Sennheiser HD 650 v/s HD 598 Review

I love both HD 650 and HD 598. And I'm here to show you the real picture of both these headphones, and to a lesser extent the HD 800. This is a NO BS comparison cum review and I know Head-Fi is going to screen in agony as I write this.

I have owned and used HD 650 and HD 598 quite a bit. I have also owned and sold HD 439, HDR 180, RS 170, Pioneer SE A-1000, Monster Turbine IEMs, Soundmagic PL50, Soundmagic E80s and numerous others.

I have tried but not owned HD 800, LCD2, K701/702 (not sure which one it was) and HD 518.

Headphone Amps Owned:

Bravo Ocean
Garage1217 Project Ember with numerous tubes/settings (HD 650, HD 598, HD 800)
Asus Essence One Muses Edition (DAC cum AMP) (HD 650, HD 598, HD 800)
Asus Essence STX (HD 650, HD 598)
iPhone 5s/iPad Air/iPad Mini Retina (HD 650, HD 598)
MacBook Air Early 2014 (HD 650, HD 598)

Headphone Amps Tried:

Lehmann BCL
Beta22

DACs Owned:

Asus Essence STX (HD 650, HD 598)
Asus Essence One Muses Edition (DAC cum AMP) (HD 650, HD 598, HD 800)
iPhone 5s/iPad Air/iPad Mini Retina (HD 650, HD 598)
MacBook Air Early 2014 (HD 650, HD 598)

DACs Tried:

Gamma22 DIY DAC

Busting The Famous HD 650 Myth - Is It Really Hard To Drive?

All that is Audiophile BS!

It isn't hard to drive.

It sounds just fine out of an iPhone or MacBook Air but the volume just isn't there. Also, the inbuilt DAC is as good as it gets. But iDevices don't have the voltage or current to drive a phone like HD 650 sufficiently. So even at low volume there is clipping resulting in audible and measurable issues.

At very low volumes you're okay but there is still clipping as there is no reserve. You definitely don't need to change the DAC.

All you need to do is get a powerful amplifier (read powerful, not expensive): that is powerful and transparent, to provide enough clean power. Something like a Superflux HA3D or Objective2 is more than enough. A FiiO E12 isn't enough and it also colors the sound audibly, so I won't recommend that.

As long as you can a good enough amp that is transparent, a HD 650 will sound as good as it gets. Unless of course you're talking of coloring the sound, tubes, placebo, volume changes, clipping etc.

An Asus STX headphone jack is way more than enough to drive HD 650 to its full potential. An O2/ODAC should audibly be similar as well. And so will other expensive systems like Benchmark 1 and Violectric amps. Everything else is either color/distortion, clipping or plain placebo!

Audiophile AMP Myth Busted!

Audiophiles feel an amp is supposed to change/affect the sound. Wrong!

It is supposed to be a wire with gain, to amplify the signal, i.e. make it louder.

I accept most amps in the market do color the sound, but that isn't what an amp should ideally do. And a lot of non sense out there is plain placebo. Whether you like it or not.

Color = Distortion. Period!

As long as you have the correct amp for a headphone (this isn't synergy but there is a measurable science behind this), and you're not clipping and of course the amp must be audibly transparent, all of those amps will sound the same.

To get the volume equal you need to use a Millimeter. Doing it by ear or by a sound level measuring device is non sense.

As far as the HD 650/600/800 are concerned, all the below amps should sound more or less the same, if not absolutely identical:

STX
O2
Benchmark 1
Vioelectric neutral amps

Although there is more to this than merely output impedance, but a good rule of thumb is that for a dynamic headphone, if your amp's impedance is less than 1/8th that of your phone, you'll be fine.

The STX has an impedance of 10.7 ohm. So phones that are 80-100 ohm or more will be just fine.

HD 598 is 50 ohm I think. So technically there will be a sound signature change with slightly more bass and slightly less treble, and audibly so. But thankfully I have tried a HD 598 with it and it is fabulous indeed. Not as much as the HD 650 of course. :D

O2 and a Benchmark 1 have impedances below 1 ohm. So they can pretty much run any phone out there.

And this rule doesn't apply to planar phones like LCD2.

And then of course there are some exceptions that require too much voltage/current like HE6, K1000 etc.

The STX and O2 are fine for HE6 as far as measurements are concerned. From what I've read by other science people, that is. For K1000 - No!

Transparent = Transparent wrt the audible domain

If two amps are audibly transparent, they will sound the same minus placebo, irrespective of one being better or vice Verma.

If one is colored/warm/bright etc, of course there will be a difference. But a very slight one. These differences get exaggerated out of promotion. Even a colored one may often be difficult to tell apart in a Double A/B Blind Test.

Audiophile DAC Myth Busted!

