[Maxvla]

It's a single ended (normal) amplifier, no special connection required.

 

[JohnSantana]

 
Having made many DIY cables, I can confirm that they can take a lot of time.  I've done some custom jobs that don't take much time at all and some that took me most of a weekend to complete.  If I were to sell them and charge my hourly rate for contract work (in my profession) and the full cost of materials, I could easily end up with a $400 cable.  I've never actually charged more than the cost of parts for any of my work and have done some custom work pro bono.  
 
Whether or not custom cables make a difference in sound, they certainly can reduce microphonics, improve aesthetics, and give more options for connectivity (like Maxvla uses for balanced amps).  I'd also suggest spending the money on improvements elsewhere in the chain first unless you've already got a balanced amp you'll be using or just can't stand a cable that's too long or short.

 
Ok, now I realized and fully understand that the terms "Balance" for both cable and amp is that the connector is using XLR type so it is not an RCA cable or the normal 3.5mm pin.
 
Which means if it is balance then there is no way to use the balanced gear outdoor because it is not portable.  

 

[Maxvla]

There are portable balanced amplifiers, but the E11 is not one.

 

[JohnSantana]

There are portable balanced amplifiers, but the E11 is not one.

is there any example for the one that is good entry level balanced amp ?

 

[jazzerdave]

Quote:

is there any example for the one that is good entry level balanced amp ?

 
I wouldn't say they're exactly cheap, but these are the "cheapest" balanced amps I can think of:
 
The Ray Samuels audio Protector $475
 
iBasso PB2 $325
 
Keep in mind that to use these amps to their full potential, you'll need a balanced cable and a balanced source like the iBasso DB2 $299.  As far as I can tell, you're looking at more than $600 plus the cost of cables to get into a balanced setup.

 

[RayT0071]

I just replaced all parts on my HD650 thinking it was worth it because I had one of the world's best headphones... then I read this post!   doh!

 
Ranked 20th?!  

 
If it had of at least been in the top 10, I could live with that... but to know there are 19 other headphones better than what I have - and maybe some cheaper too (haven't price checked them yet) - that is just a tough pill to swallow.
 
Do I sell my HD650's and buy something else?  
I am loyal to my family, friends, wife etc - I would never think about upgrading them (really lol)
But headphones - not so much...
 
Anyone care to offer some sage advice?  Ditch the HD650's and get something else or stick it out with them??
 
 
My budget about $750

 

[zeinharis]

Try to consider rank #16

 

[RustA]

Quote:

I just replaced all parts on my HD650 thinking it was worth it because I had one of the world's best headphones... then I read this post!   doh!

 
Ranked 20th?!  

 
If it had of at least been in the top 10, I could live with that... but to know there are 19 other headphones better than what I have - and maybe some cheaper too (haven't price checked them yet) - that is just a tough pill to swallow.
 
Do I sell my HD650's and buy something else?  
I am loyal to my family, friends, wife etc - I would never think about upgrading them (really lol)
But headphones - not so much...
 
Anyone care to offer some sage advice?  Ditch the HD650's and get something else or stick it out with them??
 
 
My budget about $750

 
Try this (original post few pages back): http://www.head-fi.org/attachments/1057
 
I would go for Hifiman HE-500 personally...

 

[tuna47]

Have had Senn 598 600 650 Akg 702
Love the he500 best ever exciting but mellow sweet as sugar with great bass you won't be unhappy

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Quote:

Love the he500 best ever exciting but mellow sweet as sugar with great bass you won't be unhappy

 
Unless you are me. 

 

[RustA]

Quote:

 
Unless you are me. 

 
What do you dislike about HE-500? I still haven't managed to give it a listen, just curious...
 
EDIT: Ah, I see you've had K1000 as well! How do they compare with HD800? o_O

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Quote:

 
What do you dislike about HE-500? I still haven't managed to give it a listen, just curious...

 
I think it's the overall sound signature of the current lineup of Hifimans. Just not my cup of tea. Agreed that the bass goes deep & details are nicely articulated at this price point but my main issue is the distant/recessed-sounding midrange. It's as if the singers are standing behind a curtain... the overall presentation just doesn't "gel" like other headphones. I found it too frustrating to deal with. Always straining to get "the right sound" instead of sitting back and enjoying the music. 

 

[RustA]

Quote:

 
I think it's the overall sound signature of the current lineup of Hifimans. Just not my cup of tea. Agreed that the bass goes deep & details are nicely articulated at this price point but my main issue is the distant/recessed-sounding midrange. It's as if the singers are standing behind a curtain... the overall presentation just doesn't "gel" like other headphones. I found it too frustrating to deal with. Always straining to get "the right sound" instead of sitting back and enjoying the music. 

 
Thank you... Could you please also say something about K1000 vs HD800 and why do you prefer Senns?

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Quote:

 
Thank you... Could you please also say something about K1000 vs HD800 and why do you prefer Senns?

 
K1000's were fun. I owned them with an RKV Audiovalve amp. Great pairing which blessed the sometimes strident K1000 with softer, airier highs. But today there are many more tube/speaker amps to choose from and several would likely fit the bill. Really there's nothing like the K1000... can't compare it to anything else or the HD800 because memory doesn't serve after 8 years of selling them. Just have to try it yourself if you are curious.
 
Higher-end electrostats aside, I just haven't heard a better headphone than the HD800 as of this point in time. It's comfortable, huge soundstage, and amazingly transparent. Just needs the right source/amp combination and it's pretty much unbeatable & fairly affordable too.

 

[Argybargy]

HD 650 vs HE500
 
I sold my hd650 because there was nothing that they could do that the he500 could not equal or do better, which isn't too surprising considering the difference in price $400 vs $700.