Jesus these things are killing me with their vice-like grip on my head, and my head is not even that big! After an hour of listening my jaw starts to hurt. Is there any way to make them grip less?

I put it on like two thick textbooks while I wasn't wearing it to stretch it out a bit, that helped a bit, but I think wearing it many times helped it the most.

I've found bringing the drivers further down the headband on both sides helps that a bit. So the fit is just slightly looser than any other headphone.

The pair I got fit just like a new pair, and I've been able to use them for hours on end after the adjustments, didn't bother trying the textbook trick.

Thats why the 600s are better... one of the many reasons

I have a big head and no problems with the vice grip. Your head is just too soft or something.

Just keep a couple books stuffed between them when not in use. Should be fine after a week or so.

Thats why the 600s are better... one of the many reasons

I still have to do this 600 vs 650 comparison, I'm curious as to why there are those who prefer the 650 and those who prefer the 600.

The 650s are a little more aggressive and absolutely have more bass. The 600s have a bit more of an open/airy sound to them. IMO it's really a preference thing and in my case I prefer the bass increase that the 650s provide.

I still have to do this 600 vs 650 comparison, I'm curious as to why there are those who prefer the 650 and those who prefer the 600.

I've owned all three now and I had the 600 and 650 for a while side by side. I think it has a lot to do with system synergy and personal listening preferences. To my ears they both sound very good, especially when paired with a complementary after-market cable. For me, with the PPA, the somewhat drier top end of the 600s coupled with leaner bass didn't pair as well as the 650s so I sold the 600s to Ian (en480c4 here) who loves them with his EC lunchbox. Since then I've picked up a pair of 580s and modded them with 600 grills. Without an amp, when I'm watching movies or TV through my Senn DSP, I find the 580s easier to listen to than the 650s.

There's always the Tyll method, which he demonstrated with hilarious results on a pair of Senn 280's...

I generally prefer the 600 over the 650, although I've heard both shine. The Blackie Pagano 300B amp at the National meet made the 600 shine...the SDS-XLR makes the 650 shine.

Nothing is quite as good as a pair of Stax though

I like the fit of the HD650s better than the HD600s. And find them both to be comfortable. I haven't spent enough time with the HD600s, but I think both are really good sounding cans.

I generally prefer the 600 over the 650, although I've heard both shine. The Blackie Pagano 300B amp at the National meet made the 600 shine...the SDS-XLR makes the 650 shine.

Nothing is quite as good as a pair of Stax though

I like the HD650 a lot more than the SR-404 I had. STAX makes some good stuff and some not so good stuff (I'm just not a big fan of the lambda line; gamma and omega = awesome)

I like my 580s cause I got them new for 125 shipped

I bought my HD650's used, and they were well broken in by the time they arrived. Maybe to broken in! Meaning that when I received my brand new 580's and strapped them to my cranium, the tight grip felt great! Now I'm wondering if it's possible to re-tighten my HD650's a bit. Man y'all have some great smilies on this board.