Sennheiser 650 advise needed please

[Gungrefjaert]

Hi
I just bought a pair of Sennheiser 650's at my work. I couldn't resist since we are resellers of the things and I had them offered at company costprice.....

But as usual when I get started I wan't more, better, nicer.........

I've got a Marantz PM80 mkII SE amp and a Marantz CD63 mkII to run them of but after reading quite a bit in this forum it seemes like a pretty good idea to buy something like a Rega EAR amp for them ( then I might still have money left for food and my wife won't get too ......).

What do you guys say ?

Thanx

Jonas
Denmark

 

[Gungrefjaert]

I forgot to ad that cheaper alternatives to the Rega EAR amp would be more than welcome too. I'm way over budget allready.

 

[enzoferrari650]

well you could get the Mg-head OTL for maybe 200 used. Then work very well with the HD-650's.

 

[oneeyedhobbit]

Although I've never heard it, I've heard plenty of great things about that Rega EAR. If you can't stretch your budget further, then by all means, go for it. From what I've heard, you'll really enjoy the combination.

 

[Gungrefjaert]

I'm afraid it's pretty hard finding used headphone amps in Denmark and I've had quit a bit of trouble with customs when ordering from the US.

 

[NightWoundsTime]

I haven't heard the Rega EAR so maybe someone with experience will show up soon. In the meantime you should definitely be checking the Gear for Sale Amplifier threads. There are a ton of good deals to be found in there, and you can generally trust the people around here. I've found that head-fiers are remarkably honest and kind people especially for the Internet.

Amplifiers to look for include PPA, a Solid State, "do it yourself" type model. The circuit boards and designs are published here around head-fi. Many hobbyists make these and then sell them. Price for a "basic" model is $400 and it can be upgraded ad-infinitum (or to about $700). A basic model should sound pretty good with the 650's and might be found for as low as $300 used.

Another good choice on the cheap is the ASL MG Head. It has various forms and I haven't heard them all but this is a great budget tube amp. If you feel like experiencing tubes this is a great way. Another great one but a bit pricier is the Singlepower PPX3. Don't expect too many of these up for sale, they're experiencing a "Flavor of the Decade" status right now.

The Perreaux SXH-1 was a hot amplifier around the beginning of the year and is I believe a company in New Zealand. They come up for sale a little more often as boarders try newer flavors but this is still a great amp. Make sure you're buying version .5 (I think that's the number). They had a bit of a problem but those with older versions should have upgraded already.

May I ask how much your HD-650 was at cost? It's been a bit of an issue lately how much retailers mark up the higher end cans so just out of curiosity I'd like to know.

Oh and welcome to head-fi, sorry about your wallet

 

[Gungrefjaert]

Hmmm.....what can I sell......................

 

[Beagle]

The Rega Ear is slightly forward and exciting in the midrange, and has a clear, open sound, which complements the HD650. Plenty of gain on offer as well. Well worth auditioning if you have a dealer who stocks the Ear.

 

[Gungrefjaert]

I made a promise to my boss that I wouldn't tell the price. I'm sorry.
I know theres other Danes in here to.....
But to give aleast something. Lets just say that I saved more than 100$
I would really like to give you the exact price but it wouldnt be fair. . .

Thanx for your reply.

 

[tom hankins]

Didn't have the 650 then, but used the Rega Ear with the HD600 and they were very good together. I would think the 650 would be even nicer. I have not heard a better match with the 600 for the price.

 

[NightWoundsTime]

Okay I understand. Congrats on the good deal.

 

[Gungrefjaert]

Once again thanx for the good replys. I think I'll try and find a Rega ear bargain. New price in Denmark is around 240$ I should be able to get that price a bit down.

 

[Mastergill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungrefjaert Hi I just bought a pair of Sennheiser 650's at my work. I couldn't resist since we are resellers of the things and I had them offered at company costprice.....

Welcome! Great opportunity. Rega EAR is a good start indeed...but after you will need better source...and...Well, if you're reasonable you can enjoy HD-650 with a modest setup but beware these phones can cause some trouble to your wallet.

Hey you wanna know the Rega EAR dealer's price ? (in 1999-guess the same now) : €90!! yes 90 euros vs 180 retails...100% profit margin, i think i can tell i don't work in that biz anymore.

 

[Gungrefjaert]

I'll work a bit on the resellers then

thanx