HD 650

With a Capra strap they can wear their HD 650 for hours without discomfort.

Their HD 650 is never harsh, perfectly balanced, with an addictive midrange and great timbre.

Their refurbished HD 650 is a great joy to listen to, after missing the sound of their sold HD 599.

The HD 650 sounds good with everything, is super light and comfy, and outmatches pricier headphones they own.

Once they adjusted expectations, the HD 650 became their perfect headphone.

The HD 650 does mids like no one else at its price.

Their HD 650 was all about mids and warmth: cozy and perfect after a hard day at work.

The HD 650 has the best midrange they've heard in a headphone at any price.

The HD 650 is their endgame open-back.

Their HD 650 definitely benefited from getting a dedicated amp.

After 10+ years, the HD 650 is still their greatest of all time.

Their refurbished HD 650 was the best 160 euros they have spent.

Has used the HD 650 for over 20 years and it has never broken.

Headphones costing thousands were no better than their HD 650.

Has had their HD 650 for 20 years, needing only replacement pads.

Bought the HD 650 25 years ago and has thought about upgrading weekly ever since, but still loves the music on it.

Keeps going back to their HD 650 even after trying many headphones over the years.

Uses the HD 650 for black metal and an HE1000 for everything else.

Owns the HD 650: amazing sound, but the soundstage was very disappointing; they expected something concert-like.

Collected over 6-7 years, their HD 650 is the pick for mids, highs and vocals in a setup alongside a Meze 99 Noir and Edition XS.

Their HD 650 is still one of their most used headphones, especially on an OTL tube amp.

Tried the HD 650 and found it sounds 'inside your head', almost like a closed-back.

Only started hearing differences between sources with an HD 650 on an SMSL SU-1 DAC and Topping amp; the extra detail sent them hunting for better files and new music.

Bought the HD 650 new in London in 2003 and, after replacing the headband padding, pads and cable, still finds it far better than anything else they own: clear, transparent and warm, surviving 23 years of being thrown in bags.

“they still just sound like brand new and have so much clarity, along with warm bass. I can hear every recording mistake on YouTube live recordings, and still enjoy the sound because it's so transparent.”

Owned the HD 650 for over 15 years, but in recent years it sounded dull and veiled even with a copper mod; the HD 620S beat it on clarity, detail and bass, so they sold the 650.

“HD650 sounded unbearably dull and veiled in the last few years and the HD620S beats it handily in terms of clarity, apparent details and bass quality that I can forgive the slightly wonky tuning.”

Owns the HD 650 and a Hifiman HE1000: the HE1000 is more impressive but harsh and unforgiving with bad recordings, while the HD 650 always sounds relaxing and right, a slow-burn favourite.

“HD650 on the other hand has less immediately impressive qualities, but it also does very little wrong. Sure, it has its limits, but it also doesn’t have any major tuning problems”

Bought the HD 650 in 2012 and still loves it, running from a Violectric V380 with Oratory's parametric EQ.

Prefers the HD 650 on a Mojo 2 over an un-EQed LCD-X, but finds its pads deteriorate quickly.

Hearing the HD 650 for the first time, straight from a computer's headphone jack, completely changed their view of headphones.

After 15 years in the hobby and much pricier gear, keeps an HD 650 on a Nitsch Piety amp on their nightstand: musical bliss.

Absolutely hated the HD 650 when they bought a new pair years ago.

Owns the HD 600, 650, 6XX, 58X, 580 and 660S2; their favourite is the HD 650/6XX, closely followed by the 600.

Owns a 2026 HD 650 and finds its manufacturing noticeably worse than an early-2000s HD 600/580: rough edges and lower-quality cups and headband.

Has had the HD 600 and HD 650 for over a decade because they're so non-fatiguing.

Uses the HD 650 on a Schiit stack at home and finds it their most comfortable, least fatiguing headphone, wearable all day for games and music.

“I find my HD650 the most comfortable and less fatigue sound I have. To the point I can use it for a whole day playing games or music and feel 0 discomfort/fatigue”

Owns the Edition XS, LCD-X, HD 650 and Sundara and would keep the HD 650 for its comfort, amazing timbre and surprisingly punchy bass.

“Sennheiser HD650 all day due to comfort and amazing timbre. The bass is also suprisingly punchy which is what I normally use my LCD-X for”

Bought the HD 650 for gaming and is unimpressed by its bass and soundstage.

Got the HD 650 a few weeks ago and it's their favourite headphone ever: more sub-bass than any open-back they've had, a fairly wide stage, airy highs and the most comfortable fit they've owned.

“These have exceptional bass extension with a fairly wide soundstage and plenty of air in the high end. They’re also the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever owned. These things are just incredible.”