[Zuvio]

What's your reference/benchmark? How did you drive them and with which sources, genres of music? Your profile is empty so I have no idea what headphones you were/are exposed to. But if you don't like the HD650 that's fine too. Lacking air at the top end. Well, I really wonder what your reference is. I have T90, T1, HE-560, LCD-2F, D7100, K7XX and other headphones and don't find it to be the case.

But then it's hard to tell without knowing anything about the listening conditions.

Cheers,
K

 
I purchased FiiO X3 II, but i used a FiiO X5 II at the shop to audition HD650, with lineout through to FiiO E12a special edition (provided by shop of course), and he the shop owner gave me special high profile headphone cable for the test. I'm umming and ahhing, can't decide. I will do test again, but whether i grab HD600 or HD650 i'll have to loan some money LOL, but i have to have. This whole rivalry between 650-600 is quite interesting, but sure enough a listen will capture the personal preference i guess.
 
I used CD music from WAV file: 80's classics, 90's EDM, and more recent tracks, i don't dig mp3-AAC.

 

[Solrighal]

   
I purchased FiiO X3 II, but i used a FiiO X5 II at the shop to audition HD650, with lineout through to FiiO E12a special edition (provided by shop of course), and he the shop owner gave me special high profile headphone cable for the test. I'm umming and ahhing, can't decide. I will do test again, but whether i grab HD600 or HD650 i'll have to loan some money LOL, but i have to have. This whole rivalry between 650-600 is quite interesting, but sure enough a listen will capture the personal preference i guess.
 
I used CD music from WAV file: 80's classics, 90's EDM, and more recent tracks, i don't dig mp3-AAC.

 
If you're thinking of buying the E12a I wouldn't. That particular model is designed for use with IEM's. The regular E12 is a better bet for the HD 650.

 

[Zuvio]

   
If you're thinking of buying the E12a I wouldn't. That particular model is designed for use with IEM's. The regular E12 is a better bet for the HD 650.

 
 
The "Special Edition" E12A is rated for 300ohm. When i tested, it drove the HD600/650 beautifully! My audio man is experienced, he endorses the E12A for it's performance at great value.

 

[iancraig10]

I think the e12a power level is approximately half of the e12. At least, that's what I read on a Headfi thread about the e12a. I'm not certain, so it might be as well to check output of the E12 and E12a. Makes sense if it's meant for iem use.

The other consideration is the socket. It's a small jack so that also necessitates an adapted for the hd650 which is a slight nuisance.

I have an e12 but for full size plugs I swap to an Ifi Micro or their little nano amp.

If you're not bothered about plug ... O2?

 

[Zuvio]

I think the e12a power level is approximately half of the e12. At least, that's what I read on a Headfi thread about the e12a. I'm not certain, so it might be as well to check output of the E12 and E12a. Makes sense if it's meant for iem use.

The other consideration is the socket. It's a small jack so that also necessitates an adapted for the hd650 which is a slight nuisance.

I have an e12 but for full size plugs I swap to an Ifi Micro or their little nano amp.

If you're not bothered about plug ... O2?

 
From FiiO website in the specs for E12A Special Edition...

Drive ability

16~300 Ω (recommend)

 

[joebobbilly]

Note, you are planning to drive a headphone at the maximum range/limit of their "recommended" impedance.
 
EDIT: Even Fiio themselves market and sell this as an IEM amp... the HD650 is pretty darn far from IEM's in the scope of headphones.
 
TBH... Fiio is good bang for buck.
 
But if you get an amp with more oomph... it'll tighten up the performance of the HD650s. The general consensus here is that these cans will scale well if you get a higher quality amp. Typically one that will output more voltage (to my limited understanding).

 

[Syliano]

  Note, you are planning to drive a headphone at the maximum range/limit of their "recommended" impedance.
 
EDIT: Even Fiio themselves market and sell this as an IEM amp... the HD650 is pretty darn far from IEM's in the scope of headphones.
 
TBH... Fiio is good bang for buck.
 
But if you get an amp with more oomph... it'll tighten up the performance of the HD650s. The general consensus here is that these cans will scale well if you get a higher quality amp. Typically one that will output more voltage (to my limited understanding).

Fiio E7+E9 with the HD650 here, couldn't be happier

 

[iancraig10]

From FiiO website in the specs for E12A Special Edition...

Drive ability

16~300 Ω (recommend)

[tr] [/tr]

Yes, I saw that. Well, I can drive the hd650 with an IPod, no amp.

A file with a wide dynamic range might get the amp to run out of steam on peaks so it gets a little compressed. Good luck with it.

However, it looks like your mind is set on the 12a, so I'm sure you'll be happy with it,

 

[HAWKEYE7]

I just received a pair of HD650's I picked up off EBAY. Well broken in and sounding great. I Tried using my  FiiO X5 II and if I put the volume all the way up it gets the HD650s up to a reasonable level. It certainly does not come close to getting them up to what I would call maximum or even loud, just a reasonable listening sound level. I'm going to have to see if adding my JDSLABS cMoyBB v2.03 to the mix helps.
I'll post again regarding the HD650s after listening some more.

 

[SieB]

  I just received a pair of HD650's I picked up off EBAY. Well broken in and sounding great. I Tried using my  FiiO X5 II and if I put the volume all the way up it gets the HD650s up to a reasonable level. It certainly does not come close to getting them up to what I would call maximum or even loud, just a reasonable listening sound level. I'm going to have to see if adding my JDSLABS cMoyBB v2.03 to the mix helps.
I'll post again regarding the HD650s after listening some more.

 
Do you have your X5 set to high gain?  I have used mine with my X3 II on high gain and they get pretty loud. Obviously not as loud as if they were being properly amped but still loud. 

 

[Solrighal]

The "Special Edition" E12A is rated for 300ohm. When i tested, it drove the HD600/650 beautifully! My audio man is experienced, he endorses the E12A for it's performance at great value.

Does he not have regular E12's in stock? He's talking rubbish.

 

[Arniesb]

I am really very impressed by HD650 even on fiio e12... Don't know if need T1 as planned, but it would be perfect replacement of DT990 on live performances, gaming and movies right? I also have a dumb mind... If i whould buy HD800 and use it on live showings. Put V shape eq when gaming and watching movies, also add some kind of dolby software. It whould be epic experience i think!? Because huge soundstage + V shape = Cinematic experience. Or maybe i whould be just as happy with t1 on these things?

 

[mysony1]

Dear all,

Need some advice with ak380+hd650.

Thinking of matching with destop amp Mass Kobo 404, is that a good combo?

 

[bracko]

   
I listened to the 650 intently today alongside many other headphones. It has moderate veil: dark, warmish, lacking 'air' in the top end, and bass is a bit grungy/boomy,. All this adds up to less than satisfactory for me. Now i know why people prefer HD600.

Five minutes ago I AB:ed between my HE500, HD650 and T90. I don't experience any vail. What are your "other" headphones you are talking about?

 

[Arniesb]

Five minutes ago I AB:ed between my HE500, HD650 and T90. I don't experience any vail. What are your "other" headphones you are talking about?

Same here, i can see that highs have less wolume, but they are almost as clear as my DT990. Atleast on high quality recordings...