If you're like me, an updated version of a beloved audio product brings with it a number of questions. (It's even worse when a favorite musical group releases a new album.) Will it be as good as I hope? Will it maintain the "house" sound of the product I liked enough to purchase?

We've strayed to the top end of Audiophile land and encountered something quite special. The HD650 headphones from Sennheiser managed to reveal new elements of tracks we'd listened too hundreds of times and that quite some feat!

The Sennheiser HD 650 full-size audiophile-grade headphones don't block noise, don't provide 5.1-channel sound, and don't connect to your cell phone, but other than that they are pretty close to perfect.

Warm, natural, detailed sound; Very comfortable; Sturdy construction; Replaceable cables

Expensive

The formidable Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are fit for a king--and have a price tag to prove it.

Sennheiser's flagship headphones have high-tech styling; extraordinary bass response; and an extremely comfortable design.

They're heavy and very pricey; not to mention ill suited for use with the iPod.

We approached Sennheiser's top headphones, the HD 650, with high expectations, as word of mouth for the product has been overwhelmingly positive. The headphones certainly look the part; the HD 650s' luxurious feel, the thickly padded headband and ear cushions, and the titanium-silver finish leave no...

High-tech styling; Extraordinary bass response; Extremely comfortable design

They're heavy and very pricey; Ill suited for use with the iPod

The HD-650's are incredible headphones. They are entirely musical, and that is the very best compliment I can give them. I can wear them for hours, and they are physically comfortable, as well as easy on the ears musically. They are very detailed, but not in an obvious, contrived way.

Unbelievable clarity; very transparent; flat frequency response; very musical and detailed

Almost too transparent to source, AC power, and wiring; Absolutely requires a good headphone amp

INTRODUCTION I have had a hankering to see if I can find a better pair of headphones. Primarily, to use as a reference to evaluate source components and pre-amps, and also for personal use. I had purchased a Sennheiser HD497 several years ago, for about $50 USD and it has served me well so far.

First things first. Do not be deceived by the 3.5mm jack adaptor – these are not headphones you want to plug into your iPod. They're just too good. You need an amp to tease the most out of the HD-650s, and preferably a lossless audio source.

I was a Day One iPhone adopter, and can easily say that I'd buy one again, even though the first generation iPhone is clearly not perfect. My main complaint with the iPhone is the battery life. Compared to other cellphones, the iPhone's battery life can best be described as "barely adequate.