Top-of-the-line headphones have held the best-selling position since 2003... and I am utterly captivated by them.
The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones, released in 2003, have become a modern classic in the music industry, highly regarded in the audiophile, studio, and reference categories. Since the release of the Koss SP-3s in 1958, audiophiles have been on a quest to capture the magic of live music through headphones, and the HD 650 headphones have come close to achieving this goal.
These headphones are designed for a neutral, natural audio experience, with no extra bass, treble flares, or added color. The mids in the HD 650 headphones are particularly noteworthy, making Michael Jackson's voice and other instruments crystal clear. The bass is punchy throughout, especially when listening to Quincy Jones-produced Off the Wall. The imaging of the HD 650 headphones is another highlight, as they map instruments in space clearly.
While the soundstage isn't particularly large, it allows for a clear understanding of the number and role of instruments at any given time. This makes the HD 650 headphones ideal for those who want to truly appreciate the nuances of their favourite music.
The HD 650 headphones were developed as a response to demand for more from the HD 600 headphones. Sennheiser released the HD 650 headphones with a warmer frequency profile compared to their predecessor. The headphones are high impedance and moderately sensitive, with an impedance of 300 ohms and a sensitivity of 103 dB at 1V.
The HD 650 headphones are comfortable to listen to for extended periods, as they have a 'rolled off' treble that reduces the sharpness of very high frequencies. However, due to their wired, open-back design, they are less portable compared to other headphones on the market.
While the HD 650 headphones can be used without an amp and still sound loud and detailed when plugged into a MacBook Air, a dedicated amp will benefit them. A special amplifier for the Sennheiser HD 650 was developed to optimally match its electrical properties and enhance its sound quality, typically around the early 2000s after the headphone's release in 2003.
Commercial headphones, such as Beats and Skull Candy, usually have a V-shaped frequency profile with lots of sub and lower base, drowning mids, and high trebles. The HD 650 headphones, on the other hand, offer a more balanced sound, making them a popular choice among audiophiles.
The HD 650 headphones are currently priced at $349 on Amazon, and £409 at Sennheiser in the UK. Despite their higher price tag compared to other headphones, the HD 650 headphones are considered to sound kind of perfect by many audiophiles, making them a worthwhile investment for those who value high-quality audio.
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