HD650 vs HD600?

[Asr]

So I did a two-person meet yesterday with "soulblaze" who brought the HeadRoom Desktop '05 and HD600, so naturally I compared the HD600 against the K701 and DT880 '06, and found it competing extremely well against them, and it even blew me away by the preciseness on Orbital's "Middle of Nowhere" CD. It was like OMGWTFBBQ level at the clarity of the chords on "Way Out" and the upper-level detail. I thought the three-note plink was already there with the K701 and DT880, but it turns out I was wrong, both completely missed the high-end detail on it while the HD600 nailed it. Couldn't believe it, I thought the DT880 was supposed to be the better high-freq can of the three!

Anyway to make a long story short, I'm now totally interested in buying an HD600, except there's also the HD650. What are the key differences between the two? If I'm budget-strapped, is it a better idea to get the HD600?

Btw, I don't know what some people are ranting about with a "Sennheiser veil." The HD600 sounded just as clear as the K701 and DT880.

 

[robm321]

I'm a big 600 fan. The 650 is more refined and smooth. It also has more bass which seems a bit artificial to me while the 600 seems to be just right in the bass department.

A professional review (absolute sound? don't remember)basically said that if you own the 600, then it's probably not worth it to move up to the 650 since it is marginally better but if you don't own either, then the 650 would be worth it.

I agree that the differences are minor, and I actually prefer the 600, but I'm in the minority. The 600 just seems to sound right is the best way I can explain it.

I think if you are strapped for money the 600 is one of the best values you can get if you buy used. But I saw a thread recently that had the 650 at $299 shipped. It's up to you.

 

[gordolindsay]

To answer your last question first, the 600 is more neutral than the 650's. Meaning the 650's are bass oriented and makes it seem like the high end is 'hiding' behind it. the 600's are more clear and less 'veil-ly'

I've owned all the headphones listed except my 880's were the model before the new one. I'm finding the 600's to be an excellent combo of all the phones mentioned.

The 650's were a little too dark for me, needed more detail. The 880's were a little lean sounding in the mids and lows, needed more bass. The 701's were very very good sounding to me, but I like my music with a little more body.

The 600's have seemed to qualify for what I want, and for about half the price as most the other cans mentioned!

 

[seacard]

I talked to HeadRoom about this, and they basically had the same view that Rob has. The 650 is a very small improvement, perhaps not noticable until you get to very expensive source/amp. They thought that the 650 was a little smoother at the very low end and at the highest highs, but otherwise virtually the same.

 

[wali]

HD600 is a cult classic.

 

[sacd lover]

I had the HD650's and the minute I heard the HD600, head to head, I knew I liked the 600 better. The comment in a previous post, by gordolindsay, about the "high end" hiding behind the 650's bass and the 600 having greater neutrality has much truth .... IMO.

I have had almost all the Grado's old and new, the DT 880 old version, Sony CD3000, Senn HD650, AKG K701 .... and in the end I still like my HD600's best. The other headphone that really caught me by surprise is the Senn HD595. The 595 (120 ohm) really is like a senn/ grado hybrid .... and I have been going through my whole blues collection since I bought a used pair of 595's.

Dont be afraid to get the HD600 its still one of the very best. Trust your ears!

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wali HD600 is a cult classic.

With good reason!

 

[granodemostasa]

the difference between HD650 and 600 is rather noticable for me... but it's mostly centered in the bass region; where the FQ comes into play. It is worth it if you like bass....otherwise probably not.

 

[W.T.]

650 > 600 anyday IMHO. I love bass, but that doesnt determine that for me. its all about the passion and how the music moves you. didnt get it when i listened to the 600s. I always drift back to the Senn's and i was really happy when i actually got my 650's. (HE-60's soon hopefully).

The reason i own a pair of HD650's is that they sound better to me. They sound especially better with an upgraded cable, which i would do if i wasnt going to sell mine soon (once again, HE-60's soon....VERY soon). The 600's sounded great too with upgraded cable. In fact, the upgraded cable 600's were really close to my w100.

if u get a chance, A - B the pairs and see what u like better. I chose the 650's but its up to you.

-Stan

 

[Duggeh]

When I forked out for the HD650 it was for 2 main reasons. Firstly, I was buying a dynamic headphone because my Stax sometimes left me wanting for some slam for certain music and the HD650 was widely touted as having more and better bass than the HD600. The second reason is I think that the HD600 is dreadful looking.

A reason which when I give it pause for thought, is utterly utterly rediculous coming from me.

I would not hesitate to recommend the HD650 to anyone.

 

[rodbac]

Quote:

Btw, I don't know what some people are ranting about with a "Sennheiser veil." The HD600 sounded just as clear as the K701 and DT880.

Agreed, and many of us here don't hear anything of the sort (speaking of a "veil"), and I've maintained as much for a long time. The "veil" is merely a derogatory term for the difference in presentation from other phones.

It's no more "veiled" than the Grado sound is "needled" (or any other term for the high-end spikes that would imply some deficiency in the sound).

 

[Gradofan2]

I "upgraded" to the HD650's from the HD600's, because of all the hype.

And... I found the 650's to have a slight bit more bass and lower mid's emphasis, while a bit less emphasis in the highs - which gives them a more "veiled" sound (the impression of less clarity), than the 600's.

Upgrading the cable for either set of phones, and removing the foam/velvet lining and replacing it with fiberglass/plastic window screen mesh from Home Depot - really improves the clarity and detail - and makes them sound much more Gradoish.

But, with these tweaks, a good source, and a good amp, the 600's seem to have a bit more clarity and less bass / lower-mid coloration than the 650's.

If your "into" lot's of big bass impact, then you may prefer the 650's, but if you're "into" controlled bass, and greater clarity (somewhat more like the Grados) then you may prefer the 600's.

I may yet "upgrade" back to the 600's, if I can tolerate their look - they are ugly.

GF2

 

[darkninja67]

They are my preferred headphone right now by far. I like the balance of the music with them. I still kick myself for not grabbing these sooner.

 

[Nick63]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 Upgrading the cable for either set of phones,GF2

I see you have a Cardas cable. Do you think it is about as good as a Zu, Equinox, and others?

 

[Corrupt^]

I havent got much experience with headphones (this is my first high end headset). But atm I prefer listening to my 650's without the foams.
I laughed when I read about removing the foams...

...5 minutes later I wasn't laughing at all, I was amazed how much better it sounded.

Can't wait to get an amp and cardas cable

atm I'm using my radio to make the signal from my pc stronger.