[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Last Saturday I went with my wife to the Saigon 2013 hi-end audio show.
I was suprised to see a room dedicated only to Sennheiser headphones.
I did not loose a second and jumped on a chair and grab a pair of HD-650.
For a long time I wanted to hear them and see if what many audiophiles say was
thrue.
At the same time I made a comparaison with the HD-598 and HD-558.
First the HD-650.
I was shocked to realized that my 65 years old ears have been damaged with 18 years of Vietnamese noise. I could hardly hear the hi frequencies.
However, the mid and bass was very good and most important to me,
the HD-650 were super comfortable.
As for the HD-598 and HD-558, they were a little less comfortable, feel plastic cheap but sound was as good as the HD-570 that I bought ten years ago.
Since the HD-650 are more than double the price of the HD-598 and I can't hear a big difference between them, maybe I should go for the less expensive one, but the comfort and high quality construction is so much better, that I might go for them.
They were on sales at 400 USD with one years warranty and they have in stock repalcement pads, might as well buy a pair of spares.
Tomorrow, I am going back, but not to the show, to their store (Showroom) and I will hear them again and bring with my my HD-570 to make a side by side comparaison.
That's what I've been dreaming of for a few years.
By the way they had on demonstration the following headphones:
HD-518, 558, 598, 600, 650, 700, 800, RS220, IE800.
Anyone want to recommend a particular model, you are welcome to do so, right now.

Guy 13



   

[dB Cooper]

Check your dealer out and make sure the goods aren't "grey market" or worse, fake. Sennheiser products have always had a two-year warranty. Don't know why this would vary by country but maybe it does.

To me the 555/595/558/598 series (still have 555s but haven't played them at all since recently getting my 650s) are bright, but if your high frequency hearing is compromised they may be just the ticket. However, comfort is big for me; if I dislike the way a headphone feels, sound is irrelevant as I won't use them much. I found the 555s equally comfortable but if you don't, then that would seal the deal- for me. 650s have been around a long time so may not be difficult to find used if you don't care about a warranty.

[hibuckhobby]

Guy....even if your budget does not permit, you owe it to yourself to listen to the HD700's and
HD800's.  They are both a bit brighter then the HD650, very comfortable and wonderful soundstage.
Just be sure they are being driven by a quality amp...I prefer tubes, but if the Sennheiser SS amp is there
I'm sure it would match well.
Hibuck.....

[Guy 13]

Hi dB Cooper, hibuckhobby and all Audio Circle members.
Thanks for the advice.
The HD-800 are over budget for me, 
because I have to take into account that I have to buy a tube amplifier.
Probably the Bottlehead - Crack.
I don`t know much about the HD-700, I will see if I can get a demo.
Thanks again.

Guy 13

[dB Cooper]

Hi dB Cooper, hibuckhobby and all Audio Circle members.
Thanks for the advice.
The HD-800 are over budget for me, 
because I have to take into account that I have to buy a tube amplifier.
Probably the Bottlehead - Crack.
I don`t know much about the HD-700, I will see if I can get a demo.
Thanks again.

Guy 13

I heard the HD800 and HD700 before buying my HD650's. They are "better", I suppose, but my 650's put a nice big smile on my face regularly and you can buy quite a bit of music for the $1K savings. (Who am I kidding, they're over my budget too. The $1K worth of music observation still goes, however.) The 700 seemed overall closer to the "signature" of the 650 BTW. Didn't seem worth the significant extra $ to me. Didn't have a very long listen though, to be fair. The HD800 is a class unto itself and worth it if the price isn't an issue. You won't find many threads on it in "Cheap n' Cheerful" though.

[JohnR]

They were on sales at 400 USD

Hi Guy, I'm not sure which model you're referring to as being 400 USD, but if that's the HD-598 then it's too expensive by far. If it's the HD-650 then grab em! I had the 598s before and sold them after I got the 650s.

