[HiFiGuy528]

 
Is that an amp or dac/amp? 

 
It's a Woo Audio WA3. All-tube amp, no DAC. It's OTL design, perfect for high impedance hps.

 

[Rob80b]

Has anyone compared the HD650 with sub $1000 planar magnetics like Audeze EL8 or even the LCD2. Is it still the best <$1000 headphone money can buy?

Thanks.

Just sold off my LCD2.2s in favor of the 650s, both of which were my complimentary headphones to the HD800S….this is not to say the 650s are inherently better than the Audeze, in fact the LCD2s are still quite special, something to be said about the sonic delivery from a planar magnetic but the 650s are more like a toned down 800 and not a complete shift in presentation.
Unlike the LCD2s the 650s have a complete auditory spectrum, no abrupt shelving of high frequencies, more than an adequate sound stage and depth….and where the 800S demand your attention the 650 can be a lot more forgiving and an easy listen….which is why I believe they are so popular….excellent sound, no obvious blemishes and fairly even handed across many genres....and I'm assuming the HD6XX should be the same...

 

[timgt]

Patiently waiting for my HD6xx. I have a pair of closed back Audeze EL-8's I'm not completely in love with. I plan on selling those soon.

 

[sup27606]

  Just sold off my LCD2.2s in favor of the 650s, both of which were my complimentary headphones to the HD800S….this is not to say the 650s are inherently better than the Audeze, in fact the LCD2s are still quite special, something to be said about the sonic delivery from a planar magnetic but the 650s are more like a toned down 800 and not a complete shift in presentation.
Unlike the LCD2s the 650s have a complete auditory spectrum, no abrupt shelving of high frequencies, more than an adequate sound stage and depth….and where the 800S demand your attention the 650 can be a lot more forgiving and an easy listen….which is why I believe they are so popular….excellent sound, no obvious blemishes and fairly even handed across many genres....and I'm assuming the HD6XX should be the same...

Thank you. So what I understand, it boils down to personal preference, combined with non-fatigued listening capabilities and treble extension for the 650. Comparing imaging, instrument separation and resolution, which one is better IYO, the LCD2 or the 650?

 

[Rob80b]

 
Thank you. ...........which one is better IYO, the LCD2 or the 650?

Good question…the fact that one is a planar magnetic and the other a dynamic driver their sound signatures except for the treble are similar….but different : )……..I always found the LCD2.2s a kin to listening to full range speakers producing a larger wall of sound…very immersive, the HD6000/650s more like stand mount monitors which produce better distinctly focused imaging and air. A lot depends on ones listening habits and the recording.....I don’t mind the 650s at lower volumes as the sound seems fully intact but the LCD2.2 appear to get better the louder you listen. Even though the 650s have what appears to be more treble information resolution appears similar.... also the Audeze will play louder with less distortion and  both are easy phones to chill out to… as I mentioned an easy listen, non-fatiguing.
Though this hobby is fairly subjective and I'm only giving you my take with my ears and equipment.... the general consensus on both phones is rather unanimous but still…if you can try to audition.

 

[Voxata]

Should have kept Vali2

 

[Voxata]

Wow.. 400i@249 too! That's an even better deal than the HD650@200

 

[sup27606]

Wow.. 400i@249 too! That's an even better deal than the HD650@200

Where??

 

[RERO]

Where??

 
Everywhere.

 

[sup27606]

   
Everywhere.

Wow! Thats a sharp price decrease, down from $449!

 

[ld100]

What is 400i?

 

[sup27606]

What is 400i?

Hifiman 400i
HE400i - HIFIMAN Home

 

[kauljp]

Where??

i have heard the 400s and I enjoyed those a lot. How much better are the 400i? Are a better option sonically than the hd6xx??

 

[SomeTechNoob]

The he400i is on sale for black friday, so they're $249.99 everywhere.  They were ~$200 USD on taobao as well a couple weeks ago.
 
From what I read when deciding between the $200 400i and the 6XX was that they were pretty similar overall.  I went with the 6XX for the better sennheiser build(assuming it's the same as the 650).

 

[buke9]

Wow.. 400i@249 too! That's an even better deal than the HD650@200

Damn the bad luck our car is dying so have have to get a new one instead of adding to my HE400 collection have 400 400S the 400i's would finish out the collection as I've never seen a HE-4 for sale ever.