Where to go from here? (Senn HD650+Jotunheim)

[Cigaro]

Hey all.

So I have had my Sennheiser HD650 and Jotunheim amp with internal dac for about 4 years now. I have absolutely loved the combo and it has been a pleasure to listen to and use.

I am now at a point where I am interested in seeing what possibilities there are in way of even improving on this sound experience. Of course I am not disappointed with this set up at all, but I am definitely curious what something a step up might show me.

So I ask you all: what would be a good next step from here? I am curious if getting a higher step headphone (like the Audeze LCD-2) would be a better investment, or possibly an upgraded amp/dac combo? I will say I have been pretty interested in a set of planar magnetic headphones.

I would say that my budget is probably around 1 thousand dollars, but I would definitely be willing to increase it if something like the LCD-X is definitely worth the extra money over something like the LCD-2.

I also would love to know with any of the headphones that are suggested, if the Jotunheim with the internal DAC will be sufficient to get the most out of them

Thanks in advance.

 

[silent-circuit]

The Jot and DAC are solid, plenty of power for 99% of headphones. Some will say the Sennheisers scale with better equipment almost infinitely... That has not been my experience, so I'd recommend the LCD-2 (Classic) as a potential upgrade, yes. Much fuller sound, a little warmer without losing detail, better soundstage. Do note they're fairly heavy and some find them uncomfortable for that reason -- buy from somewhere with a good return policy or buy used at a price you can resell at, just in case.

What kind of music do you typically listen to? What are you hoping to improve on?

 

[Cigaro]

The Jot and DAC are solid, plenty of power for 99% of headphones. Some will say the Sennheisers scale with better equipment almost infinitely... That has not been my experience, so I'd recommend the LCD-2 (Classic) as a potential upgrade, yes. Much fuller sound, a little warmer without losing detail, better soundstage. Do note they're fairly heavy and some find them uncomfortable for that reason -- but from somewhere with a good return policy or buy used at a price you can resell at, just in case.

What kind of music do you typically listen to? What are you hoping to improve on?

I wanted to add that the Jotunheim I have has the balanced DAC module. I remember there were a couple DAC modules when I bought it some time ago, so wanted to make sure that info was added.

I listen to all genres really. I will say the two top genres have to be indie/psychadelic rock, and hip hop. I do really enjoy listening to classical on these headphones as well (but this is much rarer).

With regards to hip hop, I would say that I wouldn't mind a headphone that had more low end than the HD650 does. Obviously I dont want to go for a bass heavy headphone, but something that might enhance the soundstage etc over the HD650 and also contain some better low end.

Interesting to see you recommend the classic LCD-2. Any thoughts on the 2020 version of the set. I did watch some reviews of them and both specifically mentioned the need for EQ with the newer version.

 

[WorksUnit]

Scratch that Planar itch rather than swapping out your Amp/Dac. It is always nice to have alternatives depending on mood.

If you get the right pair. ...extension, clarity, quality of bass is night and day over an HD650.

 

[Cigaro]

Scratch that Planar itch rather than swapping out your Amp/Dac. It is always nice to have alternatives depending on mood.

If you get the right pair. ...extension, clarity, quality of bass is night and day over an HD650.

Any pair you personally recommend? Are LCD-2 the way to go with a 1k budget? Are LCD-X objectively better? I will spend the extra money on them if so.

Any other brands worth looking at?

 

[silent-circuit]

LCD-2 over LCD-X. X are great if you don't have a good amp, otherwise LCD-2 win

 

[KPzypher]

Any pair you personally recommend? Are LCD-2 the way to go with a 1k budget? Are LCD-X objectively better? I will spend the extra money on them if so.

Any other brands worth looking at?

There's nothing objective about "better" in headphones, at least not to the extent to take someone else' words blindly. There are plenty of capable headphones in the 1k range, but if you're looking for 'night and day' difference,' I think you'll be sorely disappointed, especially after being 'conditioned' to HD650s for 4 years and likely became your 'pseudo' reference set. When I'm conditioned to my speakers even for a few days, all my headphones and even far more expensive sets like Stellia and Verite sound terrible. I just hope you walk into this with realistic expectations.

