Sennheiser HD650 or HD600 - Do they really need an amp? - Page 3

HD580 do not.  I used several amps with them and they sounded identical coming out of my PC or ipod.  I venture to guess the 600/650 are not much different.  Most of head-fi is bogus, don't believe all the reviews. Alot of it is not about good sound, its about subjective infinitesimal differences that these guys use as an excuse for an expensive hobby.  Sources are so good these days, spend your money on headphones.  Maybe the 650 does benefit a little, but i remain skeptical with all the bs i have read on these forums. The hd580/600/650 is one of the best headphone platforms around.  Infinity comfortable with neutral clear sound.

If you dont believe me, ask yourself about the cable crowd.  200 dollar headphone cable... lol wow

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik 

Have you considered a used pair? You'll find the HD-600 used for around $200-$225. Used pairs turn up regularly at Audiogon, as well. And X2 on the Gilmore Lite/Dynalo. Excellent, clean and natural amp.

x2

Glite or HDP. Team HD 6xx.

No they don't need an amp. Yes, you'll tahnk me I told you to get one..

p.s. You're clueless Crazy-Carl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy*Carl 

HD580 do not.  I used several amps with them and they sounded identical coming out of my PC or ipod.  I venture to guess the 600/650 are not much different.  Most of head-fi is bogus, don't believe all the reviews. Alot of it is not about good sound, its about subjective infinitesimal differences that these guys use as an excuse for an expensive hobby.  Sources are so good these days, spend your money on headphones.  Maybe the 650 does benefit a little, but i remain skeptical with all the bs i have read on these forums. The hd580/600/650 is one of the best headphone platforms around.  Infinity comfortable with neutral clear sound.

 

I happened to have HD580 also (HD650), and I totally disagree with you. I bought HD580 used from a local guy. He had HD555 and HD580 at hands. And he sold HD-580 to me for $40, since he used the headphone to play game. He likes HD555 better. We met at a station and he bring almost mint HD580 to me and I tried on my Sony X-1050. Holy crap, I did understand why he liked HD-555 more. HD580 sounds no sound-stage and my Sony can only drives it in a boomy, no detail and texture way. And I need to crank volume to 25, I normally only listen at 11.

After I got home, I plugged it into my Pioneer Sx-1250 receiver. Wow, Wow, huge difference, the sound-stage opened up, which's almost as good as my modded HD555. But the the rich detail and texture really put HD580 in the high -end league. So it needs amp, and needs a good amp. My tube headphone amp is not good enough to drive HD580 although it can drive my AKG q-701 and K240 sextett well. So I have to pair HD580 with my vintage receivers or my type-A hybrid tube headphone amp. I got the damn good ( I like it more than HD-650) headphone for $40!!

You can normally tell that HD-580 are properly driven by the open sound-stage and the decreasing (diminishing) of the "Sennheiser Veil". Huge difference!!

You will need a portable amp at the very least. My Headroom Total Bithead does an acceptable job of driving my HD580s (very similar to the HD600), but they will shine with a powerful amp. I just ordered a Hifiman EF2A ($169 USD), I'll post my impressions when it arrives.

There is alot of people who say a total bithead sounds just like an ipod.  I have heard several headphone amps with the HD580 and they all sounded identical to an ipod/computer.  Including audio gd stuff which people claim enhance the hd600.  Lies.  How many of you do double blind tests? I have done them with every amp I have owned (then sold because they are total scams)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy*Carl 

There is alot of people who say a total bithead sounds just like an ipod.  I have heard several headphone amps with the HD580 and they all sounded identical to an ipod/computer.  Including audio gd stuff which people claim enhance the hd600.  Lies.  How many of you do double blind tests? I have done them with every amp I have owned (then sold because they are total scams)

I guess this is a very subjective matter then. I recently picked up a Denon integrated receiver on Craigslist for $20, and it does a much better job of driving my HD580s than the Total Bithead (which sounds better to my ears than my iPod). In addition to higher volume (which I'm not very concerned about since I listen in a quiet room at lower volumes), I definitely noticed more clarity at lower volumes. They just sounded so much more alive to my ears.

So yes, while the HD580/HD600/HD650 can sound good without amping, many people including myself notice an improvement when a powerful amp is brought into play. If you don't need a portable amp, try looking around on Craigslist for a stereo receiver.