It's true what people say that the 650 has a less prominent treble and in comparison to other phones could sound a bit dull. Personally I dislike over-emphasized (personal/subjective assessment only) treble and (mostly) love the refined sound of the 650. However, intrigued by the comments that some prefer the 600 over the 650 I bought a (used) pair of 600's and have listened to them for about ten minutes. I really must get around to putting them back on ebay soon...

However headphones are a very personal and subjective thing, more than speakers I think. And you do get used to a certain sound. You may well prefer a brighter headphone than the 650s but the only way to know is to listen and compare. If this is a one-time purchase I think it would be good to compare them with the 700s too, I have heard them but only in direct comparison to the 800. And the electronics does make a difference too......

 

[Guy 13]

Hi dB Cooper, JohnR and all Audio Circle members.
This morning I called the Sennheiser store to set up an appointment,
but they were still putting back in their showroom all the headphones they brought to the show.
The salesman gave me an appointment for tomorrow 2pm,
you can be sure that nothing will stop me for being there,
unless of course a 40 ton truck run over me,
which is not impossible here in Vietnam?
At the show entrance when registering they gave one CD per visitor.
I got one and my wife got one, therefore, I got two,
because my wife don’t care about it, because it’s not Vietnamese music.
(A little narrow minded… OUPS… No, she won’t see this)
The CD is fairly well recorded and of course out of 12 tracks only 2 or 3
are to my liking. (The usual with CD and LP)
While listening to the CD with my set-up.
(Rega Apollo CD player with
Niteshade Audio NS-10 SE pentode (6L6)
with my own brew of OB speakers
comprising of one Audio Nirvana 8” extended range driver
with two 12” Eminence Acoustinator driven by Danny’s
ex SA-1 plate amplifier.)
While I was listening, I thought a wire was disconnected
on the right speaker because I could hardly hear sound
coming out of the speaker.
I’ve checked, no, everything connected.
Then I thought maybe the amplifier interconnects.
Check, no.
Then the CD ? ? ? No, everything is working fine.
For sometime (A year or two) I had problem with my right ear.
When I take a shower and water goes in my right ear,
it get blocked (Same thing when you land on an airplane, you know?)
But it last for hours, but then it gets back to normal in the evening
or the next day.
But yesterday, I try to block with my finger one ear, then the other
and bad news.
I can now confirm that my right ear as lost about 30 to 40%
of its earring capability.
I have an appointment to see the doctor at the end of this month
and for sure I will mention this and see what he can find,
I will also ask him if he can refer me to a specialist,
if such a thing exist in Vietnam.
This is not good news for me, minds you,
I won’t have an audiophile panic because of that.
(If such a thing exists)
By the way, my left ear is working pretty well for 65 years old,
not the earring I had when I was 20, but still.
Tomorrow, I want to listen to as many as possible headphones to compare.
I will bring my 10 years old Sennheiser HD-570
(Paid 100USD at Future Shop in Canada.)
to do a side by side comparison.
My HD-570 has a good sound and are super comfortable
But they are 50-60 Ohms and not an ideal for my future
Bottlehead Crack headphones amplifier.
I am also bringing some well recorded Chesky CD, however,
I am not sure that they have a CD player and amplifier.
At the show their only source was from computers
and a tiny little amplifier for each headphone.
As far as the price of the HD-650 the salesman told me
that they are on sales for the show and they really are 400 USD
and I’ve already compared all the other models and they are
all lower in price than the US price.
As far as the warranty, I might be wrong,
but I think the salesman told me one year.
However, with my 18 years business experience in Vietnam,
I know that many products have a shorter warranty
than what the manufacturer gives in other country.
I do the same with my wife’s business;
we cut by half the warranty period.
Why you might ask?
Well, the Vietnamese in general are rude with what they buy,
that’s what I found out in 18 years and my Vietnamese wife
can confirm that.
Well, that’s about it.
Did I forget something?
I will be back tomorrow with my finding from my visit
to the Sennheiser store.
By the way, I am 95% sure I will buy the HD-650
regardless of my problem with my right ear.

