So what would you consider to be a desktop experience that surpasses an HD650 with proper amplification? Would I have to spend a fortune or could I get something good for under $1000?
It's context of the statement and priorities of the listener.Headphones don't come close in terms of frequency response, imparting a physical tactile feel in the bass, or projecting a real stage like speakers. In terms of resolution, the best speakers resolve at HD600/650 level on a good day and with some luck. The relatively low power requirements of headphone amps = less amplification stages = helps transparency. So does the smaller and more efficient crossover-less drivers of headphones.Which should I get, a motorcycle or a car?It comes down to what you want.
I'm sure Satan would propose a third option: Get both. A secure way towards financial ruin.Speakers are never viable for a proper experience: at night, with small children, with neighboors, family that doesn't particularly cater for ones musical preferences. Etc Etc
Have you guys ever been in an anechoic chamber? It's trippy... lay down and don't move a muscle, eventually your breathing becomes unbearably loud, and so you slow it down and control it. If you can relax further and your ears haven't been exposed to loud noises during the day, after that you start to hear your own pulse, or at least you think you do, or some combination of feeling/hearing. Your ear/brain just isn't used to processing such low levels.
Woah woah, what? $300 for the HD650? I think you're being a bit optimistic, the HD650 is $500. $300 is a rare sale price. It usually goes for $4-450 on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018MSNI/
Knerian had to mention it. I did not even want to start the talk on sound proofed rooms and all that it entails. Add that as another fix towards financial ruin, if there was a need for one more.Few realise that well sound proofed rooms become particularly well weather proofed too. Get a couple of nice class A amps in there and you've got another problem to resolve. Time to start thinking about nice ventilation solutions at the same time OCDing about levels of noise. Sounds like fun.
