Why was this vid hidden now?
Because I’m undergoing some additional research
I’m recording new demos of the old 650 using new pads. I just took off the new pads that came on the 6XX and put it on the 650.
My first thoughts after hearing the new pads, was that it actually DID return the 650 headphone to sounding more like the 6XX - maybe in fact identically!
So, in an effort not to leave incomplete and misleading information published, I want to make a new video with demos of the 650 with fresh pads. They do sound very different with new pads, and people need to know that my findings have shifted.
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Do they sound different from the Pro?
I’ve heard the SQ is a big step up from the normal AirPods, but I’m not clear on whether they sound the same as the Pro or not.
I’ve had the Pro since launch and I’d describe them exactly as you described the AirPods 3 - safe.
The Pros are just good enough that I can actually enjoy them. As an audio enthusiast, they’re good enough that they cross that threshold and leave the zone of “I don’t really want to listen to my music on these because I feel like I’m missing the experience”, so I’d call them good enough to be entry-level audiophile, but they’re also rather boring and safe.
What I find interesting is that the AirPods Max are very different. They’re actually opinionated. They’re great at some things and not so good at other things, but they have a distinct sound profile, which is something I can’t really say about the AirPods Pro, which are just sort of a jack of all trades.
With all of that said, the Pro are still my most used headphones. The Apple simplicity and convenience really does make a difference, to the point that I use my AirPods Pro even more than my far better sounding 6XX and Hemp.
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Would you ever consider testing the 660s against the rest of the line up in the future? Would be interesting to know because I remember people saying that the 660s was a good blend of what the 650 did well and what the 600 does well.
So You’re saying that the pads on the 6XX are identical to the ones that Sennheiser sells? 
I was considering trying to buy a pair of “genuine” 600 series pads but if they’re exactly the same I’ll wait until the ones on my 6XX’s are actually worn out 
Yes. Though both AirPods 3 and Pro are safe, the Pro has just a tad more character, from what I remember. I have to try them again now just to have a clearer memory, but that’s what I feel I remember from when I last heard them. A bit more energy in places.
Yes! I bought them actually. They should arrive today. I’ll be recording them and playing them back against the rest of the lineup in a big Sennheiser video.
From what I can tell, the fabric is identical. And the stiffness of the foam material inside seems identical as well, though I’m not sure. By feel, when pressing on both pads, they feel the same to me.
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That’s all I needed to know. Thanks Dan!
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Thanks that’s awesome!!
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I’m going to shift more of my focus now on community posts on YouTube and sharing behind the scenes with patrons.
Splitting the same announcements across every platform feels a bit repetitive and like I’m losing focus. Sorry everyone using this thread for updates. I may use this thread again, but for now I will be saving all my energy on fewer community sharing platforms.
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I liked your Sennheiser video a lot! Looking forward to tour next video, with the new pads.
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Prototype impressions…
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I’m watching your aria VS oxygen now. I can swear I hear a clear and consistent difference between Hana and oxygen: Hana sounds a little bit colder and/or brighter than oxygen.
When I try to blind-guess when a change is happening though, I can’t hear a change…
My brain must be tricked into something, I guess
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Hey I hear it too. It does seem to be there, but so hard to discern when blind and depending on the track or segment.
I see the BLO5s (assuming the “s” at least) on your desk, what do you think of them?
EDIT: Never mind, I saw the “notes incoming” on your spreadsheet, I’m happy to wait! It seems like this one is being re-realized by folks. Maybe it got passed by due to the BLON 05 (no S) not living up to much.
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Hey Dan, just a suggestion, is it possible that you move the Headphones section on your spreadsheet to a separate sheet? I’ve just only realized today that you have a headphone ranking because I scrolled all the way to the end LOL
Might make the list(s) cleaner and easier to spot
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Ahh. Interesting. I don’t want people to miss a whole section like that!
What do you think about combining them into one list instead? Actually yea, I think I’ll do that 
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Definitely more navigatable if added to a separate tab, like how Rikudou does it 
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I agree with PopinTeddy… separate tabs
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Ah sounds good. And easier than combining haha
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Hi @tkddans, I like your sound demos and I just read your ranking. Great job on explaining how you feel about each IEM. Your sound demo actually helped me pull the trigger on the Oxygen and I’m really enjoying it. I agree with you about the vocals being very forward on the BL-05s. I would love for you to do a sound demo with Zen or Zen Pro.
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