Transparent = Transparent = iPhone/ ODAC / STX / AEX / MacBook = Same

Colored = Distortion = Slight Difference = Muses/ Android phones (I jus got heard Moto G 2014 though)

Colored DACs may sound slightly different. But that is distortion. Not hi fidelity. That is not how a DAC is supposed to be.

A DAC isn't supposed to have a sound. If it is audibly transparent, it sounds the same. End of story!

An iPhone DAC is good enough for any application in the world. It is that flat and transparent.

HD 650 v/s HD 598

A HD 650 sounds better than a HD 598 even out of a MacBook Air. But the MBA amp isn't powerful enough to do justice to it let alone making it loud enough. It is okay though, but not ideal. But it is 100% transparent and clean.

An STX or O2/ODAC or Superlux HA3D/iPhone is as good as it gets.

Everything else is either placebo or color, and it is mostly placebo.

I have been a victim of this placebo thing for years as well. No more!

If you have enough volume without color/clipping (this is hard to say without measurements) you're doing great!

The HD 598 is great.

But the HD 650 is a small but clearly audible jump across the board. With the only drawback being that it is a bit darker but nevertheless more natural and refined.

The HD 650 is as good as it gets under USD 500-1000 once you take into consideration comfort, warranty, sound etc as well. Of course the LCD2 is a big jump in terms of sound, but the HD 650 is far more neutral (I'll explain soon) than a LCD2 at least, perhaps not in absolute terms. And the LCD2 is a pain to wear.

Under USD 500, HD 650/600 are undisputed kings. Beyond USD 500 it may become debatable. And of course although I have not tried the HD 700, I'm sure it should be a decent jump over the HD 650/600.

Don't compare to phones like K701/702 or DT 880. There is a reason the Sennheiser is more expensive and sought after.

The ear doesn't hear sound like a flat Frequency a Response. So no matter how you find the FR curve of the HD 650, that doesn't make it overly dark. That is probably the curve followed to an extent by the ear as well.

Of course HD 600/700/800 might be a slight touch more neutral, with HD 800 being on the bright side of neutral.

Treble:
HD 650 is better than HD 598 but only where treble is truly required. HD 598 is livelier and more fun otherwise. And far better to the untrained ear. And I do agree HD 650 is slightly dark, so perhaps not for everyone. But it is possible to get used to it and even enjoy its natural sound.

Bass:

HD 650 is louder than HD 598 in bass. Both are tight. Pretty tight. HD 598 is a tad tighter. HD 650 is a tad softer. Neither is bass heavy/light. HD 650 is definitely softer and with more rumble I guess.

The tightest I heard the HD 650 was with a Beta22. But it wasn't neutral. It was warm. No doubt. Far from transparent.

Mids:

HD 598 is mids forward. HD 650 has magical lush mids. Need I say more? Ya, HD 650 is slightly better.

Comfort:

Both are great. In their different ways.

HD 650 v/s HD 800

HD 800 is slightly more detailed, refined and with more treble. But when you compare them side by side.

I compared them with Muses and Project Ember (not STX, just for those naysayers).

They are very close. HD 800 is better. But HD 650 is slightly more natural.

The difference is far less than people make it out to be.

The difference is similar like that of going from a HD 598 to a HD 650. It is there. But not night and day, irrespective of the amp/DAC.

I've even tried a Beta22/Lehmann BCL, just to shut people up. :P

If I had the money, I'd take the HD 800 in a heart beat. But I don't. And the HD 650 is close but not quite there. So it is well worth the price as well.

And although I've not tried it, the HD 800 runs just fine out of a STX. My friend has tried one with a STX and an Essence One and there wasn't much difference unless you try to start nitpicking, and there isn't much difference even then.

A FiiO or iPhone amp is of course not capable of running the HD 800 though, with the exception of FiiO desktop amps perhaps. Won't comment on that though.

But the HD 800 is definitely a superior phone and I'd definitely get it if money wasn't an object. But a HD 650 is a close rival, though in a slightly lower league.

Comparing the below setups:

Asus STX amp and DAC
Uncolored and transparent

Asus Essence One Muses Amp and DAC
Thinner, warmer, slightly looser bass but colored. Slight difference, so some people might prefer this DAC, especially with something like a HD 800

Asus Essence One Muses DAC -> Project Ember
Closer to a STX. Slightly more SS. Perhaps a slight difference. The mids may be a bit lusher and wet. But very close and I didn't do a AB test so I may be talking BS. Very close.

Asus STX DAC -> Project Ember
Again, not sure if there is a difference or not. But definitely not a huge difference.

They are all bloody close!

I wouldn't say they are exactly the same. There are differences. But they are close. And it is definitely not an easy task to rule out one better than the other based on listening, because it is a matter of taste/preference.

But according to measurements and science, STX is flat and transparent. The other setups are not.

So if you want Benchmark level fidelity, go with STX. And I can assure you the difference between those systems, even if very slightly audible, isn't huge. And often/mostly placebo. Just like I was a victim of placebo for years.

