail.  I can't reveal the source, but I would've never paid for them myself.  After hearing, though, I think they may be worth the money.  I'm not sure I'd say that about any of the other "audiophile" cables - at least Cardas has been around for a long time and is very well established.