I know the Sennheiser HD600 vs HD650 debate has been discussed extensively but I thought it would be interesting to get some actual statistics on which headphones Head Fi users prefer on average.
 
Please only vote if you've listened to both using a similar setup.
 
 
Results
 
The final score is:
 
HD600: 72
HD650: 66
Undecided: 18
 
Amongst people with a clear preference HD600 does significantly better than the HD650:
 
HD600: 38
HD650: 27
 
So:
 

HD600 IS THE CHAMPION!

If you have a good amp and you don’t listen to classical music go for the HD650, otherwise HD600.

If you like hearing what was recorded, I recommend the HD600. Also, it is more sensitive thus it's easier to drive.

Both very strong performers, but I prefer the laid back signature of the HD650. Simply my preference.

I don't think one is clearly better than the other. I've had both the 600 and 650 multiple times. The 600 has always won out for me. Not for any big reason, but I found the bass in the 650 to be a little too much for my liking. Which isn't saying much, because it's not really that much at all. Just in comparison to the 600, I think the 600's are overall more neutral sounding, which is just my style. I'm always blown away by how much detail they retrieve. 
 
Anyways, at least to my ears, I didn't hear this massive difference between the two. I'll be the first to admit I'm not an expert/audiophile. I don't have the best hearing so take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm more of a casual audiophile. But to me, the two were very close in sound. The other thing that edged out the 600 for me is the build. I find the 600's design to be more comfortable. I know the 650's clamp loosens over time, but I just find the 600's headband + ear pieces to be even more comfortable when they loosen up too (so they are more comfortable out of the box, and after they break in). 
 
You can't really go wrong either way though. Both are IMO the best headphones I've ever owned. I love them. I just ultimately liked the 600 slightly more, because of the more neutral sound. Even though they don't have a huge bass presence, you can hear the bass in all its glory (if that makes sense). They are just so amazing at getting all the details, its a real pleasure to listen to songs with them. 

I voted for "600 clearly better than"...but just because I prefer it slightly. I don't think it's drastically better, only slightly better. And only because of my own preferences. If the 600 didn't exist, I would gladly take up the 650 as my current end game set up. 

Listen to classical music for the HD600 is better

I personally never trust to someone says one of them clearly better than the other one. 

I use and like both for different reasons, I don't find one better than the other, just different. Same with the 580 Jubilee.

I rarely listen to classical, but when I listen it I do prefer the 650 than 600. The imaging and soundstage are simply better in 650. (And I also prefer 650 than 600 in most of songs or set-up)
 
My vote for 650.

the 650 with bigger bass is more versatile, i can always tune down/tighten the bass by switching my cables/tubes
than say the 600, and if i need to snooze, that euphonic mellow honeyed voicing of the 650 is just a can to live/die for.​

don't really agree with the way the poll is worded, but I prefer the 600 for its more realistic and balanced sound.
 
if you look at the graph so far, most people either "prefer" the 600, or think its the clear winner.  the 650 group is mostly in the "it depends" category, with a smaller group believing its the clear winner. 
 
again, not worded very well to be a helpful poll.
 
fun though.......

more a case of easier to get the hd600 to sound "right",
but once it sounds right, u want MORE BASS, and the hd600 doesnt have it..
then then...then u wonder  if u should start experimenting with the hd650...

lorspeaker said:

more a case of easier to get the hd600 to sound "right",
but once it sounds right, u want MORE BASS, and the hd600 doesnt have it..
then then...then u wonder  if u should start experimenting with the hd650...

Click to expand...

This is interesting to me. Especially since the 600 and 650 sound so different In the high end. Jive heard that the 650 has more bass, but I've not heard it.

I m jus sowing seeds of discontent....dun sell your hd600..
Dun try the hd650 too. Lolz

lorspeaker said:

I m jus sowing seeds of discontent....dun sell your hd600..
Dun try the hd650 too. Lolz

Click to expand...

You get a sales commision?