Sennheiser HD650 Love (Appreciation Thread)

Discussion in 'Headphone Measurements' started by purr1n, Sep 27, 2015.

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  1. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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  2. savant

    savant New

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    Just performed all the mods. Took about 1.5 hours but mainly measuring and being pedantic

    Used a permanent marker while the foam still attached. You can see through if you have sunlight behind or white background to make it easier to mark your point on the foam

    I also used a New Zealand 10 cent coin which came out quite perfectly. Don't really need an xacto knife. Just start off by using a paper blade slowly then gradually cut the foam deeper

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2016
  3. RiddleyWalker

    RiddleyWalker Friend

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    For a while now I've been listening to my modded HD650s with a Wyrd/Modi2 and Project Polaris. Really loved the sound and the only real complaint I had was the impression of subbass rolloff. On some material it wasn't a real issue, but it was often very noticeable especially with electronic music. I utilized SonarWorks plugin to help boost the sub-bass and smooth out a few other parts of the FR.

    I decided it was time to upgrade my DAC from the humble Modi 2. So I just picked up a Theta Progeny on eBay along with a Gustard U12. My chain is now Wyrd -> U12 -> Progeny -> HD650. Probably a totally random DAC purchase but decided to pick it up out of curiosity.

    And all the sudden, there's this huge subbass presence on my HD650, without using any EQ or SonarWorks. What is this witchcraft??? Suddenly I can hear easily down to 20Hz, with really only slight bloat or slowness inherent to the HD650. There are other positive traits to the Progeny as well (tone, imaging, treble smoothness, etc) which I expected from a better DAC. But the huge subbass out of nowhere was a major surprise.

    I don't know if this is unique to these vintage Theta's or if the same thing is true of the Gungnir Multibit, Yggdrasil, etc... Maybe has something to do with the 4V unbalanced output? This DAC is really taking my HD650 to the next level.
     
  4. Jun

    Jun Friend

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    Low output dacs can be more sensitive to losses from the cable so having a stronger output can negate that. Sub-bass roll off and flatter dynamics can happen. Also impedance matching from dac to amp has something to do with it as well.

    I also noticed a change when I replaced a 6 feet long cable going from DAC to AMP with a higher gauge and shorter 1.5 feet monoprice cable and it helped a little bit in dynamics and sub-bass.
     
  5. shanchandi

    shanchandi Acquaintance

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    Impressions?
     
  6. Arnotts

    Arnotts New

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    HD800 with EQ doesn't replace the HD650 for me. They serve a different purpose. To me, HD800's open up music and let you analyse it. You can listen to music with them and enjoy what it shows you, of course, but it doesn't explicitly invite you in to listen for pleasure. It invites you in to listen for details and technicalities.
     
  7. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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  8. Yeskey

    Yeskey Friend

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    I'm also curious if there are any 3rd party rings that fit easily, I want to roll pads, but having to buy a genuine set just to rip them apart is expensive!
     
  9. Jun

    Jun Friend

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  10. Guido Del Giudice

    Guido Del Giudice New

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    Jump on it...simply stunning with HD-600 and HD-800 , very under rated amp and hard to find!
     
  11. iDesign

    iDesign Almost "Made"

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    I have owned the HD 600, HD 650, HD 800 (with EQ), and HD 800 S. I recently went to back listening to my HD 6X0 headphones after several weeks of exclusively listening to my HD 800 S. The HD 6X0 headphones really are great headphones that serve a different and special purpose than HD 800 and HD 800 S. In fact, I still feel the HD 6X0 is better for classical. I completely agree with Purrin's 2015 Golden Schlong Award for the HD 6X0 headphones.
     
  12. spotthedog

    spotthedog New

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    I'm not sure if this is old news or not, but one thing I discovered today while putting Dynamat on some T50RPs is that the brown paper backing on the Dynamat comes off a lot easier if you yank it instead of trying to peel it off slowly.
     
  13. Ryu

    Ryu Friend

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    Do any of you guys have experience with alternative cables? As much as I love my mega long cable that ends in 1/4 inch, I really need something smaller when I am sitting at my desk or using it when I am doing stuff around the house. I have seen pictures where the cable is not solid (it looks like parachute cord) and multicolor. Can anyone give me some input on that and is it possible to have it end in the 3.5mm jack? If so, can someone point me in the right direction for this kind of thing?
     
  14. FlySweep

    FlySweep Friend

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    I recommend contacting SBAF's cable ninja, @fraggler
     
  15. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    sbaf650.png
     
  16. HeavenNotes

    HeavenNotes New

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    Hello. I did modify mine today. This is a new animal. Better bass definition. Just a bright touch. I listen more details. I feel very happy. I was thinking to sell my 650. After this mod I changed of mind. I'm using Ipad3 ITunes and Asgard 2.
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2016
  17. iDesign

    iDesign Almost "Made"

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    There are many custom cables available in different lengths, configurations, and with different sleeve types. I dont wish to debate if a cable does or does not provide any audible differences in sound (there are other threads for that discussion) but I understand the need to replace a cable for a different length or termination. Its my observation that braided cables like those from ALO, DHC etc. can be stiff and introduce annoying microphonics. Although the OEM HD 6X0 cables are good, the construction and materials give them some degree of flex memory-- and for these reasons, I prefer the construction the HD 800/S cable. In fact, I am considering modifying an HD 800/S to work on the HD 6X0 series or I may opt for a cheap, used SAA E-Series for its more supple sleeve. My advice is to pursue a cable that suits your needs and avoid cables that may be stiff or add microphonics.
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2016
  18. Ray

    Ray Friend

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  19. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    Check out the DIY thread here and on Headfi if you want to see the possibilities of building or having one built. I have made a lot of cables in a lot of configurations from a lot of materials, and you will gain (or lose) far more in ergonomics and aesthetics than in actual sound change. So if want something shorter, prettier, and with a different termination, then have fun with the journey. If you are looking to use a cable as some sort of EQ, I am not sure you find much of substance other than personal anecdotes and the occasional sound science holy flame war.
     
  20. spotthedog

    spotthedog New

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    savant, I'm not sure if its the angle or the lighting, but it looks like the diaphragm of the driver in this picture might have gotten damaged. Have you noticed any irregularities after modding?
     

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