Well, in a side-by-side comparison of my portable Cmoy amp vs. my vintage
Luxman tube amp, they have startingly different characteristics and I'm
inclined to say the Cmoy is a better match for my hd580's, which I am
currently listening to, using an iRiver imp-350 as a source. There is much
less, if any, noise, and the sound is much more forward. The Luxman (LX33,
35 watts per channel) tube amp seems to have better, clearer bass, however,
and a smoother sound. It's a good match for my speakers (Vandersteen 1c)
apparently, as I love the sound, but not for my headphones, which as you
say, are TOO laid-back and, yes, 'muted' when matched with the Luxman.
I expect the hd650 to be slightly more 'forward' in it's sound presentation
from what I have read in reviews so I hope it's a better match for the
Luxman. If it isn't, I'll gladly use my portable home-brew Cmoy amp since
I'm very satisfied with the way it sounds in general. And the iRiver has a
wonderful sound too. I'm getting the HD650's today so I will post my
results.
Currently listening to: The Complete Stan Getz on Roost, Disc 3
Asterix
"paul packer" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 04 Oct 2004 06:27:17 GMT, "Asterix"
wrote:
Hi,
I just bought these headphones as an upgrade from my HD580's and was
wondering if I made the right choice. I have read the 580's sound very
similar to the 600's and 650's. I am hoping the hd 650's are signficantly
better. To drive the 650's I will be using a cmoy tin amp with my
computer
or portable player, or my Luxman tube amp.
Any recommendations? Thanks.
The right choice in what way? What are your musical tastes? What kind
of sound do you like? From all reports the 650 is a refinement of the
580/600, which means a very smooth, laid-back but not especially
exciting sound (I had both the 580 and 600). If you liked the 580
you'll probably find the 650 a fine upgrade. If you found the 580 a
little muted and laid back (especially with the Lux tube amp) you may
not be satisfied with the 650, in which case you might need to look at
a more exciting, up-front phone like the Senn 595 or another brand
altogether like Audio Technica. However, give the 650 a good burn-in
before you decide. Some consider them the best below Stax prices.
Check out this site for lots of headphone opinions and comment:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/forum...e 6&forumid=2