Hey guys, I just wanted to add that I am now using a brand new HD 650 cable in my HD 560 Ovation II's, and there is a definite increase in the texture and detail of the sound from the original 20+ year old cable. I needed a replacement as the original cable was having shorts in the wire around the connector. Everything just sounds "enhanced" now,  I spent $22 on Amazon for it and I think it was $22 well spent.
 
Here's a link to the Amazon page -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028PGXRE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yea that's the same **** cheap ass cable the ebay user tried to tell me was a stock cable lol. That cable blows and actually nearly damaged the input on the right side because the pin stuck in it. I wouldn't buy that cable for $2.
 
As mentioned earlier in this thread changing the stock cable to cheap generic one alters the sound and isn't a good idea. I mean what $10 more you could've bought the original stock cable from Senn....

pkshan said:

  The best cable for HD560/580 is the original 560/580 cable.
 
DO NOT use HD600/650 cable or third party cable,
DO NOT use HD600/650 grill on the HD580!
 
they will destroy the timbre.lose the attractive,magical sound

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This is the post I was referring.
 
I seriously think this sound this headphone and maybe the 580's he mentions is really where the veil thing came from , because now listening to 650's that's exactly how I'd now describe the newer headphones. The 700 doesn't have so much a veil actually that's it exactly, they do have a veil but it's complete opposite from 650, they have a treble veil to me. While the 650 has a mid/bass veil. While the 560 ovation II's have pure detail and lush natural pure joy sound.
 
You look back over year ago I said they were to harsh and lacked bass the 560's but I'd NEVER heard them with an amp. And when I switch between 650 and 560 the dial has to be turned up on my bottlehead crack by a good 25-30% to match level in sound. The 560's are just power hungry for real. That's why they always seemed to lack bass I think. The highs came into their own with the crack and nice tubes. I seriously would never trade this setup now for anything in the world. It's that good to my ears. It's musical as you can get I think so detailed and lush.

nicholascroth said:

  Hey guys, I just wanted to add that I am now using a brand new HD 650 cable in my HD 560 Ovation II's, and there is a definite increase in the texture and detail of the sound from the original 20+ year old cable. I needed a replacement as the original cable was having shorts in the wire around the connector. Everything just sounds "enhanced" now,  I spent $22 on Amazon for it and I think it was $22 well spent.
 
Here's a link to the Amazon page -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028PGXRE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Click to expand...

How did you connected the cable? The cable of the HD650 if fatter and don't fit the HD560II. What do you mean by enhanced?
 

hdtv00 said:

 
This is the post I was referring.
 
I seriously think this sound this headphone and maybe the 580's he mentions is really where the veil thing came from , because now listening to 650's that's exactly how I'd now describe the newer headphones. The 700 doesn't have so much a veil actually that's it exactly, they do have a veil but it's complete opposite from 650, they have a treble veil to me. While the 650 has a mid/bass veil. While the 560 ovation II's have pure detail and lush natural pure joy sound.
 

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@hdtv00 can you explain this part in a different way? I didn't understand what you meant.
 

 
Sometimes Vali doens't cut it...
 
 
edit: went back to the "old drivers" and it's a huge difference. These are much brighter...Much in your face but somehow seem better too. Now the Vali knob goes back to 12oclock. The other ones seems that  they are being old back and cant release their full potential. Im beginning to think that the old owner poured some kind of soda (when e receive them they were all gross with some sticky stuff on the cans) over the cans and the drivers are having difficulties to move. Is that a possibility? Is there any way of cleaning the white part of the driver?

HD580 arrived.UHoh guys...I think i prefer the HD580. Ill listen a little more and update this post with a analysis coming from a sound noob =P

is it the German 580 not the newer one, because I read the new one sucks. But yea the 580 is supposed to be slightly better if it's the german one. I forget in which way or how sound wise. But ok fill us in.

Says Orherion:
"That's a good tip but i doubt that everyone has a Revox recorder at home =) But yes, some vintage amplifiers has some good headphone out. I don't have any so i need the amp."
 
I was thinking of buying one, if you don't have the money to purchase a dedicated headphone amp. You can get one for less than 200€ if you don't need a transport in perfect working order.
Problem is, this machine is awfully bulky...

"@hdtv00 can you explain this part in a different way? I didn't understand what you meant."
 
I mean I find these so clear and life like sounding that when I switch to my 650's they sound muffled. Maybe that's why for years people were saying Senn's have a veil. But now that time has went on, people who get them now don't know about the beauty of these headphones because they're 20 yrs old, so they have no reference to such killer detail and clarity. The 650's sound muddy compared to these things.

the ortherion said:

 
How did you connected the cable? The cable of the HD650 if fatter and don't fit the HD560II. What do you mean by enhanced?
 

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The highs if these headphones were already fairly upfront for me, and sounded pretty clear. The new cable definitely cleared up the highs even more now, which I am fine with. In fact, I enjoy listening to the crystal clear highs even more now. The layering of those superb highs on top of meaty mids and sufficient but tight bass is simply amazing. Also, I didn't have any problem connecting the cable, I just plugged them in and they fit .

hdtv00 said:

  Yea that's the same **** cheap ass cable the ebay user tried to tell me was a stock cable lol. That cable blows and actually nearly damaged the input on the right side because the pin stuck in it. I wouldn't buy that cable for $2.
 
As mentioned earlier in this thread changing the stock cable to cheap generic one alters the sound and isn't a good idea. I mean what $10 more you could've bought the original stock cable from Senn....

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Are you talking to me? If so, this cable came in the same sort of Sennheiser packaging that my earpads came in from Ireland and seems very high quality. 

I was also wondering if anyone on here knew where I could find a new headband for these. Mine is getting pretty flat.

I asked the same question a few weeks ago: it seems you either get a spare HD560 for pieces or make your own headstrap.

HD540II and HD560II models are still top headphones that slay most of today's hi-fi nonsense.

Yes there is a big sound difference between the 560 ovation and the 650. The 650 sounds richer and darker and warmer, but it lacks that shimmering lifelike realistic treble.

On the other hand, the 650 is easier on the ears.I love them both. I think I prefer the 650 for contemporary music and the ovation for jazz and classical and brass ensembles and string quartets.

I wish I had a pair of ovations, I borrowed a pair for a long time.

o0cosmomemory0o said:

HD540II and HD560II models are still top headphones that slay most of today's hi-fi nonsense.

Click to expand...

+1
I have both the 540 and 560II and they are really good. Comparable SQ with the 6x0 line and better comfort. Especially the 540 which I find almost weightless.
Highly recommended as $100 'audiophile' HPs

I look at the 560 ovation and the HD 650 as two different flavors of awesome.

Some moments I like one more than the other.

But as far as comfort and build quality, I definitely have to go with the 650.

The 560 ear cups are believe it or not a little too big for my ears. The 560 was loose on my head, but then again, it was a very old headphone.