Very few headphones deserve to be called a true "reference" but the HD650s are in very select company.
There are those in the headphone community who argue that a
reference pair of headphones combined with a suitable headphone amplifier and top-notch
front-end source is capable of besting a high-end playback system in excess of
ten thousand dollars.
A great audio system needs high quality individual
components to make a difference. There is also the need for proper room
treatment and matching of each segment of the audio chain into a synergistic
whole. All of this calls for experience and knowledge, not to mention time and
the ability to test and match all the different units. With all of those
factors in play, we have very few options for a perfectly integrated system
that suits our needs and demands. Building a system based on reviews, is not
only difficult, but somewhat of a crapshoot as well. Just because an audio
journalist/guru waxes poetically about the ‘flavor of the month’ product from
the new kid on the block, does not mean that the product is going to work and
reproduce music wonderfully in the context of your own system. Loudspeaker, in
particular, can sound very musical in one room, and absolutely dreadful in
another. Such high-end performance comes at a steep price.
Headphones, however, can be the foundation of a highly
satisfying audio rig at a far more affordable price. With headphones, all of the
problems included with room acoustics are gone, and you simply have to focus on
a good front-end and amplifier. You might ask why, specifically, a headphone
amplifier. The unhappy truth is that most CD players, DVD players and receivers
do not include quality headphone outputs. Fortunately, a high-end headphone
revolution is underway. Sennhesier, AKG, Grado, and others have been around for
decades, and thanks to the availability of affordable, quality headphones
What is so special about the Sennheiser HD 650? Well its
lengthy family chain has culminates, until now, in the legendary HD 580 and HD
600 headsets. Many thought that HD 580 was the best-priced poor man’s dynamic
headphone, with almost the same characteristics as those of the HD 600. HD 600
had to be one of the highest quality affordable dynamic headphones on the
market. They found friends in many music and audio circles, from game, video,
music, audiophile enthusiasts, to professionals in the music industry. For
instance, Bob Ludwig of Gateway Mastering is using HD’s in the final checking
of masters. In a similar manner, many audiophile engineers and field recordists
use them.
While for some, the HD-650 can be a bit laid back and does
not put you directly on the stage, it is still a great compromise to illusion
that great intimate audio voyage of yours.
It’s perhaps the best optimized for all round. But be careful! As with
all things in this world, tastes differ in quality music playback. Down perfection
lane, you might find yourself being over-demanding. But for those of you who
already own special headphones for your rock escapades or who plan to own some
in the future, you will find that the 650 take you a long way down the
perfection lane.
For some, the HD-650’s best use is in classical music and
jazz. But I would go even further. The HD-650 gains bass extension. You would
be much more satisfied with those haunting synthesizer bass lines, lower
register organ notes or timpani reverberations. You’ll find yourself happily
tapping away to your favorite blues and techno artist.
As mentioned before, to get the best out of the HDs, you’ll
need a decent headphone amplifier. But this should cause no worry. As in other
niche businesses, you can start your personal audio nirvana even with a small
budget. But if you demand more, be prepared for a money leap as wide as your
wallet.
As I own the pair of HD-650, there were vast amount of music
already following the rules of physical transformation of energy. From Pat
Metheny, Raul Midon, Aphex Twin, John Coltrane, Chet Baker, classical
recordings, dozen of movies and music DVDs.
With proper amplification, the HD-650 offers one of a kind
aural beauty. They create an audible world of music synergy that is hard to
match in this price range. Buy a
headphone amp such as the Headroom micro amp. You will be trapped in
your own universe. And you will not disturb your fellow aliens or inmates.
The audiophile HD 650 claims to be the ultimate in open, dynamic
headphone design. Developed from the HD 600, the HD 650 features improved
materials for even better sound reproduction. They captivate the listener
with their expressiveness and emotion while maintaining absolute precision and
lifelike reproduction. Enjoy perfection in sound.
With the HD 650, Sennheiser has followed the changes in the
listening habits of music-lovers and the way in which they experience sound. In
spite of all purism and the highest demands on precise sound reproduction, a
slight change in listening behavior is detachable. Today many music-lovers want
to feel the sound more instead of analyzing it. The HD 650 now captivates
your senses where you used to be a mere observer. It allows total submersion in
an ocean of music and lets you completely forget your surroundings. Enjoy this
unique listening experience.
- Matej Isak, mi@sgn.net
