[Fuzziekiwi]

I have always found a headphone is either too bright or too dark, but the HD650 hits that sweet spot, although a tiny bit on the warm side. 

 

[Byronb]

Agreed Fuzz!!!

 

[Fuzziekiwi]

Comparing my HD558 to HD650, listening to "A Day To Remember - If It Means a Lot to You", when the guitars come in at 3:10 they are so much better on the 650's. Wow. On my 558's, it sounds so congested like the bass starts to take over the whole guitar, cymbals seem to be farther back, not as audible but there. 

 

[CanadianMaestro]

  I have always found a headphone is either too bright or too dark, but the HD650 hits that sweet spot, although a tiny bit on the warm side. 

 
very true, no such single "perfect" HP. that's why we have multiple HPs.
 
https://sites.google.com/site/audiomeisterssystem/audio-components/headphones
https://sites.google.com/site/audiomeisterssystem/audio-components/sennheiser-650
https://sites.google.com/site/audiomeisterssystem/audio-components/audeze-lcd2
https://sites.google.com/site/audiomeisterssystem/audio-components/grado

 

[JacobLee89]

 
no worries, different people hear different things. but one thing is noted by many headphoners: Grados are crystal clear, 650 is clouded, even with the most transparent amps. 650 never sounded "real" to me, compared to PS500 and LCD-2, especially with strings and percussion cymbals. that "shine", thump,  and sparkle on cymbals and drum strikes  aren't realistic on the 650. it's not a bad phone, it's just not the first choice for purists who like transparency and honesty in music reproduction. And forget Senn's ads hailing their 600/650 as the choice of recording engineers. that's fantasy.
 
cheers, holiday here in nirvana, so got some catching up to do with my ps500 and 650:
 

 
 

 
Senn's ads' hailing their HD600/650's as the choice of recording engineers? As much as I like the HD650s I find that rather humorous.

 

[CanadianMaestro]

   
  I thought about the LCD-2, especially since I can have them for cheap (compared to their retail price), but I'm really worried about their comfort. I can wear my cans a long time and from what I read, their weight is probably going to be an issue.

yes,  I use my LCD-2 as a doorstop between listening sessions....

with time, mine loosened up in the headband, so it's not too bad. but I always know I have it on my head....

 

[CanadianMaestro]

   
Senn's ads' hailing their HD600/650's as the choice of recording engineers? As much as I like the HD650s I find that rather humorous.

Every maker wants to sell their 'wares. Not exactly false advertising, but yeah, it is far-fetched.

 

[Fuzziekiwi]

 

   
Senn's ads' hailing their HD600/650's as the choice of recording engineers? As much as I like the HD650s I find that rather humorous.

Every maker wants to sell their 'wares. Not exactly false advertising, but yeah, it is far-fetched.

 
 

 

 
no worries, different people hear different things. but one thing is noted by many headphoners: Grados are crystal clear, 650 is clouded, even with the most transparent amps. 650 never sounded "real" to me, compared to PS500 and LCD-2, especially with strings and percussion cymbals. that "shine", thump,  and sparkle on cymbals and drum strikes  aren't realistic on the 650. it's not a bad phone, it's just not the first choice for purists who like transparency and honesty in music reproduction. And forget Senn's ads hailing their 600/650 as the choice of recording engineers. that's fantasy.
 
cheers, holiday here in nirvana, so got some catching up to do with my ps500 and 650:
 

 
 

 
Senn's ads' hailing their HD600/650's as the choice of recording engineers? As much as I like the HD650s I find that rather humorous.

Some people actually do use them.. Riot Games (League of Legends company) actually uses 650's. Shouldn't they be using monitors anyways? But to have another reference like a headphone I assume would be nice. 

 
 
I've also seen Devin Townsend, a metal vocalist, using them too.
  

 

[amirhosein]

Is it logical to run and LCD-X through x5 or x5+12? How would it sound compared to an HD650 ran through a fair tube amp and x5?

 

[skeptic]

If only teo audio made an hd650 cable, then we could all sit around and talk about how "liquid" it sounds 

  http://www.teoaudio.com/about.php  And look, they don't even have to use hazmat labeling on the case anymore!  http://www.teoaudio.com/technical.php  As noted by Doc B on the bottlehead general forums, it isn't just expensive, it also has lower conductivity than lead!  

 

[CanadianMaestro]

  Is it logical to run and LCD-X through x5 or x5+12? How would it sound compared to an HD650 ran through a fair tube amp and x5?

Nothing in hi-end audio is "logical", my friend

 
IMO, a Fiio X5 would not drive an LCD-X to its max potential. It's a planar mag driver. Not a power issue, just that intangible called "musicality". Sounds too clinical and neutral. Loses some warmth that LCD's are superb for. But use solid-state for LCD-X. Should sound better than 650 + tube. Too much warmth pairing 650 with tubes. imo.

 

[Sonic Defender]

  Nothing in hi-end audio is "logical", my friend

 
IMO, a Fiio X5 would not drive an LCD-X to its max potential. It's a planar mag driver. Not a power issue, just that intangible called "musicality". Sounds too clinical and neutral. Loses some warmth that LCD's are superb for. But use solid-state for LCD-X. Should sound better than 650 + tube. Too much warmth pairing 650 with tubes. imo.

I agree, too much warmth with tubes/650. I did like my 650s when I had them with the Schiit Valhalla, but they were significantly more enjoyable through my SS Auditor. No matter what anybody says (and few deny it) there is a slight rolling off of treble at the top, and this is problematic to varying degrees depending on the listener. For some, there is no issue, for others, such as myself, even with a very accomplished and neutral solid state amp (Auditor) I just couldn't get past feeling something was missing. I can only imagine that tubes are going to exaggerate this at least somewhat. Again, please understand this is a very subjective thing and some people may just love the 650s on tubes; whatever floats your boat as they say.

 

[CanadianMaestro]

Yep, that's the phrase I hear most often about 650 -- "something's missing" [highs, air].  It's why I reach for LCD-2 and Grados with some of my music. As you said, whatever floats your boat. Democracy and choice are alive and well in headphone audio!

Off to listen to music. cheerio.

 

[madwolfa]

Well guys. Just ordered LCD-2. Let's see what happens.

 

[Wildcatsare1]

Well guys. Just ordered LCD-2. Let's see what happens.

Congratulations!!!! Now we are all going to expect a detailed review , seriously, enjoy, I look forward to reading your perspectives on the LCD-2 versus your 650.