If this is going to be your daily driver to replace the HD650, I strongly recommend "long" and multiple auditioning before making the purchase, if you're going to spend that kind of money. Well, if you have a deep pocket, just disregard and enjoy!!

Audezes may sound awesome, but I would never consider 600g headphones as a daily driver for comfort reasons no matter how good they sound, but YMMV. For a daily driver, weight/comfort should definitely be top priority along with sound. If you want slam and impact, look into Focal Clear. If the new "MG" version is out of your reach, you should be able to pick up the non "MG" version for around $1K.

I haven't heard the HE-1, but so far, no $3-4K HPs sound out of this world, let alone $1K pair. If anything, higher end IEMs have bigger "wow" factor IMO due to their intimacy/detail. With that being said, HD650 is still one of my favorite HPs even to this day. Good luck finding the right pair and hope you enjoy it for a long time!

 

[WorksUnit]

@Cigaro I Use Quad Era-1 as a compliment to my HD650 and *very* much enjoy the difference.

Silent-Circuit gave you a solid suggestion as well

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Hey all.

So I have had my Sennheiser HD650 and Jotunheim amp with internal dac for about 4 years now. I have absolutely loved the combo and it has been a pleasure to listen to and use.

I am now at a point where I am interested in seeing what possibilities there are in way of even improving on this sound experience. Of course I am not disappointed with this set up at all, but I am definitely curious what something a step up might show me.

So I ask you all: what would be a good next step from here? I am curious if getting a higher step headphone (like the Audeze LCD-2) would be a better investment, or possibly an upgraded amp/dac combo? I will say I have been pretty interested in a set of planar magnetic headphones.

I would say that my budget is probably around 1 thousand dollars, but I would definitely be willing to increase it if something like the LCD-X is definitely worth the extra money over something like the LCD-2.

I also would love to know with any of the headphones that are suggested, if the Jotunheim with the internal DAC will be sufficient to get the most out of them

Thanks in advance.

LCD-2 Classic but honestly I'd be more inclined to just put my feet up and lean back if you actually like the sound on what you have anyway.

 

[someguyontheinternet]

Dan Clark Audio has great planars. Audeze headphones can be on the heavy side. If that is something that might be relevant to you, looking at an Aeon2 might be worthwhile.

 

[Deolum]

There's nothing objective about "better" in headphones, at least not to the extent to take someone else' words blindly. There are plenty of capable headphones in the 1k range, but if you're looking for 'night and day' difference,' I think you'll be sorely disappointed, especially after being 'conditioned' to HD650s for 4 years and likely became your 'pseudo' reference set. When I'm conditioned to my speakers even for a few days, all my headphones and even far more expensive sets like Stellia and Verite sound terrible. I just hope you walk into this with realistic expectations.

If this is going to be your daily driver to replace the HD650, I strongly recommend "long" and multiple auditioning before making the purchase, if you're going to spend that kind of money. Well, if you have a deep pocket, just disregard and enjoy!!

Audezes may sound awesome, but I would never consider 600g headphones as a daily driver for comfort reasons no matter how good they sound, but YMMV. For a daily driver, weight/comfort should definitely be top priority along with sound. If you want slam and impact, look into Focal Clear. If the new "MG" version is out of your reach, you should be able to pick up the non "MG" version for around $1K.

I haven't heard the HE-1, but so far, no $3-4K HPs sound out of this world, let alone $1K pair. If anything, higher end IEMs have bigger "wow" factor IMO due to their intimacy/detail. With that being said, HD650 is still one of my favorite HPs even to this day. Good luck finding the right pair and hope you enjoy it for a long time!

Completely agree with that. Don't expect too much. Getting a real upgrade from the HD650 for 1k is really hard (i wouldn't know any headphone that isn't just a sidegrade) and if you find one the difference is not that big.