Well they've arrived. I bought them in what I can only imagine was as an estate sale for a price too low to admit. They were also priced low because apparently the variable-bass dial didn't work but the seller admitted to not knowing anything about them. I think they didn't have the iOS / Android selector in the right position as it works fine. (or they didn't notice its effect! )
I took a gamble, but speculated that given how the VB is implemented, I probably wouldn't be getting a signal at all if they circuitry were damaged.
It took a few songs of adjustment, and I found that getting the right notch on the headband significantly helped the seal and comfort. My large ears
just fit into the cups. Pretty comfy, even with glasses. The pads are premium material.
My first impressions actually echo
@jude 's initial thread post of this headphone. I think he spoke very accurately about the relative strengths and areas that might be of a concern.
I'm going to do a comprehensive review of these eventually against the rest of my cans. They are definitely more exciting than my HD250s. The HD250 has an incredible natural tuning, whereas the 630vb is more stylized. The tuning of the 630vb seems to capture a bit of the diffuse-field (DF) curve but has a few peaks that bring a bit more perception of soundstage. It is a mix of audiophile tuning and consumer. It can make some tones a bit too hot, but time will tell. I would say the HD250 is more correct, still spacious and even less fatiguing.
The VB dial is actually brilliant. I mean, its kind crazy that this wasn't embraced and it sounds different than EQ (not that there is anything wrong with EQ). The VB dial is very handy if you listen to a range of music / media. This headphone is so versatile. It has enough brilliance and top-end to play with audiophile masters, but can handle modern music production with aplomb.
It's been said here already , and I understand now that the VB dial is tasteful. For the bassheads, dial on max is a just a little distorted and still not enough. On the lowest setting, it definitely below neutral. This is nowhere near a 'Beats' headphone that some here had mistakingly labelled it.
I did a quick test and the power handling of these headphones is very good, meaning they respond well to EQ. I got these to vibrate my entire head using a compensated EQ boost and my Objective 2 as an amp. Not sure how they would pass
@Hawaiibadboy paper test but I can say as an audiophile basshead they will please. The HD250's low-end will not respond the way this modern driver does. I don't think they reach as low as the LCD2, but their mild bass bump along with the dial give the bass just the right warmth. Certainly, putting on a well mastered bass track like BT - Artifacture IV gives you the kick you want. It also shows you that these ARE analytical headphones. This isn't a BestBuy Sennheiser.
No really, a Momentum isn't going to do what these do. The marketing for these headphones made them look like they were for DJs but they were for people like me (and maybe you?!) who listen to well-recorded FLAC classical, instrumental, electronic but also a range of other material.
I think they may edge out my D2000 in clarity but would be very close. The D2000 actually is more linear and brighter (but not fatally). Biocellulose bass has a different quality too. They have more presence than the D2000 and I feel are more spacious.
Ergonomically, enjoying the shorter cable. Good to know there is a way to replace it, but given on how it is implemented, it is still proprietary. I think had they made it terminate it a conventional 1/8in port this headphone would have sold better. Knowing how many times I've accidentally snagged my aftermarket cable on my MDR7520 only to have it safely popout, I'm a bit worried about the 630vb.
Right now enjoying these. For a closed can they do surprisingly well with classical and acoustic. Honestly, I think they do better with classical than they do with electronic and frankly, that is a good sign as I listen to many dynamic recordings. Listening to Rimsky-Korsakov - Scheherazade there is an upper brilliance that is required, but perhaps it is missing just a tad more high-end detail. HD700 takes a bit of a similar tuning, shelving some of the highest treble but still giving you enough presence. It comes across as a bit muted in comparison to something like the HD800. Not as bright as the Denon AH-D2000 (which also does well with classical recordings). What is there is very clear.
I know in the HD660S thread and Tyll's respective review there has been some criticism towards the new Sennheiser era of sound. i can respect that sentiment. The Amperior was too hyped yet very dynamic in comparison to the natural HD25. The HD250 is a closed headphone that is still more natural. It seems that Sennheiser didn't go as far as the Amperior with this model, but it is still divergent from the classical Senn sound (HD540, 250, 580, 600, 650).
I think that sums it up. They are still are 'sofa cans'. They straddle a fine line of excitement and natural tonality. They are an unusual mix of features, performance and tuning that I think is going to make them keepers. I'm really starting to sink into them, and they do a little bit of what the rest of my closed cans do without giving up much turf.
