[shuttleboi]

I asked this question a few months back and didn't get a meaningful response.

I've been using Sennheiser HD595 headphones for the last four years, and now I want to get something different. Would it make sense to get the HD650? Does the HD650 produce a significantly different sound to warrant getting another Sennheiser? Or should I get something else like a Grado or a Denon D2000?

 

[RallyMaster]

Do you have an amp?

 

[shuttleboi]

I'm planning to get a Woo Audio 6 amp if I get the HD650.

Right now I'm listening to the HD595 through the headphone jack of my Asus Essence STX soundcard.

 

[TubeStack]

It depends if you're looking for something drastically different, or for something generally similar but 1000 times better in every possible way (although it's all personal taste, of course.)

I did the exact same thing, went from HD595s to 650s, and couldn't be happier.

I liked the general vibe and sound of the 595s - I wasn't displeased with them and enjoyed them - but started to be aware of the limitations and wanted a similar thing, but better. (However, I didn't want an addition to the 595s, I wanted to replace them.)

If you're looking for something totally and completely different (ie brighter Grados, or the AKG vibe), to have as an addition to your 595s, I wouldn't go for 650s.

I'd say that if you get the 650s and keep the 595s, you'll never use the 595s, unless it's purely for the easier-to-power aspect.

 

[aimlink]

I moved from Senn HD595's to 650's and the difference was big for me. I immediately realized that I had made a great decision. I don't use my HD595's *at all* since the move. I therefore very highly recommend the upgrade. The HD595 gives a more forward presentation of the mids. However, the overall performance of the HD650 makes for a MUCH better overall sound.

Good luck.

 

[shuttleboi]

So you guys are saying that the HD650 are like the HD595, only much, much better.

I wouldn't mind that, but at the same time, I would like to try a different sound. Do the Grado Rs-2 and Denon D2000 have significantly different sounds and are as fantastic as the HD650? (They are in the same price range, and no, I don't want to wait months after ordering an HF2.)

 

[DoYouRight]

Denons are similar but nice bass and closed can sound, so less airy, THOUGH great air for closed.

GRADO are a TOTALLY different animal, sound is REAL UP FRONT and sparkly and mid oriented. Grado's are rock cans, Senns are open, Denons closed. Round out the spectrum

I would really recommend hearing some before purchasing, check for Audio stores around you, or a meet. I found someone in my town just by noticing their location on profile. It helps, BELIEVE me.

 

[shuttleboi]

The Sennheiser HD650 are selling for under $400 these days. Looks like I may have to make a move.

 

[TubeStack]

You can get them in the FS forums here for $250-300. (I got mine here with a major cable upgrade for $350, original packaging & case, too.)

 

[insyte]

I also went through this route

For me it was a good upgrade as long as you get an amp too

 

[Vandal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuttleboi /img/forum/go_quote.gif So you guys are saying that the HD650 are like the HD595, only much, much better. I wouldn't mind that, but at the same time, I would like to try a different sound. Do the Grado Rs-2 and Denon D2000 have significantly different sounds and are as fantastic as the HD650? (They are in the same price range, and no, I don't want to wait months after ordering an HF2.)

With music it doesn't have to be much better. 5% better is very noticeable. 20% better means its worth 100% more. That's the way the good Lord designed ears. The HD650 are way better than the HD595 in the sense that they're more enjoyable and detailed. Of course you need an amp but the WA6 should cover you.

 

[flame]

Totally agree with others

Hd650 is simply better than Hd595, more accurate and detail. Just a little dark to my ears.

Denon d2000 is quite similar, with a more bloated bass. Slightly more forward than Hd595. Just as warm but the soundstage isn't as good. markl mod with a recable makes the Denon d2000 more enjoyable than HD650, imo.

 

[paaj]

I came from the HD555 (which I found very similar to the HD595) and it really is a big step up. It does like a proper source/amp so it depends a bit on what you use now, but it is very enjoyable even out of the 0404USB I've got here.
IMO the Grado alternative is just as good (SR325i/RS1i here) but very different, so that will depend on your own taste.

 

[Chrysoberyl]

It's a good move,you'll notice a big difference.If you can try the HD600s before buying,you might like them better.

 

[Adu]

I had the 595 amplified by Meier Corda Arietta; it was fine until I've heard Beyerdynamic DT990-2005- amplified by tubes...HUGE differences. Of course, the DT990 and Yarland it's another league but you'll hear the improvment.