Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › Amp Recommendation for HD-800
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Amp Recommendation for HD-800

post #1 of 11
12/25/09 at 2:06pm
Thread Starter 
Looking for a recommendation for a desktop headphone amp for the following:

Sennheiser HD-800
Source: Cambridge Azur 840C

The HD-800's are super-smooth, and maybe a touch soft on top (IMO). I am usually pretty much an objective audio guy but am willing to experiment a little bit on the headphone end

Bob
Reply
post #2 of 11
12/25/09 at 2:21pm
I bought Audio GD Roc for my Hd800. It also accept balance input. The amp sound very detail, high mid and low are very clean neutral.

Some people who prefer very warm sound like tube amp may not prefer this.
Reply
post #3 of 11
12/25/09 at 2:27pm
See here:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f113/b...00-amp-427946/
Reply
post #4 of 11
12/25/09 at 2:36pm
I enjoyed the HD800 best out of a Luxman P1.
Reply
post #5 of 11
12/25/09 at 2:51pm
Best i've heard was RSA B52
I have Woo Audio 6 (power upgrade) with HD800 and it's good enough for me.
Reply
post #6 of 11
12/25/09 at 2:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrarroyo View Post
I enjoyed the HD800 best out of a Luxman P1.
Wonderful combo!
Reply
post #7 of 11
12/25/09 at 2:59pm
I got the chance to listen to the HD800 ,and if i had them, the first amp I will probably plug it in to is my earmax pro. yeah,yeah...I know the earmax is not a top notch amp,but I don't know how it will handle the HD800 (it handles the HD650 very well so I don't see any reason for it to not to with the HD800) but as far as sound signature goes i think it will pair very well with them. the HD800 needs a warm amp IMO because they are a little bright.
Reply
post #8 of 11
12/25/09 at 3:13pm
i am currently using hd800 with cambridge dacmagic amd musical fidelity x-can v8. my source is apple lossless from macbook pro. i am very happy with this setup. very neutral, open and warm sounding. the x-can v8 is a little laid back. if you prefer more forward sounding amp, then its not for you.
Reply
post #9 of 11
12/25/09 at 7:28pm
The upgraded GP pro would really high light the HD800 strength.. Detail. Clarity. Speed. resolution. Bass. Transparency.. The best I heard out of any under 1,000 amp.. But might be too clinical for your taste..
Reply
post #10 of 11
12/25/09 at 8:12pm
Having lived with your combo and a very good solid state amp, I cannot recommend it.

IMHO the Cambridge Azur 840C and HD800’s with a neutral amp (such as a β22) can sound etched and aggressive. I point the finger firmly at the Cambridge Azur 840C which in lesser systems does a good job, but has short comings the higher up the food chain you go.

Maybe look into amps with a softer/warmer signature to compensate, I’m not sure whether OTL or transformer coupled tube amps would be a better choice, but that’s food for thought.

Remember your ears are different, everyone has an opinion, this is just my 2c worth.
Reply
post #11 of 11
12/26/09 at 2:54pm
YMMV (as a musician, I tend to listen analytically, and if that's not your thing, what I'm about to suggest may not work for you), but I have been deliriously happy with the Benchmark DAC-1 USB driving my 800s. You will get everything out of your source material (including, for better or worse, unmerciful exposure of bad recordings).
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › Amp Recommendation for HD-800