Quote:
Originally Posted by Abuhannibal
Jasper,
I guess it's just a little hard for me to believe such little tiny drivers can sound so good!
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Before I start, this is my first post
Long time head-Fi reader... just never posted.
I also own a pair of 650 (...amongst numerous other headphones). I've got about 20 hours on the e500, and without going into some drawn out comparison between how the two cans sound, I'll just say that the overall 'quality' of sound is pretty much on par (... I haven't done any A-B testing, but I dare say that the e500 might actually be better than the 650 in many respects... oh, I think I can hear the flames starting up). If you are a low-volume listener, then I believe you will love these headphones. By virtue of their sound isolation abilities, you will hear detail and resolution at far lower volumes than with the 650's. If you've never experienced an IEM before, and you start with the e500, I think you will be amazed at the resolution and clarity you'll get at low volumes.
Another thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned is that the e500 are a far easier load to drive than the 650. I get pretty good sound from my IRiver portable mp3 player. As you know the 650 NEEDs to be amped. The e500 do shine when amped, but are not nearly as picky about power as the 650. Begin mini-rant: I just can't stand it when people b*tch and complain about how over rated the 650 is... and then mention that they're driving them with a receiver headphone output
I just shake my head. Amped, with a well recorded track, the 650s can do magical things. You know what I'm talkin' about... end rant.
In terms of comfort you would have to get used to jamming these things into your ears. I own I pair of e3c's (...by the way, the e500 blows the e3c away... not even in the same league) so I was already used to this procedure, but for the first few times, this may be a little disconcerting for you. With several hundred hours on both my 650 and e3c, I personally prefer the comfort of the 650's ear cups over the e3c's ear-canal sleeves. As far as IEM's go though, the e500 are quite comfortable and sit nicely in my ear.
In terms of soundstaging, you're losing a little bit. The sound is a little more in your head (e500) as opposed to slightly outside you head (650). It's just a different presentation of equally excellent sound.
I've gotta to mention the PTH accessary... LOVE IT! I work in a pretty annoying office (...tons of innane chatter), but when people do come up to me I just flick the switch and I'm able to carry on a conversation. Having not used an IEM before, you haven't experienced the frustration of having to pull and reinsert your headphones when people want to talk to you. This isn't just another gadget to jack up the price, it's actually extremely useful.
If you decided to go with the e500, you won't be disappointed. Believe what you've read on this forum... they ARE that good. I'm $500 lighter in the wallet, but I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
So there you have it... my first post