[3ntropy]

I love this thread. I am absolutely stoked with the HD650, but always curious about what is out there. But I read these comments and it kills any desire I have to buy another set of cans Only thing I now want to buy is a crack

 

[olegausany]

Yeah Crack is the way to go. Even not recommended HD700 sound great with it

 

[pdrm360]

How does the he500 sound in comparison to the hd650? I was thinking of buying a new set of cans I'm keeping the hd650 but was thinking either hd700 or he500

 
The HE- 500 is a step up from HD650 but it’s too heavy, and (IMO) the HD650s have a unique sound signature that you cannot find in other cans.  I like the HD700 too and to me it’s a fun version of the HD800.
Going to keep both the HD650 and HD700!    

 

 

[Austin Morrow]

How does the he500 sound in comparison to the hd650? I was thinking of buying a new set of cans I'm keeping the hd650 but was thinking either hd700 or he500

 
Depends on your amp and source. When I was using the HeadRoom Triple Stack, the HD650's sounded (at least to my ears) in nearly the same league as the HE-500. Remember, the HD650 has a tremendous scalability factor.

 

[pdrm360]

   
Depends on your amp and source. When I was using the HeadRoom Triple Stack, the HD650's sounded (at least to my ears) in nearly the same league as the HE-500. Remember, the HD650 has a tremendous scalability factor.

 
+1

 

[Pianist]

 
First two several years ago I didn't like much. This one is perfect. Don't know what changed at all. None of my gear did.

 
I think it's just your perception, your expectations, the way you listen that may have changed. Personally, I used to hate Phonak PFE IEMs a few years ago, but now they are one of my favorites. So what changed? There's very little variation in sound quality between different units of the same balanced armatures. I think what changed was the way I listen to music. I listen more critically now, than I did a few years ago and I also became more accepting of different sound signatures.

 

[jjvvcckk]

i heard 650 once in my friend's house, its amazing~

 

[polska9]

I love my HD650 with a full Schiit Bifrost and Lyr combo but the upgraditis is taking over me and Im wondering if its worth it to get the HD800?

 

[FangJoker]

  I love my HD650 with a full Schiit Bifrost and Lyr combo but the upgraditis is taking over me and Im wondering if its worth it to get the HD800?

Wouldn't you need to upgrade DAC/amp as well?  I don't know much about the HD 800 other than people saying it's very gear dependent. 

 

[MattTCG]

  I love my HD650 with a full Schiit Bifrost and Lyr combo but the upgraditis is taking over me and Im wondering if its worth it to get the HD800?

 
Those are very different hp's/presentation. It's not a simple case of the hd800 being an upgrade over the hd650. 

 

[bracko]

Those are very different hp's/presentation. It's not a simple case of the hd800 being an upgrade over the hd650. 

The same can be said about any two headphones actually. Hd800 is technically better headphone though.

 

[olor1n]

  I love my HD650 with a full Schiit Bifrost and Lyr combo but the upgraditis is taking over me and Im wondering if its worth it to get the HD800?

 
The HD800 is an upgrade over the HD650 in every way. The Bifrost/Lyr combo is ok as a stop-gap. I'd recommend 60's Amperex Bugle Boy tubes for the HD800.

 

[eke2k6]

   
The HD800 is an upgrade over the HD650 in every way. The Bifrost/Lyr combo is ok as a stop-gap. I'd recommend 60's Amperex Bugle Boy tubes for the HD800.

 
I'd disagree. The HD800 cannot offer what the HD600 and HD650 present. It may be technically better than either, but I came away from the HD800 feeling like I was missing nothing. There are several HD800 owners who have happily gone back to the HD600 with a bottlehead crack, and are completely satisfied.

 

[olor1n]

 

   
The HD800 is an upgrade over the HD650 in every way. The Bifrost/Lyr combo is ok as a stop-gap. I'd recommend 60's Amperex Bugle Boy tubes for the HD800.

 
I'd disagree. The HD800 cannot offer what the HD600 and HD650 present. It may be technically better than either, but I came away from the HD800 feeling like I was missing nothing. There are several HD800 owners who have happily gone back to the HD600 with a bottlehead crack, and are completely satisfied.

 
In the right system there is nothing the HD800 concedes to the HD650. Sure, there may be a preference towards the warmer characteristics of the lower Senn, but stating that the HD800 offers nothing over the lower models is misleading.
 
I love the HD650 btw. It's the only headphone currently in the stable after previously owning the LCD-2 and HD800. The HD650 has this "musicality" that amplifies how songs resonate with me. I found this quality missing from the LCD-2 despite that headphone pegged as the natural upgrade. The HD800 though has the same magic as its older sibling, but on top of that is great imaging and resolution the HD650 doesn't even hint at.
 
I'm listening to the HD650 now and love it, but acutely aware of what's missing compared to the HD800.

 

[pdrm360]

  I love my HD650 with a full Schiit Bifrost and Lyr combo but the upgraditis is taking over me and Im wondering if its worth it to get the HD800?

 
IMHO, it's worth to get the HD800 or HD700 but keep your HD650.