I just received a set of HD650s. "Wow" is all I can say. That being said, I don't think I've read anything positive about the cables on these things, so the idea that the sound could get even better has me salivating.

What do you guys consider the best balanced replacement cable for these?

Welcome to head-case!

FWIW i like cardas. but i am sure that grandenigma and [ak]zip can make you an awesome cable.

Probably depends on the rest of the system as well. With the Apogee Mini-Dac XLR I preferred the Equinox over the balanced Zu. Single-ended the Equinox is my favourite as well because it sounds like the stock cable just better. If you're trying to change the sound a bit, especially liven it up more, the Zu might be your cup of tea. I've heard the Silver Dragon, Zu, Headphile V1 & V2 and Oehlbach rather extensively.

Best I don't know, but there are different flavors that each cable can offer. Also, it depends what flavor your ear prefers. I don't know much of anything about grandenigma and [ak]zip cables.

I personally don't like the cardas cable with the HD650s (single-ended). IMO, bloated, thick, slow, etc... (I've heard them on a few systems and the same or similar experience). I liked the Equinox cable when I heard it single-ended. Though, the stock cable isn't half bad. But if I was to upgrade I would most likely get the Equinox cable since it greatly improves on the stock cable while remaining true to the original sound signature. Another option I've looked into is the Zu cable, but only based on what I've read it provides a very different sound--almost making the HD650s Gradoish--what I mean is more upfront and bright.

It would be ideal to listen to a few cables and let your own ear decide.

in my experience the equinox sounded even thicker than the cardas (single ended version), but of course ymmv.

and all of them are really expensive now. 300 for cardas, 350 for equinox, 409 for zu.

in my experience the equinox sounded even thicker than the cardas (single ended version), but of course ymmv.

amazing... that's why people need to hear stuff for themselves. did you compare those cables back-to-back in the same system? And you're talking about the HD650s, correct?

Thanks all. Do you know of websites where I could purchase these? I can find the Cardas and the Equinox but not the others.

By the way, I'm using the HeadRoom Balanced Desktop Amp. Nice amp, IMO.

amazing... that's why people need to hear stuff for themselves. did you compare those cables back-to-back in the same system? And you're talking about the HD650s, correct?

yes, around 15 months in chicago...someone brought a cardas and an equinox to the meet, and i A/Bed them directly out of the lavry DA-10 headphone out with my woodied hd650s.

Thanks all. Do you know of websites where I could purchase these? I can find the Cardas and the Equinox but not the others.

here's the Zu Cable page

http://www.enigmaaudio.com/EA%20Webside.html grandenigma

http://www.apuresound.com/ [ak]zip

I myself am considering a 10ft oracle cable at some point in the future. i want to see how the dynahi treats the hd650 first.

I like the HD650s w/ the dynahi--great combo

I like the HD650s w/ the dynahi--great combo

sweet, I hope it gets here soon.

why is it everytime I buy something from somebody they have some kind of "family problem" whereby they can't mail me my shit for two weeks.

karma

or some greater power is trying to teach you the benefits of exercising patience

karma

or some greater power is trying to teach you the benefits of exercising patience

definitely one or the other. consider me humbled, at least for the rest of the day.

I went ahead and ordered the Limited Edition equinox, because a lot of people seem to say it keeps the sennheiser sound, just "better".

Does anyone out there geek out enough to keep different cables for different music? Please say no so that I don't do it