[AudioGlow]

Hi, I just want to hear from some owners of either of the above Sennheisers on their thoughts or listening impressions. I have the AKG 702's for my super detailed set of phones, but I'm looking for a good upgrade to my HD555's to have that nice laidback Sennheiser flavor for variety, but hopefully an improvement over the HD555's. I'll be amping them with a Burson HA540 headamp. I love the HD555's comfortwise and I do have a kind of big head, just hoping to improve upon what they have. Suggestions, preferences?
 

 

[Uncle Erik]

The HD-600 and HD-650 are almost the same headphone. I owned both at one time. The HD-600 was very neutral, but the HD-650 was a little darker and smoother. It would be tough to pick a favorite, but if I bought another, it'd probably be the HD-600 because you get about the same headphone for less money.

I don't know if I'd call rhem laid-back, either. These Senns are very revealing of the amplifer they're plugged into. If they sound thick and slow, it's more that your amp is thick and slow rather than the headphones. On the best amps, they're fast and more agile than you might expect. Those amps are not inexpensive - you either have to make a substantial investment or build it yourself. Even if you DIY, you're still going to go several hundred into the build.

 

[Solude]

600 is more neutral, 650 is more resolving and the better performer.  I preferred the 650 and feel it sounds best out of a clean amp like the ones Kevin Gilmore designs.  Less than great tubes amps in my opinion strip away any technical advantage the 650 has over the 600.  650 definitely out resolved the 701 on the amp I had.

 

[Maxvla]

My thoughts mirror Erik's precisely. I've had both and kept the 600s.

 

[tvrboy]

Quote:

600 is more neutral, 650 is more resolving and the better performer.  I preferred the 650 and feel it sounds best out of a clean amp like the ones Kevin Gilmore designs.  Less than great tubes amps in my opinion strip away any technical advantage the 650 has over the 600.  650 definitely out resolved the 701 on the amp I had.

 
What amp did you have?
 

 

[Solude]

I had the HeadAmp Lite, Reference(GS-X), SFT Dynahi and Rudistor RP5.1.  When I had the 600 I also had the Meta42 Maxxed, now thats going back some.  Rudi was flat out bad match for the Senns, Meta42 bad match as well.  Dynahi sounded less focused compared to the "simpler" dynalo amps.  All told the HeadAmp Lite was the first amp I had that made me literally understand what an amp could do for a headphone.

 

[AudioGlow]

Hm. Out resloved the 701 huh? I didn't know Sennhieser had it in them. (except for the HD800's of course) I was thinking I'd get a warmer. slightly more laid back sound with the Sennheisers, since that is certainly the case with the HD555's. I also want to make sure they don't clamp too tight. I've heard the HD650's clamp more. Any thoughts?

 

[Solude]

Bright and resolve not the same  650 pads clamp like mad, I put them over my PC to loosen them up some.

 

[daigo]

The HD 650 certainly clamp more tightly on my head than my ATH-A900's.  This is even with both sides extended ~1" in order to reach my ears (I have a big head, apparently). 

 

[feckn_eejit]

I am *not* a Sennheiser person, and my thoughts on the HD600s vs HD650s are the same as Uncle Erik's, Solude's, and Maxvla's.  I have never enjoyed listening to HD650s, but I have enjoyed listening to HD600s.

 

[guildenstern]

I used to have the Senn 600 -- they clamped too tightly. Now have the 650, and they are a bit more comfortable. Headphone fit is very personal, depends on your head. I also have AKG 702. In my opinion, the Senn 650 is warmer, more musical, better balanced all round. The AKGs offer plenty of detail but I can listen to the Senn 650 longer without sonic fatigue. FYI, driving them with a Benchmark DAC's headphone output.

 

[hentai]

Imho , if you get hd650 , consider the xcans v3 with mullard tubes. Its a very good and value for money if you use it to amp the sennheiser. Better than headamp gs1 I feel

 

[Zombie_X]

^ +1 to that! The V3 is brighter and makes the Sennheiser sound more lively.
 
Quote:

Imho , if you get hd650 , consider the xcans v3 with mullard tubes. Its a very good and value for money if you use it to amp the sennheiser. Better than headamp gs1 I feel

 

[olor1n]

I'm about to take an impulse plunge on the HD650 purely based on impressions of its synergy with the Audio-GD Fun. My main concern revolves around the claim the HD650 is "slower" compared to the HD600, although it scales further with better gear. I'm hoping the Fun can give it enough zest to alleviate those "deficiencies". Is there a point where the HD650 simply outperforms the HD600 or will it always be a matter of preference?

 

[jasonb]

never heard the 600's but i wouldn't call the 650's slow. my pair with my headroom amp definitely doesn't sound slow. the bass sounds accurate and tight to me.
 
Quote:

I'm about to take an impulse plunge on the HD650 purely based on impressions of its synergy with the Audio-GD Fun. My main concern revolves around the claim the HD650 is "slower" compared to the HD600, although it scales further with better gear. I'm hoping the Fun can give it enough zest to alleviate those "deficiencies". Is there a point where the HD650 simply outperforms the HD600 or will it always be a matter of preference?