[mnarwold]

Quote:

Its not sarcasm. HE-500 needs a ton of current, the O2 can't really supply that much. Fang says the HE-500 needs 1.5W or something like that. O2 can't supply.

Well, it is at least an overstatement. To say that an O2 "absolutely" cannot drive them would mean that you wouldn't get any music at all. It obviously can create music (I know several people that use the O2 to amp their HE-500s) and several people are quite happy with the result. You can say it doesn't drive them to their best, but not that they don't drive them at all.

 

[oopeteroo]

so how good can odac+o2 drive he500 in a scale of 1-100 ?
 
if i buy the he500 whats the best cheapest dac + amp combo for it ?

 

[Utopia]

I'd look at the Audio GD amps. I moved from K702 65th Anniversaries to HE-500 and thought the improvements were very, very obvious. A similar signature, but greater detail, space, intimacy.
 
Audio GD makes powerful amps and amp/DAC combos. I'd look at the NFB 11.32 or NFB 15.32. The first choice has a detailed Sabre DAC and delivers 1.8 W at 50 ohm, and would probably be the best fit for the HE-500. The NFB 15.32 is cheaper, with a warmer DAC chip, and the same output power.

 

[oopeteroo]

if i buy the NFB 11.32, will the hd650 in the same class like he500 ? heard hd650 scale well on better dac/amps

 

[IcedTea]

I don't have the nfb but you're not going to be able to make the hd650 sound like the he-500, they're different headphones using different technology. 
 
In the end it's just about preference to sound and preference to comfort  

 

[oopeteroo]

i see u have both hd650 and he500, which one do u prefer ? u think its worth the extra money for the he500 ?

 

[IcedTea]

I actually prefer the he-500, they're definitely not as comfortable as the hd650 but I like their sound signature more. 
 
I started with the dt880, fell in love with the hd650 when I heard them at a meet so I sold my dt880s for the hd650. Then I got interested in planar headphones and bought the he-400. Sold the he-400s to give the he-500 a try and here I am. 
 
You honestly can't go wrong with either headphones, it just depends on how you're driving them and your source. 
 
In the end having music is better than silence right?

 

[Utopia]

Not to make it more confusing, but perhaps NFB 11-32 + HE-400? I haven't heard either, but both are popular products and they should be on a smiliar level quality-wise. Perhaps both are on the bright side, though, so NFB 15.32 + HE-400 might be a better choice.
 
However, it's my experience that you actually save a lot of money by buying the very best gear you can possibly afford.. 

   so you can keep it longer.

 

[IcedTea]

Hopefully someone can chime in with their impressions. In the end it's best for you to hear them yourself to see what you like. Reading can only go so far opposed to first hand experience.

 

[oopeteroo]

yeah but sadly i cant try the he500 here

 

[teofilrocks]

How important is comfort for you? You said the HD650 is more comfortable than the Annie to you, and less bulky. Do you care about adding more weight and possibly less comfort? I really enjoyed the HE-400, but I sold it because a headphone that isn't comfortable doesn't have a future with me. That's why I'm looking to buy the HD650 now and always keep a pair of Beyers handy.

 

[oopeteroo]

i have tested the he400, actually the weight was a big problem, but after a few days i was fine with it i kinda like the feeling of velour pads of he400 but i didnt like the vocal

 

[teofilrocks]

i have tested the he400, actually the weight was a big problem, but after a few days i was fine with it i kinda like the feeling of velour pads of he400 but i didnt like the vocal

Gotcha. The weight wasn't the deal breaker for me, it was the stiff, itchy velour pads (I even tried soaking them) and strong clamp that stuck with me even after taking the headphones off. Then again, I'm used to the Beyer velours which, IMO, are much softer (at least on the PRO models). But if you're cool with HE-400 comfort, there's no reason to think the 500 would be uncomfortable for you.

 

[preproman]

I actually like the 65th better than both.  I've sold the 650s and selling the 500s right now.  I'm keeping the 65th.  Someone said the 500s gives more space around the instruments.  I don't find that to be the case at all.  The 65th kills in sound stage and air around the instruments.  However, I do believe the 500s does extend a bit further in the treble area.  
 
I vote AKG 65th Anniversaries

 

[hyunsac]

Quote:

so how good can odac+o2 drive he500 in a scale of 1-100 ?
 
if i buy the he500 whats the best cheapest dac + amp combo for it ?

 
I use the HE500 with a dacport at work. Combo works great, plenty of gain and smooth sound. It does NOT leave me wanting for the dacmini that I have at home.