[majkel]

Sennheiser PX100 is more neutral in the timbre than the HD650, so they're closer to the HD600's.

If you want to have lots of HD650 qualities for cheap, take the HD595's. Getting a used pair will do no harm to your wallet. They are easy to drive, too but what you'll hear from a portable player will be still less than 50% of their capabilities.

 

[1Time]

After re-reading the original post, I agree the closest unamped to the HD650 would be the PX100 with the HD414 pads. I used it without the quarter mod. I no longer have the PX100 because I preferred my JBL 410.

 

[NikZ]

If you like the HD650 then go for it. You wont have to worry about upgrading your headphones anymore and can focus on other things like dac or amp. Even unamped the HD650 still sound very good to me. I really feel sorry that I didn't go for the HD650 at first. Now my other cans are collecting dust and my wallet emptied.

I have PMX100 (cousins of PX100) with iGrado pad. Tonality wise , they sound quite similar to the HD650 but with more boomy bass.
The HD595 IMHO are much more forward than the HD650 but still laid back.

 

[Nocturnal310]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif sennheiser hd555 maybe

Wouldnt HD595 be better? more details in the upper mids

 

[donunus]

I havent heard the 650s but wouldn't the 555s darker upper mids be more like the 650s than the brighter 595s?

 

[Nocturnal310]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I havent heard the 650s but wouldn't the 555s darker upper mids be more like the 650s than the brighter 595s?

hmm...virtually yes because the sonic signature is same but HD595 has more details overall.

HD555 has a poorer resolution.

 

[donunus]

Actually owned both the 555 and 595 and If I were to do it over, I wouldn't bother with the 595s for the price. I'll take the 555s for $100 then go directly for the hd600 at a little over $200. I have some entry level stax coming but I don't think I'll ever part with the hd600s. I like them too much especially at their defoamed state

 

[Trav]

I couldn't agree more with 1time regarding the akg 240s. I bought mine last week after hearing the beyer 880,hd 650, denon 5000. Their presentation is precise and analytical, yet always natural and musical. I own grado sr60 and denon 1001 and the $99 akg simply outshine them in all aspects ESP soundstage. I just mated them to a bsg custom amp and elevated again to level of aural nervanna. There is nothing like hearing botti take breath before he blows a note into that bach 3c mouthpiece!

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trav /img/forum/go_quote.gif I couldn't agree more with 1time regarding the akg 240s. I bought mine last week after hearing the beyer 880,hd 650, denon 5000. Their presentation is precise and analytical, yet always natural and musical. I own grado sr60 and denon 1001 and the $99 akg simply outshine them in all aspects ESP soundstage. I just mated them to a bsg custom amp and elevated again to level of aural nervanna. There is nothing like hearing botti take breath before he blows a note into that bach 3c mouthpiece!

That really is pretty special. I haven't used the K240 and suggested it for the OP based on what I've read about it as an inexpensive and unamped substitute for the HD650. My guess is the K240 would sound better than the PX100 and even more so if an amp were included in the comparison.

 

[Jules]

Thanks for all of the great replies.
So I'll either pick up one of the headphones you guys recommended, or just get the HD-650's and worry about an amp later!
I've got that carver receiver in my sig that I could use to drive them and I might just bring that and my 333ES to work because I do most of my listening there.

Again thanks for all of the replies, lots of things to think about now.

 

[DunninLA]

Hmmm... nobody mentioned hd 580 at all. Can be had for around $150 or sometimes less used and in great condition.

I much prefer my 580s to my PX 100s for relaxed, detailed presentation. Even straight out of a Nano 2Gen or a Sansa Clip. Bass is the problem with the 580s straight out of the DAP -- it is there, but pulled back some in comparison to 580 driven by a decent (>$100) portable amp. But the nice thing about these little DAPs is that you can boost the bass via the EQ and get them sounding more balanced.

So the 580 is my reco, straight out of the DAP, with a slight bass bosst EQ.

 

[Nocturnal310]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif Actually owned both the 555 and 595 and If I were to do it over, I wouldn't bother with the 595s for the price. I'll take the 555s for $100 then go directly for the hd600 at a little over $200. I have some entry level stax coming but I don't think I'll ever part with the hd600s. I like them too much especially at their defoamed state

thats one reason why i didnt buy HD595..i knew I ll soon crave for HD600.

mine are coming day after tomorrow.

cant wait to check them out.

 

[majkel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I havent heard the 650s but wouldn't the 555s darker upper mids be more like the 650s than the brighter 595s?

I don't find the HD595's as brighter than the HD555's. Actually the opposite because of more syrupy, less differentiated and resolving upper midrange in the HD555's. The HD650's are slightly darker and play much wider than the HD5x5 series. They actually outperform the HD600's too in this field.

 

[donunus]

As for the k240s recommendations... What the? Why? Ive had those and they sound nothing like any of my senns. Besides, they didn't sound hifi enough to me

I recommend just getting the hd650s since you have a carver. That should be fine... If you find them a little veiled, do this...
APureSound - Where The Music Is Always Pure - APS Audio LLC.

 

[Acix]

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