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HD650 Amp for Music Production (Mixing), Not Listening Pleasure

post #1 of 5
12/16/10 at 5:06am
Thread Starter 

Hi all,

My head is spinning. Been searching around the forums, and while there is no shortage of amp recommendations for the HD650, I can't find any recommendations that fit my specific needs.

I want a headphone amp to go with my HD650's that is as neutral/transparent as possible - one that won't 'colour' the source material to make it sound better. Obviously for mixing, I need to hear as true a representation of the source material as possible, even if it doesn't sound particularly good.

 

Thinking about the E9's, as I don't have a huge budget (the lower the better of course, but would maybe spend more for something a lot better). Read the review here, but it doesn't seem to be as neutral as I need though. Also considering the Pro-Ject Headbox II.

 

Also, I use a fairly basic USB audio interface, but it has a digitial out. Should I get an amp with a decent DAC in it too?

Any opinions would be gratefully recieved.

Many thanks!


Edited by benstat - 12/16/10 at 5:10am
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post #2 of 5
12/16/10 at 5:30am

i think you might be better served going with a closed-back headphone that has a flatter frequency response than the hd650.  a "studio monitor phone" if you will.

and something that doesn't require powerful dedicated amplification like the hd650.

 

the shure srh840 comes to mind.

it's a very flat sounding headphone (for better or for worse), and is quite easy to dive with just about any headphone jack out there...

 

and, i think it can be had for under $150...  which would financially compete with any decent amp you were hunting down for the hd650.

 

the only reason i say all this is because you may find yourself mixing things to your taste with the hd650, and then you hear it on a stereo and the treble will blast your ears.  that is because the hd650 has a rolled off treble...

and the opposite with the bass.  it is slightly pronounced on the hd650, so mixing to taste will result in bass-light recordings when played from other speakers...

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post #3 of 5
12/16/10 at 5:58am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for your advice TheWuss. Unfortunately it's a little late! I ordered the HD650's yesterday (hasn't arrived yet). I did this because I read a lot of music production sites that recommended it if you absolutely must mix on phones (I know it's not ideal). Here's a typical one if your're interested:

 

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan07/articles/mixingheadphones.htm

 

So I'm stuck with them for now! I'll try them out and see how they are compared to my trusty old (but failing) Fostex T40's.


Edited by benstat - 12/16/10 at 5:59am
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post #4 of 5
12/16/10 at 6:02am
Thread Starter 

Just read about the Shure srh840. Man, I wish I'd seen those earlier! Maybe time to check out the returns policy!

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post #5 of 5
12/16/10 at 9:10am
Quote:

Originally Posted by benstat View Post

 

Thinking about the E9's, as I don't have a huge budget (the lower the better of course, but would maybe spend more for something a lot better). Read the review here, but it doesn't seem to be as neutral as I need though. Also considering the Pro-Ject Headbox II.

 

The reviews on here about the E9 have mostly focused on how neutral this amp is. What reviews did you read that described otherwise? Curious.

 

Jack
 

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