[ZorgDK]

Hi all fellow headfi'ers.
 
I need a new set of headphones since my HD650 just quit working on the right phone after I dropped them. Crap - I had just replaced the cable since the original cable had a loose connection on the left phone. Talking about bad luck
 
I want a headphone that's in the same class or better than the HD650. Maybe a pair that is a bit more strong in the mids with nice 's' sounds. I would like to have a good strong bass and also clear highs. A more upfront sound would be nice but it must not be too fatigueing since I often use them for long periods of time. 
 
What headphones can you recommend? I like the HD650's sound but I think I would like to try something different. 
 
I'm using a Asus Essence ST as source with integrated amp. I'm considering getting a external headphone amp as well. Will it make a big difference? Any recommendations?
 
Thanks in advance. 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[spydur]

Get an amp and the HD650's again FWIR adding a dedicated amp should give you what your looking for...

 

[ZorgDK]

Yeah I do like the HD650... It would just feels very unrewarding buying the same headphone twice But I might do it.
 
What amps can make the HD650 shine (with Essence ST as source)?
 

 

[pp312]

Are you sure your phones are badly damaged? Could be just a connection. If you've damaged the right driver, why not simply replace it? Alternatively, if the phones are more than 3 years old, get a new pair. Newer versions are supposed to be a little brighter and clearer.

 

[ZorgDK]

I don't know what's wrong with the right phone, I just know it doesn't make a sound.The cable is brand new. The phones are 3-4 years old. Also the headband is broken (has been for a while, fixed with gaffa tape) so they're not so comfortable to wear. So repair is not an option, it's two things that needs fixing, a headband replacement alone costs 170 $ from Sennheiser. 
 
Sounds good that newer versions could be improved.
 
EDIT: I just took the right phone apart (for the first time) and the dríver had fallen out of its socket. I put it back and it works now. Great! 
 
Still looking for amp suggestions. 
 

 

[saber8689]

Depends how much you want to spend on one. I've heard that tube amps have great synergy with the hd650s and there are a lot of fairly cheap options if you consider chinese ones like Little Dot and Darkvoice.

 

[ZorgDK]

I think I'm willing to pay around 200 - 400 $.

 

[saber8689]

Look at the little dot mk3/mk4 or 336se, or a woo audio wa3/6 if you want American made (though it will cost you more). For a SS amp, maybe an M^3. You have a decent source in the xonar so there are a lot of amp options in that price range.

 

[ZorgDK]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll do a little search on those. I live in Denmark so it needs to be something that ships here. 

 

[ZorgDK]

The little Dot mk4 looks nice and I think a tube amp would be nice. I wonder if the mk4 SE is considerable better?
 http://www.littledot.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=820&sid=3f3393adc57a2058815929b41545ff33
 

 

[ohaider]

That's good that you were able to fix the problem . Good luck finding an amp.

 

[spydur]

I recently ordered the Audio-GD fun for my Sen 650. FWIR the Earth op-amp should be pretty good, I also got their Moon op-amp as it is said to give the amp a tube-like feel.
As for your borked headband, try this maybe?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sennheiser-Headband-Foam-Upgrade-HD650-HD600-HD580-800-/200475444696?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ead4485d8