[MattTCG]

While I would agree that these do undergo a nice "break-in" change, I wouldn't rely on it to make them magically transform into your favorite cans. I really liked them at hour one and then I was pleasantly pleased with the changed after 150 hours or so. 

 

[teknikk7]

Quote:

Less than 20 hours on the cans, amp is new, stock tubes/rectifier, about 100 hours on those. I've demoed plenty of closed and open cans and prefer open.

 
Just as I imagined, I defiantly know what the problem is now.  If I had to use the WA6 stock I would sell it.  The stock Shu Guang is thin and a bit harsh.  The 6DE7 are just okay.  Also factoring in pre-break-in on the cans, yes your experience is exactly what I went through.  Not to worry, with a little bit of cash and some patience you will have a completely different setup from what you are hearing if you decide to take a leap and keep your setup, with some slight modifications of course. 
 
First off, the stock rectifier is garbage.  Opt for a UE596, Sophia Electric 274b, Mullard GZ34 or even a vintage NOS 274b like the Sylvania or RCA (1940-1950ish).  For around $60 it would be a good upgrade.  Obviously the first three mentioned are better but if your on a budget the last should suffice.  Also, opt for new driver tubes, I went with 6SN7 because they sounded full and offered very punchy bass which I like. Again, NOS sylvania are a great bang for your buck at around maybe $60-$80 with adapters. Some people like 6GL7, there are a number of driver tubes to choose from.
 
Give the new tubes time to break in, as well as the HD650.  I have slight adjustments on the EQ which dialed everything in, this will help you achieve that sweet spot.  Also, make sure your source is top notch and everything is configured correctly (clipping, bit rate etc).
 
It's going to take some work but it will take your listening to a whole new level.  I consider myself a bit of a basshead and I would never part with my HD650 or my beloved Woo.
 
 
Good luck!

 

[MattTCG]

^^ This is good advice. 

 

[wilcaz]

Quote:

 
Just as I imagined, I defiantly know what the problem is now.  If I had to use the WA6 stock I would sell it.  The stock Shu Guang is thin and a bit harsh.  The 6DE7 are just okay.  Also factoring in pre-break-in on the cans, yes your experience is exactly what I went through.  Not to worry, with a little bit of cash and some patience you will have a completely different setup from what you are hearing if you decide to take a leap and keep your setup, with some slight modifications of course. 
 
First off, the stock rectifier is garbage.  Opt for a UE596, Sophia Electric 274b, Mullard GZ34 or even a vintage NOS 274b like the Sylvania or RCA (1940-1950ish).  For around $60 it would be a good upgrade.  Obviously the first three mentioned are better but if your on a budget the last should suffice.  Also, opt for new driver tubes, I went with 6SN7 because they sounded full and offered very punchy bass which I like. Again, NOS sylvania are a great bang for your buck at around maybe $60-$80 with adapters. Some people like 6GL7, there are a number of driver tubes to choose from.
 
Give the new tubes time to break in, as well as the HD650.  I have slight adjustments on the EQ which dialed everything in, this will help you achieve that sweet spot.  Also, make sure your source is top notch and everything is configured correctly (clipping, bit rate etc).
 
It's going to take some work but it will take your listening to a whole new level.  I consider myself a bit of a basshead and I would never part with my HD650 or my beloved Woo.
 
 
Good luck!

I understand the stock WA6 tubes aren't supposed to be that great, but I had the opportunity to buy the unit less than 2 weeks used for a good price so I took the stock tubes. I also wanted to see how much I enjoyed the stock configuration before blowing a couple hundred on new tubes. 
 
Listening to the new Sigur Ros record right now and I'm really loving the sound, so we'll see. I appreciate your advice a lot.

 

[magiccabbage]

listening to the new stephen wilson album - the raven refused to sing through WA2/HD650. a spectacular combination. some people say it's too dark but i think its perfect with rock. 
 
i wonder what the album will sound like next week when i get the T1's? going from dark to bright should be interesting!

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Beyer Teslas love tubes....

 

[magiccabbage]

Quote:

Beyer Teslas love tubes....

so i hear! i cannot wait for the t1 now.

 

[eimis]

Hi,
I've been looking for HD650 sellers in European Union that could ship to Lithuania. Found Dolphin Audio selling them for a nice price but unfortunately they couldn't get them for me. So could you recommend some e-shops that sell these headphones for under ~380Eur shipped or that are known for great prices? Thanks a bunch.

 

[joebobbilly]

Quote:

Hi,
I've been looking for HD650 sellers in European Union that could ship to Lithuania. Found Dolphin Audio selling them for a nice price but unfortunately they couldn't get them for me. So could you recommend some e-shops that sell these headphones for under ~380Eur shipped or that are known for great prices? Thanks a bunch.

Razordog deals... usually you can get a very very solid price from him. Email him for a price quote and let him know you're a head-fier. He gives fair discounts to members of Head-Fi.

 

[eimis]

Isn't Razordog USA?
Anyway, I decided to buy a used unit.
thanks

 

[calipilot227]

Quote:

listening to the new stephen wilson album - the raven refused to sing through WA2/HD650. a spectacular combination. some people say it's too dark but i think its perfect with rock. 
 

 
+1, Awesome album! 

 

[jmsaxon69]

Quote:

I'm undecided between the HD650s and Grado SR325is, but this discussion might have pushed me to the former. Heard the mids and highs are more precise with Sennheiser but Grado has a warmer bass, which suits my music tastes. I'm a bit of a newbie but want to step up from my  Sennheiser HD 558s. Will be worth shelling out as a decent cans will last decades (or, so I hope).

[size=1.7em]  [/size]

I don't know, have you compared the FR? It does not tell the whole story but i think it will give you an idea how the balance of each sounds in comparison to each other.
 

 

[leadbythemelody]

Why are the HD650's considered mid-fi level headphones?

 

[wazzupi]

because mid's are the best on the hd650

 

[Noobmachine]

I finally got a chance to try 650s again after quite a while of not owning them, it's quite refreshing to hear them once more with better source gear, reminds me of the 650s scalability. I still have to say that I prefer the LCD2s, I think the overall more resolving sound and detail and transparency makes the LCD2S the winner in my eyes(or ears), and not to mention the treble that actually extends upwards smoothly, and never harsh
quite a good experience listening to them again though~