[sheldaze]

I think the amp you use would play a part too.

I was using a DNA Sonett in the IEC mode.
I use way too much volume through my MicroZOTL2 - enjoying the pairing too much 

 

 

[EVM12L]

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[Topspin70]

 Very well, it is one of its admirable traits.
Some headphones seem to require high volume to sound correct - the HD800/HD800S hold their qualities at low volume.

 
Thank you for the feedback. That sounds very promising. 
My main use for these would be music production, and for long hours I'm looking for some headphones that will still provide good detail at lower volumes. 
I'll be trying them out tomorrow hopefully, and might pick up a pair if I like them. 
 
 

I think the amp you use would play a part too.

 
I'm sure it would. At first I'd be using them with my recording gear, but a dedicated headphone amp is surely in my future. Gotta spend a little time figuring out what I'm after with regards to features/specs/sound signature etc. once I've decided on the headphones. 

Have fun! I'm envious as I think that's the most enjoyable part of our hobby: researching, evaluating, trying things out, picking our favourites. And of course enjoying our favourite music through new ears.

 

[EVM12L]

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[madwolfa]

For someone who had HD600 for a very long time... and has a bit of nostalgia, is HD800S going to be a right fix? Or should I just rebuy a HD600, lol.
 
Currently have an X2 which I absolutely love with heavy music (rock/metal), but they lack a bit of refinement for all the acoustic, vocal, jazzy stuff..
 
TH-X00 is incoming for EDM and other bassy stuff (I gotta admit - LCD-2 and X2 got me spoiled on that nice fat low end)...
 
PS: I've tried the original unmodded HD800 and was really turned off by a horrible SsSSsibilance.

 

[MattTCG]

  For someone who had HD600 for a very long time... and has a bit of nostalgia, is HD800S going to be a right fix? Or should I just rebuy a HD600, lol.
 
Currently have an X2 which I absolutely love with heavy music (rock/metal), but they lack a bit of refinement for all the acoustic, vocal, jazzy stuff..
 
TH-X00 is incoming for EDM and other bassy stuff (I gotta admit - LCD-2 and X2 got me spoiled on that nice fat low end)...
 
PS: I've tried the original unmodded HD800 and was really turned off by a horrible SsSSsibilance.

 
I'm going to say go back to the hd600. The 800 S doesn't present itself as a distant relative of the 800, more like a brother. Point is it's still very much a 800 still. Also, the 800S didn't replace my beloved hd650, as I still use both and consider them complements. IMO

 

[Topspin70]

I agree with MattTCG. I auditioned both before getting the HD800S. They are quite different. I would say it's more a step brother than a brother, IMO.

 

[Dadracer]

  I agree with MattTCG. I auditioned both before getting the HD800S. They are quite different. I would say it's more a step brother than a brother, IMO.

Not really to me, I think that's too far apart, I have them both and after quite a bit of comparative listening I'd only go as far as non identical twins...........

 

[madwolfa]

  Not really to me, I think that's too far apart, I have them both and after quite a bit of comparative listening I'd only go as far as non identical twins...........

 
Well, my only problem with original HD800 was the sibilance/treble spike. Is HD800S still quite a bit brighter headphone than HD600?

 

[MattTCG]

   
Well, my only problem with original HD800 was the sibilance/treble spike. Is HD800S still quite a bit brighter headphone than HD600?

 
IMO, yes. 

 

[madwolfa]

  IMO, yes. 

 
I see. Well, HD600 is already about as bright as I would go with a headphone...

 

[MattTCG]

   
I see. Well, HD600 is about as bright as I would go in a headphone...

 
I would say it's not for you then. Hd600 is a fine headphone is all regards. 

 

[Arniesb]

I see. Well, HD600 is already about as bright as I would go with a headphone...

Just pick warmer amp or dac...

 

[DWbirdseye]

I pair the S with Mjolnir 2 and Russian '75 reflektor tubes and the sound is warm and embracing; not so warm to where detail and clarity is diminished. Most of my music is well recorded/mastered.

 

[Sophonax]

   
Well, my only problem with original HD800 was the sibilance/treble spike. Is HD800S still quite a bit brighter headphone than HD600?

 
I think it depends on what you call bright.  I had both the HD600 and HD800S side by side, and to my ears the treble on the HD600 actually bothered me a little bit, whereas I have no fatigue with the HD800S.  I think the HD600 is a little more forward in the upper mids / lower treble than the HD800S (maybe 2-4 kHz?), which I must be a little sensitive to.  In the middle treble though (around that infamous 6 kHz mark), the HD800S probably still has a stronger response.  I think both are pretty even in the upper treble (10 kHz plus).