[jr41]

From the research I've done the HD 650 definitely need a powerful amp to drive them to their full potential. OTL tube amps seem to be a very popular and well regarded choice for this headphone (i.e. MK III, MK IV and above from Little Dot, Dark Voice offerings, Woo Audio 3, 2 and the Decaware CSP2+, etc.).

 

[bisayaboi]

Quote:

E7 won't cut it.  They may not sound horrible but you'd be limiting them so much something like the AD900 or DT440 would sound better. Same with the K701, DT880, DT990, D5000, etc.

Really? Have you heard the E7?
 
By the way for those headphones what amp do you reccomend?
 

 

[BIgsurprise]

Okay, I appreciate everybody's input but I have finally made my decision.  While I have looked at the D2000/5000, I really think the overall sound signature of the HD 650 would suit me best.  I think the best choice for me is to buy the HD 650 on black friday and see how they run on my E7, until I can afford a nice full size amp.  While I understand that my E7 will most likely not drive the 650's great, I am intrigued to see just how they sound on an affordable, portable amp.  
 
I'd like to thank everybody again for their input, as it has been invaluable. 

 

[ThePhoenix924S]

Good luck and enjoy the 650s! I think you made a great choice.

 

[1Time]

Synergy and preference, very intriguing. 

 

[jschristian44]

the e7 wont power them great, but it will be good enough i think until you can afford a real amp.  i think the total bithead for 50 dollars more would be a better investment.  that's just me though.

 

[rutze]

hi,you must use thefoiiE7 on usb only,and work it hard until you notice the difference.It works out fine.

 

[trotoir]

have you not thought about pairing it with the fiio e9 amp?
 
I have that combo running my recently acquired hd650's and the sound is pretty damn fine!!!

 

[tdogzthmn]

Quote:

X3. Do not buy the HD650 without an amp. Not wise, people notice a lack of bass in unamped HD650, which is exactly what you're not after. The HD650 need a good at least $300+ amp to power them sufficiently.

You only need $219 if your willing to go DIY.  

 

[pp312]

Quote:

Sorry to thread jack, but would there be a problem driving something like the 650s with the headphone out jack on a bookshelf speaker stereo amplifier?

 
Could you elaborate? If you're talking about a normal stereo amp and it's of good quality there's no reason why it wouldn't drive the 650. I myself use a Marantz PM5003 with excellent results. Despite what everyone here is saying about the need for a dedicated amp any quality integrated or receiver will drive the 650 just fine.