[cskippy]

It might not seem like a huge upgrade but I could live with the HD650 as my only headphone. Can't really say that about any other headphone in stock form. They also scale very well. About the only things that scale better are HD800 and Utopia.

People use HD650 with $7000 amps and $5000 DACs like the Eddie Current Studio and Metrum Pavanne.

 

[HungryPanda]

I love the hd650 but much prefer the hd700 now, really enjoy the akg 712 though

 

[DavidA]

Thanks for this. Doesn't sound like it is way better, then. Should I go for something else for a clear leap?

It really depends on your own preferences, I have a two friends that have the HD650 as end game with either BH Crack or Jot. For me there are a few that I like better, HD700, EL-8 open, custom Nhoord Red V2 and Ypsilon R1 builds. Also have K7XX, HE400 (modded), HE400i (modded), HE560, HD800, T1g1, TH-600 (modded), LCD-2f, RS2e (modded), SR225e (modded), SRH-1840, SR-009, and a few others.

 

[peter123]

Thanks for this. Doesn't sound like it is way better, then. Should I go for something else for a clear leap?

They're extremely different so personal preference will play a huge role. Personally I wouldn't say that one is technically better than the other, I do enjoy my Q701's and HD650s equally much but for totally different reasons. As always (and obviously) YMMV.

 

[atsq17]

Balance or unbalance for hd650 is something hard to feel, to understand for me.
When I cut its 6.3 trs jack to weld a neutrik xlr4 (for hdvd800) I was surprised of channel separation, just it, bass is no changed. That is stock wire.
Then I upgrade its wire, I welded neutrik xlr4 again and test on hdvd800.
I use a xlr4 to 6.3 trs adapter also, to compare.

There is BIG difference. I cant say what I love over the other.
Unbalance:
1) deeper bass
2) has thicker background instruments
3) warmer mid, closer
Balance :
1) more channel separation
2) better layer
3) bigger sound stage
Ofcouse power is higher but this is not term of sq.

My cable improves 650 texture to near hd800s, 8/10 (regarding 10 is hd800s), stock cable 6.5/10

Thanks for sharing that.

Yes. A good cable can noticeably improve (or change) the sound of a headphone.

I like what I hear on the stock HD650 cable but I can't wait until my USD$50 balanced cable arrives.

That will keep me going until I get a nice Norne cable for it.

 

[ahmadfaizadnan]

The modded HD650/6XX is amazing and with a right amp and Dac pair, it's almost close to my end game.

 

[LazyListener]

The modded HD650/6XX is amazing and with a right amp and Dac pair, it's almost close to my end game.

The game is never over, only on pause...

 

[Rob80b]

I can't speak for the Massdrop XX versions, but I enjoy my HD650 Sennheisers every day, and my Q701 AKGs are locked away .........

Maybe it’s the weather or the alignment of the planets but I’m thoroughly enjoying my "new" HD650s....having a hard time deciding which to throw on my head the 650s or my 800Ss.

A few years ago my HD580/600s were disposed of once I had the HD700s…the 700 once I had the 800S….last fall I picked up a pair of used (white) HD650s, they were fine and much better than my older 580/600s…. still not quite to my liking as I still found them a bit too laid back for my taste and still I jumped on the band wagon for the first HD6XX drop…those sounded identical to the used HD650s so I let the 650s go. Next on board were a pair of Massdrop K7XXs Ruby Reds and they ousted the HD6XXs….lol…keep in mind my reference is still my 800Ss ..long story short my new 650s put the K7XXs on the side lines and as mentioned are now competing with the 800S??? : (

Where the 650s shine over the 800S is when the playback of the recording does not need, require the 800s sound-staging pyrotechnics…. listening to The Orbs “Moonbuilding 2703 AD” I feel it is much better served up on the 650s IMHO making the recording much more coherent with excellent sub base….so not too sure where the tide turned with me liking the HD600 series, these seem clearer, still smooth but I wouldn't say laid back…might just be this pair though….???

 

[Chris1975]

...Next on board were a pair of Massdrop K7XXs Ruby Reds and they ousted the HD6XXs….lol…

Are you saying that the K7XXs are better than the HD6XXs?

 

[DavidA]

Agree that the super large sound stage of the HD800/800S can be a distraction for some tracks, its where headphones with more realistically sized sound stage like the HD650 sound better to me. I decided to get a HD6XX but its for me to do all the irreversible mods and to give me a chance to compare to a stock HD650.

 

[chef8489]

Are you saying that the K7XXs are better than the HD6XXs?

The k7xx are different. Better sound stage and lower better sub bass.

 

[Chris1975]

The k7xx are different. Better sound stage and lower better sub bass.

Reason I ask is because I have the K7XXs and I *love* them. But I am tempted by the HD6XXs. What extra would the HD6XXs give, you think? Is it worth having both? (I would run them through the Mojo, if that makes a difference)

 

[chef8489]

I have the k7xx and the hd650. Just got the hd650 on Wednesday. I need more time with them, but they are quite different to my ears. I would say the 650 are more mids oriented where the k7xx are more balanced but reach lower. there are a few more differences.

 

[DavidA]

Reason I ask is because I have the K7XXs and I *love* them. But I am tempted by the HD6XXs. What extra would the HD6XXs give, you think? Is it worth having both? (I would run them through the Mojo, if that makes a difference)

While I don't have the HD6XX yet, I do have a HD650 and K7XX, for me they are both great, different sound signatures and with good and bad points. One thing to point out is to me they sound their best on different gear:
K7XX: UD-301 -> Ember
HD-650: Bimby -> BH Crack

 

[ahmadfaizadnan]

Agree that the super large sound stage of the HD800/800S can be a distraction for some tracks, its where headphones with more realistically sized sound stage like the HD650 sound better to me. I decided to get a HD6XX but its for me to do all the irreversible mods and to give me a chance to compare to a stock HD650.

I got my second 6XX because I mod the first one