[LugBug1]

  Thanks for the quick reply. From what I have read the 600's are a bit faster and less bloated in the bass than the 650's so I'm assuming I would like them better... even If I also hear that they aren't as different than people make them out to be... 

Well thats it, they are more similar than different. But also some like a bit bloat! The mids bass hump of the 650's is very nice, but imo not natural. The 600's defo do electric guitar better as they also have a more natural and detailed treble. The 650's roll off at the top more, smoothing a little too much in comparison.
 
This is obviously just my opinion but I lived with the 650's for years (6 to be exact) and loved them. But once you get used to better transparency and balance its hard to keep appreciating them as much. Both are great headphones but the HD600 are for me - the audiophiles choice, over the more fun and relaxing 650's.  

 

[Nimzerz]

Q701. Nuff said.

 

[MickeyVee]

HD600 is a definitely a good choice.  If you get a chance, try the Grado RS1i. I can easily switch between the two and if casually listening and working on the computer, I sometimes have to check whether I have the RS1i or HD800 on. 

 
Quote:

 

 

[elvergun]

Q701. Nuff said.

 
 
Actually, the K712.  Nuff said now.

 

[Drsparis]

I was under the impression that they were essentially the same can, just a different pad/headband. Have you tried both? Differences...?

   
 
Actually, the K712.  Nuff said now.

 

[LugBug1]

  I was under the impression that they were essentially the same can, just a different pad/headband. Have you tried both? Differences...?

There is loads (infact endless!) of info on this on the relevant AKG threads my friend  

 

[Drsparis]

  There is loads (infact endless!) of info on this on the relevant AKG threads my friend  

The various models with similar names confuse me, so does contradicting information lol. I'll have to do a bit more in depth research, but if you have any first hand experience....

 

[LugBug1]

  The various models with similar names confuse me, so does contradicting information lol. I'll have to do a bit more in depth research, but if you have any first hand experience....

Just got to be careful about derailing threads as the mods and regulars don't like it bud Comparisons with the HD800 or at least Sennheiser flagship past and present is cool, but the differences of AKG models will be frowned upon. I don't want to sound like an *******, I'm just given you the heads up my friend.
 
The K701/2 etc are similar to the HD800 only in soundstage size. But as far as tonality goes they are very different. The AKG's are much drier and distant. They also have quite and aggressive peak in the upper mids. I've always had to EQ them in this area. After that though they are great cans and defo an option for you imo    

 

[TwoEars]

  I will always recommend the HD600's as second best if you like the Sennheiser sound. The 600's sound great with both rock and jazz. The only time some feel they are lacking is when you want fully extended sub bass. But this is mainly for electronic fans. Otherwise they are still a wonderful and versatile headphone. 
 
I prefer them over the HE500, LCD2, HD650. to name a few big names.

 
Yes, they are very, very good and often overlooked these days. In some ways the HD600 is still the best "reference headphone" that Sennheiser has made. My HD800's are very, very good and I like them a lot, but sometimes it's a bit like having the image contrast turned up to 11, if any of you are photographers you'll know what I mean. Sometimes it's great but other times it's just not what you're looking for.
 
And in that respect it can be argued that the HD600 still is the most "neutral" pair of headphones that Senneheiser has ever made. My 2 cents and YMMV.

 

[Eee Pee]

  HD800's are very, very good and I like them a lot, but sometimes it's a bit like having the image contrast turned up to 11

 
I used that almost exact sentence to somebody at the last meet.  And, sometimes I wish I had a dimmer switch for them.
 
Sent from the 600s on my head on while the 800s are on the floor waiting their turn.  

 

[Drsparis]

Lol yes I did steer this completely off topic, sorry hehe. Thanks for the info :-D and thanks to all the other suggestions too, kind of confirmed what I was thinking.

Just got to be careful about derailing threads as the mods and regulars don't like it bud Comparisons with the HD800 or at least Sennheiser flagship past and present is cool, but the differences of AKG models will be frowned upon. I don't want to sound like an *******, I'm just given you the heads up my friend.

The K701/2 etc are similar to the HD800 only in soundstage size. But as far as tonality goes they are very different. The AKG's are much drier and distant. They also have quite and aggressive peak in the upper mids. I've always had to EQ them in this area. After that though they are great cans and defo an option for you imo    

 

[Maxvla]

Although this may seem like in the wrong thread, I figure more people here have tried lesser HP's than other have tried the HD800's.

Head-fi has turned me into a crazed headphone/music lover and as much as I love it I have spent much more than I should have... I know I know, warnings were there (forum slogan ). Anyways, I think I have to let go of my hd800's (new version 25***). Any suggestions for a good mid-fi headphone that could fill (obviously not completely) the void where this sound stage/detail monster once lived?

It would need to be comfortable and lightish as it would be my casual computer listening set. Probably matched up with my E-MU 0404 which is a very competent DAC/AMP (would consider purchasing another AMP to go with a cDAC that I also have but the point is to save money lol). I listen to a lot of classic rock/rock/prog rock/jazz. Although that is not technically a strength of the HD800's, with my BHA-1, it could handle anything!

Right now I am looking at a pair of HD600's, or HD650's. Anything else I should be looking at? 

I own HD800s and HD600s. If you are trying to replicate the HD800 type sound inexpensively I would not go for 600s. I would grab a pair of AKG K550s. Despite being closed they have a large soundstage and are slightly treble tilted like 800s. They are not quite as comfortable, but they aren't bad at all. I enjoy rolling between the two.

 

[Drsparis]

I own HD800s and HD600s. If you are trying to replicate the HD800 type sound inexpensively I would not go for 600s. I would grab a pair of AKG K550s. Despite being closed they have a large soundstage and are slightly treble tilted like 800s. They are not quite as comfortable, but they aren't bad at all. I enjoy rolling between the two.

Thanks for the suggestion. I actually own the k550s and although I enjoy them a lot, I find, just like the hd598s, they are good at everything but excel at nothing. They lack... Everything and nothing? Sparkle maybe? A bit of clarity/imaging? Crop I've become a headphone prude lol

 

[kugino]

Thanks for the suggestion. I actually own the k550s and although I enjoy them a lot, I find, just like the hd598s, they are good at everything but excel at nothing. They lack... Everything and nothing? Sparkle maybe? A bit of clarity/imaging? Crop I've become a headphone prude lol

back in the day i used to have the k701/headamp gs-1 combo, which i thought was very good. i second the recommendation for the k701 if you're looking for detail and clarity.

 

[roguegeek]

So I haven't been around in a while and I wish I was posting more, but I'm just spending far too much time enjoying the piss out of my HD 800. Seriously, I'm enjoying them that much. Surprisingly, the Crack is my favorite pairing with it in terms of what's currently available to me. Pretty certain I'm grabbing an AURALiC TAURUS MKII soon and that might just be it for me for a while. My ears are just so happy.