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Can the Sennheiser HD650 do BIG SCALE classical???

Hello Audiogoners,

I have the Senn HD650 (equinox cable) that I use with various high-end sources (analog and digital) and an MG Head DT amplifier. I love them. They make rock music rock, jazz swing, folk and chamber are wonderful and intimate, they are never bright, and are very comfortable.

However, big scale classical does not work for me. They have for me a bit of the "car stereo" syndrome, where the big scale dynamics blow me out, and just are not fun to listen to. The setup that I have now is not in control of large scale classical, and cannot handle big dynamic swings with confidence.

My question is this: Are these headphones capable of doing big scale classical with all the macro-dynamics well? I don't want to be reaching for the volume knob whenever a forte comes in. It's not that they sound bright or edgy, just not in control of the music. Really the only thing that I can think of optimizing for this setup is the amplifier. Would upgrading to a different amplifier enable these headphones to shine on large scale classical? If so - what amplifiers have you used to successful reproduce very macro-dynamic heavy large scale classical?

Thanks,
Todd
goatwuss
walkman
50 posts
 
If you have not already done so, go to head-fi.org, the folks over there talk 95% headphones and you'll get rapid and nice opinions that are highly headphone oriented. Senn HD650, I don't have, but my buddy does and from what he says and what I've read, it's a laid back sound that is great for soundstage and depth but not crazy dynamics and speed and whatnot. There's a warmth and also the controversial "veil." A cable replacement, zu or cardas, is often done to these cans. I have a very different animal, a pair of Audio Technica's (L3000s) that would be appropriate, but are much more expensive (and now discontinued).

- walkman
goatwuss OP
877 posts
 
Thanks for the posts

I am familliar with head-fi, it is generally a younger crowd over there, and orchestra music is not the common kind of music that people listen to over there from my experience.

Yes, I have an upgraded cable, the equinox cable as I mentioned in my post.

The MG Head I have is the original version that is not OTL
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The MG head is not the best amp out there. Not that it is bad, but you can do much better. And there are some classical fans at head-fi. I also agree with Robm that while the 650s are good, they are no substitute for the K1000s or as I call them, K1Ks, with a good tube amp.
goatwuss OP
877 posts
 
Swampwalker - My question is this-

Will upgrading to a superior amp, (ie Singlepower or whatever), make my headphone setup excel at big orchestral classical?

In other words, I'm not looking for a little more robustness, a little more freq response, a little more micro-detail... What I'm trying to find out is if switching to a superior head-amp will be a "game-changing" shift in terms of big-scale dynamic control of classical music.

Thanks!
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Goatboy- Wish I knew, I never did such a comparison. However, I will say 2 things-
1. Senns not known for being dynamic
2. There are HP amps out there known for being substantially better than MG Head.
If you are in NE US, you are welcome to come over and try 2 hp amps (Granite Audio and Audiovalve RKV M2) I own with your Senns. Or try to find a "meet" on Head-fi.org near your home. There will likely be 5-10 different hp amps there to try out with your music and cans.
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