I have the HD800 just since beginning of this week and it's not yet broken in apperantly and I am only driving it with my e20 DAC. That said... the conditions are far from optimized [and of course I'm using the infamous stock cable
] I have nothing to complain about.
I do not have the impression of aggressive highs or lacking bass but I am coming from 20 years of Stax.
So in my small booklet there is nothing about the HD800 that needs correction. A lot of cables or the damping mod. are trying to modify certain characteristics in the FQ range (e.g. less treable, more bass). I think I don't need any of this.
Cables or modifications that improve on the strength of the HD would be interesting though. I am in the 2014 batch of a GS-X Mk II and at some point laaaater this year
, I will need a balanced cable for the HD for the XLR connection to the headamp. That's why I was screeing info on cables and stumbled over this "HD800 Ultra mod".
I agree, the Endorphin range is way out there in terms of price (I'd need 12 ft) but I have not seen any negative comments but one, if I remember correctly. And in case you don't like the sound, they come with a money back guarantee.
I am not a musician who can ultimately judge how natural the presentation of audio equipment is (great to have such opinions here ! ). I enjoy live concerts in the NYC Metro area, mostly classic and Jazz in the smaller clubs. When listening to recordings I look for that live feeling with all the details that are happening, a closeness that ultimately will give you the excitement and goosebumps as if you have been there that night.
Looking forward to hear some experiences / comments on the SAA mod. of the HD800.