Honestly, anything over an O2/ODAC seems non sense to me.

And an STX is just as good for most people I guess, unless you're into low impedance non planar phones or IEMs.

Other Asus products like U3, U7, Muses etc are colored and technically worse.

You're fine with a ST or STX though. Not sure about STX II. Not sure whether the difference is placebo or color. But not heard it. Just read about it.

And I hope you realize non sense about cables, power leads etc is just that, non sense.

Some NO BS links that will probably help you in more research:

http://hddaudio.net/bb/index.php

http://nwavguy.blogspot.in

https://www.hydrogenaud.io

http://www.head-fi.org/t/486598/testing-audiophile-claims-and-myths

http://www.head-fi.org/f/133/sound-science

http://hddaudio.net/bb/viewtopic.php?id=9254

A Retake on AVI ADM 9RS

Howdy fellows

Now that I have owned the AVI ADM 9RS (the old version) for a couple of months, and compared it extensively in different situations and setups, I am better able to explain its merits and demerits in a more accurate manner.

I won’t talk about anything but the review, and will keep it to the point, so that you don’t need to read what you already know.

NOTE:

Lots of connectors, adaptors etc have been used here and there, mostly local ones, so please keep note of that.

Also, the room is untreated, extremely small, like 3m by 3m approx. The positioning is far from ideal in the sense that they don’t have enough space in the back to breathe and stuff.

TEST SETUP 1 (TS1)

Speakers: AVI ADM 9RS (old)

DAC: Inbuilt

Preamp: Inbuilt

Source: Asus STX sound card via SPDIF/coaxial

Also, tried my motherboard inbuilt sound card via SPDIF

Tried on both desktop stands and wall mounting

TEST SETUP 2 (TS2)

Speakers: AVI ADM 9RS (old)

DAC: Asus Essence One Muses Edition

Preamp: Garage1217.com Project Ember Hybrid Tube Headphone Amp/Preamp

Source: Asus STX sound card via SPDIF/coaxial

Also, tried my motherboard inbuilt sound card via SPDIF

Tried on both desktop stands and wall mounting

TEST SETUP 3 (TS3)

Headphone: Sennheiser HD 650 (2013 version)

DAC: Asus Essence One Muses Edition OR Asus STX sound card

Headphone AMP: Project Ember or Asus Essence One Muses Edition or Asus STX sound card

Source: Asus STX sound card connecting to PC like in above cases

TEST SETUP 4 (TS4)

Headphone: Sennheiser HD 598

Setup: iPad 3

SOURCE FILES

Mostly Bollywood music

Mostly CD Rip WAVs lossless or FLAC. Occasional MP3/AAC 128-320 Kbps. Occasional Youtube. Some Movies

OTHER SETUPS

Aktimate Mini+

Aktimate Micro

Swan H5

Audioengine A5

Swan M50W (with 6.5” sub)

BASS MISCONCEPTION: Enuf Is Enuf!

First of all, let us clarify one important misconception. Although these aren’t bass heavy by any means, but they have more than adequate bass for a neutral speaker. Anything more would mean that they wouldn’t stay as neutral and clear any longer.

I used to use them with my 2.1 Swan M50W (with 6.5” sub) as rear, and the rear setup, especially the sub woofer only made it muddy and unclear. Besides, it didn’t add too much quantity of bass either. It did add some, but ruined the quality terribly.

I have sold the Swan rear 2.1 and haven’t missed it much ever since. The 6.5” AVIs have adequate bass for anybody who isn’t a bass head. It has decent quantity of tight and controlled bass. It isn’t like a discotheque and a 8”/10” sub is likely to give you some more bass, but not many would match its quality, tightness and speed.

So, for most users, it has enough bass and good bass, just not enough to wow you, but enough for most users who care for more than just bass and partying.

In fact, the the quantity of bass and tightness is much better with the inbuilt DAC as compared to my other DACs! It is much louder than way…!

Quantity of bass: TS3 > TS1 > TS2 > TS4

Quality of bass: TS1 > TS2 > TS3 > TS4

Overall bass performance and enjoyability: TS1 > TS2 > TS3 > TS4

So, as far as bass is concerned, I prefer AVIs over both my headphones, despite HD 650 having more in quantity.

AVIs have textured and natural bass and not just artificially tight bass like Aktimate Micro nor bloated loud bass like Swan H5.

I have even heard Monitor Audio BX2 with Marantz 6005 and I preferred Aktimate Mini+ over them anyway, so no point in comparing them to AVIs.

TREBLE: Not harsh, not artificially sweet either!

The treble isn’t harsh at all, not even with poor quality recordings. And it is extremely transparent here and presents whatever it is that the recording has.

If the recording is bright it will show bright without exaggerating and without being harsh or sibilant.

