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OCBob
526
Dec 17, 2017
Couldn't pass these up as an addition to my collection (HD600|HD650|HD660S|HD6XX coming soon)!
DrMEB
88
Dec 17, 2017
OCBobI've heard mixed reviews comparing the HD660S to the HD650/6XX; what are your thoughts? Nice collection, by the way! Thanks!
OCBob
526
Dec 17, 2017
DrMEBThanks. I have always loved the speed of my HD700's, but while I find those to be an excellent "musical headphone" they aren't all that analytical. I would call the HD660S a mix between a HD600 and HD700 but with even more forward mids. Off of my gear (Schiit Bifrost/Asgard 2 or Valhalla 2 or even a Little Dot MK II) I think they sound fantastic, and they're almost as fast (transient response) as the HD700's . But I can also understand why some don't like them. The 600/650 have an inherent warmth to them, and though I would never call the HD660S harsh, it's just very present/forward/bright (not Grado bright) presentation (again due to the mids and the speed). Like all headphones, it comes down to personal preference, and I find it also comes down to my mood. I rotate my cans quite regularly depending on all sorts of reasons. I appreciate all the entries in the HD6xx series; it just comes down to one's personal preference. Let me know if you have any other or more specific questions. Have you ordered some HD6XX? I understand it's basically an HD650 which I think sounds just a bit more refined than the HD600 (though again, I enjoy both).
DrMEB
88
Dec 17, 2017
OCBobI greatly appreciate your detailed opinion. I jumped on the current drop of the HD6XX the first day it opened up. In preparation I've ordered a Magni 3 and Modi 2 Multibit as my Dragonfly 1.5 likely will not do them justice. I have some HD595's, PXC450's and a pair of Etymotic ER6i IEMs. I've been looking for a bit more and I'm hoping the HD6XX deliver. I'm excitedly, yet patiently awaiting March 2018! Thanks again
OCBob
526
Dec 17, 2017
DrMEBExcellent. This drop is just too good to pass up. I've always found the Magni a very small touch on the brighter side (I have a Modi 2U/Magni 2U stack at work), but that brightness compliments the HD 650 quite well. I'd imagine the M2MB and Magni 3 will be a great paring with the HD6XX. I have a Jotunheim and some balanced cables coming next week. I'm really curious to evaluate the difference between single ended and balanced sound.
DrMEB
88
Dec 17, 2017
OCBobI almost went Jotunheim, but decided I don't need to spend that much money quite yet :-). I also wanted the versatility of a DAC with USB/optical/coax digital inputs. Enjoy!
jonathanzhan
27
Dec 18, 2017
OCBobIt would be amazing if you could post your impressions between single and balanced output on the 6XX! Though as I understand it balanced tends to be a bit louder and you need to match levels somehow.
OCBob
526
Dec 18, 2017
jonathanzhanI'm not even sure when I'll get the HD6XXs. I ordered them yesterday, but I didn't even look into when they'll ship. But what I can do is post my impressions of the HD650s, since they're supposed to be the same headphones. I should have everything by 12-21, and I'll try to reply to this thread asap.
jonathanzhan
27
Dec 19, 2017
OCBobAhh oops! I read "6XX Coming Soon" and misunderstood. It's very kind you to share. Hope you enjoy your Jot!
OCBob
526
Dec 19, 2017
jonathanzhanIt came early; like 1 minute ago.
OCBob
526
Dec 25, 2017
jonathanzhanIt's been a battle trying to get my balanced cable for the HD6xx headphones, but it finally came. You're correct that there's a lot more power on tap when you go balanced. This is especially noticeable with the HD600 and HD650. As far as the HD650 sound (and by proxy the HD6XX) it is noticeable different. The HD650 has always been more reserved than the HD600, but on the balanced cable the sound does open up. It sounds more airy, the highs are a little brighter, the mids just a bit more forward, and the bass a little tighter. It is a noticeable change, and I dare say that a lot of the HD650 purists may not like the sound, though I think it's a big improvement. The sound just feels more effortless (similar to the HD660S... meaning in effort not sound). Dare I say they're less veiled? Another thing I like about the balanced cables is the increased definition of the channels. Left and right information is much more accurate, and the location of instruments/voices in the space is improved. What I can say is that I'll be spending a lot more money on balanced cables in the very near future (going to try "Ursine Audio".
jonathanzhan
27
Dec 28, 2017
OCBobSorry, I'm a little late replying here - holiday season and all that.
Thanks for taking the time to share your impressions! Sounds like that investment was worthwhile to you! Have fun with your upgrades. :)
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