[Gandah]

  The HD 800 S has replaced both the HD 650 and HD 800 for me. On my setup, the bass of the HD 800 S even hits deeper than the HD 650 (the HD 650 has limited sub bass??).
 
On very old recording, the HD 650 still works better however. But I don't listen to very old recordings.
 
But if you like the HD 650 very much and you are still in your return period for the HD 800 S, try out the Hifiman Edition-X. Personally I'd say the Hifiman Edition-X is a more direct upgrade from the HD 650 since it's also a fun sounding headphone (good planar bass and laidback treble) while the HD 800 S is a neutral headphone.

The funny thing is when buying the HD800 S I gave the HE1K a audition and thought it had HD650 similarities, so the HE-X must be even more so.....hmmmm Interesting.....
 
Agree with your findings with the HD800 S bass and how HD650 wins at being more forgiving on lesser quality music. I still prefer HD650s for rock just does it a little bit smoother.

 

[mysticstryk]

I agree the HE-X is a pretty good upgrade path from the HD650 as it has some similar sonic qualities.  I quite enjoyed my time with them, however felt they were just a little overpriced at the standard msrp.

 

[DavidA]

  I agree the HE-X is a pretty good upgrade path from the HD650 as it has some similar sonic qualities.  I quite enjoyed my time with them, however felt they were just a little overpriced at the standard msrp.

I like your definition of "just a little overpriced", to me the HE-X is overpriced by quite a bit and the HE-1K even more, but this is just my opinion.

 

[mysticstryk]

  I like your definition of "just a little overpriced", to me the HE-X is overpriced by quite a bit and the HE-1K even more, but this is just my opinion.

 
I was trying to be gentle with my wording, haha. 

 

[DavidA]

   
I was trying to be gentle with my wording, haha. 

I know

 

[rgs9200m]

I've often felt that the HD650 and HD800 sound so different it's hard to believe they are from the same company. The HD800 was a major departure for Sennheiser IMHO. I think they should work on a "better" 650 just to see what they could come up with.

 

[mysticstryk]

  I've often felt that the HD650 and HD800 sound so different it's hard to believe they are from the same company. The HD800 was a major departure for Sennheiser IMHO. I think they should work on a "better" 650 just to see what they could come up with.

 
I'd be one of the first in line.  
 
Still like the HD800 though.

 

[DavidA]

  I've often felt that the HD650 and HD800 sound so different it's hard to believe they are from the same company. The HD800 was a major departure for Sennheiser IMHO. I think they should work on a "better" 650 just to see what they could come up with.

I think that is why many have asked in this thread what is an upgrade to the HD-650
 
 

 
I'd be one of the first in line.  
 
Still like the HD800 though.

I'll be second in line and I still like the HD-800 for what it is also.

 

[Gandah]

  I've often felt that the HD650 and HD800 sound so different it's hard to believe they are from the same company. The HD800 was a major departure for Sennheiser IMHO. I think they should work on a "better" 650 just to see what they could come up with.

The HD800 S is the upgrade to HD650s.... However it's more of a hybrid of both HD800 and HD650 shares qualities from both phones but the major thing for me it has that relaxed feeling of HD650 with the music I mostly listen too. In saying this HD650 is more forgiving with low-rez recordings.
 
The HD800 & HD650 gave birth to HD800 S

 

[music4mhell]

  I've often felt that the HD650 and HD800 sound so different it's hard to believe they are from the same company. The HD800 was a major departure for Sennheiser IMHO. I think they should work on a "better" 650 just to see what they could come up with.

There is such big price difference also.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Boy that Kennerton Vali is looking more and more like a logical step up from the HD650...

 

[raybone0566]

Boy that Kennerton Vali is looking more and more like a logical step up from the HD650...

Very interested in that one. Should have it here for audition in the next few weeks.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Very interested in that one. Should have it here for audition in the next few weeks.

 
Oh great, please share your impressions here.

 

[Tuneslover]

[ATTACHMENT=2671]image.jpeg (1,070k. jpeg file)[/ATTACHMENT]

The Lake People G109S is an amp with loads of power and ample supply voltage which is a good thing for a high impedance headphone. Equally important is that this amp is neutral. It cleanly accepts the incoming signal and simply does it's job with little to no coloration in the signal chain. Certainly brings my HD650's to life.

 

[Soundpitchblack]

Hey guys so I have been looking at OtL amps for my 650's and been considering the schiit Valhalla 2, but noticed that the Darkvoice 336 just dripped on Massdrop. My question is what would you guys recommend from previous experience or from what you have read???