If it was older (I.E. original master) recordings of Metallica, those are painfully bright recordings.

Geddy Lee's voice is painfully bright.

"voice"

He screeches like the white owl on the "Fly by Night" album cover...

But I did see them live in 1977. That was enough.

Lcd2 sounds pretty darn nice with my OTL amp. Is the Menace not considered "current limited"? I've never looked up the specs. Also I agree with the SR Omega suggestion.

Solid advice:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atUMZu6lExg

The only fun Stax model that comes to mind is the Lambda Pro, and that's for its boomy, dynamic-esque bass. I do not recommend Stax.

To echo Spritzer, the SR-3 - basically any of the "round driver" Staxen except the SR-X (which isn't that bad even from a "fun" perspective really).

Here is what Jack thinks: Since the HE-5LE's are low efficiency headphones they will require a higher output from the amp, and he recommended I use the 7236 power tubes instead of the 5998's. He didn't think the impedance would be a major issue.

Yet didn't even try to recommend me the WA2... hmmm. 7236 has 2W output into some mystery load though so thats good. The WA6SE I think is 1W into the HE-5LE.

It sounds like, although not an ideal match on paper, the WA2 will be a pretty solid match with the HE-5LE. I think I'll take the plunge in the next week or so

K501's.

K501's.

I actually used to own those a while ago and remember not being a huge fan. They didn't fit me very well either (I have a small head). Could be worth trying again though, however they didn't strike me as the best headphones for rock.

Did you have a specific model in mind?

(Please don't say the 007's...)

SR-X Mk3 pro isn't fun?

On a serious note, I do like the LCD-2, but I guess that wouldn't meet everyone's definition of fun either. Its more of an upgrade to the HD650 IMO.

Grado are the obvious choice it seems to compliment the HD650 in rocking the fuck out. I think the PS-1 would be perfect.

It sounds like, although not an ideal match on paper, the WA2 will be a pretty solid match with the HE-5LE. I think I'll take the plunge in the next week or so

Thaddy, a few months ago I loaned my HE5 w/ the EF5 to Carl S. to test. At the time I also loaned him a Graham Slee Solo SRGII, at the end he like me preferred the HE5 with the Solo SRGII. Talk to Carl and if you are interested I could send you the Solo SRGII for a week so you can hear it with your HE5LE. Cheers.

I think you should buy a Grado HF-2.

^ My suggestion as well.

It's one of the few Grados I've ever considered buying/almost bought.

No surprise to me that HD650s bore you. Slow headphones bore me as well.

I'd say things that don't bore me are on what I consider to be the faster side of things

AD2000, LCD-2, W5000s (with the right amp.. not sure yours is), k1000, qualias, electrostats

I'm sure the he-5s are also pretty speedy

I'll second this.

I think you should buy a Grado HF-2.

^ My suggestion as well.

I third this suggestion. While I like the HD600 better than the 650, I can admit the 650 are a bit more fun with rock. However none is a fun can for really fun music. The HF2 are among the few Grados I really like, fun with rock and still "decent" with other styles.

Haven't tried the AD2000 so far. It's possible they're good candidates too.

If you must, pick up a pair of HF-2s to mix it up for a bit.

I first this suggestion.

Then I fourth it

Should be a good time to pick up an HF-2 used... although I still say JH13|Pro.

Well, I replaced the foam in front of the drivers with nylon and also removed the foam behind the drivers. I forgot about doing that and things are improving. Once I finish this glass of Jameson things will be much better.

I also changed my power and preamp tubes and haven't listened to anything in a week, so yeah...you're probably right.

The HF-2 do look quite appealing, I think I'll keep my eyes open on the For Sale forums for a pair.