If the recording isn’t mastered well, which includes most of my FLAC/WAV lossless/CD rips lossless then it will appear dull, boring and not worth listening to. Mostly a problem with old Bollywood movies’s rips and masters. And of course with some newer movies too which didn’t pay attention to their music mastering.

However, if the recording is up to par, whether 128kbps AAC or WAV lossless, then it will play just like that, smooth, detailed, exciting and lively.

So it is hugely dependent on the quality of the recording. Just because it is a 128KBps file doesn’t mean it won’t be enjoyable, most itunes rips are decent I think. But many WAV lossless are crap if the mastering is not up to par. Sadly this includes a lot of Bollywood stuff.

I am trying to exaggerate it here, but believe me, it makes a huge difference to the performance.

On the other hand, youtube plays okay, better than with most other speakers, though not even close to ideal compared to blu ray 1080p rips on this same system. But it is still decent, not great, but worth using as youtube is crap on any system anyway, and here it isn’t worse than other systems anyway.

The treble is sweet only when the recording calls for it. It isn’t otherwise, which is most of the time.

And it is a bit laidback, to avoid harshness, which may appear dull and unexciting on first listen, especially with poor mastering. This takes a while getting used to. But a couple of weeks down, chances are you will adjust to it!

And if you listen to good quality classical like stuff I guess, then chances are few speakers in the market would be as good.

Treble Performance: TS2 > TS3 > TS1 > TS4

All are good, but the in built DAC is usually on the dull side with my recordings. Sometimes it is very good with some recordings, and then I prefer to listen that way for a while. However, I prefer the extra sparkle, liveliness and lushness of my other setup with these speakers.

The HD 650 setup is livelier, lusher and sweeter despite being darker. So it isn’t just about tizz of which HD 650 has much less than the neutral champ AVI, since HD 650 are indeed dark headphones.

HD 598 has more quantity and sparkle than all of the above but not the same naturalness or realism of any of the above, hence it came last.

VOCALS: The mids are where it shines

The mids are the strong part of this speaker system. That is where it shines.

They are not exaggerated but relatively clear and clean. With no interference or artificial boost, no extra treble for artificial clarity.

The mids are natural and real and remain the main highlight even in below par recordings.

It is the focus of this system and songs with lyrics and movies do well for this reason with them.

 Mids: TS3 >= TS2 > TS1 > TS4

In absolute terms TS3 is the best, The HD 650. However, I mostly prefer to listen to TS2 because of the overall performance because I prefer speakers over headphones almost always.

TS1 is excellent, and often better than TS2 as well. Often, but not always. It doesn’t have the same textured realism or naturalness, especially with female vocals. Male vocals are close in both, but female vocals reach another level with TS2. TS4 isn’t in the same league but excellent nevertheless.

TONAL BALANCE: Ruler flat

Very close to neutral I guess.

Mids are there, clean and clear, but not artificially pumped up.

The bass is there, tight and clean, but not in excess.

The treble is there where called for, but not interfering in every recording, a bit laidback though so no tizz.

In terms of neutrality: TS1 > TS2 > TS4 > TS3

In terms of my taste for enjoying and musicality: TS2 > TS3 > TS1 > TS4

All are good in their own ways in this particular aspect.

SOUND STAGE: Huge!

The soundstage is huge. Excellent performance there. Better than my previous setups in all dimensions and realism.

TS2 >> TS1

IMAGING: Excellent!

The imaging is the best I have ever heard. Not quite at the same level as headphones, but somewhere in between. Excellent to achieve for a speaker setup.

I am not very sure how TS1 and TS2 compare against each other here.

TRANSPARENCY: Beats HD 650…!

As far as transparency is concerned it beats the HD 650 as well as HD 598 as well as any other stereo setup I have heard (though I haven’t heard much anyway, lol). Not much of a contest. HD 650 is very good and beats the crap out of Aktimates and Swan speakers in every way. But when you hear AVIs, the HD 650s don’t matter anymore.

TS1 > TS2 > TS3 > TS4

CLARITY AND CLEARNESS

AVIs are clear, clean and not congested compared to other offerings. Better than HD 650 but not always. But preferable to them overall. Of course HD 650 beats the crap out of most stereo setups and headphones like HD 598 anyway.

TS1 > TS2 > TS3 > TS4

LUSHNESS AND MUSICALITY: Now…

I prefer AVIs with my DAC over HD 650s here though the HD 650s are splendid, overall, they fall short of AVIs with my DAC and the overall experience suffers in some respect because of that. Partly, because I am a speaker person. The HD 650 have their advantages too though.

TS2 > TS3 > TS1 > TS4

With TS1 and TS4 being very different to each other based on the situation.

