Thanks. And welcome back.

I swear to Gs, the Ragnarok sounds different when its gain changes from 1-2-3. Even if I tune the volume back to the same level for comparison.  The bass sounds stronger and more boomy in Gaines 2-3. 

Have I Gone Crazy? Please help me, Messiahs...

Nope. Normal. I usually do all my listening (including portable) in high gain for better dynamics. Depends on topology.

thank you!

I've recently had this urge to pick up a pair of HD650/HD600 after an extended audition at Audio High. I skipped these two models before in the past, but now it's like an itch that I have to scratch.

For someone that already owns the HD800, would the HD650 provide better contrast?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

--Jeff

What amp do u have and what amp did u audition with? What piqued your listening audition in contrast?

Well, at the moment, I'm using the HD800 with mostly the Schiit Vali but have the parts for a Bottlehead Crack sitting at my desk. I also recently finished up OPC's "The Wire" from diyAudio. They had a Marantz receiver and the Sennheiser amp, both of which were surprisingly good.

I always read about how neither headphone is as resolving as the HD800, and that you lose a lot of clarity and soundstage. However, when I auditioned them in a non-meet setting, the first thing that surprised me was how smooth they were. To me, both sounded more balanced than the HD800 overall. I found myself actually preferring the way that their treble was presented with strings. I think both were simply a more enjoyable listen than the HD800. I didn't find them boring at all, despite what everybody else says.

The problem is, there are elements of both that I prefer over the other. I guess I'm just trying to figure out which pairing makes more sense. I have the Paradox Slants/Enigma for a closed back at work, and was thinking of picking up the HD600/HD650 while delegating the HD800 for more critical listening sessions like when I want to take apart my chamber group recordings. 

Thanks,

--Jeff