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Headphones a step above the Sennheiser HD650's?

post #1 of 10
1/2/12 at 6:34am
Thread Starter 

I own a pair of Sennheiser HD650's; what would be your personal recommendations for headphones that would be step above these in performance? Meaning better sound for a higher price, but not anything way out there, just logically something that might be $100 more and definitely better.

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
post #2 of 10
1/2/12 at 9:13am

With the same sound signature? It actually might be the LCD-2 which is way out of the way.

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post #3 of 10
1/2/12 at 9:30am

Another vote for the LCD-2. If you don't mind buying a used one, you should be able to get one at a decent price.

 

The LCD-2 (rev. 1, anyway) is very similar to the HD650, and is better in every aspect except for wearing comfort.

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post #4 of 10
1/2/12 at 2:02pm

IMO the HD-598 is an upgrade and it's $100 less normal_smile%20.gif

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post #5 of 10
1/2/12 at 2:22pm
Thread Starter 
I don't doubt it is better like you guys say, but at its retail price it would be about twice as much as someone would probably ask for them used than the 650s brand new. I would certainly hope at that price it more than excels above them, but maybe something more along the $500-$600 retail range. Im just thinking next logical step up, not something that blows them out of the water performance and price wise.
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post #6 of 10
1/2/12 at 2:28pm

 

Quote:
IMO the HD-598 is an upgrade and it's $100 less normal_smile%20.gif

 

I really like the HD598 but HD650 is still a step above imo.

 

 

Quote:
just logically something that might be $100 more and definitely better.

 

Its really hard to find, because HD650 is a very scalable headphone. With a better amp you would find the HD650 even better.

 

After its easy to find better in the 1000$ price range.

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post #7 of 10
1/2/12 at 2:38pm

Yeah, the HD650, priced ~300-350 is in a sweet spot in the headphone world. Nothing will really "blow them out of the water", and any improvements from there on out will incremental, if any. You'd really have to jump into the $1K+ range to see clear improvements, and even then you may not find them to be worth the much steeper premium. 

 

I'd say if you're not looking into the 1K+ price range, maybe a side-grade for a change of pace/flavor would be the direction you should go. Maybe a headphone with a complimentary sound signature (K701, Grado), or different type (closed, IEMs), would be more rewarding than spending 500-600 and expecting improvements. 

 

Me, personally, I'd buy a used 325i and send them to Rhydon for the V4 Magnum treatment. 

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post #8 of 10
1/2/12 at 3:48pm

Why not just go with a different flavor in the same price range? Beyer DT880.

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post #9 of 10
1/2/12 at 6:10pm

I know it might sound crazy.  But maybe invest the money into speakers?

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post #10 of 10
1/2/12 at 6:27pm

Take your stuff to a meet and plug a bunch of other peoples headphones into your own gear. You could save years of research in the process.

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
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