[darkninja67]

In on this.
just got a pair on Amazon for $313 new.
looking to go with Schiit for dac and amp out of a laptop.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

I wonder why Sennheiser is allowing these prices, when recently they really locked down on what their "authorized dealers" could charge?

 

[seenable]

For a newbie are these a better buy than the $299 Philips X2s? I was eyeing the HD 600s but at $387 I think I'm leaning towards the cheaper two budgeting for an amp/dac or two as well.

 

[LxJLthr]

For a newbie are these a better buy than the $299 Philips X2s? I was eyeing the HD 600s but at $387 I think I'm leaning towards the cheaper two budgeting for an amp/dac or two as well.

 
Amazon still has HD650 at $313.99.  I think Adorama still has the $259.99 deal for HD600.  I don't know if X2 has/had any sales.
 
I own the former two, but haven't listed to the Philips.  However, Tyll over at InnerFiderlity likes them a lot.
 
"The X2 is an excellent headphone...yes, even for audiophiles...maybe especially for audiophiles. For the first time, in a long time, I think we've got a headphone to rival the Sennheiser HD 600 in the mid-priced open headphone category. Yes, I think it's that good."
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/boss-philips-fidelio-x2

 

[seenable]

Amazon still has HD650 at $313.99.  I think Adorama still has the $259.99 deal for HD600.  I don't know if X2 has/had any sales.

I own the former two, but haven't listed to the Philips.  However, Tyll over at InnerFiderlity likes them a lot.

"The X2 is an excellent headphone...yes, even for audiophiles...maybe especially for audiophiles. For the first time, in a long time, I think we've got a headphone to rival the Sennheiser HD 600 in the mid-priced open headphone category. Yes, I think it's that good."

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/boss-philips-fidelio-x2

It looks like I missed the HD 600 deal. That's a bummer. I definitely would have done that. How has your experience been with the similarities and differences between the 600 and the 650?

 

[wgr73]

   
Amazon still has HD650 at $313.99. 

Wow, yes they do!

 

[thejsm]

  Focal Spirit Professional or NAD Viso HP50.

I agree, I would consider myself a basshead at times and I flat out hate the m-100. Talk about a veiled sound, bass is bloated as well. The only way to make them pleasureable at all is to pump the volume to a certain level.

 

[LxJLthr]

  I agree, I would consider myself a basshead at times and I flat out hate the m-100. Talk about a veiled sound, bass is bloated as well. The only way to make them pleasureable at all is to pump the volume to a certain level.

 
Wow.  Really?  That's disappointing.  I bought Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition since I needed a new travel headphone and could not stand them for the same exact reason.  I know it is all personal preference, but I could not get why LP2 was almost 5 star rating everything.  I was really hoping the M-100 would be different since I love their build and portability.  Oh well, the never ending search continues.

 

[Solrighal]

My M-100's sound excellent but the materials leave a lot to be desired.

 

[thejsm]

   
Wow.  Really?  That's disappointing.  I bought Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition since I needed a new travel headphone and could not stand them for the same exact reason.  I know it is all personal preference, but I could not get why LP2 was almost 5 star rating everything.  I was really hoping the M-100 would be different since I love their build and portability.  Oh well, the never ending search continues.

I've been pretty happy with my ATH-M50x's with a little comfort MOD I posted about here. Greatly improves the comfort, sound is mostly unchanged as well.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/744901/foam-ath-m50x-comfort-mod

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Any HD650 lover should really audition ZMF headphones, especially the Blackwoods.  Just sayin....
 
The less expensive Vibros has a little less resolution, but more bass kick.

 

[vc1187]

Owned the 650 over 2 years ago and loved it. Got into technically higher end headphones, and sold the hd650.

Recently repurchased the hd650 and it's now my personal end game headphone. Paired with the Zana Deux, it's the best music I've heard, period. I even prefer it over the hd800 on the ZD. Just goes to show how special the hd650 really is.

 

[donlin]

Owned the 650 over 2 years ago and loved it. Got into technically higher end headphones, and sold the hd650.

Recently repurchased the hd650 and it's now my personal end game headphone. Paired with the Zana Deux, it's the best music I've heard, period. I even prefer it over the hd800 on the ZD. Just goes to show how special the hd650 really is.

Wow, I can imagine how great the 650's sound with that amp.  My story is very similar to yours.  When you pair the 650's with the right amp, they are as good or better than the flagships.

 

[fortitude]

Re-joined the HD650 club, too hard to pass up at $313!  Can't wait to hear them on much better equipment this time.

 

[ns6490]

  I wonder why Sennheiser is allowing these prices, when recently they really locked down on what their "authorized dealers" could charge?

 
I've been wondering this, too. I'm guessing that their policy led to lower sales figures. Or they're allowing seasonal sales. I think Sennheiser was selling HD650s for about $270 this time last year. Or it could be both.
 
The the markup in the headphone industry is tremendous, larger than most. Or else why have we seen so many companies small and large jump in with both feet? According to a New York Times article, a pair of headphones like Beats might cost between $14 and $22 to manufacture. 
I'm sure the figure can't be that much higher for a HD650. And as they've been selling them for a long time, they've more than recouped their one-time R&D and manufacturing expenses.
 
Another part of the picture is that the popularity of headphones has exploded in the past ten years. They've become enough of a commodity that Sennheiser can lower the price on these and still profit wildly.
However many HD650s sold annually when they were introduced (maybe low five figures?), I'm sure the number nowadays is easily five- or tenfold that.
 
Lastly, while the HD650 continues to enjoy a cachet as a premium product, the marketplace for headphones in the HD650's range has become much more crowded. Which is due to the wild profit margins of headphones. I'm not sure how sustainable it is in the long term for Sennheiser to keep a heavy hand on their MSRP of $500.