HD650 first impressions

[Gravitas]

Just got these today. They're already my favorite can....also the most expensive so far, but still.

My setup goes like this:
Pioneer DV-578A (budget minded source) --> Zu Oxyfuel RCA IC --> Meier Headfive --> Headphone

The DV-578A is not the strongest source, but it is a decent universal player that'll do DVD-A, SACD, WMA/MP3, etc. It's housed in a "slim" case which was essential for my current desk setup. For $30 on ebay, it was hard to pass up. I'll probably upgrade in the future to an external DAC that will accept optical.

I previously used either the HD555 or DT770 as my daily listening cans. The HD650 seems to take the two strenghts of those cans and improve on them in all aspects. I like the HD555 for it's laid back presentation and decent seperation/articulation of the music, but lacking in the bass department for my taste. For the DT770, I always enjoyed the copious amount of bass, but it's a bit shrill in the highs and recessed in the mids.

In comparison, the 650 takes the smooth sound of the 555s to the next level of detail and clarity. It also adds well controlled, but punchy bass. I always wondered what people meant about the 770s having "bloated" bass...I thought it was great. Now, I understand. The 650 seems to have every bit of the bass, but much tighter.

I've been listening for about an hour, straight out of the box. So far my favorite aspect is that this can is very non-fatiguing. The highs of the 770 would get to me after a half hour or so. The 650 is laid back, but still very musical. Not in your face like Grado, but certainly not miles away.

Overall, I'm digging them. A great can for me to build a system around.

 

[compuryan]

same for me yo! I just got my HD650s last week and am very excited to build my system around them. I'm searching for an amp as I speak!

 

[Gravitas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by compuryan same for me yo! I just got my HD650s last week and am very excited to build my system around them. I'm searching for an amp as I speak!

Nice! The only amps I've paired them with are the Total Bithead and the Headfive. I prefer the Headfive...but the Bithead gives me easy access to my digital music. I'll have to find a good DAC soon. Problem is I'll have to re-rip a lot of my collection since I thought I could get away with 192 bitrate...not the case. The imperfections are fairly easy to hear with the HD650.

Anyway, I do recommend the Headfive.

 

[GreatDane]

The HD 650 is my favorite can. I also have a DT-770/80 that is almost at Darth Beyer Land

. I'm looking forward to comparing the DB to my 650. I agree, the 650 does everything better compared to the 770...I guess it should for about twice the price.

I've literally spent all day listening to my 650 and they never became fatiguing although a Meier Corda Cross-1 was a big player for that 10 hour music orgy

 

[Gravitas]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the 650 versus the DB's when you get them. I almost went on the Darth path, but decided on the 650's to try something different.

 

[Usagi]

Congratulations on your new HD650. Just wait till they open up; then you're in for a ride.

[size=xx-small]wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee[/size]

 

[nickchen]

That was nice to read, as my current setup is (somewhat) comparable and as the HD650 will be my christmas cans.

 

[DevilDog]

Congrats! Your impressions are spot on with my experience.
Let us know how you feel about them after a hundred hours or so. I'd like to know if they change or if you perceive that they change.

 

[gaillard]

you've got a good dac in that bithead there! =)

 

[Kipper]

Congrats! Nice to hear that you are enjoying those nice cans!

 

[Gradofan2]

And... just wait till their fully burnt in (200+ hrs), deveiled, and upgraded with the Zu cable - "Sweeeet!"

 

[003]

Have you taken the foams off of the 650? I suggest you do

 

[jamato8]

I use the 650's with my Supermacro V as a preamp and a converted V3 Lite serving as an amp. This setup is so real it is scary. The 650's really shine and the control is beyond belief with a pre amp/amp set-up. The 650's throw very real depth and transparency is nothing short of excellent.

 

[chesebert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 Have you taken the foams off of the 650? I suggest you do

why? makes no sense. consenses is that it degrades rather than improves.

 

[chesebert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamato8 I use the 650's with my Supermacro V as a preamp and a converted V3 Lite serving as an amp. This setup is so real it is scary. The 650's really shine and the control is beyond belief with a pre amp/amp set-up. The 650's throw very real depth and transparency is nothing short of excellent.

so instead of using 1 good amp you like to introduce more stuff in your audio chain, by having 2 ok amp, to "improve" sound. counterintuitive if you ask me. whatever floats your boat.