The Amperior and The Momentum (and The HD25-1)

Sound Impresssions: Momentum

The Momentum’s sound is overall warm, smooth, thick and laid back and the sound stage width is actually quite good for a closed phone, it’s depth however could be better. It also is more centric minded. The left-right balance is very good but it’s lacking a bit in three dimensionality. The music is more inside your head.

The first thing you notice when using this headphone is the bass. It’s not as tight like with the HD25 and the Amperior. With the samples I heard the Amperior had the tightest bass, then the HD25-1 and then the Momentum. The Bass on the Momentum however has much more body and rumble and with the closed design it gives you a sense it has more impact. The better the fit, the better the bass impact also is. So you can feel the bass on the Momentum and at the same time the Momentum’s bass is more detailed than the Amperior and HD25-1 bass. The mid section is simply candy to your ears, period. For a closed portable headphone it is great. It is nicely detailed and lively and it is perfectly in line with the bass section with the same warmth and smoothness. The mids of the Momentum to me are miles ahead of the HD25/Amperior and from all portable headphones I recently tried it might just be the best.

Treble on the Momentum is maybe its weakest point. No, wait. That doesn’t mean it is bad (by far), it’s good but it could have been a bit more sparkling and detailed like the HD25 and Amperior’s treble for me personally. Yet in this design it fits right in with the rest of the sound. I enjoyed all musical genres on the Momentum, everything sounds fun and alive, something that isn’t necessarily the case with the HD25 and Amperior. And as said earlier, it also isolates best of all three.

 

Mike: I’ve published my impressions of the Momentum on this article.  

 

Amplification

I’m going to keep this section very² short as they clearly all do not need amplification. However with amplification you do get better results as we have explained so many times before. The 18ohm Amperior and Momentum are even easier to drive than the 70 Ohm HD25. Besides that they also are more efficient headphones and that translates in a lower need for amplification. When using an amp the volume button went up quite a bit more with the HD25 than with the other models.

 

Final Words:

Going from what I heard from my special review samples, the $349 Amperior is a good headphone, based on the $199 HD25 with some tweaks costing quite a bit more. The Amperior’s sound is different from the HD25’s sound but still has the same basis. I won’t say it’s better or worse as it simply depends on your own preferences. I think that with the characteristics given by Mike you can make a good choice for yourself. For me the good old HD25 is the more enjoyable one, my Amperior sample just is too “aggressive” sounding and I hope I can get to listen to another, different unit soon.  The $349 Momentum, with its different sound, is the best of all three. It’s the most linear one, has the best bass and mids and wins comfort wise.

I took the Amperior to a local meet and actually almost no one borrowed it from my table making me wonder if people were really waiting for a “new” HD25 (That confirms what Mike said about his friends and the Amperior). The so completely different Momentum is a headphone that looks great for most and sounds good, it’s that simple. This headphone was specifically made for on the go but any “audiophile” will probably love it too. It’s hard not to like for casual listening  actually and I really loved using it on the go. At home for some critical listening you could use the Momentum too but there of course are other options available on the market for that.

The gold medal obviously is for the Momentum. Silver and bronze medals are a not as easy to hand out in my case as the results might be a bit off. The Amperior should be the improved HD25 and it costs quite a bit more but I keep going back to the original HD25, especially with that aggressive Amperior sample of mine. That, in combination with the pricing of both, makes the silver medal goes to the HD25 in my case.

Sennheiser has 3 great headphones in the portable segment with these units and I hope the Momentum will still be here in 20 years, just like the HD25.

To finish I’d like to apologize for the weird review, I hope I can get another sample soon so we can set this straight. I could have just let Mike write the sound impressions but my Amperior really sounded like that and so I had to mention it.

sennheiser_amperior_momentum_01 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_11 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_10 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_09 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_08 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_07 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_06 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_05 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_04 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_03 sennheiser_amperior_momentum_02

3.3/5 - (11 votes)
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Lieven is living in Europe and he's the leader of the gang. He's running Headfonia as a side project next to his full time day job in Digital Marketing & Consultancy. He's a big fan of tube amps and custom inear monitors and has published hundreds of product reviews over the years.

