What's a sensible upgrade from my HD650's ?
Jan 15, 2015 at 8:11 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 15

slair76116

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Can you guys recommend a descent upgrade for me
 
PC --> Burson Conductor Virtuoso -- > Headphones
 
I enjoy Blues Music. (Love clear mids and vocal )
80's
 
I've had the Sen HD650's for about 7 years now, what would be a good upgrade for me ?
 
My budget would be around $2000 give or take a few.
 
Thanks
D
 
Jan 15, 2015 at 9:31 PM Post #2 of 15
Well, clear mids and vocal?
 
I went from HD650 to LCD2 Fazor and im 95% satisfied (i just would prefer a little more bass in these, but, anyway, thebass are better than in the HD650). Its a great upgrade from HD650.
 
Jan 16, 2015 at 4:52 AM Post #3 of 15
I have heard the LCD2's referred to as HD650 on steroids so I am guessing that would be the way to go and for only half of your budget. For that kind of money you could get one of the higher end Stax sets (Amp and Phone) I saw a pretty nice one for around $1700 new from Stax. Then you can look down on all the common people who don't own Stax. Just joking...
 Really though lets skip to the obvious choice and the one I made...get an HD800 and be done with it.
 
Jan 16, 2015 at 11:29 AM Post #4 of 15
Grado PS1000, LCD 2's and HD800's
 
Keep them coming please...
 
wont the LCD 3 be a better choice over LCD 2's ?
 
Jan 23, 2015 at 2:29 PM Post #5 of 15
I have an HD650 in my stable as well as a Hifiman HE-500. For an upgrade to the Senns I would definitely look at planars - any from the new crop of planars depending on your tastes, so Audeze, Hifiman, Mad Dog. My personal pick would be a Hifiman HE-6 (or with your budget perhaps the new HE-1000); second would be an LCD2.2 (its closer in tonality to the HD650 but definitely better; LCD3 would be a side-upgrade if you know what I mean.
 
Jan 23, 2015 at 2:48 PM Post #6 of 15
The lcd2 is considered as the natural upgrade for the hd650, kind of like the same way that the hd800 is considered natural upgrade for the k701.
 
And yes the lcd3 will be better, but most people who have heard both the lcd2 and 3 will say that the $1000 difference isn't worth it if you're on a budget.
 
I'd say its better spend the rest of the budget on a matching amp, but it's really up to you.
 
Jan 23, 2015 at 2:53 PM Post #7 of 15
Thanks a lot for your inputs, I'm actually wondering now if I'd not be better off saving up for a STAX setup...
 
any ideas guys ?
 
Jan 23, 2015 at 4:37 PM Post #9 of 15
Do you want something similar to the HD 650?  If so then the LCD-2 or LCD-3 would be a good upgrade.  Like b0000 said you really need a premium amplifier if you want the higher end Stax models (SR-007 and SR-009) to shine.  The minimum amp I'd use with them is the KGSSHV.  People have referred to this guy in the past:
 
http://mjolnir-audio.com/?page_id=14
 
Jan 23, 2015 at 8:54 PM Post #10 of 15
SR009/SR007 with a BHSE and be done with headphones for good. In the case you don't want to spend $7-10K, try the LCD2 or LCD3.
 
Jan 23, 2015 at 9:20 PM Post #12 of 15
  I have heard the LCD2's referred to as HD650 on steroids so I am guessing that would be the way to go and for only half of your budget. For that kind of money you could get one of the higher end Stax sets (Amp and Phone) I saw a pretty nice one for around $1700 new from Stax. Then you can look down on all the common people who don't own Stax. Just joking...
 Really though lets skip to the obvious choice and the one I made...get an HD800 and be done with it.

+1,on this,unless your going into a Stax system.
I owned the HD800 for almost 2 years,and I loved it...also,one of the most comfortable headphones made
 
Good Luck,
Mike
 
Jan 23, 2015 at 9:43 PM Post #13 of 15
Hey thanks a lot guys for taking the time to respond and advise me, I really do appreciate value all of your opinions.
 
So this is what I've decided.
 
I will post my HD650's and the DT880 for sale.
 
Buy a LCD 2.2 Fazor (Anybody have an idea where the best place to get this would be ?, I'd rather go for a new pair )
 
Start collecting money for a STAX + BHSE setup. ( With all my bills and University I recon that will take me a good 1.5 years )
 

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