Guy 13

[JohnR]

Hi Guy, just to be sure you're aware, the 598 is 50 ohms.

Have fun with your audition, be true to your OWN feelings about how each of them sound to you.

[Guy 13]

Hi Guy, just to be sure you're aware, the 598 is 50 ohms.

Have fun with your audition, be true to your OWN feelings about how each of them sound to you.

Hi JohnR and all Audio Circle members.
Before going to bed, I want to comment. (Here it's 10pm)
Yes, I am aware that the HD-598 is only 50 Ohms
that's why I want the HD-650.
I don't know why I mentioned in my previous post the models
HD-598/555, etc...
The more I think about it, the more the comfort is my top priority,
then equally important are the sound and the impedance. (30 Ohms)
I will be back tomorrow with more comments.

Guy 13

Note:
I might not be able to sleep...
Thinking about what will happen tomorrow.
 

[milford3]

I love the headphone stands.  Who sells them?

[Guy 13]

I love the headphone stands.  Who sells them?

Hi milford3 and all Audio Circle members.
The headphone stands are sold by the same store (In Vietnam) that sells the Sennheiser headphones.
It sell for 75 USD, I think it's way too expensive.
I've built my own with wood and plastic for 25 USD.

Guy 13

[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Today 2pm, I went to the Sennheiser store (Showroom).
Wow, they have lots, lots of Sennheiser headphones ready to make music.
However, I was (Only) interested in the HD-650.
I brought my favorite CD and my 10 years old HD-570 headphones to compare them to the HD-650 even if I knew in advance that the HD-650 would win.
Listening to the HD-650 confirm tons of reviews I read.
Very comfortable, the highs are not aggressive,
the mids are neutral
and the bass is there, bun not exaggerated.
However, to me, the highs are there, but a little how I can say (English not being my native language) the highs are not aggressive at all.
I find that the mids a little veiled, probably not the best choice of words to describe what I’ve heard and the bass at times (Depending on the type of music) are exaggerated and muddy.
Now, that does not look good, but I still like them, not as much as when I walk into the store.
As a matter of fact, I was a little disappointed, I was expecting (Despite what I’ve read) more brightness.
After listening to about ten CDs I said, they are comfortable, they sound O.K. they are none fatiguing, they are repairable (Cord and velvet padding) and they are only 400 USD including tax.
Therefore I gave a deposit and I will pick them up at the end of September when I have the remaining of the money.
I did not yet told my wife about my purchase, anyway, I am paying with my own money, my retirement money.
I’ve also did a listening of my HD-570 on the same set up.
(Sorry, I can’t remember the name of the headphone tube amplifier, but it did not look cheap and the CD player was the make “ Exposure “ never heard of them…
My HD-570 sounded brighter, the bass was not as deep, but was not exaggerated and the mids were a little fuzzy.
Again, sorry for my choice or words.
I will keep the HD-570 because they are paid for and their sound is satisfactory.
Now, I have to find the money for my next purchase which is the Bottlehead Crack, however, I am still very much interested in the Schiit Valhalla, mainly because of the looks, the small size and the 5 years warranty.
Time will tell which amplifier I will buy.
My review is not very informative and it’s probably something you have heard a zillion times, with better choice of words, but that’s the best I can do.

Guy 13     

[FullRangeMan]

Well, the Vietnamese in general are rude with what they buy,
that’s what I found out in 18 years and my Vietnamese wife
can confirm that.

Incredible, they are small, slim people, seems a fragile looking.

[Guy 13]

Incredible, they are small, slim people, seems a fragile looking.

Hi FULLRANGEMAN and all Audio Circle members.
Yes, the Vietnamese in general are small,
but they often break what they touch and/or don't put back like it was
the things they touched.
They also over-tight most of the knobs or adjustment controls...
That's how they are
and that what I have been living with for the past 18 years.

Guy 13

[Devil Doc]

Incredible, they are small, slim people, seems a fragile looking.