MY SETUP V/S The Traditional AVI Setup

AVI

Pros

Cleaner and faster, slightly

Tighter bass, more bass

More transparent

Sometimes greater articulation in some situations

More revealing

Cons

Often dull and boring

Rarely as exciting

Not as musical or lush or sweet (unlike even HD 650 which in no way supports tizz either)

Female vocals are not at the same level

MY SETUP

Pros

Way more enormous soundstage in all dimensions, width, height and depth

Better vocals, both male and female, especially female

Sweeter, lusher, livelier with more sparkly without being fatiguing at all (neither is fatiguing)

Sometimes better articulating depending on the song

Better treble and vocals, and soundstage

Cons

Bass is slightly less tight and lesser in quantity

Not as clean but very close

OVERALL

Both are excellent. I listen to both, on different occasions. I do prefer my own setup by a decent shot, but that comes down partly to my personal preference. But partly to the better soundstage, vocals and treble. Bass is noticeably worse though.

AVIs V/S HD 650 VS HD 598

Headphones HD 598 and worse are still a big step up from Aktimates, Swan, Audioengines, Monitor Audio BX2 etc.

HD 650 are yet a significant step up with the right equipment.

AVIs are comparable to HD 650 and often better, especially for a speaker to be so close in performance to a headphone setup. HD 650s have several advantages over them but so do the AVIs in turn. I prefer AVIs over HD 650 almost always.

HD 598s sound slightly distorted and a step below from the above two, so no point talking about them when you talking of high end stuff.

Previously my HD 598 had made rendered my Aktimates useless by making them feel distorted.

Hearing HD 650 from HD 598 doesn’t sound a massive leap but a small one.

But once you are used to AVIs, you can’t use anything worse than HD 650 which just sound okay and not as good as AVIs, and HD 598s sound like Aktimates felt back then.

So, AVIs truly compete with headphones. Not at the HD 800 level though.

However, the sound signature tastes a lot of time getting used to and not everybody would like it even then. But for those who do, they don’t need to fall for other stuff after that!

And it isn’t that you can’t modify the sound to your taste, of course you can, like I did. At the cost of one mid-hifi setup I actually have 2 setups which are so different and enjoyable in their own way!

AVIs don’t stop you from modifying the setup, just like most people never feel the need to…!

Congratulate Me...!

My end game Audio Nirvana Setup is complete now! :D 

(SAME SETUP FOR MUSIC AND MOVIES)

Home HIFI 1 (Primary)

Computer / Asus STX Sound Card SPDIF out -> 

SPDIF Splitter -> 

Asus Essence One Muses Edition DAC ->

 Garage1217.com Hybrid Tube Headphone Amp/Pre "Project Ember" -> 

AVI ADM 9RS 2.0 Active Bookshelves with 6.5" Drivers (325 wpc)

Home HIFI 2 (Secondary)

Computer / Asus STX Sound Card SPDIF out -> 

SPDIF Splitter -> 

AVI ADM built in DAC/Pre / AVI ADM 9RS 2.0 Active Bookshelves with 6.5" Drivers (325 wpc)

Home Headphone HIFI 1 (Primary)

Computer / Asus STX Sound Card SPDIF out -> 

SPDIF Splitter -> 

Asus Essence One Muses Edition -> 

Garage1217.com Hybrid Tube Headphone Amp/Pre "Project Ember" -> 

MX Headphone Cable Extension 25ft -> 

Sennheiser HD 650

Home Headphone HIFI 2 (Secondary)

Computer / Asus STX Sound Card SPDIF out -> 

SPDIF Splitter -> 

Asus Essence One Muses Edition -> 

MX Headphone Cable Extension 25ft -> 

Sennheiser HD 650

SPEAKERS (on Wall mounts supplied by Magma)

AVI ADM 9RS 2.0 Active Bookshelves with 6.5" Drivers (325 wpc)

HOME HEADPHONES (Headphone stand bought by ProAudioHome.com)

Sennheiser HD 650

DACs

Asus Essence One Muses Edition (Primary)

AVI ADM 9RS Built-in DAC (Secondary, it is in the same league as my primary DAC, worse in some ways but better in many ways as well, however, it doesn't suit my personal sound signature as much, despite being exceptional in technicalities and easily being worth more than half the price of the speakers itself!)

Asus STX (Stand-by/By product)

Motherboard built-in (Stand-by/By product)

HEADPHONE AMPs/PREs

Garage1217.com Hybrid Tube Headphone Amp/Pre "Project Ember" (Primary)

Asus Essence One Muses Edition built in (Again, comparable to my primary amp, and better/worse in some ways, just that I prefer the tube sound of my other amp :))

Asus STX (Stand-by/By product)

VALVEs/TUBEs

Bought over 25, mostly through http://www.Ebay.com including some really nice/expensive ones but at good bargain prices!

