Sennheiser HD800 Appreciation Thread - Page 190

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkyMark 

Has anyone done a comparison of the SQ of an early model vs later model to judge if the supposed extra 2-3db of bass on later models is apparent? I'm intrigued since I've got #654, with the frequency graph showing +3db at 100hz. Using with a Benchmark DAC1 and Sugden HA4 which sounds great but I could use a bit more bass slam and presence.
I'm also intrigued that Sennheiser say there's no change in sound despite the measurements not backing that up.

That's an old wives tale I think. Shahrose has compared very early models and fairly recent...both sounded the exact same.

EDIT: Update PM from Shahrose:

"According to the frequency response thread, some of the HD800s below about SN 1500 did actually have a flatter bass (lower SPL), but at the same time had a smaller 6KHz peak as well."

Thanks Shahrose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkyMark 

Has anyone done a comparison of the SQ of an early model vs later model to judge if the supposed extra 2-3db of bass on later models is apparent? I'm intrigued since I've got #654, with the frequency graph showing +3db at 100hz. Using with a Benchmark DAC1 and Sugden HA4 which sounds great but I could use a bit more bass slam and presence.
I'm also intrigued that Sennheiser say there's no change in sound despite the measurements not backing that up.

I've read some rumors that Jan Meier claimed a 2-3 dB increase in bass on SN 10xxx and beyond.  I emailed him about this and he said he has not noticed any sonic differences.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintly 

I've read some rumors that Jan Meier claimed a 2-3 dB increase in bass on SN 10xxx and beyond.  I emailed him about this and he said he has not noticed any sonic differences.

So there you go. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draygonn 

To kick up the bass or shelve the 6k peak wouldn't they have to redesign the drivers? Seems like a lot of work if you are going to nonchalantly say there are no changes.

Hard to really know if there really was a change. Just as I mentioned that that's what some of the very early FR graphs from Sennheiser were said to have reported....all heresay/anecdotal evidence.

I certainly prefer my current SN #109xx to my previous #14xx pair. The bass seems a bit deeper and the treble doesn't bother me at all where it did sometimes on that first pair. I never had them side by side but there you have it.

Before I purchased my 800's I borrowed my dealers demo pair on two seperate occasions for a number of days (forget the exact serial number, approx 6xxx I think).

On each occasion this pair sounded consistent, and in comparison to the 800's I received (S/N 14xxx) when I purchased them I am sure mine sound different for the better.  Immediatly I noticed a better extended bass and highs not so hot, mine sounded better balanced stragiht out the box.  The demo pair I borrowed were well run in.

With the demo pair I found when turning the volume up it became fatiguing, on my pair I can turn up the volume and no such problem.

No changes in kit from when I demo'd them on each occasion to ultimatly getting my own.

Thanks all for the replies. I will have to see if I can get hold of demo pair with a recent serial number to check this further. WIll also check the Lehmann BCL I just got hold of vs the HA4 to see if it's an amplification issue.

Having gone to a local meet, it's good to realize that the HD800 is by far my favorite headphone. I didn't get a chance to try any electrostats though (maybe that was a good thing). I also realized that Bottlehead (tube) amps sound really good, and I don't want to like tube amps (because they have tubes) :P. But I can't deny they sounded very nice. The Beta22 sounded extremely good too, although in a different way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac500 

Having gone to a local meet, it's good to realize that the HD800 is by far my favorite headphone. I didn't get a chance to try any electrostats though (maybe that was a good thing). I also realized that Bottlehead (tube) amps sound really good, and I don't want to like tube amps (because they have tubes) :P. But I can't deny they sounded very nice. The Beta22 sounded extremely good too, although in a different way.

i wanted lcd 2 for a while but i was hd800 now 
 

I just listened to HD800 first time and Im very impressed. Its absolutely first class HP. Imaging is so great - you can just close your eyes and paint music you listen to.

     Quote:

Originally Posted by ac500 

I also realized that Bottlehead (tube) amps sound really good, and I don't want to like tube amps (because they have tubes) :P. But I can't deny they sounded very nice. 

Glad you had a chance to give them a listen!  My lightly modded crack + hd800 combo never fails to put a big smile on my face, particularly with a 5998 in the rear and a 1950's TS 12bh7 up front.

These headphones are just amazing, and I know it's definitely not shiny new toy syndrome now that I've had them for a while. I can't really imagine classical music sounding much better than this :)