92 Comments

  • Reply January 29, 2013

    Dan Gheorghe

    Very nice review. Good job!
    Can’t wait to hear the momentum!

    • Reply January 29, 2013

      L.

      It’s hard not to like unless you only want a very neutral and analytical headphone

      • Reply January 29, 2013

        Dan Gheorghe

        Thanks for answering Lieven. I already have AKG K550 for work, and I think it great, but sometimes it lacks warmth and euphony.
        How would you compare Momentum towards the k550?

        • Reply January 29, 2013

          L.

          Mike can probably answer you better, he’s the K550 expert 🙂

  • Reply January 29, 2013

    Rūdolfs Putniņš

    A good read!

    I have no idea why Sennheiser decided to go 18 Ohms on the Amperior. There are so many combinations of amps that will sound different depending on the output impedance. Heck, 70 Ohms would’ve been enough. My HD25-II never had any shortage of voltage from any of the portable devices.

    • Reply January 29, 2013

      L.

      Thanks R. I doubt the Amperior will get the same track record as the HD25. We’ll know in about 20 years 😉

  • Reply January 29, 2013

    Spencer Chan

    Did you just call the momentum a ‘princess’

    😛

    • Reply January 29, 2013

      L.

      I certainly did. Elegant, sexy, girly :p

  • Reply January 29, 2013

    Eric Thompson

    Does a slight treble boost do anything for the momentum’s? Like 2 or 4 on an E17 ir the first click on the headstage arrow?

    Even with the great mids I doubt the momentum would be very good for pop rock and metal? Like symphonic metal?

    • Reply January 29, 2013

      dalethorn

      Treble boost on the Momentum is tricky. Some of it higher up is recessed, but apply a treble boost and the sibilants get too strong.

  • Reply January 29, 2013

    Danny Utoyo

    Lieven, what kind of pad did you listen to the HD25-1 using pleather pad or velour pad during review?

    • Reply January 29, 2013

      L.

      Hi Danny, it is the pleather pad on the HD25

      • Reply January 29, 2013

        Danny Utoyo

        Have you tried to use same “velour” pad on HD25-1?I just guessing about what makes your impression are differ from Mike is because of the pad…CMIIW

        • Reply January 31, 2013

          L.

          No I haven’t. I’d rather try an all different amperior

  • Reply January 29, 2013

    Michael

    Can you please give a comparison of the three and the 770LEs? Thnx!!!

    I have auditioned the 25 1-II for quite some time (I don’t own them) and I generally agree with Mike’s impressions. I like them very very much despite their completely different character from the 770LEs, wich I also own and like very very much… two different but quite pleasing music worlds!

    PS: I love the way the 25’s reproduce the mid and low bowed string instruments (cello and bass) … I want to get them some time just for that…

    • Reply January 31, 2013

      L.

      what do you want to know exactly?

      • Reply February 1, 2013

        Michael

        sorry for the delayed answer
        hmm.. well nothing specific to be honest
        some more words regarding a pair of cans I know compared to the Momentum and the Amperior mostly
        Thnx!!

        • Reply February 1, 2013

          dalethorn

          My experience with Momentum and Amperior is take away some of the Amperior’s upper bass to lower mids emphasis and you’d get close to the Momentum sound. And the Amperior should be very similar to the 25-1-II, according to Innerfidelity.

  • Reply January 30, 2013

    D.r. Hilerio

    So which of the three is best for rock music?

    • Reply January 31, 2013

      L.

      Depends how you like your sound. I’d say HD25 or momentum, ause on the Momentum more genres will sound better

      • Reply February 1, 2013

        D.r. Hilerio

        I want tight, punchy bass, forward mids and aggressive treble but not overly bright. I like modern and classic rock.