CABLES

Nothing exotic, regular stuff: Belkin and MX mostly

SOURCE FILES

Mostly WAV/FLAC with occasional MP3s (mostly 320 Kbps) / YouTube

EQ/DOLBY VIRTUAL SURROUND

Asus STX (Works nicely for that, so is definitely worth having in the setup!)

PORTABLE HEADPHONE HIFI

Netbook / Ipad / Iphone ->
FiiO E12 (Coming Soon) ->
HD 598 with a handmade cable of more than 1m which ends in 3.5mm

LINKS (IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING OR KNOWING MORE - NO AFFILIATION - JUST A RECOMMENDATION)

Active Speakers : AVI ADM 9RS  

http://www.avihifi.co.uk/products.html#adm9rs

http://hddaudio.net/

Bought from AV Nirvana India (Mumbai) http://www.avnirvanaindia.com/ (Through Rajdeep)

Headphone : Sennheiser HD 650 (Home) / Sennheiser HD 598 (Portable)

http://shop.sennheiserindia.com/hd-650.html

http://en-in.sennheiser.com/high-end-headphones-audio-stereo-hifi-hd-598

http://www.head-fi.org

Bought from http://www.flipkart.com

Hybrid Tube Headphone AMP/PRE : Garage1217.com Project Ember

http://www.garage1217.com/graphic_design_004.htm

http://www.diyah.boards.net/

Bought from http://www.ebay.com / Can also be bought directly from the website via Paypal.com

US Made and Comes with 3 years Warranty

Customer service is top notch!

DAC : Asus Essence One Muses Edition

http://www.asus.com/Sound_Cards_and_DigitaltoAnalog_Converters/Xonar_Essence_One_MUSES_Edition/

http://www.head-fi.org

Bought from SMC International (Nehru Place - New Delhi) via Rashi Peripherals via Asus India (SMC Agent - Dilip http://www.smcinternational.in)

Sound Card : Asus Essence STX https://www.asus.com/Sound_Cards_and_DigitaltoAnalog_Converters/Xonar_Essence_STX/

http://www.head-fi.org

Bought from Faheem http://www.proaudiohome.com

SPDIF Splitter : Generic from ebay.in

http://www.ebay.in/itm/140983086801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Cables 

http://www.belkin.com/in/

http://www.mdrelectronics.com/

Bought locally and through Rajdeep (AV Nirvana India)

Portable Headphone Amp : FiiO E12

http://fiio.com.cn/products/index.aspx?ID=100000038732625

http://www.head-fi.org

Importing from USA through my Mamu, http://www.amazon.com

Portable HD 598 Mini Cable Handmade

http://www.ebay.in/itm/111169606123?var=410212901822&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Wall mount

Magma Ali / Sound Foundations http://www.SoundFoundations.In/

Headphone Stand

Faheem / http://www.ProAudioHome.com

Tubes

Over 25+, mostly NOS and many really good ones, mostly through http://www.Ebay.com

Thank You so much in sharing my moments of bliss! :) People in Delhi are invited (everybody) to come over to my place if they wish to listen to my setup, I would love it :)

Aakshey

SOURCE
http://akshaytalwar.blogspot.in/2013/12/congratulate-me.html

Asus Essence One Muses Edition Impressions

Asus Essence One Muses Edition Impressions
 

SETUP 1

PC – USB – Asus Essence One Muses – Project Ember – AVI ADM 9RS / Sennheiser HD 650
 

SETUP 2

PC – SPDIF – AVI ADM 9RS via Internal DAC
 

SETUP 3

Asus STX – Project Ember – AVI ADM 9RS / Sennheiser HD 650
 

DAC

The Muses Edition is a huge improvement over the other two setups above.
 

Pros over AVI DAC / STX DAC: (Also, AVI DAC >>> STX DAC)

Way more articulate, not even close, a night and day difference

Far more spacious, wider, deeper, taller

Far more natural and lively without being bright

Far more rich, detailed as well as lush

Immerses you in the music and makes you want to dance, unlike the other setups which are more analytical but not as good in the above ways.

Imaging is much better

Dynamics are better
 

Cons over AVI DAC:

Not as transparent or clean
 

PLEASE NOTE

I prefer the Muses to the AVI dac by a huge shot, not even a comparison, especially for the mids and sound stage and because it actually sounds like music with emotion and depth!
 

With HD 650:

It feels as if the music is floating around my head rather than just sitting over there.

Imaging and dynamics are better as I said above.

Melting delicious sound presentation

More balanced yet better all around

Above pros as well

No cons over STX DAC
 

AMP

Not tried much, just for a few seconds. Sounded very good, but not in the same league as the DAC. My Ember sounded slightly better but I haven’t tried the amp much anyway! So can’t really say…
 

Impressions

It doesn’t sound sterile or dead like the other setups. It sounds like music and real, something which immerses you.
 

The AVI DAC is very good, but not in the same league as this DAC (though it is more transparent and cleaner).
 

