Sennheiser HD650 or.......?

Dinarius

I'm seriously considering a pair of Sennheiser HD650 phones.

I've also tried the Bowers and Wilkins P7 phones - they're incredible.

But, the HD650s can be bought here for €322. http://www.thomann.de/ie/sennheiser_hd650_hifi_kopfhoerer.htm

The B&W are beautiful and better built, but a bit more expensive and the HD650 seem to fare better in reviews.

All comments welcome.

Thanks.

D.

baalad

Good buy for just over 300 imo. I paid 700 for the he500s and yeah they are great but all your getting for that extra 400 quid is subtle enhancements.You may need to invest in an amp to drive them to they're potential though so that's something to keep in mind aswell as that adds to the cost

Dinarius

Cheers.

I tried them and the B&W P7 phones on my iPhone. Like having the entire orchestra inside you head!

The steel and leather of the P7s is very sexy, and at €77 more, I am tempted. Also, I like to shop local - if Cloney reduced them (the P7) I'd probably buy them instead.

Thanks again.

D.

baalad

Dinarius wrote: »

Cheers.

I tried them and the B&W P7 phones on my iPhone. Like having the entire orchestra inside you head!

The steel and leather of the P7s is very sexy, and at €77 more, I am tempted. Also, I like to shop local - if Cloney reduced them (the P7) I'd probably buy them instead.

Thanks again.

D.

Are they closed back? Because the 650s are not. They are open back which i personally prefer but open backs may not be suited to you depending on your listening environment. They leak sound so ideally they are used for private listening on your own with nobody else around. Otherwise you might be best to opt for closed backs. Closed backs generally have better bass then open backs but open backs have wider soundstage and give the listener a more natural listening experience.

Dinarius

Yes, B&W are closed up to a point. Slight leakage. This has been picked up on in reviews. If you're after totally closed, then they're a non-runner.

I'd be using them while working (I'm a photographer) and commuting.

Thanks.

D.

MagicMarker

Spending €300+ on head phones to be used to listen to mp3s on an iPhone sounds like lunacy to me.

Dinarius

As far as I can gather, it depends on the quality of the rip or download on your device.

I've got top quality tracks on my phone and they sounded incredible via these cans.

Thanks.

D.

baalad

Dinarius wrote: »

As far as I can gather, it depends on the quality of the rip or download on your device.

I've got top quality tracks on my phone and they sounded incredible via these cans.

Thanks.

D.

Do you plan on listening on the go or in private? If on the go then you might be better off with a good pair of iem's. If you go for full sized cans, be sure to buy an amp. You can buy a decent portable amp relatively cheap but won't be as good as a desktop amp. If the headphones are low impedance you might not need an amp at all but most high end headphones will require one if you want to drive them to they're full potential.

Dinarius

The P7s from my iPhone sounded superb. I can't imagine needing an amp. But, I'm no expert, admittedly.

I urge anyone living in Dublin to listen to them in Cloney Audio in Tower Records on Dawson Street.

They also have the Sennheiser 650 there.

D.

yimrsg

A 300 ohm, open back headphone, with a 3m double entry cable powered by a phone would be an awful investment for someone looking to using them while commuting.

baalad

Out of the two, i would go with the p7s seen as you know they sound fine without an amp an you think they sound superb! The 650s would need an amp to get the most out of them and they are open back so if using them commuting then they are NOT going to be enjoyable for you ... or anyone nearby! I would only suggest open backs for private use when your alone at home!

Dinarius

baalad wrote: »

Out of the two, i would go with the p7s seen as you know they sound fine without an amp an you think they sound superb! The 650s would need an amp to get the most out of them and they are open back so if using them commuting then they are NOT going to be enjoyable for you ... or anyone nearby! I would only suggest open backs for private use when your alone at home!

On balance, I think you're right.

So, just a question of finding the cheapest P7s! :P

Thanks.

D.

Ps. Maybe Cloney will have a sale.

Zapp Brannigan

I had the P7's amazing sounding cans. I ended up returning them though, only because the leather isn't water resistant and seeing as how I wear headphones outside mostly they had to go back.

Invested in a set of CIEM's instead.

Dinarius

What are CIEMs?

Thanks.

D.

Zapp Brannigan

CIEM's = Custom In-Ear Monitors.

Dinarius

Thanks.

I don't like anything in-ear. Will stick with over-ear.

D.

Scubadevils

I have and love the HD650s but definitely wouldn't consider using them outside the house, just not designed for that - even if you have a suitable player to drive them, which an iPhone or any smartphone won't do without an amp. As has been said, the fact that they are open renders them unsuitable for use in public places and while they are comfortable, they would be too big and loose on the head for use on the move... imo of course.

I recently picked up the Momentum over-ears and loving them so far - I've not had the opportunity to wear them out and about yet so can't say much for the portability but I'm pretty confident I'll enjoy them when I get the opportunity later this week. They would work perfectly with a phone without any need for further amplification. Very comfortable, light and sound is really nice.

Dinarius

Thanks for that.

Ok. 650s are out for reasons of impracticality outdoors. So......

Here are some P7 vs Momentum comparisons for anyone who's interested...

http://versus.com/en/bowers-wilkins-p7-vs-sennheiser-momentum

http://www.head-fi.org/t/690029/sennheiser-momentum-vs-bowers-wilkins-b-w-p7

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-300ish-headphone/

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/headphones-etc/sennheiser-momentum-and-bowers-wilkins-p7

D.

Bluefoam

I just picked up some Momentum on ears, very satisfied so far. Also consider Sennheiser Urbanites... Aparently better sounding, but a younger style...

I considered Bowers and Wills, but I couldn't justify the additional cost for what is a very similar sounding headphone.

K.O.Kiki

I'm lining up a pair of Sony MDR-10RBT after payday.

Was gonna go for MDR-1R series (which are apparently the comfiest headphones around) but decided on the lighter, wireless sibling.

*edit*
OP you might want to look at this:
http://www.headfonia.com/the-phenomenal-philips-fidelio-l2-feat-fidelio-m1bt-review/
(Philips Fidelio L2)