        I’m a little confused by the two reviews because one person feels the treble on the Amperior is too bright while the other feels it is laid back compared to the HD25.

        • Reply February 1, 2013

          dalethorn

          Having had both, neither has a forward midrange, not even close. The description above sounds like a Soundmagic HP100 possibly. I have a HP200 on the way, if it arrives. Hopefully it will have the forward or balanced mids where these others including the DT770 are recessed.

          • Reply February 1, 2013

            L.

            As Dale says, the HD25 doesn’t have forward mids. I wouldn’t say the HP100 is the perfect rock headphone (review next week). DT770 AE’s mids aren’t that recessed though Dale.

            Have you tried the HD600?

            • Reply February 2, 2013

              dalethorn

              I do enjoy my 770LE – it just seems the mids are less prominent because of the large presentation. Certainly not a problem. I had a 600 and 650, and when the 650 first came out it sounded almost identical to the 600 (or Senn slipped a 600 to me disguised as a 650). The 600 at least is an excellent and very flat headphone, and deserves a good amp. I was using a headroom portable that cost $400 back around 1998 – maybe a better amp would make the bass even better.

          • Reply February 15, 2013

            dalethorn

            HP200 arrived 10 days ago. It’s too good, so nobody will believe me. My Momentum and Amperior will be staying in the closet now. That’s all I can say that makes any sense, but you’ll probably be getting one of these soon.

  • Reply February 9, 2013

    Knlegend1

    What about studio work?

    • Reply February 10, 2013

      t1tan1um

      Sennheiser HD25-1 II is still regarded as the best solution for studio use between this 3 headphones. Sennheiser recommends in a Momentum commercial on youtube that you buy HD25-1 II for professional use.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDqROgtFS8U

      In the “About” area you can read:

      For the professional DJ´s we recommend the Sennheiser HD 25-1 II headphone:
      http://www.sennheiser.com/hd-25-1-ii

      • Reply February 13, 2013

        Mike

        Thanks titanium!

      • Reply February 15, 2013

        Knlegend1

        I think i’m going to buy the Amperior’s for casual listening and Audio Technica M50 for studio work.

        • Reply February 18, 2013

          Mike

          That sounds good!

    • Reply February 13, 2013

      Mike

      What titanium said, or you can also look at the Beyer DT770 line up.

  • Reply February 19, 2013

    Jin Yang

    Sennheiser makes A and M be two new stars. But I don’t think they’re that great. A is bad for big head due to the earcups can not be uptilted enough for spreading the presure averagely on whole ear,but upper ear. That gets worse when you’re wearing glasses. Increasing the weight of earcups is not wise for an on-ear headphone, especially a tight one. M is bad for big ears cause the small size earcups. The advantage of full-size headphone is killed, no longer universal.The major axis of M’s earcups equals to PXC450’s minor axis. Actually I believe Sennheiser can make some perfection that looks like PX100 and sounds like HD25. But they just chooses to “pursuit”.

    • Reply April 26, 2013

      dalethorn

      There’s a terrible irony in marketing headphones. Let’s say Senn makes a new headphone, the HD25xx, and makes the price $125 USD and physically identical to the PX100 but sound identical to the HD25-1-II. I would buy one and a few audiophiles would buy one, but most potential buyers would say “It’s an over-priced PX100”, and so Senn would probably lose money on it. Corporate costs are very high for all the things that go into an item like that.

      • Reply April 26, 2013

        Fabio_Rocks

        That’s why the Amperior selling are very poor compared to the Momentum. Something new is better than an old upgraded.

  • Reply April 16, 2013

    Matt Smith

    “The lower bass of the HD25 goes deeper as the Amperior’s bass (the general opinion is the Amperior’s bass goes deeper) but the Amperior’s bass does have more punch to it. It has a better definition and body as the HD25 and it definitely is sounding tighter. The bass experience with both headphones is also different because of the mid section of both. The Amperior emphasizes the mids more and makes it a more linear headphone as the HD25.”