This DAC sounds rich and lush while being powerful and articulate.
 

The bass isn’t as prominent as the AVI DAC which isn’t bass heavy either.

 

I never got the WOW effect, not even when I went from Aktimates to AVI ADM, or from Bravo to Ember, and both above are night and day upgrades. But this upgrade gave me the WOW effect that was I missing all along. Now my setup feels complete and truly end game without any upgrade itch in me. Don’t get me wrong, AVI ADM and HD 650 and Project Ember are all excellent at their price points and work exceptionally, but I was probably missing the Source I needed and this Source brings out the best within all my devices/setup and makes them really sing.
 

With Muses, HD 650 sounds like a flagship headphone, not as detailed as the HD 800, but definitely truly end game and the sound presentation is to die for!

ADM AVI 9RS Mini Review

ADM AVI 9RS Mini Review
 

SETUP

ADM AVI 9RS on custom desktop stands

Surround and sub duty by Swan M50W 2.1

DAC / Preamp Setup 1 : Asus STX, Project Ember by Garage1217.com

DAC Setup 2 : AVI Built in DAC
 

OTHER SPEAKER SETUPS OWNED:

Aktimate Micro Asus STX Swan M50W Project Ember

Aktimate Mini+ Asus STX Swan M50W

Swan H5 Asus STX Swan M50W
 

OTHER HEADPHONE SETUPS OWNED:

Sennheiser HD 650 Project Ember Asus STX

Sennheiser HD 598 iPad 3 iPhone 4s
 

PLEASE NOTE

HD 650 has been properly amped by Project Ember which is an amp comparable to Schiit Lyr, Graham Slee, Lehmann BCL etc. I have also tried it with Beta22, so I know how HD 650 sounds.

I still believe that HD 650 are awesome headphones, just that AVI is a step up from them, while still a step below HD 800.
 

IMPRESSIONS

Initially, I was disappointed not having heard any speakers for the last few days except my Sennheiser HD 650 setup. But now that the speakers are slightly burned in, I am used to it and tried my HD 650 setup again, I can easily say that ADM AVI 9RS trumps my HD 650 setup. I don’t even want to compare it to Aktimates because they seem unlistenable after hearing to AVIs for a few days.

Don’t get me wrong, from a value for money perspective, Aktimates are still the best there is, but if you can afford ADM AVI then there isn’t much of a contest really.

After listening for a while on my AVIs I went back to my HD 598s and they sounded muddy and distorted in comparison. And they used to seem like heaven compared to my Aktimates. They were a huge step up from my Aktimates and now they are nearly unlistenable.

HD 650 is still much better than HD 598 now, which I didn’t appreciate as much earlier. HD 650 is comparable to AVIs but AVIs are better in many respects and often by a significant margin, so you can perhaps call them LCD2 territory. As AVIs aren’t as resolving of details as HD 800. I have listened to both HD 800 and LCDs properly amped.

I still believe that HD 650 are awesome headphones, just that AVI is a step up from them, while still a step below HD 800.
 

MIDS

HD 650 and AVI both are mid centric setups. AVI has clearer mids by some margin I guess. However, HD 650 has thicker vocals. I would give this one to AVI.
 

LOWS

HD 650 has more bass, but AVI has tighter and sharper bass. Both are very good but again AVI is more audiophile like.
 

HIGHS

Both are very good, but AVI seems at least as good if not better.
 

TRANSIENTS

AVI is clearer and sharper here, HD 650 is more natural but sounds muddy in comparison.
 

IMAGING

AVI is better than anything I have heard before for stereo, including HD 650.
 

TRANSPARENCY

AVI is a step up. As transparent as it gets. Though I don’t find HD 650 veiled either with my amp, but AVI is just better.
 

SOUND STAGE

AVI is wider, deeper and taller.
 

CENTER STAGING

Not even a contest, AVI hands down.
 

LOW VOLUME LISTENING

AVI wins.
 

AVI is cleaner, clearer, more transparent though not sure whether it is more resolving or not, perhaps about equal, the two of them, not sure though.
 

HD 650 is excellent but AVI is just better but both are very listenable :)
 

I still believe that HD 650 are awesome headphones, just that AVI is a step up from them, while still a step below HD 800.
 

HD 650 is better than cinema grade sound I would say, but AVI takes it a bit further with being more refined.
 

I have only tried with my Preamp so far.
 

With the inbuilt DAC (and not my preamp): It sounds slightly cleaner, but slightly less lively. Though the two are very close. However, without inbuilt DAC/without preamp, it doesn’t sound as good as I described it above, then it sounds a step below the above description.
 

And AVIs are not analytical at all, they are musical, perhaps not as much as HD 650, not sure about it, but definitely very musical and resolving, very transparent as well.

Thank You

Aakshey

PS:

In short, HD 650 and AVI ADM9RS are very close to each other in overall performance with AVI may be being a bit better overall, in several aspects that too. But both are very comparable.

