Excellent review!Curious about which dongle or portable dac/amp you would advice for the HD650? (got one since a few days and i'm searching a good solution to drive it (Dongle /Q15/Shanling H5..) Thanks

Hi @joydivisionnewdawnfades thanks for your kind words.

So far the one dongle that really drives the HD650 optimally (in terms of bass tightness, dynamics and soundstage), would be the Fiio KA17, which outputs 650 mW on balanced/high gain on desktop mode. I bought an aftermarket cable (4.4 mm balanced) for the HD650 to make use of the balanced output.

If for half the price, the predecessor KA13 dongle has 550 mW output on balanced on desktop mode, which is just slightly less. It can also power the HD650 though it does not have PEQ unlike the KA17.

Do note that we cannot game physics, so for both the KA13 and KA17, those do draw quite substantial battery from the connected phone, especially on desktop mode. So usually I reserve desktop mode for a wired PC/laptop, or bring some battery packs along for the phone.

@baskingshark you deserve it for your very detailed reviews! I have this one on my list too, it might be a very good solution for a minimal price (practical , "EQ-ing"and small form-factor!) Thanks for all

Great reviews as usual! Hoping to push my review soon

Look forward to your review @hokagoteatimereviews , do drop us a link so we can check it out.

Sure will!