[fiman]

HI im pretty new around here ive never really owned a real pair of decent headphones and i want to invest in a new pair
Ive seen some really good reviews for the DT990s and can get them for 285
or
I went to my local shop and they had the sennheiser HD650s and the HD595s i tried these two out straight into my phone and they were pretty good but  idk 500 worth
 
im thinking of getting an amp mabye a Fiio E17 or something around that price
 
SO im wondering weather to make the leap and get the 650s or should i settle for the others with my amp
 
would the E17 so the HD650 any justice?
 
cheers

 

[steve2151]

The DT 990 has more of a wow factor, but I can't listen to it for as long as the HD 650 due to the overemphasized treble. Both are very comfortable - the DT 990 has less clamping force while the HD 650 has more room for big ears.
 
While the HD 598 should be fine with the e17, I'd recommend going with a desktop dac/amp for the extra power swing with both the HD 650 and DT 990. I used to own the NFB-12 (~$250 shipped to the US) and would highly recommend it for a first time home setup. It drove both headphones comfortably at 10 o'clock on the high gain setting or 2 o'clock on low gain. 

 

[fiman]

so the beyers would be a better buy for $200 less?
 

 

[ProjectDenz]

Quote:

so the beyers would be a better buy for $200 less?
 

 
On a technical level the HD650 and DT990 are on the same level sound quality wise, the Beyers are just better value for money than the Senns.The HD650 is not worth $500 these days due to better stuff out there for that price.

But I would really recommend a dedicated desktop amp. An iPod with a Fiio E17 isn't going to do them any justice and won't make them sound like their price demands.
 
The DT990 has a v-shaped sound signature, that is, lots of bass and treble while the midrange is recessed.

 

[Canadian411]

Agree, DT990s are the better value for the money if you can snatch it for around $300. However, DT990 has very fatigue trebles, more comfortable than Senn HD650, and more bass quantity.

If you are just starting in Audiophile world I suggest you DT990 low impedance ones, like 32 or 250.
Do not get the 600ohm, you will need to get a good amp and upgrade cables to balanced cables.


If you are looking to settle with one headphone, then I will say HD650, it's more neutral. If no money in question, then I will get HD650.


So there, you have some decision to make

 

[Hibuckhobby]

I own both and find I listen to the HD650's more.  I do have reasonably good
amps to run them with.  The bass on the Dt990 is stronger, but so are the highs,
which can make cymbals, horns, etc., really stand out...at times to the point of being
over bearing for me.   If you like a lot of highs, you should like them.
 
The Beyer has a wider soundstage and is very open although a bit recessed in the
midrange.  The midrange for the 650 is, to my ears, one of it's greatest strengths. 
BTW, I also have the 598s and while they are a very neutral phone, the bass is
rolled off compared to the other phones in question.
regards,
Hibuck...

 

[Canadian411]

Personally I prefer HD650

 

[fiman]

So basically for the E17 combo the Beyers are a better buy for 200 less? thanks for all the feedback

 

[Canadian411]

Regardless the amp, if you can find DT990 under $200 it's an awesome deal.
Make sure you are buying the premium not the pro version.

Any where are you getting this deal ? the cheapest I can find on the net is $329.99 plus tax and shipping.

 

[ProjectDenz]

Quote:

Regardless the amp, if you can find DT990 under $200 it's an awesome deal.
Make sure you are buying the premium not the pro version.

Any where are you getting this deal ? the cheapest I can find on the net is $329.99 plus tax and shipping.

 
I think the under $200 is for the pro version.

 

[fiman]

I live in sydney Australia and i would get them shipped form melbourne cost me $285 and the HD650 in my area are $499 i can get the Fiio for $150
 
yeah its the pro version but thats not much difference is it just aesthetically different?
 

 

[itsmefool2010]

hey fiman what is the name of the store where you can get 650HDs in sydney? thanks in advance

 

[MaximumRoom]

Did you forget about the HD600s?

 

[fiman]

Quote:

hey fiman what is the name of the store where you can get 650HDs in sydney? thanks in advance

The place is Les Wallis Audio its in Lane Cove they've got them and a few others including the 595s but no beyers have to order them off ebay at a store in melbourne
 
http://lenwallisaudio.com/

 

[ProjectDenz]

Quote:

The place is Les Wallis Audio its in Lane Cove they've got them and a few others including the 595s but no beyers have to order them off ebay at a store in melbourne
 
http://lenwallisaudio.com/

 
Nah the HD650 is vastly overpriced there, in fact, everything is vastly overpriced there...