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

Showing 1 response by gundam91

I second the recommandation to visit a local head-fi meet. You have to listen and decide for yourself what works for you. And unlike our big bulky equipments, most of the head-fi gears are easier to lug around. So at these meets, you will see a wealth of equipment and headphones. Just make sure you don't get carried away. ;-)

I visited my first head-fi meet about two years ago when my wife was pregnant, and I had begun looking into putting together a headphone based system in the study room for those late night listening sessions. The people are fairly nice. I brought my digital front end with me to the meet, and was able to listen to several amps through my system. Now I have four headphone amps and four pairs of headphones...(this is in addition to my main speaker-based set up in the living room) Why do I need four pairs of headphones? Let me think...for me, my wife, my baby boy, and...uh.....yeah, my dog. Yeah, my dog needs a pair too!

FrankC