[Chinafbi]

I have the hd598 right now and wondering how much better is the hd650?  I'm still within my return period for my headphones.  I'm using the hd598 with the e10 right now.  But I"m returning the E10 amp because its defected.  What other amp to get besides the e10?  I can spend 150 or less on an amp. Thanks

 

[tdockweiler]

I'm sure there's a few things better about the HD-650, but to me it's just a different type of sound. I compared all 3 of them and the HD-598 is the most fun to listen to and the most engaging. It's like comparing the K501 to the K702. The K702 is "technically" better, but just not as fun to listen to as the K501/k601. I guess they call it less musical?
 
If you get the HD-650, expect less treble, less forward mids and less detail. Yes, I said it. HD-650 is quite forgiving of bad recordings with it's stock cable, but does improve with a better amp/dac of course.
 
Basically with the 598, 600 and 650 it all comes down to preferences. Everyone is going to say the one they like is the best

 
 
I will say that the HD-650 does have more bass than the HD-598/600.
 

 

[idletime1213]

I actually have both headphones, and I think that the only thing the HD598 has on the HD650 is treble energy, forwardness and speed. I give timbre, refinement, weight and yes, detail, to the HD650.

 

[Sennheiser]

Nice summaries from the posts above. I just want to add that the HD 598 sounds brighter while the HD 650 provides a more detailed, warmer sound. 

 

[AlfredWong]

HD650 has a much deeper bass and harmony, you would find everything integrated together so well. The listening fatigue is also much less than the HD598.

 

[DVDRey]

 
Quote:

The listening fatigue is also much less than the HD598.

 
All depends of your tastes, but the HD650 can be tiring with the amount of bass, like HD598 with some bright songs.
 
For me, both headphones are designed for easy listening.

 

[NinjaSquirt]

E9 + HD650, there ya go. HD650 is more euphonic than the HD598 and more laid back. Easier to listen to.

 

[mhtn]

Quote:

I'm sure there's a few things better about the HD-650, but to me it's just a different type of sound. I compared all 3 of them and the HD-598 is the most fun to listen to and the most engaging. It's like comparing the K501 to the K702. The K702 is "technically" better, but just not as fun to listen to as the K501/k601. I guess they call it less musical?
 
If you get the HD-650, expect less treble, less forward mids and less detail. Yes, I said it. HD-650 is quite forgiving of bad recordings with it's stock cable, but does improve with a better amp/dac of course.
 
Basically with the 598, 600 and 650 it all comes down to preferences. Everyone is going to say the one they like is the best

 
 
I will say that the HD-650 does have more bass than the HD-598/600.
 

+1
 
I found the HD650 to be a super boring set of headphones.  After several songs I usually found myself sleepy... even though they were driven by my Nuforce Icon HD, which is known for a little bit bright sounding.  On the contrary, HD598's sound much more "engaging" - almost as engaging as my Grado 325is - still with a warm sounding tone.   Listening to guitar works of Jesse Cook through HD598 was very enjoyable. 

 

[Chinafbi]

Okay I have decided to keep the hd598 because It is more fun.  Also the price is only 175 which is how much i got it for and I will have to spend around 350 for the hd650.  Also, I prefer the design of the hd598.  I think its a beauty and is special.  
 
 
Question, which amp should I buy now since the e10 has headphone jack defect which I don't want to deal with although it gives good sound.  Thanks very much guys!

 

[Destroysall]

Quote:

Okay I have decided to keep the hd598 because It is more fun.  Also the price is only 175 which is how much i got it for and I will have to spend around 350 for the hd650.  Also, I prefer the design of the hd598.  I think its a beauty and is special.  
 
 
Question, which amp should I buy now since the e10 has headphone jack defect which I don't want to deal with although it gives good sound.  Thanks very much guys!

Why not exchange it?  FiiO became aware of the situation and apparantly fixed it.
 

 

[Chinafbi]

I don't want to deal with it again.  I shipped it back to amazon already.   Maybe I will just wait for the new amp from fiio.  
 
 
Quote:

Why not exchange it?  FiiO became aware of the situation and apparantly fixed it.
 

 

 

[SixthFall]

 
Quote:

+1
 
I found the HD650 to be a super boring set of headphones.  After several songs I usually found myself sleepy... even though they were driven by my Nuforce Icon HD, which is known for a little bit bright sounding.  On the contrary, HD598's sound much more "engaging" - almost as engaging as my Grado 325is - still with a warm sounding tone.   Listening to guitar works of Jesse Cook through HD598 was very enjoyable. 

 
Sorry for the tangent, but about bloody time I found someone who likes Jessie Cook!

 

[Destroysall]

Have you also considered the new FiiO E17?  There have been plenty of positive reviews where people claim for it to be better than the E10.
 
Quote:

I don't want to deal with it again.  I shipped it back to amazon already.   Maybe I will just wait for the new amp from fiio.  
 
 


 

 

 

[Chinafbi]

I preordered the e17.  I will get it this month from mp4nation.  They are sold out everywhere.   I can't believe it is so popular.

 

[Maxvla]

HD598 > HD600 > HD650

My tastes run opposite of price in this case.