HD 650 is definitely lusher, sweeter and more musical though. Though there are lots of place where AVIs are very close or better than them :)

I prefer to listen to AVI over HD 650 unlike with Aktimates where I never listened to them and spent time only with HD 650 :D

Sennheiser HD 650 Mini Review

Hi guys.

HD 650 made in 2013.

Setups I have tried HD 650 with
DIY Dac -> Beta22 3ch upgraded -> HD 650
DIY Dac -> Project Ember -> HD 650
Asus STX -> HD 650

Primary Setup
Asus STX DAC -> Project Ember -> HD 650

Project Ember Settings
High Gain
Input Capacitors Bypassed
Low Output Resistance

Tubes tried with Project Ember
RCA 12AT7 Black Plates NOS
Siemens 6922 NOS
Telefunken 12AU7
RCA ClearTop 12AU7

Other Headphones I have listened to
HD 800
LCD2
K702
HD 598
HD 518
RS 180
RS 170
HD 439
Pioneer SE A1000

Other Amps I have listened to
Lehmann BCL
Asus STX
Bravo Ocean
Lyrita Preamp

Other DACs I have listened to
Asus STX
DIY dac Ad Labs
Asus DX
Motherboard onboard
Iphone 4S
Ipad 3

Brief Impressions of HD 650
It is a dark sounding, smooth, laid back yet high resolution headphone which is engaging enough to listen to hours at a time while being mid centric with a mid bass hump. The deep, tall and engaging soundstage is a good point as well.

Rating Expained
5 - Excellent / Very Good
4 - Decent for the price/taste/sound signature
3 - Passable for the price/taste/sound signature
2 - Not acceptable for most
1- Horrible, deal breaker

Mids 5
Lush, crisp, slightly forward, reasonably articulate.

Lushness 5
Really lush and sweet unless you try off the STX amp of course. Crisp with the Ember while being rich.

Bass Quantity 4
Needs heavy amping to get the right amount of bass. With a certain tube on Ember it is 4.5 and with Beta22 it is 5. Mid-fi amps don't do full justice but ensure an enjoyable experience.

Bass Quality 5
Ember and Beta22 both do a good job in getting out quality, tight bass.

Treble 4
There is less treble than what a neutral setup should have. However, it is acceptable considering LCD2 off Beta22 was worse as in darker! HD 598 is better in this respect but doesn't sound better overall.

Tonal Balance 3.5
I prefer the tonal balance of RS 180 as my perfect tonal balance, but the HD 650 is superior in all respects and I don't really miss the RS 180 too much though I still own it :) The sub bass is a bit less, mid bass needs heavy amping, and the headphone is dark instead of neutral like HD 600.

Soundstage Width 3
As we all know at this price, most other headphones have better soundstage width.

Soundstage Height 5
Better than the width. Better than the HD 598 I think.

Soundstage Depth 5
Much better than any other headphone I have tried except HD 800.

Soundstage Overall 4.5
Pretty nice for a yesteryear flagship.

Imaging 4
Good, perhaps not as good as K702, not fully sure, but reasonably good, no issues here.

Comfort 5
Comfortable for long hours after the initial opening up of the headphone.

Clarity 4
Not sharp like a K702 but definitely better than HD 598.

Articulate 5
Articulate enough for the price. Not as good as LCD2 but that is twice the price. HD 800 is a definite step up though.

Engaging 5
Very engaging to listen to hours on an end.

Non-Fatiguing 5
Definitely

The So Called Veil
I didn't find it on the Beta22 at all. On Ember I sometimes feel it, sometimes I don't. It is pretty good with Ember, though perhaps zero veil at all times, though. Not a deal breaker though. However, with a preamp phono with headphone out it did have a veil. So it does need heavy amping. Anything less than $200-500 on the amp and you will probably feel veil, and even then it won't disappear completely.
However, with Project Ember it is enjoyable and very often there is no veil.

Dark Sound
With RCA Black Plates 12AT7 it is darker, so the veil seems more present. With brighter tubes like Telefunken 12AU7 or brighter still RCA Clear Top 12AU7, the veil is less present and the tonal balance is more neutral. On the other hand, it sounded the warmest/darkest with the Beta22 but with no trace of the veil.
I recommend a bright amp with the HD 650 or a ultra high end neutral Amp. So if you choose a tube amp make sure that it uses a bright tube.

Low Volume Listening
Not ideal for low volume listening, especially because of the slight veil and HD 650 nature. However, moderate and loud volumes are very enjoyable. However, when I say moderate, that is probably low for most people. So this isn't a deal breaker for anybody, trust me. You will be fine! :)

Overall
It is an all rounder headphone though some people may not like it because of its dark nature. However, with the right amping, most people will get used to it. It definitely scales very well with an amp.