[joebobbilly]

Don't expect a big change with cables. When I bought my senns it came with 3 aftermarket cables. I could not hear any changes at all.

 
Let's not go there in this thread.
 
@vegasf1 the HD650 with a Schiit stack can easily be considered endgame by the majority of the regular population... enjoy!!

 

[grrraymond]

In the absence of a Bottlehead Crack, I'm considering the Little Dot Mk3. I'm on an E7/E9 combo at the moment. Just wondering whether this would be a meaningful upgrade or if I should just bide my time and get the Crack?

 

[James-uk]

I've been doing some sighted A/B comparisons with odac /O2 and HDVD800 using HD800 and 650s . I own both Amps and I really wanted the HDVD to be clearly better . My conclusion is they sound practically the same and any difference is so marginal I can't easily notice it. I do use the multi inputs on the HDVD800 so I use it over the O2/odac but for USB audio only you can't go wrong with the O2/odac.

 

[tdockweiler]

I've been doing some sighted A/B comparisons with odac /O2 and HDVD800 using HD800 and 650s . I own both Amps and I really wanted the HDVD to be clearly better . My conclusion is they sound practically the same and any difference is so marginal I can't easily notice it. I do use the multi inputs on the HDVD800 so I use it over the O2/odac but for USB audio only you can't go wrong with the O2/odac.

 
I liked the O2 for the HD-650 as well and should have kept it. Some say the O2 isn't enough for the HD-650 but that's nonsense IMO.
I think my two favorite budget amps for the HD-650 are the Micro Amp and O2. This is under $350. There's a good chance I might fail a blind test between those unless I loop some of my favorite tracks.

 

[joebobbilly]

I've been doing some sighted A/B comparisons with odac /O2 and HDVD800 using HD800 and 650s . I own both Amps and I really wanted the HDVD to be clearly better . My conclusion is they sound practically the same and any difference is so marginal I can't easily notice it. I do use the multi inputs on the HDVD800 so I use it over the O2/odac but for USB audio only you can't go wrong with the O2/odac.

 
Are you using Single ended for both? I could not imagine there being a small difference if you're using balanced.

 

[upstateguy]

   
I liked the O2 for the HD-650 as well and should have kept it. Some say the O2 isn't enough for the HD-650 but that's nonsense IMO.
I think my two favorite budget amps for the HD-650 are the Micro Amp and O2. This is under $350. There's a good chance I might fail a blind test between those unless I loop some of my favorite tracks.

 
I agree.  When I compared my North Star 192 /  GS-1 rig to the North Star 192 / O2 rig I also felt I would fail a blind test. 
 
Regarding power, I rarely need more than a 9 o'clock volume setting on low gain with the O2.  It turned out to be a fantastic amp. 
 
The O2 may be budget in price but the sound is absolutely crystal clear, uncolored, high end.

 

[James-uk]

single ended for both, not tried comparisons with balanced....... Yet. Not sure if i want to. My wallet might not like the result!

 

[foreign]

In the absence of a Bottlehead Crack, I'm considering the Little Dot Mk3. I'm on an E7/E9 combo at the moment. Just wondering whether this would be a meaningful upgrade or if I should just bide my time and get the Crack?

The little dot mk3 is a nice amp, tube rolli g can get addictive and brings different sound improvements. However I've been happy with the little dot for its performance/price point. I am going to upgrade to a woo audio, I haven't heard the crack but good amps do pair well with the hd650's, apparently the crack does a fantastic job at driving the senns.

 

[joebobbilly]

  single ended for both, not tried comparisons with balanced....... Yet. Not sure if i want to. My wallet might not like the result!

 
You already went HDVD800 and the HD800. How much more could 2 cables hurt? =P
 
Easiest way (if you're hardcore against getting a "better" cable)... just get a friend who's handy with soldering and reterminate the stock cables. XLR plugs are cheap.
 
EDIT: I doubt you'd regret it... bit of shame to not go balanced if you've paid the premium for a balanced amp/DAC

 

[bracko]

A full balanced system will give some benefits to the sound. Transitions between balanced and unbalanced on the other hand will outweigh any benefits. Just my 2c

 

[scolaiw]

Some days I marvel at the insane detail and neutrality of the HD 800, other days they just sound lifeless and boring. It's on those days that I pick up my 650s and remember why I fell in love with them in the first place. 

HD 650 = high school sweetheart
HD 800 = high maintenance trophy wife

 

[Textfeud]

Good thing I'm not ready to get married

 

[MattTCG]

  Some days I marvel at the insane detail and neutrality of the HD 800, other days they just sound lifeless and boring. It's on those days that I pick up my 650s and remember why I fell in love with them in the first place. 

HD 650 = high school sweetheart
HD 800 = high maintenance trophy wife

 
Why not do what I did and marry your high school GF...=Orpheus  

 

[foreign]

Anyone had a chance to listen to the black cube lehmann? I got the chance to listen too it for a few hours today with the hd650,hd700 & hd800. It's a really good amp a little out of my price range but it really had nice detail and very neutral. I've always used a tube amp for the hd650's but considering purchasing an ss. Nice soundstage no fatigue. It was the first time I've heard the hd800 for some reason I actually preferred the 700's. I only brought 2cd,s to listen too both were jazz. been smiling all day

 

[all300b]

Some days I marvel at the insane detail and neutrality of the HD 800, other days they just sound lifeless and boring. It's on those days that I pick up my 650s and remember why I fell in love with them in the first place. 

HD 650 = high school sweetheart
HD 800 = high maintenance trophy wife 

 
So, you listen to the 650s most of the time but keep a pair of 800s on the side?