Is the HD-650 worth it?
Feb 22, 2004 at 8:58 PM Post #17 of 39
From all of my audio adventures, I've learned that it's better for my pocketbook to get what I'm after right off the bat. Personally, I just end up getting it in the end anyway and don't take all the pocketbook hits on the road to the end goal. Besides, getting it right off the back gives me the opportunity to enjoy what I'm really after right from the start.

Just make sure you have a return policy in case they end up not floating your boat. Also, give them plenty of time to break in. The 650's really do go through a break in process, although there are differences of opinion as to how long it takes for them to hit their peak. Mine seemed to reach this point at almost 200 hours!!!
 
Feb 22, 2004 at 10:12 PM Post #18 of 39
Quote:

Originally posted by Alex Altorfer
I also wonder whether the HD 580 plus Zu Mobius beats the 650 stock. That's something to think about as well, especially if one doesn't want to spend as much.

Cheers,
Alex
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I don't think it would, the HD650's have a different sonic character than the 580/600's. So it's not similar to HD580 w/ Zu vs. HD600 w/ Stock. I didn't bother to do a stock HD650 vs. Cardas HD600 comparison when I had my Jubilees, but there's no doubt in my mind that the improvements in the HD650's sound won't be reproduced by changing the cable on a 580/600.
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 12:10 AM Post #19 of 39
Quote:

Originally posted by Born2bwire
I don't think it would, the HD650's have a different sonic character than the 580/600's. So it's not similar to HD580 w/ Zu vs. HD600 w/ Stock. I didn't bother to do a stock HD650 vs. Cardas HD600 comparison when I had my Jubilees, but there's no doubt in my mind that the improvements in the HD650's sound won't be reproduced by changing the cable on a 580/600.


I've tried the 600/Zu vs. the stock 650 and your right.
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 12:24 AM Post #20 of 39
After reading the carefully balanced arguments on both sides, I've decided to... get the 650s!

Unfortunately, getting the Zu or the Silver Dragon would push me way over $400. However, I am getting the Meier cable - from what I've read in other posts it's about halfway between the stock and the Zu in terms of sound improvement. And at 1/6th the cost of the Zu, that sounds like a good deal...
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 2:10 AM Post #21 of 39
Congrats on your purchase!!
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 2:11 AM Post #22 of 39
you've chosen wisely. I think you'll be very happy with the 650s. Let us know how the Meier cable works out for you.
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 2:14 AM Post #23 of 39
Yes, congratulations are in order here. I'm really hoping you enjoy your 650's as much as I (and many others) do. Just give them time to break in. I'm listening to Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra with the Brazilian Guitar Quartet right now and it is amazing how good this 24 bit recording sounds. I'm hoping yours bring you the same pleasure as mine have brought me.
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 2:15 AM Post #24 of 39
By the way, I'm using the stock cable and it sounds this good. I do have a replacement on order, but these phones sound wonderful with the stock cable too, at least imo.
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 2:18 AM Post #25 of 39
I'm sure you'll love them! And danaa is right, they take a while to break in and their sound varies all over the place during that period. Just don't get nervious until after the first couple of hundred hours!
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 2:36 AM Post #26 of 39
Congrats! Wise choice. I really think Sennheiser did it right this time.
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 2:55 AM Post #28 of 39
Quote:

Originally posted by mulveling
Hmm. This thread is pushing me towards getting the HD650's as my next upgrade.

gpalmer, which would you say would yield a bigger improvement: going from the HD600s to 650s, or the Gilmore V2 to the V2 se ? (I've decided I really like how the Gilmore sounds with the 600s)


Ouch that's a toughie! Off the top of my head, I would guess the 650, but let me give them a listen tonight and get back to you.
 
Feb 23, 2004 at 3:27 AM Post #30 of 39
That didn't take long, it wasn't even close enough to be interesting.
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I used my Meridian 588 with Moon Audio silver interconnects and stock cables on both headphones. The HD650s with the Gilmore V2 beats the 600 with the Gilmore V2-SE by a wide margin. The bass isn't even comparable, the 600s sound tinny when you switch back to them. A huge difference was in the soundstage, landslide difference there. The sound is incredibly more involving with the 650s. I would upgrade your headphones first.
 

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