From HD800 to HD650 - need advice

Strange progression into headphones for me, owned a pair of HD600's a couple of years ago, loved them - never stepped beyond an E09K/E17 Fiio to power them, and ended up parting with them before really exploring their potential.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks back, i splurge and snag a pair of new HD800's, and after much research - opted to go the Bifrost Multibit/Valhalla 2 route which seemed a good affordable match for the 800's. After a week of listening, I've re-evaluated my decision, and opted to return the entire setup for something a bit more affordable. Mainly, I just didn't feel it was a worthwhile investment for me at this time, and could easily make do with something a bit more modest.

So here we are, I'm craving a nice pair of cans, and thinking I'll go the classic route of HD650 - it seems they'll be best suited to my tastes, as I found the HD800 a bit tiresome to listen to, and want something a bit more laid back and relaxing - but mainly - less critical of poor recordings/source.

As a huge fan of Schiit Audio, (love the quality, bang for buck, and no bull schiit attitude) I've been trying to decide on something in the affordable/compact range from them. Something to tide me over until I can grab a bottle head crack and get it built.

So with all that said, any suggestions between the Magni/Modi or perhaps try the new Vali 2? Maybe I should revisit the Valhalla 2 and grab the Modi 2? I'm open to other suggestions, but it seems most of the pairing recommendations for the HD650's aren't terribly up to date, being quite an old headphone at this point.

I realize it's a strange progression between equipment, but hoping to find something that'll pair reasonably well with the 650's, without spending an exorbitant amount of money - would like to keep it below $700-800 for now (can get 650's for a round $400-450)

Sorry for the long winded message, but would welcome any advice, as I'm still fairly new to all of this!

Thanks,

Ty

 

All the options you've laid out are good choices. I think you'll get a hearty recco for the Geek Out V2 (or V2+) from SBAF. There's a few on JudesList.com right now, I think. Run the 650 balanced off it. When you get a BH Crack, you can use the V2/V2+ as a DAC.

 

The HD650 balanced out of the GOV2 could easily be all many people would ever need. I have had more expensive and "better" gear in the past, and can honestly, say I didn't miss too much just with this combo. I currently have a GOV2 feeding a Vali 2 and like the last bit of holography that a tube can add. I am enjoying it quite a bit, though still debate if the improvement in sound is worth the extra $180 if budget is of concern. If you are going with a baby Schiit stack, I highly recommend splurging for the Vali 2 over the Magni 2, especially with the HD650s.

 

BTW, you should probably be asking in the gear advice thread so as not to clutter up the subforum. I am sure a moderator can move the thread for you.

 

I wanted to reply to this thread, but was holding my tongue because it belongs in the general advice thread. On top of that, I am such a huge wuss that I didn't want to be the one to say, "uhhhh, protocol violation." Big ups to @fraggler.

But, most importantly: my last big move in headphones was from HD800 to HD650, and I regret nothing.
It helps that there were a LOT of purchases/sales along the way, but the ultimate point is the same: I have been content here for a while. As for dacs and amps, I think a used geek out v2 is a very solid place to start, and expect EVERYONE will tell you this. That said, I loved the Valhalla 2 with both the HD800 and HD650; I hear the Vali2 is also very good, but have no experience.

Now, can someone delete this whole thread and make him do it over correctly, please?

 

I have the exact setup you returned @Ty89m and love it. However that is my opinion only. If you are looking for something more affordable and compact, alot of the replies in this thread have good options. I have heard the Schiit Vali 2 and it is a great amp for the price -more than enough power to drive some HD650's (which I also love - warmer than the HD800's, but they are excellent at any price IMO).

In fact, as @aufmerksam said his post, he went from the HD800 to the HD650's and doesn't regret it. I am not surprised by this as the HD650's are really THAT good. For me I have both, and I prefer the HD800's over the 650's but that is just me. But I agree with the others here, if you go HD650's I think you'll be happy. Amp, Schiit Vali 2, Valhalla 2, or Bottlehead Crack with speedball (if your budget allows). DAC - if you can afford it, the Bifrost 4490. It is $200 less than the Bifrost Multibit -but it kicks some serious ass, I just finished a comparison of the two - if you want to read it, i is here:

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...-bifrost-multibit-subjective-comparison.1313/

Of course my comparisons between the two are ultimately subjective, I am telling you, the Bifrost 4490 is no joke. The Bifrost 4490->Valhalla2/Bottlehead Crack/Vali 2->HD650's would be killer if your funds allowed.

P.S. Moving this thread to the
"Leaderboard, Overboard, Gear Advice and Deals" Section of the forum

 

HD 650
O2 ODAC Combo / STX
Sonarworks

 

Thanks everyone for the input, and my sincere apologies for posting in the wrong sub-forum. Appreciate all the good advice, I'll certainly look into the GOV2. Leaning towards Bifrost 4490/Modi2U or Vali 2 or Valhalla 2 (again). Not that my budget won'g allow for a nicer setup, I'm just not sure I need much beyond the entry/mid-level gear to satisfy my needs - at least for the time being.

I'd imagine the day will come again, once the original HD800 begins to drop in price, that I'll grab another pair - as I truly did enjoy them, I just think I'd enjoy the 650's as much if not more for significantly less

Thanks again, and have a good weekend!

Ty

 

Well just to follow up, I decided to repurchase the Valhalla 2 and Bifrost - went with basic 4490 this time, that way if I DO one day grab another pair of HD800's, I'll have a decent setup to run em'

Feel a bit silly having returned everything, just to repurchase a week later, but as I intend to stick with high Imp. dynamics, the Valhalla 2 seemed to be my best bet for now. Still intend to build a Bottlehead Crack + SB, but needed something in the mean time.

Thanks again for everyones help.

 

That's an awesome setup.

Enjoy

 

Bifrost 4490 + Val2 will be my setup very soon. The 4490 upgrade is in the mail. I am currently using some AKG 7XX. I am debating to get some HD650 ... do you guys think this would be a major upgrade to my 7XX or simply a diffrent flavor but not necessiraly better?

 

It's definitely a "better" headphone but how much better depends on what you listen to. The guitars, violins, and awful recordings like my profile picture will be better with less grain due to the cleaner mids, a more neutral amount of bass, and no AKG treble. There's no hole in the upper mids that causes a hole in the staging of strings. Modern rap, pop, and EDM with all the subbass samples and few actual instruments will be worse on the HD 650 though while rock, metal, and classical are better. The HD 600/650 are GREAT; the K7xx is GREAT FOR THE PRICE (under $200 and half an HD 600) but ONLY GOOD in the grand scheme of things and they do one thing (bass) a bit better.

Try before you buy and decide for yourself. They're very common cans.

 

I agree with @Psalmanazar above. The 7XX is cheap enough, good enough, and different enough from the 650 that I have bothered to keep it. The 650 is definitely my daily driver, but 7XX scratches the hiphop / EDM itch a little bit better than the 650 for me. I also tend to prefer the 7XX to the 650 when watching movies due to tha sexxy bass. Still, despite all of that, the 650 is a clear step up, and more capable with fewer limitations than the 7XX.

 

Thx gents some very good feedback ...

 

Wanted to post yet another follow up - ended up getting a killer deal on a new pair of HD800's. Was going to look into the HD800S, but the price was too good to pass up on the regular pair of HD800's. I just couldn't resist! Most certainly going to keep the HD650's as well, but figured if I've already got the Bifrost 4490 and Valhalla 2, I'd be a in a fairly decent position to enjoy the HD800's again. This is an addictive little hobby, but it feels good to have a another set of 800's to go along with the 650's