Sennheiser HD650 - The classic beauty in a grey dress Appreciation thread!

Yeah it's more natural sounding and has more bass presence. I think the Orignal Vali is more exciting though, a bit more aggressive. I think it's on par with the Lyr 2.
 
Interesting thread considering it seems to be more on what amps to get lately than the classic HD600 ;). Out of curiosity how do you balance your amp/DAC purchases when you have multiple headphones (which obviously serve different purposes)?

Looking to pick up some K702s/X2s to compliment my HD600s but now thinking what amp/DAC that could work with both well...

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
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Really? I owned the 598 and found the clamp to be too strong. At least on the 650 you can adjust the clamping force as the adjusters are metal. The 598 is all plastic.
 
ps3ud0 said:
Interesting thread considering it seems to be more on what amps to get lately than the classic HD600 ;). Out of curiosity how do you balance your amp/DAC purchases when you have multiple headphones (which obviously serve different purposes)?

Looking to pick up some K702s/X2s to compliment my HD600s but now thinking what amp/DAC that could work with both well...

ps3ud0 :cool:
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Only so much can be said about 1 model of headphone so I welcome a broader conversation on amps/dacs to get the best from them.

As for clamping pressure it must be a difficult thing to get right for a worldwide selling product but I find them to be a good fit
 
I tried my mates Musical Fidelity V90-HPA last night, this is what I emailed him:

Can't really explain the difference between the V90 and the Vali, or even say which I prefer!

Using the V90 as a DAC/amp, it's like the mids and vocals are a LOT more prominent. Definitely more treble to it. The V90 as a line-out from my Modi 2 Uber feels a little flat in comparison, vocals also sound a bit more recessed and blended into the rest of the music. A bit odd as the M2U is supposed to be a neutral DAC, unless the V90 DAC isn't neutral, maybe explaining the emphasised mids?

Moving between the V90 as a DAC/amp and the Vali is harder to AB with having to change RCA. I'm pretty sure the Vali sounds a lot better paired with the M2U than the V90 paired with the M2U. But the Vali compared to V90? Hard call, I'm not sure I could decide. Listening to the Vali right now, the vocals are certainly emphasised using the M2U, I'm not sure there's a whole lot of difference between the M2U/Vali and V90 as a DAC/amp .... difficult.

V90 has slightly more punch to it all, Vali is more relaxed. I guess both can suit different moods of what you want to hear from music at a particular time.
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Basically the V90 is great if you really want to listen to vocals and some thump to it all. Vali seems great for everything balanced, but without any emphasis which can something come across as feeling lazy and relaxed.
 
easyrider said:
Yeah the pressure in each side seems a tad firm imo...
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1) Extend both sides as far as they will go
2) hold the ear cup in one hand and the metal extender where it enters the headband (DO NOT HOLD THE HEADBAND)
3) gently exert force outwards to straighten the extender (metal only)
4) Repeat on the other side
5) Keep doing this until the pressure is reduced to a comfortable level

You have to be careful not to try straightening out the headband part as there is a good chance it will snap.
 
I suppose it depends it depends on how you like your vocals. Some like them in the background, some like them blended and some like them to be the focus.

I personally like the Vali's especially the Vali 2's vocal because they haunt a little bit.

Most solid state amp's just sound too lean for my liking when in comes to the human voice.

I need weight, emotion when a singer is trying seduce me not screechy little girl that sounds like a Barn Owl in breeding season(Yes I'm looking at you HD700 paired with a magni) :D


I think if anyone wants to get some emotion and depth in a human voice tubes are the way to go.
 
Ryanr1987 said:
Most solid state amp's just sound too lean for my liking when in comes to the human voice.

I need weight, emotion when a singer is trying seduce me not screechy little girl that sounds like a Barn Owl in breeding season(Yes I'm looking at you HD700 paired with a magni) :D


I think if anyone wants to get some emotion and depth in a human voice tubes are the way to go.
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If you ever get a chance listen to an OPA2228 in an amp properly setup for it (i.e. no compensation capacitors in the feedback loop as its not a unity gain stable op amp). Best vocals I've ever heard from solid state though its far from the last word in op amps.
 
I'm pretty sure the Project Polaris uses that? could be wrong there but I really enjoyed the Polaris I thought it was among the best outside of about £1000 when it comes to tone and vocals.

I love Solid state for bass but tubes bring that sound that I adore. The funny thing is the Vali sounds almost solid state compared to the Vali 2.
 
I doubt I'll get the chance to hear one as I'm pretty much in love with the Vali 2's sound!

I can never see myself going back to solid state any time soon but if the opportunity comes up for a demo somehow then I won't say no!

Man comparing the current LCD-2 to the 650 out of the Vali 2 is really tough! they both sound a perfect match with mids sounding pretty close and LCD-2's bass being just breathtaking.

I can't think of two better headphones to have if you love mids. The 650 is so much nicer to wear for longer hours!
 
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