[James Shoegazer]

I'd recommend just about any 'big name' mid to high end receiver from the late 70's. Many of the late 60's/early 70's receivers tend to be smoother with less treble...although they are a better fit for the HD600's.

I'm not familiar with the AU-907.

On the contrary the Yamaha CA1000ii which u characterised as neutral was a great match for the 300ohm HD650s, sounded way too off for the 150ohm HD600s

I’ve also been eyeing the Luxman L-550 and higher end candies for awhile now...hoping they’ll pop up in the Japanese classifieds

 

[AudioPowerHead]

So glad to see other audiophiles coming to realise the difference a vintage amp makes in headphone listening. I couldn’t agree more about saving an enormous amount of money when using one of these with a great headphone like the HD650. This is my Kenwood KA-8006, 70wpc, [1974]. I was with my older brother when he bought it back in 1974. When he offered to give It to me about 12 years ago I jumped on the occasion and have been using it regularly ever since. It works beautifully with my Senns HD600 series (HD600, 650 & 660S). Besides the tone adjustment switches I also use a Schiit Loki tone adjuster mainly for the sub bass. To quote James Shoegazer above, “forget spending thousands and whatnot, just get a vintage amp”. I agree 100%.

Interesting. Just wondering if there is any component differences between vintage amps vs modern amps or differences in analogue circuit topologies that make it sound so good despite its age. In this case, old is gold.

 

[oshipao]

Other than the fit, what sound change did the new pads have over the old pads?

I do not think the sound was that affected. But I do not listen that often, so it could very well have changed somewhat. I was just surprised that they fitted and felt as they did.

 

[HipHopScribe]

Anyone else who changed pads recently and found them softer and leaves less ear room? I thought that I should expect the contrary due to less clamping force as I have had them for severaI yers now. Bought the original directly from Sennheiser.

I think Sennheiser did slightly revise the 600 series pads when the 660S came out

 

[Majestyk]

On the contrary the Yamaha CA1000ii which u characterised as neutral was a great match for the 300ohm HD650s, sounded way too off for the 150ohm HD600s

I’ve also been eyeing the Luxman L-550 and higher end candies for awhile now...hoping they’ll pop up in the Japanese classifieds

Do you mean the 660S? The 600's are 300 ohm and should sound good with the Yamaha. As for the 660S, they sound the best on my Yamaha CR-620.

 

[oshipao]

I think Sennheiser did slightly revise the 600 series pads when the 660S came out

Cheers, that might explain why these feel slightly different.

 

[James Shoegazer]

Do you mean the 660S? The 600's are 300 ohm and should sound good with the Yamaha. As for the 660S, they sound the best on my Yamaha CR-620.

oh I meant the "300ohm" HD600 the 650 had more dynamics than on the 600 which is why I highly preferred it on the Yamahas. Strangely the HD600s sounded somewhat dull and boring running it through the amp

 

[SoundChoice]

If I get a HD6xx, must I also buy a DAC and amp (something like Modi/Magni) or will my ES100 or Fiio M11 source suffice to drive it?

 

[Vvnz100]

You will probably need an amp...

 

[HipHopScribe]

If I get a HD6xx, must I also buy a DAC and amp (something like Modi/Magni) or will my ES100 or Fiio M11 source suffice to drive it?

They'll get the headphones loud enough, definitely, and they'll sound good, so you don't necessarily need to buy an amp right away, but if you want peak performance you'll want an amp. You'll probably want to run them balanced if you use the ES100 or M11

 

[SoundChoice]

They'll get the headphones loud enough, definitely, and they'll sound good, so you don't necessarily need to buy an amp right away, but if you want peak performance you'll want an amp. You'll probably want to run them balanced if you use the ES100 or M11

Thanks. Is there a handy place to buy HD6xx --> 2.5 balanced cables aside from scouring ebay?

 

[HipHopScribe]

Thanks. Is there a handy place to buy HD6xx --> 2.5 balanced cables aside from scouring ebay?

Amazon should have plenty of options, quality will vary of course. I've bought cables from Lunashops for multiple headphones that are inexpensive and satisfactory in quality so far. If you want better quality Surf Cables or Corpse Cable are pretty well-regarded I think.

 

[WilcoRoger]

Thanks. Is there a handy place to buy HD6xx --> 2.5 balanced cables aside from scouring ebay?

I have these - original Sennheiser cables reterminated with 2,5mm TRRS (and many other termination options available) Very satisfied

https://oidiosound.co.uk/sennheiser-hd-092885-balanced.html

 

[oshipao]

Funny thing...

I was sitting here, enjoying a cold one, adjusting the height at the same time I was listening to David Bowie ”Live”. The left side has three dots on the outer of the ”HD650” sign, the right one does not. Is this standard?

Could it have to do with braille?

 

[kman1211]

Funny thing...

I was sitting here, enjoying a cold one, adjusting the height at the same time I was listening to David Bowie ”Live”. The left side has three dots on the outer of the ”HD650” sign, the right one does not. Is this standard?

Could it have to do with braille?

Yes it’s common practice and it is Braille.