[xzobinx]

you have to really like dark sound to love that combo. 
Quote:

I would highly recommend the audio gd NFB-12.  Best value amp/DAC combo in my opinion


 

 

 

[captouch]

you have to really like dark sound to love that combo. 


 

Agree, that combo is too dark/dull for me. NFB-12 is good for taming hot headphones - good with HE-5LE's and DT880's. Adds bass and smoothes highs at some minor impact to detail, but not too much.

 

[mac336]

I read all the stuff about the NFB-12 being a bad pairing with the HD-650 because of what you just said.  However, I did hours of comparing between the NFB-12 and nuforce icon HDP (which was supposed to be transparent).  And could not tell you any difference between the two which would warrant me having a preference of one over the other. The difference in sound i heard between the two amps was very very small; insignificant to my ears and definately not justifiable of paying extra $ for the HDP.  
 
That's not to say I wouldn't recognize the  NFB/hd650 pairing as not good if I was comparing it with a different, brighter  amp .   

 

[captouch]

I read all the stuff about the NFB-12 being a bad pairing with the HD-650 because of what you just said.  However, I did hours of comparing between the NFB-12 and nuforce icon HDP (which was supposed to be transparent).  And could not tell you any difference between the two which would warrant me having a preference of one over the other. The difference in sound i heard between the two amps was very very small; insignificant to my ears and definately not justifiable of paying extra $ for the HDP.  
 
That's not to say I wouldn't recognize the  NFB/hd650 pairing as not good if I was comparing it with a different, brighter  amp .   

If you get a chance to listen to them with Bottlehead Crack w/Speedball, check out the combo. Very nice and significantly better than the NFB-12 pairing IMO.

 

[telecaster]

The amp is like 100% more important in the chain than the dac according the later is a good one, even older.

The HD 650 scales so well with a good amp!

 

[mac336]

bottlehead crack is a better tube amp than lyr or vahalla with the 650?

 

[captouch]

bottlehead crack is a better tube amp than lyr or vahalla with the 650?

I haven't heard the Schiit products, so can't say which is better, but Crack has very nice synergy with HD650's.

 

[peanuthead]

Crack + HD650 = excellent combo.  Seriously good.

 

[aroldan]

+1
Quote:

Crack + HD650 = excellent combo.  Seriously good.

 

 

[ImperialX]

Quote:

bottlehead crack is a better tube amp than lyr or vahalla with the 650?

Crack is a great choice, but Asgard also has a unique and great sound with the 650.

 

[telecaster]

Go tube with HD 650, that's a no brainer! Excellent synergy with my tube amp!

 

[mac336]

How exactly does crack improve the HD-650sound ?    And what would be a complimentary dac for it?

 

[ri_toast]

Quote:

Go tube with HD 650, that's a no brainer! Excellent synergy with my tube amp!

this is a little funny, i went to buy a tube amp and auditioned it with the previous owners HD 600s. I listened for a few moments and within a week bought a 600 because they sounded so nice together. i am so convinced that tube and Sennheiser = good match
 
 

 

[Austin Morrow]

The X-DAC + HA-160DS is an absolutely monstrous combo. Sounds incredible. Much bigger soundstage, awesome layering, very sparkly treble, and pretty darn good resolution.

 

[visim91]

Before I jump the gun & make a purchase, does anyone know of any potential driver or product updates to the HD650?
 
I ask because headphones are ancillary to my loudspeakers; therefore, I don't mind waiting.
 
I am aware of the HD700.
 
 
-
 
Also, is ~$350 a fair price for a new pair of these Sennheisers'?