    I got a bit stuck reading the above. There seem to be a few uses of the word ‘as’ that need replacing with ‘than’ or something. Examples: “deeper as,” should that read, “deeper than,” or “as deep as”. I wonder if you’d mind clarifying that passage at all please?

    • Reply April 16, 2013

      L.

      Sorry. that really is a part you should not pay too much attention too. The problem was that the review sample didn’t sound as it was supposed to sound. Amperior’s bass should be deeper. If you’re in the market for one you should probably base your decision on Mike’s part lower in the review.

    • Reply January 14, 2017

      Ben

      Ah yeah, I noticed that and I reckon they are German native speakers. I’m learning German atm and sometimes get the two mixed up.

      P.s. thank you for the review guys, it persuaded me to take the plunge and buy the Momentums (in addition to the HD 25s which I currently have).

  • Reply April 17, 2013

    Fabio_Rocks

    I just ordered the Amperior! There is a stellar deal on Amazon.it 194 EUR! I am happy so far:)

  • Reply April 22, 2013

    Fabio_Rocks

    I think the Mike impressions are right on the Amperior. The sound is warm full bodied not particularly aggressive. The pace is moderate, I don’t think it’s lightning fast and the sound is kinda forward. I never heard the original hd25, so I cannot make comparison, anyway the Amperior is a Killer headphone. The Amperior easily bests all the headphones I own (including the HD 650 on 300 $ setup) Cons: the mid-bass hump can bothersome, and sometimes I feel bass is too much veiling the sound. It’s very important to get the right fit. I think sound signature wise they share many similarities with the Px100ii, but of course, the Amperior are a lot better. Highly Highly Recommended for me.

    • Reply April 25, 2013

      Mike

      Thanks for sharing, Fabio

  • Reply May 8, 2013

    Matthew Wingert

    I have read the reviews for the SoundMagic HP100, Senn Momentum, Senn Amperior, Senn HD25-1, V-moda M-100, Beyer DT770 LE, and Beyer Custom One Pro, and I can’t decide which would provide a good closed-back design for my needs. My musical tastes are pretty wide – classical/jazz/blues/pop/rock/metal/country and in rare cases rap/RnB. My HiFiMan HE-400s are a great all-rounder, so I am basically looking for a closed-back headphone that compliments my HE-400s sound signature and works well across many musical genres. Any suggestions?

    • Reply May 8, 2013

      L.

      I’d say DT77 AE or COP if the majority of your music is bass heavy

  • Reply June 6, 2013

    Jonny C

    Hey Mike and L,

    I’m in the market for my first closed headphone, and have been reading your blog a bit. I’ll probably end up buying the Senn Momentum, Senn Amperior, or Beyer DT770LE. I listen to just about all kinds of music, but a focus on rock and hip-hop. Will be powering them from a Fiio E10. Do you think the Momentum would be a bit too relaxed for rock and hip-hop? Is the Amperior too uncomfortable for all-day wearing?

    -Jonny

    • Reply June 6, 2013

      dalethorn

      The Amperior pads are on-ear and they’re fairly stiff, so they could hurt some people’s outer ear parts after awhile. I got used to it for maybe up to 2 hours without a break. The Momentum has good presence energy and warmth. It might not be ideal for rock and hip-hop, but if you use a headphone that’s harder hitting than the Momentum, it might cause fatigue after awhile. So for me it’s a trade-off between those factors.

  • Reply August 14, 2013

    Yiğit Ünlü

    Hello very professional review there.But i have to ask which one is the best option for rock,alternative rock, metal genres for example i listen to hardcore rock band like system of a down.Also AC/DC Led zeppelin and such. What would you suggest?

