Onkyo SR608 Reciever + Sennheiser HD650 ?

I'm starting a new thread since my last one didn't directly include the HD650.

Basically I don't know what to get and I'm nearly a noob when it comes to audio. I want the best sound I can get without breaking too much bank.

With that said, I already have an Onkyo TX-SR608 home theater reciever that I use for my PS3, 360, Dune Player 3.0 media player (blu-ray ISO's), and PC all hooked up to my Panasonic 42ST30 plasma. I also have a 5020FD Kuro, but instead use the ST30 due to smaller size. It allows me to get closer to the action while still preserving black levels (not far from the Kuro).

I have a 600 series Definitive Audio 5.1 speaker setup and they sound great. They fill up my room with sound, but I really want to go back to headphones. For some reason I just feel more 'immersed' with headphones versus speakers. I know I can't get that bass from a dedicated sub but that's okay. The problem is that I've never had any high end headphones. I used to have Sennheiser HD208's and they literally blew me away. Not quite as good as my speakers but for $100 it was rediculous. Movies and games were beyond belief.. Doom 3 scared me with those. My speakers sound good but never scared me like my old Sennheisers did.

Enough talk...

Since I don't know what I'm doing I never knew what amp to get with headphones and how to go about setting it all up. I'd rather just have something simple with less fuss. So I'm thinking I'll just ditch my speakers, buy the Sennheiser HD650, and simply plug it into my reciever's phone jack. Would this give me ample power and sound good for Blu-rays, PC games, as well as PS3 games like Uncharted 3?

If this could work, it would only be a matter of ordering the headphones and being done with it. But I'd like to hear from you gurus first. Help!

I want the best sound I can get without breaking too much bank.

oldskooler79

Just to give you a general idea of what I have in mind for you is a DAC/Headphone amp + Headphones.

Nevermind the "breaking the bank" part. What I meant is that I don't want to be spending thousands on audio equipment. I'm trying to eliminate my speakers so I'll do what it takes.

The reason I keep bringing up Sennheiser is because I love how they fit my head. Granted... I haven't tried too many others but every Sennheiser I put on fits perfectly and I never sweat or fatigue with them. This is probably the most important factor for me as I can spend 8 hours straight on a game. But I'm open-minded and will consider what you have to say.

About my receiver.. I got that as part of a package with my definitive audio speakers. I've been using it for all my console and movie watching needs thus far but would sure love to hear a better recommendation from you. You seem to know your stuff and I would listen.

It'd be nice to just have a powerful enough reciever for all my needs hooked up to the plasma. Is there one you can recommend under $800 that will power the HD650 or AKG K702? I would leave them plugged in full time for 3D movies, gaming with consoles and PC, and general use. I'm asking because I've never ventured this far into the audio realm...but always wanted to.

Will I still need a DAC/Headphone amp to go along with a better reciever? How would that work fluidly with my consoles, media player, and PC? I like the idea of a set-and-forget solution like my current speakers. The reciever detects the input and sets accordingly (DTS-HD, Gaming, ProLogic, etc). I realize I won't be getting DTS through my headphones but a smart *and powerful enough* reciever I'm guessing will still know what's best for quality headphones yes?

Sorry for so many questions but thank God ppl like you are there to answer!

I dunno about the HD650. I was in a similar position a week or two ago in which I wanted to get my first pair of high end cans and ended up going for the HD600s based on recommendations I got at Head-Fi. The main reason why I chose the 600s over the 650s is because of the nearly $100 price difference between the two. I got mine from Pinnacle Deals on Amazon refurbished for $220 whereas the 650s were $310 or so, refurbed. I don't regret not going for the 650s for one second, even being a bit of a basshead, as I can add the "missing" bass with EQ. But honestly, the bass quantity is actually quite adequate, even given my preferences for Hip-Hop and I'm perfectly happy listening to the 600s with no EQ.

So, there's my 2 cents. The HD600s have cured my upgraditis for the time being and I honestly can't imagine wanting something better than these for quite a while.