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

Ryanr1987 said:
I heard the 1540 similar to the graph, a little missing in the low bass, mid bass hump, a bit U shaped and a rough treble. I think the 1540's curve is the most most ideal for a closed headphone.

I'd actually buy the 1540 again if I came across a good deal.
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The 1540 treble is really not "rough" though, its just less smooth than the HD650 (on the NAD D1050), I have heard many (majority) headphones that are more "rough" than the 1540, beyerdynamic 990, HIFIMAN HE400 sibilant and rough treble, Denon D2000 is too bright and sibilant, anyway yes they also have 2 sets of ear pads, 2 cables and a carry case, so that is pretty good, although they would probably be more successful if they did not include all those accessories but were placed nearer to the HD650. I have not heard the X2 but I prefer the 1540 to the X1 no contest, except for competitive gaming like CS:GO the X1 were very good for that, but for music the 1540.
 
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rids57 said:
Shurely (hehe) you don't expect people to agree with you, that the 1540 is better, in the HD 650 appreciation thread? It's like someone posting about the virtues of AMD in an Nvidia thread - never going to end well :D
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Yes but I posted because the HD650 were / are also one of my favorite headphones, except I am now happier with the 1540, so I thought people might be interested. Ideally I would say HD650 + another pair for other types of music, but for only 1 pair for everything I think the 1540 are good "all rounders".
 
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I find the Denon D2000 more neutral than the 1540, more linear but I agree the treble is rough on Biocellulose drivers in general. I don't think it's too bad(1540)it's not elevated but just unrefined. At high volumes the 1540 can be quite harsh. It does well at trying to hide it with it's mid bass hump but I def still notice it easily. If Shure keeps that tuning but uses better quality drivers they would be way more popular. The LCD-2's Rock and I'd still have them of their quality control wasn't so terrible. Not as good as the 650 IMO but better at bass by quite a lot.

I compared the HD650 to the Hifiman Edition X, LCD-3, HE1000 and a few others and while I felt they all did bass better, none had the tone, seduction and resolution as the HD650 part from the HE1000 in the resolution category but the amp and DACs used cost well over 2K so that type of performance cost some serious money - The 650 is the headphone Headfi want you to forget about lol

I can't remember how the 650 sounds on the Lyr but I'm sure it's very good. I love the Little Dot amps although they are not the most resolving, with the right tubes the paring is magical! Valhalla 2 is very good, a bit more sterile than the Chinese tube amps. Bottle head crack is always a good choice. I use Chord Mojo > LD MKIII with Mullards and it's a nice sounding chain :)
 
I have tried a lot of headphones but not any of the "super high end" ones, but yes it says on innerfidelity and I agree that the 1540 can get worse at high volumes, but it says they are very good at low or medium volume, I don't think this is actually that bad as it stops you listening too loud.... so in a way its good that they sound better at low or medium volumes.

I find the 1540 only sound harsh on low quality recordings or bitrates, but still not bad compared to a lot of headphones, on some headphones low quality recordings or bitrates are completely unbearable, what I do there is lower 10khz and 12khz by 1-2Db on the foobar 31 band EQ and then they sound smooth, on high quality recordings / high bitrate I leave it flat. I loathe harsh headphones and sibilance so I am pretty qualified to say that the 1540 are not as smooth as the HD650 but not really bad at all compared to a lot of headphones.

I don't really agree that the 1540 do not have high quality drivers, maybe compared to the high end headphones you listed, but not compared to similar headphones, maybe they would be better if they gave you an option to not have the spares, although spare pads, cable and carry case are useful, they would probably be more popular around the HD650 area without the extras.
 
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I think if they didn't have the extras they're prob be somewhere between £200-£300 which would be a good price for them. I def prefer them over the Denon models overall.

I'll prob own a pair again one day because they are great closed headphones.
 
yes at the full RRP they are a bit much and would be better if there was an option without the spares.
 
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I enjoy the bass impact of the X2 but not a lot else, would I receive a similar level for a 650? I've never tried Senn headphones but I'm still searching for my perfect headphones.
Will be paired with either X7 or a Magni/Vali. The only other contender I can see is the HE400i.
 
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I see more about these being favourites of a LOT of people so it does make me wonder. The lure of the 400i is very strong though but they are about £100 more.
 
just got the 650's and wow, easily the best headphones Ive heard. using them on a hero viii, sound is great, but could use more volume.
what are peoples thoughts on a fiio amp with these to start with, something like the e10k?
 
Ryanr1987 said:
It will run the 650's but I would look for something like the Vali or the Little dot offerings personally.
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What's the opinion on the magnii 2 with the 650, wish I had more money to spend but unfortunately at the moment that's about my limit. Or am I better of waiting for a bit? Thanks
 
henson0115 said:
What's the opinion on the magnii 2 with the 650, wish I had more money to spend but unfortunately at the moment that's about my limit. Or am I better of waiting for a bit? Thanks
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I have the Vali (1) and the Magni 2 and as far as I'm concerned my HD 650 sounds great with both.
 
Arrgghhhh i hate all of yyouuuuu! :p

I am now aiming to order a pair for living room movie and music use... where is the cheapest place at the moment? :)

Best price I can find is £224 on Amazon.de...
 
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james.miller said:
224? Do it. You'll very likely never buy another pair again.
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Ok, done. I hate you all.

On a serious note it should be great for late night movie viewing and gaming. I also listen to a LOT of movie music and soundtracks, and I'm hoping it really shines there. :)
 
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