Sennheiser HD650

I very much appreciate that.

I liked my grado sr80e before that. Now that sound really bad.
hd650s are Great.

 

Going full solid-state with the Lisst "tubes" is slightly different, though. I don't think it's really that dark of an amp this way.

But yeah, the amp used might be a factor too, can't deny that.

Edit: Also the DAC used seems to make a difference. ModiBit sounds quite smooth up top, my Apogee Duet is loads more energetic in the highs.

The Apogee is a Sabre-loaded device:
http://www.apogeedigital.com/ess-sabre

Edit 2: It seems the Modi MultiBit is the thing that's "dark" in my case. I tried once again to use the Duet as the DAC with Lyr 2, it's just as bright as plugging straight into the Sabre'd Apogee.

Sorry for going OT.

 

The HD650 even when stock, paired with good power, produces the most potent sound of all major current production headphones. Yes, the bass is dirty, treble doesn't extend much, is grainy....but does detail, dynamics, resolution and realism that graods, Hifimans, Audeze can only dream of.

Recently heard the Grado PS500 (with some laws of physics defying moon audio cable). The headphone was so pathetic to begin with (batman silhouette like FR, zero dynamics), why would anyone bother recabling it is beyond my understanding. I neglected the lo-fi assuming it's a $100 headphone, the owner said some $500 + HD6XX worth moon cable and I was in disbelief the whole day.

 

Bad synergy.

 

Yeah, the Modi Multibit is just veiled up top. It's not a particularly great purchase; it's just cheap and only good for worse headphones like the 600 (or even worse) or tonally fucked amps like the Jotunheim. If your gear is better and more neutral than shit like that, just buy something better. The Bifrost Multibit (veiled in the low end, not in the high end) and DS DACs exist for a reason.

The Modi Multibit is essentially just your typical veiled early 90s CD player DAC with better separation.

 

I had both HD650 and HD600 for a about a year - a few years ago (many have, I'm sure). I used the Duet as my amp/dac and I came to the same conclusion, I liked the more forward and less warm/woolly tone of HD600. But, yeah I must admit the combo of ModiBit & Lyr 2 did no favors to that 650-wool. They sounded way snappier straight out of the USB-powered Duet right now.

P.S. Listening to my favorite combo: Duet DAC - Lyr 2 - LCD-2.1... I guess I'll just need to start a search for the best Sabre-DAC under 1k

 

If anyone is in need of earpads, Sennheiser's website has them back in stock for $42.90 a pair. Includes shipping but not tax. Everywhere else I've seen them going for $55-60.

https://en-us.sennheiser.com/050635-earpads-pair

 

Still cant decide wether Dynamat actually made a difference.
Either it has made a significant difference, or the placebo is just very stronk with this one!
My mind is confused Either way, I enjoy the HD650s moar!
I dont have the foam tho... I believe I might accidentally vacuumed them....
But ill just order new drivers

 

imo the difference with rear foam removal is bigger than dynamat, if you remove the foam completely you have a elevated and imprecise mid bass

 

I have both 600 and 650 in my possession for while now,
Comparing both of them through jds the element dac/amp and Audeze Deckard.
I still think 600 is best for live session or live acoustic concert, while 650 shines in classical or jazz studio recording.
Does tube amp really change or uplift sound of 600/650 ?

 

Tube amp or not, get rid of the Dickard. It already is thick sounding and will do no favours to the 650.
Words cannot describe the HD650 uplift I heard from Lehmann BCL to something better.
You didn't ask for it, but if you are even slightly considering Mojo, the pairing sucks.

 

I don't have ears like many others here, but you can check out my Schiit amp and does the HD650 really scale comparo to see what I found out changing the gear upstream of my HD650Ms.

 

Now I know why I like my early 90s CD player still.

 

Synergy is everything.

On darker, tube-hybrid amps, I always preferred the 600. By a long shot. It felt right, while the 650 was too muddy and dull.

Then I tried them both on the Valhalla 2 and Jot. My opinion flipped instantly and the 600s suddenly sounded shouty and shrill.

 

Sounds like a mildly updated Rega Planet. Which was tonic in the 90s, but tastes bad nowadays, with our more refined palates, and all.

I like the Deckard, and have a pair of HD650's on the way, but I wouldn't have even considered pairing the two. The Deckard is already somewhat fulsome and laid back, and that can't do the 650 any favors. I'd think the pairing somewhat like the LCD3 and Deckard, which just ends up boring.

 

Synergy, yep. Wasn't long after I got the Gungnir Multibit w/ the Glenn otl I really lost the desire to listen to another headphone. Sold them all and ordered a ZDS

 

When I first tried the HD650 with my old setup of Asgard 2 + Modi 2 Uber, there was definitely some muddy-ness to the bass, harshness in the mids, and some veiling in the highs. I sold them and got a pair of HE-400i's. When the 6XX dropped, I figured it was a good idea to have a second good set of cans and was lucky enough to grab a pair. My setup has since changed to a Modi MB + Vali 2 with an Orange Globe.

I definitely don't remember them sounding this great with my old setup. I can still detect a small hint of mid bass bloom but the mids and highs are nearly perfect, and they're so dynamic and smooth. Compared to the LCD-X I am trialing this week they have a more realistic tone and I find myself grabbing them more often. It makes me wonder how far a proper amp can push these guys.

 

Short answer: far. You may want to try a Jotunheim next.

 

anyone like @Steakface likes the modibit (early 90s cd player veiled) feeding the vali 2 (can be punchy but rolled off at both ends) with the hd 650 (slightly dark) is going to hate the jot and want to return it if possible for the jot will make them want pick up a shotgun and go kurt cobain upon hearing how forward and how fucked the treble is on it.