Fragile??!! Those folks are tougher than nails. Over the years I've come to respect them.
 
Doc

[Guy 13]

Fragile??!! Those folks are tougher than nails. Over the years I've come to respect them.
 
Doc

What's up Doc ?
Hi Devil Doc and all Audio Circle members.
So, you say: They are tougher than nails !
May I disagree with you?
What am I asking here.
Of course I can, this is Audio Circle...
The perfect place to agree and disagree...
I've never seen people complaining so much,
always crying.
I also respect them, but I tell things the way they are
or if you prefer:
The way I see it, been on site for the past 18 years.
If by tougher than nails you mean they are hard headed,
then I agree with you.

Guy 13   

[dB Cooper]

Guy 13,
Don't know what was driving them there but the 650 is definitely not "muddy" when driven properly IMO. They are a 300 ohm load that will challenge a lot of electronics (although presumably Sennheiser would have something appropriate in their own showroom!)  I use an O2 amp with (again, IMO) excellent results. YMMV etc

[Guy 13]

Guy 13,
Don't know what was driving them there but the 650 is definitely not "muddy" when driven properly IMO. They are a 300 ohm load that will challenge a lot of electronics (although presumably Sennheiser would have something appropriate in their own showroom!)  I use an O2 amp with (again, IMO) excellent results. YMMV etc

Hi dB Cooper and all Audio Circle members.
I remember that the CD player was a model or make by the name of Exposure.
For the headphone amplifier it did not look like some kind of cheap amplifier.
It was a tube amplifier with two headphones jacks (From what I saw)
look as if the left jack was for low impedance headphones
and the right jack for the hi impedance headphones,
because the salesman plugged the HD-650 on the right jack
and my HD-570 (50 Ohms) on the left side and when by mistake he plugged my HD-570 on the right side it did not seems to work, which is not right because it should have works anyway, but not perfectly.
I think the adaptor from small to large was defective, because when I gave him another one, it worked.
Next time (End of this month) when I go pick-up my HD-650 I will write down the make and model of the headphone amplifier that we used for the demo and let you know.
I must admit (Again) that English is not my mother’s language and I use words that I have picked-up with my reading of many reviews.
Therefore, my review or description of my listening session is not accurate, I have to admit.
I will make a new review in the quietness of my listening room with my Rega Apollo CDP when I have my combo, which might take a while…
As I mentioned in a previous post, there are good chances that I buy the Bottlehead Crack to drive my HD-650.
I’ve read so many good things about that combo, that I think I can’t go wrong, plus I love tube. My second choice would be the Schiit Valhalla that I prefer when it comes to the look and the dimensions, but I think the Crack is better, from what I read.
The HD-650 did not sound bad, it’s just that I was expecting too much from what I read in all the reviews.
In addition, the listening session made me realize that my HD-570 are not that bad and they are well suited for a 65 years old man with ears damaged by 20 years of factory visiting.
I will be back with more.

Guy 13
 

[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
This morning I went to see the doctor, because for a few years my right ear was not up to the original specs.
Meaning, I could not hear the high frequencies at the same level as the left ear.
I was not surprised when the doctor told me that the right ear was completely blocked with dirt of all kind…
She removes from my right ear stuff that I cannot describe, because it’s too… Yeurk…
The left ear was not as bad, but it still had some dirt in it.
She prescribes some antibiotic drops that I will start using no later than this evening.
I just finish a 15 minutes listening session with my HD-650 and my Sony receiver and now, it’s much better, can’t wait to hear the Crack – HD-650 combo.
But in the mean time, I am happy and I enjoy what I have.
I know that you Audio Circle members know that already, but I feel that I am obligated to tell you:
Get your ears checked once a year, don’t do like me and wait for several years, the waiting get things worse.
Live is beautiful.

Guy 13
 

[ajzepp]

A little bit of hydrogen peroxide in the ear canal once or twice a week will keep them cleaned out. Or do one of the ear wax treatments with the bulb syringes you can find at the grocery or drug store.