balanced HD650 - tubes or SS?

[dreamwhisper]

What will help reveal more of this headphones potential - a balanced SS or balanced tubes..

I know they will give 'different' sounds, but which would you choose if you had to?
And why?

 

[MaloS]

The 'reveal more of its potential' is more up to the quality of the amp, not tube vs ss.

That being said - what do you like, tubes or transistors, eh ? Both are quite nice in my book, depends on the amp.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I am using the hd650 with the woo 6 and I have used it in the past with the ppx3 slam and ppa. I prefer tubes, but I already like the darker and warmer nature of the senns. If you are looking for something to speed or brighten them up a solid state amp would be a good choice.

 

[pabbi1]

Will not matter all that much - but a Beta22 will be the best SS option - as I have actually heard. Utterly resolving, fast / sharp, and a perfect match for HD650 - enough so to convert long standing Senn haters (no names needed).

Your budget will determine your options.

 

[Uncle Erik]

What kind of music do you listen to? Tubes are generally better when you care about the mids. Solid state is generally better if you want the low end to hit hard. Buy what fits your listening habits.

 

[dreamwhisper]

How do you guys think an HD650 Zu cable would sound with a SS amp?
Would it get too bright?

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaloS /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 'reveal more of its potential' is more up to the quality of the amp, not tube vs ss.

i agree. although the very top balanced amps are tube based.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Tubes are generally better when you care about the mids. Solid state is generally better if you want the low end to hit hard. Buy what fits your listening habits.

that's an interesting assertion.