[toopeach]

Hello Folks,

Although I am quite happy with my current rig, I want to experience another sonic world.
I am considering buying Senn's, but still deciding between the HD 600 and 650.

The one thing that make me hesitant more is that there is an option of recabling of my K701, and that HD 650 (reportedly) can get huge improvement from recabling (thus demanding another $200 or something).

Almost always listening to classical music, especially piano sonanta and symphonies. Which one would be the best step?

I've heard that Ray Samuels thinks HD 600 to be the best can. That also makes me hard to decide

 

[luckybaer]

If you wait any longer, you can try the HD700.

lol

 

[Zorander]

HD-650

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

It's a personal choice, but they definitely sound different in my experience (keep in mind they use different drivers as well as housing material). I feel that the HD650 is technically the better headphone with better extension on both ends, while vocals are more pronouced on the HD600. For classical, I'd go with the 650.

 

[johnsonad]

Buy both, serious, they are different. Get them used of course. You will end up with both in the end anyways at some time if you like the sound. I prefer my 650's over the 600's but that is just me. My wife likes the 650 for some lower string works and piano but prefers the 701 for high strings. She likes the K340 over both and I prefer the CD3000 over both. If that doesn't confuse you then I don't know what will. Borrow a pair if you can, otherwise buy used as they will sell quick.

 

[F107plus5]

While I really like my HD600, if I were in your situation of already having a K701, I'd probably think that perhaps the HD650 would be a better complement to the K701 since it's signature is a bit darker and bassier than HD600.

I did choose the HD600 over the HD650 for a number of reasons, but then again I was looking for a complement to my MS2i.

 

[Singapura]

Buy the 650 and recable them. You'll never look back. Honestly. Never. Although...with the HD700 coming out...

 

[toopeach]

Thanks guys for your great replies!

 

[bifcake]

The 650's are a more refined version of the 600's. The 600's are fantastic phones, but the 650's have more finesse, a flatter, more neutral sound. If you're gonna buy, then get the 650's. If you're gonna get both, get the 650's and the 580's. The 580's are the same phones, with the same drivers as the 600's in plastic housing. They're about 70 usd cheaper than the 600's.

 

[daltonlanny]

With a good aftermarket replacement cable such as the Stefan Audio Art Equinox, the 650 is DEFINITELY the way to go!
With the Equinox, the 650 is an OUTSTANDING sounding headphone, and the 600 is average.
The 650/Equinox sounds more solid, more extended in the frequency extremes, more refined, and more natural than the 600, even when using the Equinox on the 600, IMHO.
The 600's biggest weaknesses in my opinion are a slighly thin, grainy, and sort of "rough" or "course" sound, especially on vocals, compared to the 650. This 600 sound is initially more exciting, and seems to be more detailed, open, and extended than the 650/Equinox.
This is a weird illusion, however, and becomes fatiguing over time.
Over time, the clear superiority of the 650's comes shining through!

 

[Rise To The Top]

I have used my HD600s twice in the past 2 weeks I have had my HD650s, only to keep the dust off them. They are really nice, but the extention that the HD650 provides cant be beat by the HD600. Like others have said, you will end up with the 650 at some point in time, so just aim for the top and save money.

 

[carlosgp]

Another vote for HD650 with Equinox replacement cable.