[satanigatan]

Quote:

http://www.audioquest.com/usb_digital_analog_converter/dragonfly-dac

 
 
I saw this when searching, and just assumed you guys meant something else. Excuse my ignorance, but I believe this is for converting the music to digital to analog.
 
Don't I still need the electrical output to power up my HD-650s? Again, sorry for not understanding. Really appreciate the help guys.

 

[BBBS]

Just going back to the HD650s and their bass; are you guys sure you're amping them properly? I use a fairly expensive CMoy or a Cambridge 650 known for its good headphone stage, and I've never had a problem with them, but if you drive them from something like a Macbook or an iPod they sound anaemic.
 
'Phones like the Amperior and ER4 sound superficially bassier, but they just don't have it; it's fake bass that's like a loud thud without proper definition. I imagine this is what the Sony XB are like: loud but not extended or accurate. Seriously, guys. Try some Cinematic Orchestra or Boards of Canada or whatever you like, and it's all there. I normally listen with a REL sub, and unless I turn the "fake bass for parties" switch which puts a lump in the 50-60Hz region, they sound identical.

 

[imackler]

I put this thread in the amp section but you all may the best to help me! 
 
 
I'm looking for a budget amp for HD650 better than O2, E9, Asgard, P4...
 
Yup, I'm a picky one. All of the above amps are fine. But I still think I liked my Just Audio AHA-120 (now sold off... sigh) better than all of the above amps w/ the HD650. The dynamics of the AHA-120 were just really good for a portable and I thought I'd have no problem getting a budget desktop better than a portable, since I didn't need an expensive portable amp! I really liked the synergy between the AHA-120 and the HD650. It was a remarkably transparent amp that still had some sparkle in the treble and heft in the bass, while letting the HD650 mids be themselves. It was a winner and now I need to replace it. 
 
I know lots of you haven't heard the AHA-120 but here I am. The O2 was not bad but felt thin and constrained; the E9, Asgard and P4 were all fine, with lots of raw power but were lacking finesse. They all seemed less nuanced than the AHA-120. 
 
I've read a ton of threads. What am I missing? Am I out of options? 
 
Probably looking under $200, with maybe some flex. I've got an ODAC now but I'd be willing to get a combo unit if it were the best option ($300-350). No desire for it to be portable, though am fine if it is. 

 

[longbowbbs]

Quote:

Just going back to the HD650s and their bass; are you guys sure you're amping them properly? I use a fairly expensive CMoy or a Cambridge 650 known for its good headphone stage, and I've never had a problem with them, but if you drive them from something like a Macbook or an iPod they sound anaemic.
 
'Phones like the Amperior and ER4 sound superficially bassier, but they just don't have it; it's fake bass that's like a loud thud without proper definition. I imagine this is what the Sony XB are like: loud but not extended or accurate. Seriously, guys. Try some Cinematic Orchestra or Boards of Canada or whatever you like, and it's all there. I normally listen with a REL sub, and unless I turn the "fake bass for parties" switch which puts a lump in the 50-60Hz region, they sound identical.

Go listen to the SACD of Pink Floyd's "Time" on DSOTM. Plenty of good solid bass with the HD650's. They will give quality for quality.

 

[RushNerd]

Quote:

Go listen to the SACD of Pink Floyd's "Time" on DSOTM. Plenty of good solid bass with the HD650's. They will give quality for quality.

I think I heard that was one of the "compressed" masters. Obviously there a huge amount of discussion on PF album versions but I swear I heard the mastering on the SACD was not great or just really loud.
 
Then again I just bought The Wall CD from 1987, avoiding all the much louder copies after that

 

[TMRaven]

I get tired of people pulling the amping card when trying to defend the HD650 and their lack of sub-bass.  
 
They lack sub-bass.  Case closed.

 

[nicholars]

Quote:

Hiho!
 
I've had my HD650s for over a year now and I'm very happy with them.
 
Recently a friend asked me to recommend new headphones for <$100 to him and he went and bought one of my recommendations, the Creative Aurvana Lives. Of course I insisted on auditioning them. I found them to be rather congested on complex tracks but they have a beautiful sub-bass, which since then I have found lacking in my HD 650s...
 
Anyone in a similar position? Have you found any remedies?
 
I was thinking of buying a DT 990 Pro soon for movies and games. Maybe I should save up a little and buy... what? Ideally something that can wholly replace the HD 650, but how realisti is that?
 
I guess this isn't quite "appreciation" I'm doing here, but I didn't want to open yet another thread

 
Either appreciate the good qualities of the HD650 and try to ignore the lack of sub bass or prepare to spend £400+ to get some headphones with similar mids / treble quality and sub bass as well.... Or just keep the HD650 and buy a pair of basshead closed phones such as Denon D2000/D5000/D7000

 

[metalsonata]

Off-topic, but Connnorrr, the Deltron 3030 reference in your signature makes you my Hero of the Week. Congratulations!

 

[Katun]

Quote:

I get tired of people pulling the amping card when trying to defend the HD650 and their lack of sub-bass.  
 
They lack sub-bass.  Case closed.

 
What's to defend?

 

[nicholars]

My opinion after multiple faffing about with various headphones is that you should just appreciate the HD650 for what they are good at and buy another pair of headphones for bass unless you want to spend lots of money for a single pair of all rounders with similar refinement to the HD650... Because there are not any headphones in the HD650 price range or even a fair amount more which have equal quality refinement and also sub bass response.

 

[BBBS]

Could somebody post one of these sub-bass tracks so I can decide whether or not I need to start shopping for more headphones?
 
If anybody posts something to the effect of 90s Chicago house or bad dubstep I may break out the Air Miles and come to personally insult them, so you have been warned.
 

 
Something like this?

 

[longbowbbs]

Quote:

I think I heard that was one of the "compressed" masters. Obviously there a huge amount of discussion on PF album versions but I swear I heard the mastering on the SACD was not great or just really loud.
 
Then again I just bought The Wall CD from 1987, avoiding all the much louder copies after that

This copy is about 20 years old. I got it when it came out. So, I have NO idea. It sure sounds good though...

 

[Migou67]

This graph can perhaps explain why a good amplification is needed for better bass ?
 

 
I dont talk about sub-bass of course !

 

[nicholars]

If you listen to mainly electronic music and dubstep etc. then I don't think you would be happy with the HD650. Get some Denon D5000.

 

[Migou67]

The HD-650 was never designed for basshead people, the HE-400 has I read can be a better compromise.