Can the HD650 do bass like closed headphones?  

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassophile 

I'm an owner of the Audio Technica M50, and I'm looking for a headphone that will do the deep, punchy and slamming bass of that headphone, yet be open-backed and offering more of a sense of space.

 

Will the HD650 deliver that? Or is the bass noticeably going to be lacking compared to the M50?

Heya,

Nope. The HD650's bass is like a warm hum. Closed headphones have more impact. They also dig deeper into sub-bass more easily. Open headphones lack that slam. They can get bassy, but it's a lot more gentle by comparison. The HD650 is not really a bassy headphone. It's just a warm headphone with rolled off treble, so it sounds like a bunch of mids and mid-bass.

If you want to retain impact and slam, look to a planar magnetic. The HE-400.

Very best,

Yep, if you're looking for big impact bass and open soundstage, you should be looking towards planar headphones like HE-400 or Fostex TP50RP. If you really wanna go with the HD650, a good amp with some bass boost will really step up the bass impact on the 650s by quite a bit.

Are these the models you guys recommend for a closed? MM and PXC?

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/noise-cancelling-headphones-stereo-500643

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubMaster 

Are these the models you guys recommend for a closed? MM and PXC?

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/noise-cancelling-headphones-stereo-500643

No.

I don't recommend really any closed Sennheisers. There are better closed options in other headphones in the same ranges.

Very best,

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassophile 

I'm confused. A lot of the stuff I've read (especially the Headfonia review) said that the HD650 have very strong bass, and it even drowns out its mids.

 

But you guys are saying the HD650 won't give the same sense of slamming solidity (and even rumble-sensations) that the M50's do, but with a more open presentation?

Well, you read someone's opinion. You'll find they vary from person to person.

The HD650 does not have strong bass. Unfortunately it's hard to get a good understanding without using a standard language. To me, "strong" means rather more than just "some extra" for example. The HD650 is not a strong bassy headphone to me. When I think strong bass, I think PRO900, XB500, Q40, DT990, etc. Those have strong bass. The HD650 has like 2~3 db more bass than it's neutral cousin. That's not "strong" to me. And the HD650 certainly doesn't have drown out mids. If anything, the main focus of the HD650 is the mids. It's treble is rolled off, and it has a little bit of warm to the mid-bass (not strong bass). When you listen to it, it's mostly mids with some warmth behind it. I would call it a mid-centric headphone with some more warmth than neutral.

That's just one more opinion for you. From someone who one's the HD650 as well as many other headphones that have "strong" bass as well as other mid-fi and some high-ends.

The HD650 definitely does not have the same kind of slam in bass that the M50, or any bassy closed headphone has. The HD650's bass is like a warm hum. It pulses. It doesn't punch.

Very best,

I agree with MalVeauX 100%.  HD650 does not have very strong, extended or closed-headphone type bass.  It has a solid and loud-ish mid-bass that doesn't hit very hard, then it rolls off rather fast.  For only 1/4s its price, you can get a DT990 pro and get way stronger bass.  You can also get the HE-400, which probably wouldn't make you miss the M50's bass.  Planar Magnetics are about the only open option that allows you to retain closed-headphone type bass extension.

I wouldn't trust ANY of headfonia's reviews.  They're so all over the place.  Look at their recent D7100 review for laughs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassophile 

\can you elaborate on why their reviews are 'all over the place'?

Some of their reviews look like they straight up made stuff up and never even listened to the device. Very subjective reads. Not objective.

Very best,

Agree with Mal, I'm listening to HD650s now and the bass is definitely there but you will not get that slam that closed headphones and planars provide.

DT990 pro 250Ω.

You would not regret buying the HE-400

Does need some amping though