    • Reply August 14, 2013

      dalethorn

      If you like your rock harder, in a mood for high energy etc., then Amperior for sure. If you want mellow, more of an introspective listen, then Momentum. I like both, for different moods.

      • Reply August 15, 2013

        Yiğit Ünlü

        Thanks but are there any other big differences like clarity of sound, overall quality of other facts? I wonder if the bass of amperior overpowers the whole thing or too weak bass for the momentum?

        • Reply August 15, 2013

          dalethorn

          The Momentum bass is unique – when I first heard it I thought it was a very lush sound, not bassy. It’s just an emphasis in the low mids that gives it an impact – I can’t explain well – an impact that makes the very warm sounding Momentum seem weak by comparison. The Amperior has a treble that’s similar to the Momentum, but Amperior is stronger in the upper treble, where Momentum is slightly recessed. Both headphones are made by Sennheiser, both are $350 MSRP, and both came out about the same time. Those are the only similarities. If you wanted a more linear more accurate sound than Amperior, Momentum is not it. In a closed headhone around $350, that would be ummmmm, Beyer DT770-LE, Beyer COP, B&O H6, B&W P5, Philips X1 (semi open?), GMP 8.35D, to name a few.

    • Reply August 15, 2013

      Mike

      I would go for the HD25-1.

  • Reply August 15, 2013

    rob

    I thought that Momentum’s bass sounded too artificially enhanced; that it needed to be more in line with rest of the music. Articulation and detail were great overall, but i was really surprised on the bass presentation.

    • Reply August 15, 2013

      dalethorn

      Interesting observation. Sometimes it sounds warm and good, and other times like it’s not quite there. I’ve seen test graphs, which look normal enough.

  • Reply October 10, 2013

    Juan David

    hi, I just have a question, I have the hd25 adidas and the amepior, when connected to my phone or ipad it sounds much better than the hd25 due to the low impedance I suppose, but when I connect it to my computer using loseless files the amperior sound much lower and distort quite easily while the hd 25 performs much better, sounds more detailed to my ear and the bass I much stronger, can you explain to me why is this? would very much appreciate it.

    • Reply October 10, 2013

      L.

      Cause your iPad and PC don’t have the same output characteristics

    • Reply October 11, 2013

      Mike

      Hi Juan,
      Different amplifier section on the Iphone/Ipad/Computer leads to different sound output on the headphones. This is why some amps can be excellent for certain headphones but not so good with others.
      Choosing the right amp can be likened to choosing the “perfect” shock absorbers for automobiles. There is no one perfect shock absorber to rule them all. It depends on the car, the road you’re driving on, the goal you’re looking for. Likewise for amplifiers.
      Hope that helps.

      • Reply October 11, 2013

        Juan David

        yeah but the thing is that I’m not using a dedicated amp, just straight out of the audio output, the difference is most noticeable when using vlc+loseless files.

        • Reply October 11, 2013

          Mike

          Juan,
          Each of the devices you use still have an amplifier module inside and the working principle is the same.

          • Reply October 11, 2013

            Juan David

            Oh I see, so it seems that the amp on my macbook pro goes really well with my hd25 than it does with my amperiors, thanks mike, I would also like to know which portable amp would you reccomend for them fiio e12, e17, jdslabs cmoy or I don’t know, I’m new to a,l of this have never used an amp before so I would like to know if the change is going to be dramatical if it is worth it.

            • Reply October 14, 2013

              Mike

              Hi Juan,
              The E12 is a high power amp designed to drive Orthos. It’s a bit of an overkill for the HD25-1 as the higher the power output, generally the higher the distortion level — this applies to all amps. SO I don’t think you need to go that way.
              The JDSLabs Cmoy is very smooth and refined but I fear it may not have enough power for the HD25-1, I don’t know haven’t really tried that combo. It may, or it may not. I’m not saying it would not. I just have to try it one day and get back to you.
              The E17 and Fiio’s E7K is a good middle line. I prefer the E07K.

