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Comparing the HD600 vs HD650 - Page 2

post #16 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:01pm

Looking at your soundcard, and mind you, I'm not familiar with it, my guess is that it's not going to even come close to powering any of these headphones. Your 555s would probably sound better without a proper amp.

Also, what are you using for music files? CDs from your computer are are you ripping from cds? Unless you're going to use high bit rate rips, it's not going to sound good.

As to the fatigue issue you talked about, none of these headphones are fatiguing at all. You'll be able to wear any of them as long as you want with no problem.

You mentioned possibly getting the 800s. If you have that kind of cash, I suggest getting a better source and amp.

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post #17 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:13pm

Most people can't even tell the difference between 320kbps and FLAC... Don't worry too much about that.

 

You might as well tell him that he needs a $50 000 cable to make them sound okay. 
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by DevilDog View Post

Also, what are you using for music files? CDs from your computer are are you ripping from cds? Unless you're going to use high bit rate rips, it's not going to sound good.

 


 

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post #18 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidgotsa View Post

Most people can't even tell the difference between 320kbps and FLAC... Don't worry too much about that.

 

You might as well tell him that he needs a $50 000 cable to make them sound okay. 
 


 


Unfortunately, I've seen lots of people on here lately just downloading from youtube. That's kinda why I asked. regular_smile%20.gif

 

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post #19 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:38pm
Thread Starter 

All my CD's are ripped to FLAC.   I know my soundcard isnt a "dedicated" headphone device, but it is a top of the line, music oriented card (for listening from, not producing with).....it does have a DAC/Amp, interchangeable OpAmps......for headphone use, and will playback to full 24b/192khz.  It may not be the most recognized brand name...but they make excellent sound cards.  On par...if not exceeding Asus, and definitely Creative!

 

Speaking of "powering" headphones.....how do you measure say what a device can put out and if it is enough?  Is this "Impedence"?


Edited by StringBoi - 2/22/12 at 7:48pm
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post #20 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:39pm

How do the 598's compare to 600 and 650?

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post #21 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by StringBoi View Post

All my CD's are ripped to FLAC.   I know my soundcard isnt a "dedicated" headphone device, but it is a top of the line, music oriented card (for listening from, not producing with).....it does have a DAC/Amp, interchangeable OpAmps......for headphone use, and will playback to full 24b/192khz.  It may not be the most recognized brand name...but they make excellent sound cards.  On par...if not exceeding Asus, and definitely Creative!

 

Speaking of "powering" headphones.....how do you measure say what a device can put out and if it is enough?  Is this "Impedence"? 

That's good. I just thought I'd ask. I'm not one to think that you have to spend insane amounts to get a good sound. I would think your source is okay, but I own the 650s, they are power hungry. Without a beefy amp, they sound like $50 headphones and I am not exaggerating. There's just no sparkle and the famous "veil" appears. I honestly think Sennheiser should put a label on their high impedence phones saying that a nice amp is a requirement.
 

 

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post #22 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:50pm
Thread Starter 

I dont understand why they wouldnt inform you of how to get the best sound out of your cans, but I would assume they are thinking if someones spending good amount of cash on headphones, they already know this?  I still dont know much, little every day....and unfortunately, a lot of it I wont know until I ask.   Thats why every time I think about upgrading something, I look to you guys for proper info =)  Everytime I ask, I learn!

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post #23 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:53pm

I suppose we should have asked in the beginning. What is it that your 555s don't do that you're looking for? I have some very old 595s and I love them so I'm wondering what your 555s are lacking.

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post #24 of 46
2/22/12 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 

So, how do I know for sure if something I have is enough to properly power some headphones?  I mentioned Impedence above, is that the correct measurement to look for in an output device?  or Wattage?  Up until now, I've always enjoyed using my PC/Soundcard for music....I know a good card makes a big difference, but what I never considered is if they can properly power all cans.  I bought this card because of the high res output capabilities, and the DAC/Amp on headphone jack.   I got bitten by the headphone bug after buying my HD555's, and I'd like to make my soundcard last as long as possible before getting something "dedicated" for headphone use. 

 

 

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post #25 of 46
2/22/12 at 8:01pm
Thread Starter 

Well, I find long term use of these....especially while listening to classical music for hours at a time,  can be a bit harsh in the upper registers.  I hear the 600's and up have a mellower sounding, less harsh upper range.  I figured if my setup is able to handle something better, I'd sell and upgrade.  Hell,  I only paid $87 for them when I got em, and I can get my money back in full now.....I've seen the prices almost double since I got them, and not just on the 555's.  So, if i can get even more out of my setup with an even higher quality set of cans, why not right? 

 

But short answer, I'm looking to solve the harshness of the uppers and I was told before this would be solved in the 600's and aboves


Edited by StringBoi - 2/22/12 at 8:03pm
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post #26 of 46
2/22/12 at 8:10pm

As to the harshness issue, you're on the right track. You won't have that issue at all with 6X0s.

I am not the one to ask about the impedence issue. There are some VERY smart people on here that can speak to the technical side, but my advice would be to do a search for amps that pair will with the Senns you want. With the right equipment I've heard 650s sound truly magical. I don't think you NEED a new dac, your soundcard will be okay until you're ready to move up the ladder a bit, but IMHO you will need a better amp. I don't know which one, as I said, the search button is your friend.

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post #27 of 46
2/22/12 at 8:25pm
Thread Starter 

Ok, but if the headphone jack is already amp'd....isnt amping and amped source bad?  I cant turn it off on the card, the DAC/Amp are together.

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post #28 of 46
2/22/12 at 8:39pm

You're getting over my head here, but you could put an amp in there. It's done all the time with portable players that don't have line outs. It's not the perfect solution, but it's better than no amp. I sometimes hook my cmoy up to my iphone and it makes a pretty big difference. It just depends on what you want to spend. You might just get whichever headphone you want and try it. It may not be as bad as I'm making it sound and you might be happy with it. There are also recommendations for headphones that sound like the Senns that don't require as much amplification that are close in sound quality, I'm just not familiar with them.

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post #29 of 46
2/22/12 at 9:14pm
Thread Starter 

Well, I value all input....I appreciate you sharing what you know.  I'll take all you guys have said into consideration!!

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post #30 of 46
2/23/12 at 1:02am


 

Quote:
Originally Posted by StringBoi View Post

Ok, but if the headphone jack is already amp'd....isnt amping and amped source bad?  I cant turn it off on the card, the DAC/Amp are together.



The Claro+ has an opamp in its stereo output stage.  It's not quite the same as having a dedicated headphone amp, such as that seen on the Claro Halo, which has 4 opamps strictly for the headphone jack.  

 

The stereo output on your Claro+ would be just fine to feed into an outboard amp.  That's exactly what you're doing when/if you connect speakers via the stereo output.

 

I've owned the Halo for quite a while.  It uses the same DAC as the Claro+ and claims similar specs.  The Halo's DAC certainly holds its own in its price range.  It's not as refined as the more expensive DACs I've had over the years, but I find it superior to my $130 udac2.  If you're not interested in spending $200 or more, I wouldn't bother upgrading your source.  A dedicated amp would help tighten up both the 600 and 650, but it's something that you could add after gauging your satisfaction with feeding them straight from your Claro+. 

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