Is the Sennhiser HD 650 THAT MUCH "Better" than the Senn HD 598?

You might just not like the Sennheiser house sound.  Can you pinpoint what you didn't like about the 598?

Limited soundstage? You are talking about the 598's right?

People have been describing Sennheiser's sound as "veiled" for a while now.  Going up to the HD650s won't help you if you're wanting a brighter more forward sound,  which is often what people consider is lacking when calling them veiled.  Look towards the DT880 if that sounds like what you mean.

The soundstage should already be a good deal greater than average.  The K701/702 would certainly be an improvement in that regard along with separation and bringing out detail in general,  but you'll be sacrificing any feeling of impact from the low-mid bass.  To me, and apparently others,  the highs also sound very artificial.

Get some Beyers or Ultrasones. Both meet your requirements.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbird 

I recently purchased the Sennhiser HD 598, but didn't like the sound at all. So now, I am reading all the reviews and forums and the HD650 always comes up as being the "Best" headphones out there! I am constantly going back and forth like everyone else, from the AKG 702, Bey DT880 250ohms. Therefore, I am now leaning towards the HD 650 because I want a clear and detailed sound, strong solid bass, and a 3D sound stage. Will the 650 fit the bill?

 

Thanks,

I am comparing the 598 and 650 right now with a Schiit Audio Asgard amp. It really varies from recording to recording, but generally speaking, the 650s have more bass and less treble. The 598s are more airy and spacious sounding while the 650s are thicker and smoother sounding.

This is in my experience... Still deciding which one I like best.
 

Give the K601 a whirl or the K701. The latter has a bigger sound stage and a bit more detail retrieval but the K601 has nice sweet

sort of presentation.

HD650 has nicer bass from memory but gives up soundstage, detail retrieval and clarity to the AKG's.

I'm in the same camp, I'm yet to find a Sennheiser that makes me want to part with my money. The HD650 was the only example

I've heard that was decent - but yes, the veil was still there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwarmi 

HD650 has nicer bass from memory but gives up soundstage, detail retrieval and clarity to the AKG's.

 

 

No way! (IMO) 

I found the complete opposite to be true. The K 601's bass was more controlled than the HD 650's but the HD 650's were easily the more detailed of the two. Soundstage is debatable I guess. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbird 

Thanks everyone I think I will be purchasing the Bey DT880/250ohms version (This are easy to power right?) I don't plan on buying a headphone amp for awhile.

 

In my opinion, if you started this thread to talk about these expectations you have in future purchase, how are you going to go ampless for so long?

If memory serves me right, those headphones are actually not that easy to power.  I'd at least buy something decent in the 100 range until you can get a good amp.

If you plan on going ampless then the 32Ohm version are your best bet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbird 

It wasn't as detailed as I would have like it to be. It also sounded a little veiled (not as clear and had limited sound stage)

If it has a foam cover over the drivers as part of the earpads, remove the cover and see if it improves. My HD600 sound a lot like my SR225 with old pads until I did that and compared to the sock-mod Grado the Senns have a lot more detail in the treble. Grado's "in your face" percussion still wins despite running only SE (for now). Still undecided as to whether I'd bother to recable it or I should just sell it and put the funds towards a custom IEM, because in the event my Toucan gets issues the Grado works fine off my S9.

Waaait...HD598 small soundstage and sound veiled?! Then you won't like the 650 at all...It have a smaller soundstage and sounds even more veiled.

Also, HD598 is quite clear and have one of the biggest soundstages around...

Grab a pair of Grado SR60's and try those out. They're fairly cheap and it will introduce you to the "unveiled" up front sound. It might be helpful in finding what you are lookign for in the future.