[Soundizer]

I did some testing today with FiiO Q5 and HD 660 S balanced vs single ended (Q5 has both). I did not think that there would be a difference but there is. It is not a huge difference but it is there when switching back and forth.

I actually have to agree with this review about balanced/single eded: https://www.headfonia.com/review-sennheiser-hd660-s/

The sound is a bit brighter with single ended cable/output. With balanced cable/output the sound is fuller, more bass and slightly softer treble. They both sound great but I personally prefer the sound with balanced cable.

Hello Lay,

May I ask what balanced cable are you using with the Q5?

 

[Lay.]

Hello Lay,

May I ask what balanced cable are you using with the Q5?

Shure. It is a custom cable from Custom Cans UK.

Ultra-low capacitance balanced cable, 2.5mm TRRS, 1.25 Meters, Colour 1 Red and Colour 2 Red.

 

[Soundizer]

Ok, so now I am beginning to really enjoy the 660s. They have about 40hours usage. I think the treble has softened and base is more punchy.

Does any one believe in burn in for the 660s?

 

[larzy]

On sale for EUR 349,99 at Amazon.es down from 499. Direct link:
https://www.amazon.es/Sennheiser-HD...1?ie=UTF8&qid=1531112209&sr=8-1&keywords=660s

 

[Solero]

Hello i need an advice...
I have a new hp Sennheiser 660. I have a Meridian Explorer 2. The Explorer is a very good DAC but it can't drive the 660s. What is better for me sonically (not financially) ? To buy FiiO A5 and drive them with the Explorer as a DAC and A5 as an amp? or buy iFi audio nano BL and use only this as DAC/AMP ??
Sorry for my poor english..

 

[pietcux]

Hello i need an advice...
I have a new hp Sennheiser 660. I have a Meridian Explorer 2. The Explorer is a very good DAC but it can't drive the 660s. What is better for me sonically (not financially) ? To buy FiiO A5 and drive them with the Explorer as a DAC and A5 as an amp? or buy iFi audio nano BL and use only this as DAC/AMP ??
Sorry for my poor english..

Why can't the Meridian Explorer 2 drive the HD660S? Did you test it or read it somewhere? It is an easy to drive headphone.

 

[Solero]

I have them both. I did test it for two days.. ME2 is a fine DAC but as an amp it lacks power. It can drive my Fidelio X2 and my Beyer DT 770 LE but it can't drive my HD 650 nor Audeze LCD2..

 

[DavidA]

I have them both. I did test it for two days.. ME2 is a fine DAC but as an amp it lacks power. It can drive my Fidelio X2 and my Beyer DT 770 LE but it can't drive my HD 650 nor Audeze LCD2..

HD650 or HD660S? If its the HD650 then you might be correct that the ME2 is slightly under powered but if HD660S then it should be more than enough. I still don't think that the ME2 is not sufficient to drive the HD650 or LCD-2 unless you are listening at very high levels (+95dB) since even the headphone output of my Teac UD-301 (100mw) can drive my HD650 and LCD-2f to levels that are painful to me.

 

[Solero]

I have 650 and 660s. I don;t think that it is only a matter of high levels. Meridian Explorer 2 with 650 660 or LCD 2 can reach very high levels but if you pair these hp with BCL or some other meaty amp is like day and night. 660s is easier to drive than 650 but i don't think is THAT easier. 660s aren't Fidelio X2....Anyway i like very much the sound of ME2. Any opinion about my main question? ME2 and FiiO A5 or iFi audio nano BL ??

 

[pietcux]

I have 650 and 660s. I don;t think that it is only a matter of high levels. Meridian Explorer 2 with 650 660 or LCD 2 can reach very high levels but if you pair these hp with BCL or some other meaty amp is like day and night. 660s is easier to drive than 650 but i don't think is THAT easier. 660s aren't Fidelio X2....Anyway i like very much the sound of ME2. Any opinion about my main question? ME2 and FiiO A5 or iFi audio nano BL ??

Sennheiser HDVD 820.

 

[Solero]

When i said "What is better for me sonically (not financially) " i didn't mean in any price level.. I meant specifically between ME2 and FiiO A5 or iFi audio nano BL

 

[DavidA]

I have 650 and 660s. I don;t think that it is only a matter of high levels. Meridian Explorer 2 with 650 660 or LCD 2 can reach very high levels but if you pair these hp with BCL or some other meaty amp is like day and night. 660s is easier to drive than 650 but i don't think is THAT easier. 660s aren't Fidelio X2....Anyway i like very much the sound of ME2. Any opinion about my main question? ME2 and FiiO A5 or iFi audio nano BL ??

I think you answered your own question if you say that the nano BL makes the HD650 and HD660S sound better to you over the ME2.

 

[Solero]

Ok maybe it is my poor english. I don't have FiiO A5 nor iFi audio nano... I have never heard any of them. This is the reason that i ask for advice here in the forum.

 

[metsat]

I would recommend an O2 + ODAC Combo RevB from JDS Labs. It is a clean sounding Dac/Amp without any coloration to the sound, it sounds great and also have plenty of power to drive the headphones that you have mentioned. And it won't break the bank.

 

[Solero]

I would recommend an O2 + ODAC Combo RevB from JDS Labs. It is a clean sounding Dac/Amp without any coloration to the sound, it sounds great and also have plenty of power to drive the headphones that you have mentioned. And it won't break the bank.

Thank you for your advice.
Unfortunately there is no reseller here in Greece for O2 + ODAC Combo RevB p. If i put an order from Amazon or another seller from Europe the shipping rates will raise the final price a lot. So i want to choose between FiiO A5 (150 €) and iFi audio nano BL (240 €)