[Amictus]

   
From your profile, it appears you have a decent source and choice of single ended, solid state amps. I'd look at a Bottlehead Crack with speedball to add the choice of tube goodness.
 
You really don't need to spend megabucks to hear the HD650 at its best. This notion that it transforms into an uber headphone is a remnant from when the HD650 was at the top and the market offered less choice in quality, affordable components (amps, dacs).
 
I understand the M-Dac has xlr outputs, so you could try going the balanced route to hear what the fuss is about. The Mjolnir is a fine amp for the HD650 in balanced mode. However, I'd only recommend that if you had other headphones for it (orthos perhaps down the track). Otherwise it's overkill, IMO. The HD650 ceiling isn't as vaunted as what some posts would have you believe.

Thank you, olor1n (Headphoneus Supremus, all hail!) I like the look of the Mjolnir. I am eventually thinking of the HD800s, but I will need to demo them somewhere. Thank you for your kind advice. First the source upgrade, then onwards and upwards, feeling and hearing my way.

 

[moriez]

Hey guys,
 
At one point I preferred the 650's over the 600's for guitar based music. They had this nice extra warm blanket which the 600 didn't. I decided to sell them both but now looking again and considering the 650 most eventhough I wasn't that content with them in the end. What comes to your minds when I want the step up from the 650's? Perhaps a little more weight signature-wise. And in the sane price bracket like give or take €500.

 

[Anavel0]

Maybe HiFiMAN HE500. I'd would have said LCD 2 but it's definitely pricier. I personally can't think of anything better than HD650 at HD650 price range.

 

[NilsTentacles]

Signing up for the club! HD650 arrived in the mail today and do they sound sweet

 

[Alexnova]

Maybe HiFiMAN HE500. I'd would have said LCD 2 but it's definitely pricier. I personally can't think of anything better than HD650 at HD650 price range.

 


Has anyone done any comparisions on the 650 vs the HE-500?

I own the HE-500, but I do like the Sennheiser sound for classical and gaming. If I was to get a 650 on sale for 319 or less would it be worth it?

 

[Anavel0]

The "battle of the flagships" thread has a great review of both. And I got my HD650 for $400 from Razordog audio. Which was a steal! So, if you can get them for less than that I say don't hesitate. They're a great addition to any headphone collect but at nearly $300 it's a no brainer.

 

[wolfetan44]

  Signing up for the club! HD650 arrived in the mail today and do they sound sweet

Better than your HE400's?

 

[NilsTentacles]

I don't have HE400. Sorry mate!

 

[wolfetan44]

  I don't have HE400. Sorry mate!

Oh, you made a last minute change to HD650 from K701.. Not HE400

 

[Lorspeaker]

  Hey guys,
 
At one point I preferred the 650's over the 600's for guitar based music. They had this nice extra warm blanket which the 600 didn't. I decided to sell them both but now looking again and considering the 650 most eventhough I wasn't that content with them in the end. What comes to your minds when I want the step up from the 650's? Perhaps a little more weight signature-wise. And in the sane price bracket like give or take €500.

 
add a silver plated copper cable to the hd650

 

[BloodyPenguin]

Mine arrived today and are still sitting brand new wrapped in the box. I was so excited when I ordered these. Though now I am hesitant to open them as I realized after reading this thread that I do not have anyway to drive them with.

Thinking I might just turn around and sell them here at a reasonable price. I wish I could keep them, but I just can not afford to buy a decent Amp and DAC to pair with them.

..

 

[Zalithian]

You can get a decent enough amp for like $100. The Schiit Magni.

 

[BloodyPenguin]

You can get a decent enough amp for like $100. The Schiit Magni.

 


I asked this quesiton before, but wouldn't I need a good DAC as well? Because my source is my desktop computer [FLAC Files of course].

 

[Zalithian]

It depends. Only if your current soundcard is really crappy and you notice interference or the sound is just bad. You can pick up the Modi for like $99, so about $200 for the modi/magni if you're on a budget and wanna keep the 650's. If you don't wanna invest an extra $200 then just return them or sell them.

 

[BloodyPenguin]

It depends. Only if your current soundcard is really crappy and you notice interference or the sound is just bad. You can pick up the Modi for like $99, so about $200 for the modi/magni if you're on a budget and wanna keep the 650's. If you don't wanna invest an extra $200 then just return them or sell them.

 


Yeah, my soundcard is pretty crappy and noisy. Thus why I run everything through my FiiO E07K, but those are not enough to drive the HD650.

Thanks for the info Zalithian, I will have to think about what to do....

..