[luiztfc]

Hi!
 
A bit of backstory first. I've always wanted to buy a HD 650, but never could afford one, so I settled with a  Beyer DT 770 80 (which I already sold). At the moment, I'm rocking a HD 598 and I'm using the Realtek ALC889 codec that is in my motherboard.
 
Also, please keep in mind that I can't try headphones in my country (Brazil), so I can't see for myself the differences between cans.
 
But now I have a bit of cash to buy a nice headphone and a good amp as well. I like to listen to rock, jazz and sometimes classical music. I've always felt like the rich and warm sound of the HD 650 would be perfect for me. But I wonder if there aren't better options at 400 USD range? Also, do you guys feel there's a big difference between the HD 650 and the HiFiMan - HE-500? I know it's a planar magnetic headphone and very different, but my "budget" is a bit loose and Amazon has it at 600 USD.
 
And what amp would you recommend? Is a 400 USD budget good? 
 
I've always heard that Realtek ALC889  is a good code and sinceI'll be using my pc as my source for a while, I wonder if I should buy a DAC as well.
 
Thank you very much!
 
 

 

[ToddTheMetalGod]

The AKG K712 Pro is also a good consideration. The HE-400i might be considered in the place of the 500 as well. Perhaps the Shure SRH 1840 or the Audeze EL8 that will be released soon. Maybe the HD700.

 

[Me x3]

Hey!
 
If you are looking for a warm and darkish presentation, I think you can't go wrong with HD650.
 
You should also consider Philips Fidelio X2.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/boss-philips-fidelio-x2

A small USB DAC/Amp like Fiio E10k would be a nice addition to your rig.
 
Best Luck!

 

[PurpleAngel]

  A bit of backstory first. I've always wanted to buy a HD 650, but never could afford one, so I settled with a  Beyer DT 770 80 (which I already sold). At the moment, I'm rocking a HD 598 and I'm using the Realtek ALC889 codec that is in my motherboard.
Also, please keep in mind that I can't try headphones in my country (Brazil), so I can't see for myself the differences between cans.
But now I have a bit of cash to buy a nice headphone and a good amp as well. I like to listen to rock, jazz and sometimes classical music. I've always felt like the rich and warm sound of the HD 650 would be perfect for me. But I wonder if there aren't better options at 400 USD range? Also, do you guys feel there's a big difference between the HD 650 and the HiFiMan - HE-500? I know it's a planar magnetic headphone and very different, but my "budget" is a bit loose and Amazon has it at 600 USD.
And what amp would you recommend? Is a 400 USD budget good? 
I've always heard that Realtek ALC889  is a good code and sinceI'll be using my pc as my source for a while, I wonder if I should buy a DAC as well.

 
Audio-GD NFB-15, external DAC/amp, $270+shipping ($45?).
Will drive just about any headphone you would buy (and should improve the audio quality of your current HD598).
Dual WM8741 DAC chips.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1532/NFB15.32EN.htm

 

[luiztfc]

Thank you guys very much for the answers! This hobby is such a rabbit hole! The more I research, the more I increase my budget... And now I'm almost pulling the trigger on a Audeze LCD-2, I'm just waiting for more info about the EL8 (Thanks ToddTheMetalGod for the tip).
 
Decisions, decisions...

 

[HPiper]

If I were you I think I would give the He-400i a real close look. Pick up an Asgard 2 and a Modi 2. You would have a pretty nice setup for not a lot of money.