[oscotto]

Dear fellow Head-Fi'ers,

I've owned this beautiful Sennheiser HD 650, and have tried it on two different amps with mixed results. I guess what I am looking for is a warmer sound with well defined bass... but not overly so, and highs that produce good results. I have tried the Corda Headfive and the Headroom Micro amp... both did well. I have the Microamp at work with my Sennheiser PX100... that is a great little setup with great results. The Corda did a good job, but not nearly as well as my roommate's AKG 701's... they sounded really good on the Headfive unit. So I am looking for some advice as in what amp would best suit me. I am kinda new in this headphone world, so I would appreciate any advise.

Thanks much!
Scott

 

[leng jai]

The Darkvoice 332 might be for you if you're interesting in trying a tube amp.

 

[Dominat0r]

DV336i is dark and bassey...perhaps alittle too dark and bassey...however you might enjoy it.

I enjoyed it for over a year, the DV336i i mean....great amp, very powerful and there are TONS of great tubes.

If you want something in SS, check out Heed Canamps.

Im really enjoying the Millett Hybrid i recently got. It really brought out the detail on the 650. Its not as bassey though, i think its a good try off since the 650s are bassey to begin with.

 

[aaron313]

The obvious question is: how much are you willing to spend? I will give you feedback tomorrow on how balanced 650s scale, but the feedback here has been good. The HR Desktop Balanced is a beast, for your information.

 

[Dominat0r]

omg balanced desktop /drooooool

Will be my next upgrade for sure....

 

[oscotto]

The balanced desktop seems really good... but, $1397.00 with the DAC seems steep. I could swing it but rather not. Highlife, the Darkvoice has been on my watch list, I was reading a bit about it, but I wouldn't even know where to start with tubes. Also how long to tubes last? I would imagine they would require a warm up and warm down sequence of some sort.

Thanks again guys, you rock!

 

[vvanrij]

Tubes warm up and cool down really quick, I do cycles of 8hours listening, which should be enough

, and tubes last really long.

 

[oscotto]

so if I do less (say 1-2hrs) than 8hrs is that not good on the tubes? Thanks guys!

 

[Cankin]

I used Channel Island Audio VHP-2 when I had HD650.

This amp is pretty transparent with tight but not overly emphasis bass, but if you really like K701, why not sell your HD650 and get K701 instead??

 

[aaron313]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscotto /img/forum/go_quote.gif The balanced desktop seems really good... but, $1397.00 with the DAC seems steep. I could swing it but rather not. Highlife, the Darkvoice has been on my watch list, I was reading a bit about it, but I wouldn't even know where to start with tubes. Also how long to tubes last? I would imagine they would require a warm up and warm down sequence of some sort. Thanks again guys, you rock!

It is expensive, and the urge to upgrade is always there, but it is a great amp.

I really enjoy the K701, and it is the headphone with the most clarity I have ever heard.

 

[Benny99]

What about the Corda Opera ?

Not cheap however

 

[vvanrij]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscotto /img/forum/go_quote.gif so if I do less (say 1-2hrs) than 8hrs is that not good on the tubes? Thanks guys!

No 8hrs. is like max, but there is no minimum.

 

[mchang]

Another vote for the Darkvoice 332. My preference is with Svetlana 6S19P-V and Western Electric 403b tubes. Tight, deep bass and lush sound throughout. I can listen for hours.

For reference: I had the HeadFive and tried it briefly with the HD-650. I did not like the pairing.

In addition, I also like my HeadAmp Gilmore Lite with the HD-650 with certain types of music (better with faster digital instrumentation and music that doesn't need as much bass slam). However I typically reach for the DV first and more.

 

[atbglenn]

The Woo Audio WA6 is a great match for the HD650's. I just got mine 3 weeks ago and I'm loving it. Also, the build quality is second to none. I've been breaking it in 12 hours a day with no heat issues at all. It runs warm at best. Unlike the Little Dot 2++ which ran extremely hot after a couple of hours.

Good luck with whatever you choose

 

[LeChuck]

I never liked the Headfive with the HD650's either, it just sounded bloated to me.

Check out the Headamp GS-1. Very neutral and detailed, but not harsh; delivers great dynamic slam and bass control. Plus, it will work well with whatever cans you decide to get down the road.