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HD800 on current amp or Stax - Page 2

post #16 of 27
11/22/09 at 5:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Currawong View Post
After using my Ref 1 for any period of my time, my friend's DAC 1 sounds harsh and "digital".
Was looking over the specs on Audio GD site and just wanted to confirm with you, is the unit really a whopping 15KG's? LOL that's more than half my permitted luggage allowance to fly home
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post #17 of 27
11/23/09 at 2:48am
Yeah, I was about to write last time, it's not something you would want to try and put in your luggage.
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post #18 of 27
11/23/09 at 7:05am
Thread Starter 
thanks again curra for the info, can you advise how big the box is? I had a look at shipping cost and its $14 to ship local in HK, $110 to ship to NZ (plus possible customs charges if it was posted as *new*).... hmm decisions...
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post #19 of 27
11/23/09 at 11:39am
I had my Ref 1 sent with other gear in the same box, but either way, it's HUGE, a bit wider and deeper than a regular hi-fi component. $110 sounds about right. If you had to ship it yourself it'd be double that easily.
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post #20 of 27
11/26/09 at 7:31am
Thread Starter 
Well I've just opted for him to post it, he said there is stock so hopefully my one will go out on his next delivery! CANT WAIT
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post #21 of 27
1/12/10 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Curra have you wriiten much about the HD800 running off the pheonix? That might be another option for me which I probably kept closed by naming the topic ".. On WA6.."
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post #22 of 27
1/12/10 at 11:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Currawong View Post
I would invest in a source upgrade. All you're going to hear with both Stax and the HD-800 is how crap your sound card is in my experience.
What he said. Both the HD800 and Omega 2 are incredibly source-transparent, without a decent source you're wasting your money on either.
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post #23 of 27
1/13/10 at 4:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Covenant View Post
What he said. Both the HD800 and Omega 2 are incredibly source-transparent, without a decent source you're wasting your money on either.
Thanks, I've since got the RE1 as a source and now I'm asking his feedback on how the Pheonix pairs with the HD800's
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post #24 of 27
1/14/10 at 4:35am
The Phoenix, like the Ref 1, is completely un-colored. I think some people would find that a little boring. Balanced it throws a very wide sound-stage with all headphones (and even as a pre-amp), which, with the neutrality can give a feeling of a lack of intimacy. However, you do feel like you are listening to the music as it really is and not the gear.
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post #25 of 27
1/14/10 at 5:10am
You should pick your rig based on the kind of music you listen to. Some genres will go better with the HD-800 and some better with the Stax.

The trouble with Stax is that most 'stat listeners usually end up with an O2. So if you take that route, be prepared to want another upgrade.

On the other hand, the HD-800 is (for some of us) about the end of the road for open dynamic headphones. You'd probably upgrade your amp sooner or later, but costs are more reasonable. Also, there's a bigger selection of amps for the HD-800 and you have the option of running killer tubes, like directly heated triodes.

It's up to you, but be sure to take a step back and look at the bigger picture before committing a lot of money.
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post #26 of 27
1/14/10 at 5:19am
I have owned HD600's and HD650's. Currently, I own HD800's, PS1000's, a WA2, and a vintage Stax setup. I like all of them for different reasons. My advice: If you like the HD650's, keep them. Build a Stax setup a little more slowly. First and foremost, whatever you use for cans, feed them with the best source that you can. Eventually have 2 rigs, one dynamic, one electrostatic. Hope this helps!
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post #27 of 27
1/14/10 at 2:33pm
One thing I forgot to mention. The HD800 tells no lies. It is very neutral. If you set up a system with a not-so-great source, it will make no bones about letting you know that you need to do something different. Also, if paired with a good neutral DAC, nothing in the signal path will attempt to improve a bad recording. Again the HD800's will tell it like it is. When I first got mine, I loved it and hated it. My DAC was pretty good, but it was also very neutral and on some recordings it just bugged me. But when it sounded good, I didn't want to leave the house. Hope this helps.
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