I've compared the HD660S to the HD650 and they're similar but the difference is the HD660s doesn't boost the bass as much but as a result the 5k area is a little rougher, it doesn't sound as smooth in FR as the HD650 despite being similar. Another difference is on higher end amps the HD650 starts to pull away those HD700 drivers have their limitations. If anyone plans to stick to cheaper amps and dacs I feel they will get more use out of the HD660S than the HD650. On high end OTL and OTC amps I would stick with the HD650.
Sennheiser HD650 - The classic beauty in a grey dress Appreciation thread!
- Thread starter Ryanr1987
- Start date
Soldato
Thanks for the info peeps, I may treat myself to them anyway, Will make a nice addition to my Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic collection 
Caporegime
Wouldn't mind trying the 660s for an extended period, but not for £430, jeez.
Soldato
Well I just ordered a sennheiser hdvd 800 headphone amp to go with my hd650's Might order some balanced cable while I'm at it
oooh nice, plz let us know how it sounds, vs high end sound cards such as the ZXR
Soldato
I've got no reference point.. Not used a soundcard in over 10 years. But in regards stereo, I'm 100% certain in will cream any pc soundcard
10 best headphones, my choice
Well HD650s are my fave headphones, in order I would say:
1st place HD650s
2nd HD650s
3rd is the unbelievably close Amirons, successor to the T90s
4th DT990s used by musicians artists mixers audiophiles gamers on and on
5th Fostex TR90s amazing cans when supplied enough juice
6th M50X bada55 with my sonywalkman and Fiio E12 MontBlanc
7th HD579 massive improvement from the previous 598s
8th Siberia 840 wireless/bluetooth/awesome (GAMING)
9th H7 tournament edition (GAMING)
10th Astro A40 honestly a decent sounding headphones with a very deep bass line (GAMING)
11th SoundMagic W10s they are alright, considering they were release like 8 years ago
next headphones will be the HD800s and Audeze EL8s (never tried planar magnetic headphones)
damn it costs 1800 quid, well it should blow away sound card audio, that cost more than all my headphones combined, phewI've got no reference point.. Not used a soundcard in over 10 years. But in regards stereo, I'm 100% certain in will cream any pc soundcard
There is a Dior Homme version of it that costs ~£2500 IIRC and the packaged up version with IE 800, HD 800 and the amp for just shy £8K.
Soldato
Yeah I'm really looking forward to trying it out. I'll be sticking with my hd650 for a good while. Ordered some balanced cable to improve them tho. After I've saved, I'll probably buy some hd800 or 800s if I I can afford it.
10 best headphones, my choice
Well HD650s are my fave headphones, in order I would say:
1st place HD650s
2nd HD650s
3rd is the unbelievably close Amirons, successor to the T90s
4th DT990s used by musicians artists mixers audiophiles gamers on and on
5th Fostex TR90s amazing cans when supplied enough juice
6th M50X bada55 with my sonywalkman and Fiio E12 MontBlanc
7th HD579 massive improvement from the previous 598s
8th Siberia 840 wireless/bluetooth/awesome (GAMING)
9th H7 tournament edition (GAMING)
10th Astro A40 honestly a decent sounding headphones with a very deep bass line (GAMING)
11th SoundMagic W10s they are alright, considering they were release like 8 years ago
next headphones will be the HD800s and Audeze EL8s (never tried planar magnetic headphones)
That is one sick collection you have there, you are spoilt for choice ^^
Soldato
Wow, nice selection. Do you think that the Amiron's do anything better than the 650's? I have the 650's and they are my only survivor from my own headphone journey but unlike you I have sold them all on.
I was looking at the Amirons as a kind of do it all music and gaming headphone as the 650's are not great for gaming.
Wow, nice selection. Do you think that the Amiron's do anything better than the 650's? I have the 650's and they are my only survivor from my own headphone journey but unlike you I have sold them all on.
I was looking at the Amirons as a kind of do it all music and gaming headphone as the 650's are not great for gaming.
Would also be very interested in your opinions on the Amiron's.
Soldato
Well my headphone amp arrived
Soldato
that is quite a beast
Soldato
I'm still waiting for the cable to available. I had a quick hour session with it playing Elton John - goodbye yellow brick Road on blu ray pure audio. Using my arcam bdp300 feeding coaxial into the hdvd800.
Impressed is an understatement. I left it on loop for another 3 hours to help burn-in. Decide to go disc first before bringing the vinyl out
Will phone sennheiser tmoz asking about the gain settings recommendations.. I've seen forums posts on other sites with volume dial at 9 or10 o'clock. But I'm on 1 or 2.
You usually want as low a gain as you can get away with as you are amplifying less noise - however the 600 (and 700/800) series do tend to sound a bit better towards higher gains than lower especially the bass seems to tighten up rather than the muddiness you can get with insufficient amping so its a bit of juggling (and potentially too high a gain can put a lot of voltage through them causing damage in the long term if the amp is capable of it).
Soldato
Well my balanced cable has turned up for my hd650.. Immediate improvement in sound. The hdvd 800 amp needs some serious running in tho. My Graham slee srg11 gives it a run for its money atm and that's 1/4 of the price. But that has had a good few years use tho lol.