HD650's with a home theater receiver?

[Gramble!]

Hey all,

Sorry for yet another n00b "Should I buy this headphone" post, but here goes:

Recently, I've been looking around at doing some sort of an upgrade for my Grado SR-80's (purchased from casual observing of this site several years back, and very much enjoyed...) I was thinking I might give the Sennheiser sound a bit of a shot, and had originally been thinking of getting some HD-595's...

...then I ran across HD-650's for about $320, which is a price good enough for me to consider springing for them. But that would be about maxing out the ol' audio equipment budget for a few months at least.

Currently, my main source of music is an Audio Technica AT-PL120 turntable, non-preamped, through a Sony STR-DE897 home theater amp. I also run movies and music out of my computer, through the amp. I have a PA2V2 lying around somewhere, but I've only ever really used that with my iPod...

So would the home theater amp be sufficient to drive the HD-650's for the time being? Will they sound horrible? Will they immediately send me into a crazed spending frenzy? I really want to keep a roof over my head, at least for the next year or two.

I'd appreciate any input!

 

[Gramble!]

Okay I guess I may have asked this question in a really stupid way. Basically, I'm trying to discern whether high impedance phones like the 650's can be driven out of somewhat better audio equipment like home theater amps (as opposed to, say, iPods), or if they necessarily need a dedicated headphone amp to even approach their potential.

 

[pbarach]

I have HD650's. Using the headphone jack on my Denon 3805, they sounded thin and weak. Clearly the headphone amp on this otherwise good-sounding receiver was an afterthought. I bought a Headroom Micro amp for these phones and they sound like a completely different phone--plenty of bass and definitely not thin-sounding.

But your home theater receiver might have a better headphone amp than mine. I also tried the 650's with a Carver CT-7 (stereo) preamp/tuner and a Carver C-1 stereo preamp, and the 650 sounded pretty good through their headphone jacks.

 

[Gramble!]

Hmm. So I really can't know, I guess. Yeah, spending $400 on a HeadRoom micro might be a bit much at this point...

 

[csroc]

It depends on the receiver/integrated amp/etc. My NAD integrated amp drives my HD650s very well but your Sony might not.

 

[ph0rk]

Buy it from a reputable dealer with a return policy and try it out.

If that doesn't work for you, try a step down - I'd imagine that things like the HD595 are more or less designed with receiver headphone jacks in mind.

 

[tintin47]

x2 with ph0rk. I would buy from headroom. They have a wonderful 30 day no questions asked return policy.

 

[Gramble!]

Thanks for the advice, you all.

Would J&R be considered such a reputable dealer? They have the 'phones at about 43 bucks cheaper than HeadRoom (after shipping is figured in), which at this price level is no showstopper, but it's not nothing (all other things being equal)...

 

[Uncle Erik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gramble! /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the advice, you all. Would J&R be considered such a reputable dealer? They have the 'phones at about 43 bucks cheaper than HeadRoom (after shipping is figured in), which at this price level is no showstopper, but it's not nothing (all other things being equal)...

Yes, J&R is reputable. I think I got my HD-650s from them about three years ago. I've ordered camera and other equipment from them, too. Everything arrived when it was supposed to and packed well. I'll buy from them again.

As for your receiver, some work well with headphones, some don't. Unfortunately, there are so many models out there that it would be hard to put together a list of good ones. But give it a try - the HD-650 is a great headphone and you might already have a good amp.

 

[csroc]

I got my 650s from JandR as well. I believe I've purchased from them in the past as well although most of my camera purchases for instance have usually come from B&H (some Adorama as well as other places). B&H also has the 650s and various other headphones and audio gear, but JandR's price on the 650 is the best I've seen anywhere for a new set.

 

[Gramble!]

...and J&R has a 30-day return policy.

Alright, I'm taking the plunge. Wish me luck!

(And thus began Gramble's slow descent into poverty...)

 

[Gramble!]

As a follow-up (in case anyone cares to hear)--the Sony amp seems to work fine with the HD650's. Very full sound, lots of bass (more than I'm used to with the SR-80's but tight and very well-extended--the way I like it). Interestingly enough, I find the HD650's quite listenable at lower volume levels than I have ever used with the SR-80's. Not quite what I expected...

Alright, I don't want to delve too deeply into mindless self indulgence here, but very shortly into listening I was in love with these headphones. Not only very full, but extremely accurate--very quick decay (I believe that's what it's called... notes don't linger any longer than they should) and an ability to resolve complex passages that simply wasn't there with the SR-80's (which I still love). They're brilliant with classical, of course (one of the first pieces I auditioned them on was Shostakovich's 5th Symphony), but I even like them quite a bit for rock, due to their ability to resolve complexity--they don't sound sluggish to me at all.

So, basic point--the Sony receiver seems to work fine. I'm sure these cans sound better with better equipment, but for now I'm happy...

 

[paaj]

Great headphones, enjoy!

 

[buzzsaw]

Hey Gramble. My HD650's just arrived from J&R.com today (about an hour ago to be exact). I too was concerned about authenticity for such a great price ($319.99), but I called Sennheiser direct and verified that JR.com is an authorized dealer. I was surprised at how lightweight the 650s are, and I must admit, my initial reaction was that the plastic design made them feel cheap. Did you feel this way? Regardless, I can't wait to hear them.

I am in the process of ordering the new Compass DAC from Audio-gd (which hopefully will start shipping next week). In the mean time though, I'm in the same boat you are... I'll be listening to my HD650s tonight via my Onkyo home theater receiver. I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers.

 

[Nocturnal310]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gramble! /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hmm. So I really can't know, I guess. Yeah, spending $400 on a HeadRoom micro might be a bit much at this point...

Get HD600 if u not planning to buy a very expensive amp..they sound better with cheaper amps.

HD650 will sound dark to u and u ll be disappointed .