Best headphones to use unamplified?

If you were limited to driving them with a smartphone headphone out, you wanted circumnaural closed cans (portability not required), and you preferred the tonal balance of the HD-650, what headphone would you choose?

 

Probably UERM. If not for the sake of HD6X0 tonality, some AT and Sony stuff actually are very listenable unamped.

 

My experience with some AT models unamped has been good, but their tonal balance is quite a bit different than you're looking for. Haven't had a chance to hear them, but Oppo PM-3, maybe? I'm quite interested in the answer to your question myself.

 

The NAD HP50 comes to mind. I had both that and the Momentum (v1) for a while and felt the HP50 had a more balanced tone (mild midbass boost, relatively even for the rest) and better overall technical prowess, though I preferred the Momentum vastly for comfort.

 

If you're willing to consider IEMs, I really like my ER-4P with red filters for enhanced bass (I still EQ in a bit of sub-bass). I haven't listened to them yet since I got my HD650s, but both are clear and resolving, and I think somewhat similar tonally. I'll do an AB later to confirm.

Edit: PM3 is probably not a bad choice. A bit veiled in comparison to the HD650 but with better bass extension (from memory), and pretty comfy and good out of a phone.

 

PM-3 is what I was going to recommend, though I haven't heard the HD650 in quite a while... Sounds great unamplified though.

Edit: Wow - ended up here for some odd reason. That last statement doesn't seem accurate, couldn't be what I meant. The PM3 sounds pretty awesome unamped. The HD650, not so much.

 

I use my UE7 more than the UERM exactly because it's more similar to the HD650.

 

Anyone heard the Momentum 2.0? Do they sound similar to the HD650?

 

Never really got into the whole Momentum sound.

Always sounded funny whenever I try it. Perhaps due to the treble?

Or perhaps I always audition it after having extended sessions with other brighter headphones (though I never got that impression with a stock HD650).

 

I found the UE-10 pro (UERM predecessor) a little better than the UERM unamped. I think the UERM is better amped though. It'll be interesting to see how the UERR turns out. I like the UE-10 pro and UERM better than the rest of the UE line.

 

I really liked the Momentum 1 and thought it was somewhat similar in general signature to HD650s. Couldn't deal with the not quite big enough earcups. I am intrigued by the v2, too.

 

Just did a back-to-back with ER-4Ps (red filters, no EQ) and HD650s (drawer liner with driver hole cut out, 1 layer of 2-ply TP). The 650s are warmer with more mid-bass and lower mids, and a touch more treble and air. @philipmorgan specifically asked about closed circumaurals and many of us are suggesting IEMs . The Etys will definitely give you more isolation than any closed can. I've worn them as earplugs on planes.

 

UERM out of iPhone 6 is not bad at all. I EQ a couple extra dB at 64Hz when using UERM straight from laptop/mobile phone. I feel the extra bass partly compensates for the lack of proper amping.

 

I think IEMs are a no-go for me due to comfort issues and price/performance disadvantage (though I do enjoy learning about IEMs via the answers in this thread). I already have the Zero Audio Carbo Tenore and love the sound but hate the feeling of wearing them in my earholes.

How does the TH-X00 do out of a smartphone?

Anyone tried the Momentum v2?

 

How does the TH-X00 do out of a smartphone?

It sounds good. The problem is the long cable and need for mini plug adaptor.

 

I just ordered a Momentum V2 overear. I'm curious.

I agree about the really long cord on the THX00.

 

I've had the Mo 2 for about six months. While I didn't care for the original Momentum, the Mo 2 is a nice improvement and similar in tonality to the hd650 (one of my favorites). Bigger ear pads and a re-tune really do well for this refresh. It's a nice smooth sound that doesn't resolve anywhere near the hd650 on a good amp. But from a smart phone, htc m8 for me, it's very enjoyable.

 

I think the obvious answer as mentioned before is the PM-3. I compared it to my X00 and then sold the X00. The X00 is good, but the PM-3 is better in build, SQ, and portability.

However, if you have the budget and could go open HP, there is nothing IMO that sounds as good directly out of an iPhone than an Audio Zenith PMx2. The PMx2 is an amazing headphone that sounds great out of almost anything. While it can scale to exotic territory, it keeps most of its SQ scaled down to an un-amplified iPhone. Yes, it has the warmer textured meaty natural HD650 type tuning, but several leagues above in SQ.