[ScOgLiO]

I like my HD600 better with my Valahalla 2 and WE396A's (tubes), but I like my HD650 with my Jotunheim (SS), balanced. Both of these systems are equally as dynamic and punchy. The tubes do have a bit wider soundstage. It really does depend on the tubes used.

This is exactly what I experienced with 600 and 650. I also found 600 work better with OTL tubes and 650 work better with SSs.

So, was I right in assuming that tubes (depending on which kind of tube, sure, but let me simplify a bit) might give a warmer sound to the 600?
Since you both prefer a SS amp with the HD650 (which is warmer than the 600 from the start), I guess that might balance the two headphones -> a warmer 600 and a more balanced 650

I thought I was done for a while, but I guess you never really stop tweaking with audio stuff, do you? Haha

 

[yangian]

So, was I right in assuming that tubes (depending on which kind of tube, sure, but let me simplify a bit) might give a warmer sound to the 600?
Since you both prefer a SS amp with the HD650 (which is warmer than the 600 from the start), I guess that might balance the two headphones -> a warmer 600 and a more balanced 650

I thought I was done for a while, but I guess you never really stop tweaking with audio stuff, do you? Haha

Might be. I'm not quite sure since I didn't keep 650.
And I'm almost done. haha

 

[Midgetguy]

Might be. I'm not quite sure since I didn't keep 650.
And I'm almost done. haha

For maybe a few months or so

 

[hyperactiveaudiophile]

Waiting on my Massdrop Darkvoice 336SE, it won’t start shipping until May.

 

[DavidA]

So, was I right in assuming that tubes (depending on which kind of tube, sure, but let me simplify a bit) might give a warmer sound to the 600?
Since you both prefer a SS amp with the HD650 (which is warmer than the 600 from the start), I guess that might balance the two headphones -> a warmer 600 and a more balanced 650

I thought I was done for a while, but I guess you never really stop tweaking with audio stuff, do you? Haha

I prefer my HD650 with a tube amp (BH Crack) and it doesn't make the HD650 overly warm but this is were personal preference comes into play. You might want to try the Loki with your HD600 first since many who have it like that its more flexible than going with tubes and will work with most gear.

I have one friend who only has the HD650 and HD700 along with a Icon HP-8 mk2 and to her its a end game setup but she did have a HD600 for a few years but sold it since the HD700 was close to the HD600 to her but had better sound stage, bass, imaging and instrument separation to her.

 

[ScOgLiO]

I prefer my HD650 with a tube amp (BH Crack) and it doesn't make the HD650 overly warm but this is were personal preference comes into play. You might want to try the Loki with your HD600 first since many who have it like that its more flexible than going with tubes and will work with most gear.

I have one friend who only has the HD650 and HD700 along with a Icon HP-8 mk2 and to her its a end game setup but she did have a HD600 for a few years but sold it since the HD700 was close to the HD600 to her but had better sound stage, bass, imaging and instrument separation to her.

Yeah, I see how something like a Loki could well change the character of headphones!
I'll study for a while and we'll see if and what new piece of audio gear I'll end up buying

 

[yangian]

For maybe a few months or so

hahaha

 

[kousik1946]

Are the HD 600 pads and HD 650 pads same? I want to buy hd 650 pads. Will those fit to HD 600?

 

[Wes S]

So, was I right in assuming that tubes (depending on which kind of tube, sure, but let me simplify a bit) might give a warmer sound to the 600?
Since you both prefer a SS amp with the HD650 (which is warmer than the 600 from the start), I guess that might balance the two headphones -> a warmer 600 and a more balanced 650

I thought I was done for a while, but I guess you never really stop tweaking with audio stuff, do you? Haha

Are the HD 600 pads and HD 650 pads same? I want to buy hd 650 pads. Will those fit to HD 600?

Yes. They are the same.

 

[ibage]

I didn't say "warm", David. The term I used is "soft". Pure tube amplifiers always (I think, even Valhalla 2) soften the sound, therefore sound more musical.

I really wouldnt say that about the Valhalla 2. It did widen the soundstage and get rid of the "veil" on the HD600, but on the HD700, it just seemed to emphasize the inherent qualities of them. The Valhalla 2 is a strange beast in that regard. At least this is the case with stock tubes.

 

[DavidA]

I really wouldnt say that about the Valhalla 2. It did widen the soundstage and get rid of the "veil" on the HD600, but on the HD700, it just seemed to emphasize the inherent qualities of them. The Valhalla 2 is a strange beast in that regard. At least this is the case with stock tubes.

You might be the first to say the HD600 has a "veil" but I think the term is miss used based on the definition provided in the glossary of audio terms here on Head-Fi, I would say the better description would be to say the highs are rolled off a bit versus using the term "veiled", IMO.

 

[yangian]

I really wouldnt say that about the Valhalla 2. It did widen the soundstage and get rid of the "veil" on the HD600, but on the HD700, it just seemed to emphasize the inherent qualities of them. The Valhalla 2 is a strange beast in that regard. At least this is the case with stock tubes.

What did you mean of hd700 with V2?

 

[ibage]

What did you mean of hd700 with V2?

The Valhalla 2 seems to enhance the qualities of each headphone. It was more detailed, the soundstage was wider, and the separation was much more noticeable. They were also a bit brighter. This might have been because theyre only 150ohm whereas the HD600 is 300ohm, but what Im saying is the Valhalla 2 seems to be a fairly neutral amp, especially for a tube amp. But again, I say this with stock tubes. It really reminded me of my Mk1 Asgard.

You might be the first to say the HD600 has a "veil" but I think the term is miss used based on the definition provided in the glossary of audio terms here on Head-Fi, I would say the better description would be to say the highs are rolled off a bit versus using the term "veiled", IMO.

This is why I put it in quotation marks. Its an easier sentiment to explain

 

[RADI0HEAD]

Can I join the club too? Amazon delivered my HD600 today! Wow they sound fantastic straight into my Note 8 and amateur radio too. They were very tight at first and I don't even have a big head. Needed to stretch them a bit.

 

[Midgetguy]

Can I join the club too? Amazon delivered my HD600 today! Wow they sound fantastic straight into my Note 8 and amateur radio too. They were very tight at first and I don't even have a big head. Needed to stretch them a bit.

Yeah, the HD600s have a bit of clamping force at first. Extend them all the way, then gently bend the metal arms until you're left with the desired amount of clamping force. Mine are quite comfortable these days after I did that a week or so after I bought them a few years back.