              • Reply October 14, 2013

                Juan David

                Hi mike,
                Why the E07k over the E17? Will I feel a noticeabke diference with my amperior as well as with my m80 and hd25? I listen more often edm, hiphop, rock, salsa etc, I like to have a good bass, also when you say the amoerior is more smooth and refined you mean they are more even sounding or what do you mean with that? Thanks.

              • Reply October 22, 2013

                Juan David

                so? did you try cmoy plus hd25? :p

                • Reply October 22, 2013

                  Mike

                  Ah sorry! I missed that one. I’m in Tokyo now and won’t be back till next week though..will you wait that long?

                  • Reply October 22, 2013

                    Juan David

                    Of course I will, as long as you don’t forget 🙂 haha just kidding, by the way you said that you preffer the e07kover the e17 why? Have a good trip.

  • Reply November 20, 2013

    Mr.Tingalingling

    For recording and going out on the street, I am debating between these three and the Custom One Pro, would you give me some suggestion on how they would match for the these settings? I recording mostly pop and classical but the music i listen to about range hip-pop to jazz to classical symphonies…

    • Reply November 21, 2013

      Mike

      COP is definitely not a recording headphone.

      Try Beyer’s DT770 for recording or Senn’s HD380 Pro. Anything monitoring and closed back. Or even the HD25-1.

      • Reply December 13, 2013

        Mr.Tingalingling

        What if it’s for pure monitor/recording sessions? I think I am considering the Momentum for music, but for recording vocal (tenor), piano, and guitar, do you think HD25-1 would be better or the HD380 or the DT770?

        • Reply December 16, 2013

          Mike

          The 770 should be the standard for monitor/recording.
          HD380 next.
          HD25-1 last.

          I believe the HD25-1’s strength is for mobility, like if you’re shooting camera on the street.

          • Reply December 17, 2013

            Mr.Tingalingling

            Yea, I went to Guitar Center to test them out, I think The DT770 is a little bit more balanced, less bass, and the treble was not as bright compared to the HD380. I am not sure if I am using the right terms though. I think I am going to get the 770 but then what do you think of the M50 compare to the 770, does the $60 worth the difference?

            • Reply December 17, 2013

              Mr.Tingalingling

              For Recording I am mostly R&B/Soul or Classical, Thanks.

            • Reply December 17, 2013

              Mike

              Yes definitely go for the beyer

    • Reply November 21, 2013

      Mike

      Though monitoring headphones are usually too flat for music listening. That’s why they brand it as monitoring. Can’t have one headphone that does it all. The HD25-1 is a good compromise for monitoring and music but it’s not the most transparent or detailed.

  • Reply November 21, 2013

    John Junior

    Hi guys… Amperior or ATH M50, I can’t find any comparison. Mind to share some of their sound etc? Recently I found attractive price.

    Newegg: Senn Amperior for $130.

    Sonic Electronix: Red ATH-M50 $ 99

    All I know is on ear vs over ear. Now I’m looking for portable can.

    • Reply November 22, 2013

      Mike

      The Amperior is more fun for music. More forward sound, fuller mids, better pace. M50 is slower, more bass.

      • Reply November 22, 2013

        John Junior

        So, Amperior better than M50?

        • Reply November 22, 2013

          Mike

          For music yes

          • Reply November 22, 2013

            John Junior

            I get this headphone mainly for music. And M50 better in what term sir? Just wondering sound isolation and blocking between these two too. Well, some on ear can be better than over ear right?

            • Reply November 22, 2013

              dalethorn

              The Amperior is a much higher quality headphone with less coloration. The Amperior price has dropped because they are being closed out, not because they are low quality like the M50.

              • Reply November 22, 2013

                John Junior

                That’s explain the price tag I guess… Gonna grab that Amperior… Closed out means not gonna produce anymore?

