[DjAmTraX]

I find that the HD800 is very hard to pair. I've tried a few amps and headphone outs, but have not found one I really liked. So far, McIntosh C22ce headphone out sounds pretty good with it. 

What are you using with your HD800?

List of gear I've used.

- McIntosh C22ce headphone out (best sound so far, smooth and well balanced, but lacking punch)

- PS Audio GCHA headphone amp (not a good match, slow and dull) *** very disappointed because of its price tag $999 ***
 


- Denon PMA2000ivr integrated amp (my second choice, nice punch, but lacking warth)
 


- Bellari HA540 headphone amp with Mullard 12AX7 (third choice, a lacks bass and too much sparkle)
 


- Sony CDp_XA7es headphone out (not a good match, harsh)
 

 

[freakmax]

Lehmann Blackcube Linear and I'm happy.
I particularly like the combo with heavy metal!

 

[DjAmTraX]

Quote:

Lehmann Blackcube Linear and I'm happy.
I particularly like the combo with heavy metal!

That will be my next purchase.  I am waiting to see if I can get a better deal than retail.

 

[DjAmTraX]

Just placed an order on the Black Cube Linear.  Got a deal on it $973 shipped, new but in black only.

 

[MrSpenkelink]

It's too late now but did you research the threads relating to amplification for the HD800? The DNA Sonnett and Woo tube amplifiers appear to pair nicely with the HD800 from what I've read. Anyway, I hope that the Black Cube Linear works out for you.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Yep, the HD-800 is particular about amplification.

I usually run mine from an Eddie Current Zana Deux. Terrific pairing and this is my reference rig. I also run the HD-800 from a Moth Si2A3. It's gorgeous - especially the mids - but the Zana has more authority in the low end.

 

[DjAmTraX]

I went with the Lehmann without hearing it.  Read that Sennheiser used it at a press release so that should say something about it.  Also, many users/reviewers have said good things about it.
 
The PS Audio GCHA is actually pretty good with the Sony MDR-SA5000.

 

[sling5s]

When I had the HD800, I found the Setton Vintage Receiver (which I got from a thrift store) was a better match than the Corda Symphony or Woo  Audio 6(upgraded). Go figure.
Anyway, to your question: I found the HD800 sounded best with B52 from Ray Samuel at a meet. 

 

[DjAmTraX]

It sounds pretty good with my Marantz AV8003 A/V pre-amp too.
 

 

[MrSpenkelink]

Quote:

Yep, the HD-800 is particular about amplification.

I usually run mine from an Eddie Current Zana Deux. Terrific pairing and this is my reference rig. I also run the HD-800 from a Moth Si2A3. It's gorgeous - especially the mids - but the Zana has more authority in the low end.

So you prefer it with tubes over solid state?

 

[Uncle Erik]

Very much so. I have heard the HD-800 sound good from a Beta22, but it almost always sounds better from a quality tube amp.

 

[bwhsh8r]

The littledot mkiii is doing a good job (as far as I can tell) with stock power tubes and cbs hytron jhy-6ak5 (nos 1952) with full gain, but I do not know if this would be classified as a "good" amp as far as this forum goes.  I also have a really short copper re-cable if that matters to you