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Little Dot MK VII+ paired with a HD 800?

post #1 of 24
Thread Starter 
Current setup:
Little Dot Dac I > Little Dot MK III > HD 650.

I expect to get a HD 800 in the coming years. But before I get there I would like to replace my LD MK III with the LD MK VII+ (Little Dot Amplifiers • View topic - Little Dot MK VII+ Balanced Headphone Amplifier).

Now will the LD DAC I + LD MK III be able to drive the HD 800 enough to hear a significant difference between the HD 650 and the HD 800?

I plowed to the entire forum and couldnt find any impressions with cheaper setups. I mean, I hear a lot of people saying that they cant afford the HD 800, but will be able to get one in a year a two. But why bother when you have to buy a setup that is way more expensive than the HD 800 itself. 900 euros for a headphone is still doable for me, but its a no no if I need to replace it with a 1000 euro amp (and if I am correct, a 1000 euro amp is still considered to be very, very low end for the HD 800).

Do I just need to accept the fact that a HD 800 setup is way out of my acceptable price range?

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjonnie View Post
Now will the LD DAC I + LD MK III be able to drive the HD 800 enough to hear a significant difference between the HD 650 and the HD 800?
You do not need any amp to hear a significant difference between the 650 and 800 - they sound markedly different by default
post #3 of 24
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Doug View Post
You do not need any amp to hear a significant difference between the 650 and 800 - they sound markedly different by default
But do they sound better? Or will HD800's superiority only show with more expensive equipment?
post #4 of 24
Define better / superiority.

Additionally, preferences for a certain sonic signature may outweigh technical advantageous to any given headphone.

Why did you choose in the LD7+ in particular? There are many excellent SS amps ~$500 - Covenant seems to like HD800/Burson HA160 combo etc... The advantages of a balanced amplification seem to be contentious, and doubly so at this price point. It's not like Chinese designers can magically get good components for almost nothing, they might save a bit on labor and profit margins (lower cost of living), but each amp needs to be weighed on its own merits... I would love to get more information about the LD7+ versus SS amps in its price range.
post #5 of 24
Thread Starter 
According to the HD 800 reviews its superior in a number of areas to the 650. So my definition of better/superiority is based on those reviews.

I choose the LD VII+ because I read that its hard to beat in that particular price range.
All my choices are based on reviews/impressions on this forum, auditions arent really possible since I seriously dont know where to look (I live in the Netherlands, most stores you only get to test speakers).

Any recommendation for another headamps are very welcome.
Or just kill my dream and tell me to stop looking at the HD 800.
I am prepared for any answer.

ps. I like a laidback, non-aggressive sound.
post #6 of 24
I reckon that, though there are technical benefits to going balanced, some of that will be negated by the cheap design of the VII's circuit. I don't think the result would be bad though. If you like the HD-650s though, you might not like the HD-800s. They are totally different, as if made by another company entirely.
post #7 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjonnie View Post

Now will the LD DAC I + LD MK III be able to drive the HD 800 enough to hear a significant difference between the HD 650 and the HD 800?

Do I just need to accept the fact that a HD 800 setup is way out of my acceptable price range?
My set-up consists of Marantz CD5003 --- DacMagic --- Little Dot MK III (uppgraded tubes - russian DR)

In my humble opinion:

I think that HD-800 are quite easy to drive regarding volume, but also concerning sound quality. Both K701 and T1 need more power. I think LD MKIII drives my HD-800 nicely. I know that there is more to get with a better amp - I am saving up for a Woo Audio WA22 - but for now I have a very good sound that fits me well. So my tip is to buy HD-800 and enjoy the headphones while you save up some cash to buy a amp that can make the HD-800 reach its full potential.
post #8 of 24
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shinsengumi View Post
My set-up consists of Marantz CD5003 --- DacMagic --- Little Dot MK III (uppgraded tubes - russian DR)

In my humble opinion:

I think that HD-800 are quite easy to drive regarding volume, but also concerning sound quality. Both K701 and T1 need more power. I think LD MKIII drives my HD-800 nicely. I know that there is more to get with a better amp - I am saving up for a Woo Audio WA22 - but for now I have a very good sound that fits me well. So my tip is to buy HD-800 and enjoy the headphones while you save up some cash to buy a amp that can make the HD-800 reach its full potential.
How's is the soundstage with ur current setup? Is it enormous? Or at least significantly wider compared to the 650?
post #9 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjonnie View Post
How's is the soundstage with ur current setup? Is it enormous? Or at least significantly wider compared to the 650?
I am afraid that I can't answer that question because I haven't heard HD650 with my gear. I can only compare HD800 and K701 on my rig. But I think that the soundstage is very good, more focused and not so big and diffused as the K701. I think that the soundstage sounds more natural and more like loudspeakers. But I must emphasis that I am just a newbie on this subject, I have not that much experience with headphones, I am newly wed:-)
post #10 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Currawong View Post
I reckon that, though there are technical benefits to going balanced, some of that will be negated by the cheap design of the VII's circuit. I don't think the result would be bad though. If you like the HD-650s though, you might not like the HD-800s. They are totally different, as if made by another company entirely.
The OP is talking about the Vll+ which is not the same amp as the Vll.
post #11 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by ford2 View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Currawong View Post
I reckon that, though there are technical benefits to going balanced, some of that will be negated by the cheap design of the VII's circuit. I don't think the result would be bad though. If you like the HD-650s though, you might not like the HD-800s. They are totally different, as if made by another company entirely.
The OP is talking about the Vll+ which is not the same amp as the Vll.

"Not the same amp" is the wrong way to say it.

Its just the "improvised" version of the VII, which is about its heating issue.
 

post #12 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Junliang View Post



"Not the same amp" is the wrong way to say it.

Its just the "improvised" version of the VII, which is about its heating issue.
 



Do a bit of research,you will then know that the VII never had a heat issue and that the reason it is no more was because of part supplies.

post #13 of 24

Yep, that and a better compatibility with low ohm cans. It's a nice amp though. Not just for the money, it's just a nice amp. It surprised me and will surprise a lot of people who think that it's just an afterthought because of it's modest price.

post #14 of 24



 

Quote:
Originally Posted by moodyrn View Post

Yep, that and a better compatibility with low ohm cans. It's a nice amp though. Not just for the money, it's just a nice amp. It surprised me and will surprise a lot of people who think that it's just an afterthought because of it's modest price.



I agree with you,it is a nice amp.

post #15 of 24

Frank_1 says that it drives his T1's pretty good, so I'm sure it'll do decent with the HD800's.

 

the MKIII will always be a winner in my book in terms of price/performance.

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