                • Reply November 22, 2013

                  Mike

                  Yes Senn discontinued it. HD25 Aluminium in exchange

                  • Reply November 22, 2013

                    John Junior

                    But the sound between HD25 and Amperior should be different right? Or premium by aluminum?

                • Reply November 22, 2013

                  dalethorn

                  I’m not sure but the Amperior is really an updated HD25-1-II, and that HD25 sells very well and the Amperior does not because of the price, and the Apple store also does not stock the Amperior, so whether it’s being discontinued officially, I don’t know. But if you get one brand new and it’s genuine from an authorized dealer, that’s a good deal.

                  • Reply November 22, 2013

                    Mike

                    Yeah its official. They’re killing the amperior.

  • Reply January 18, 2014

    Nik

    Hi MIke
    I already have the Fidelio L2 and the HD650. I was looking a portable closed headphones to use with the Astell & Kern AK120, with or without amplifier (Alo Audio The International).
    What do you think would go better between Sennheiser Momentum (over-ear) and Beyerdynamic DT1350 (or T51P)?
    Thanks as always for your valuable advice.

    • Reply January 18, 2014

      dalethorn

      The new refresh DT-1350 (not the DT1350 being discounted now) could be a great headphone – I need to get one. I have the T51p which is very nasal with a narrow stage, and I EQ it. The Momentum is warm, doesn’t have the best upper treble sparkle, so still is a good portable.

      The old DT1350 being dumped at $180 USD – I had two of those, so many problems….

    • Reply January 21, 2014

      Mike

      Either the Momentum on ear or the DT1350-T51p should be fine direct from the AK120.

      The T51P is the best IMO of that three bunch.

  • Reply November 4, 2015

    Lars

    Hey guys. I currently own the Momentum V2 (not the wireless), and I like it a lot. Where I previously didn’t like the thickness, I now find I love the warm sound. It is so easy to listen to for a long time. If I were to pick a more HiFi set of cans and maybe a good amp to follow, could you give me recommendation?

    • Reply November 4, 2015

      Headfonia_L.

      HE-400S maybe, it’s got the good warmth and thickness but it’s an excellent headphone

      • Reply November 4, 2015

        Lars

        How would you compare their sound to that of the HD650?

        • Reply November 4, 2015

          Headfonia_L.

          II think I covered that in their review

          • Reply November 4, 2015

            Lars

            Alright, I’ll check it out. Thanks for the quick reply 🙂

            • Reply November 4, 2015

              dalethorn

              Is your budget limited to $300? For a more hi-fi sound I’d think maybe a higher price.

              • Reply November 4, 2015

                Lars

                Hey! Well, being a student i do have a budget, true. I’m willing to save to around $500. After having read the reviews on 400, 400i and 400s, I get where you’re coming from Lieven. But I didn’t specify earlier that I’m looking for something for home, and that I have just ordered an amp/dac. My main concerns are SQ and comfort – but it would be interesting if the cans scaled with amps/dacs.

                The solid state amp/dac combo is Grace Designs m9xx, from Massdrop – it takes from the m920 apparently. It is supposed to be a good enough amp to drive most anything, but it is of course solid state and not tubed. It does not have a tube-warm signature, but still relatively warm being solid from what I understand.

                I listen to rock, mostly. At the moment it’s mostly 70s and 80s pop/rock, like Alan Parson, but I will also listen to Foo Fighters and Green Day for instance. I sometimes enjoy jazz, soul and acoustic as well. And the occasional list pop.

                • Reply November 4, 2015

                  dalethorn

                  My thinking is, if the Momentum 2 is anything like the Momentum, it will be an excellent overall sound, but a little relaxed on the high end where the HD600/HD800 sound bright in comparison. To me, the HD650 would be a sidestep. But the 400 series, to be an upgrade from Momentum 2, would have to have some of that HD600/800 detail without going too far toward bright. My guess is the 400 series would improve on the low end, but not sure about the high end. BTW, if I can clear $500 I’ll snap up that Grace m9xx right quick.

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