HD800 vs HE500 - Page 9

And what type of sound are you after? What do you listen to? What's your current favorite headphone?

I'm primarily looking for an all-round headphone, as I listen to many genres. If I had to pick, I would say electronica gets the most playtime on my system.

My current headphone is a pair of MarkL modded Denon D2000. I guess i'm looking for something different. Perhaps something more detailed, richer and bigger soundstage. Less colored maybe, as the D2000 is one warm side. Really interested in trying orthodynamics, and hear what it's like.

All-around headphone? HE-500 is THE all-around headphone. Know that the HE-500 will not have as much bass punch as your D2000, but will have extend lower and have more texture.

This is probably your best route. Otherwise jump the gun and get the HE-6 if you can get a good amp with it. The HE-6 is just as versatile but does have the extra staging/imaging performance + more detail if that's what you're after.

Agreed. If you got the money for HE-6 and amp, HE-6 is better than the HE-500. HE-6 is pretty similar in sound signature except less bass emphasis and more treble so it doesn't sound as warm. But you do get more detail, imagine, etc, but cost more too.

If you have the money, it's a no brainer. You probably do have the money since you consider HD800 as an option.

Agreed. If you got the money for HE-6 and amp, HE-6 is better than the HE-500. HE-6 is pretty similar in sound signature except less bass emphasis and more treble so it doesn't sound as warm. But you do get more detail, imagine, etc, but cost more too.

If you have the money, it's a no brainer. You probably do have the money since you consider HD800 as an option.

All-around headphone? HE-500 is THE all-around headphone. Know that the HE-500 will not have as much bass punch as your D2000, but will have extend lower and have more texture.

From a objectively better headphone.  Yes the HE-6 is a no brainer.

From a subjective personal preference you are correct.  HE-500 or the HE-6 is purely up to what you like.

Well if we're looking at it from an objective point of view, then this thread yields an easy answer.  HD800 is a no brainer.

But I fail to believe anything related to this hobby is objective, as we all not only hear different things, but the ways that the signals stimulate our brains all differ as well (Hence the differences in personal preference).

 However, there are things related to this hobby that's objective - as you yourself point out - HD800 when related to the original question. 

Also as you said

"as we all not only hear different things, but the ways that the signals stimulate our brains all differ as well (Hence the differences in personal preference)."

Of course - this is objectively the subjective part 

Just conforming with popular belief and price differences for 'ranking' purposes .

Lol, I like that... "objectively the subjective part".  Very clever indeed.

This is not true, as some people still prefer the sound signature of the HE-500 over the HE-6.

Also, just cause I'm a millionaire does not mean it would be a no brainer to buy the top of the line everything 

I consider the HE-6 a superior can in abilities. I've heard but and it didn't take long to tell the HE-6 had a little more. This was back when the HE-500 barely came out when prices were about the same. Would I buy an HE-6 over an HE-500 now with the large price gap? Not sure.

I also prefer the sound signature of the HE-6 too. A bit of subjectivity and objectivity.