[Operakid]

I own a set of HD800, so I have no "competitive" reason to criticize them or Sennheiser unfairly.  But I do get a kick out of marketing hype, trying turning the mundane into something special.  
 
From their release:  
 

"For example, the rotary potentiometer is mechanically connected to the volume control by a 150mm long shaft "

 
 
Wow, Sennheiser really broke the bank here, and went all out.  Just imagine, a 150mm shaft!!!,  WOW!!!!!

 

[Mambosenior]

Yes! That sweet little dance called the "Mumbo-Jumbo." (A variation on the stockmarket companies' earning reports called the "Bump-up Jumbo."

 

[TheManko]

That shaft is pretty neat! I find myself spinning the volume knob just to see it rotate through the glass. That's the only function of the shaft as far as I can tell, and it's a bit much to have it featured in some press release, but it's still pretty fun to look at it spinning around.

 

[Operakid]

Such old hat....preamps started locating the pots in the back over 20 years ago, coupling the knob with a shaft.  I would be a bit embarrassed as a designer if marketing listed this as a main item as Senn. did.  But, that's why I'm a designer and not a marketeer.  I don't believe in B.S., they live by it, for it.  
 
Next they will be saying "we even went so far as to use recessed socket head cap screws" and "a removable power cord shows our commitment to excellence".  

 

[shuttleboi]

Quote:

Here's a press release for HDVD 800 and HDVA 600:
 
Perfect Sound in an Award-Winning Design 
Sennheiser headphones amplifiers win 'best of the best' design award
 
Wedemark/Munich, 8 May 2013 – The Sennheiser HDVD 800 and HDVA 600 headphone amplifiers have been honoured with one of the highly acclaimed red dot design awards. The headphone amplifiers from audio specialist Sennheiser scooped the top prize in the product design category: 'best of the best 2013'.


 

 
 
Winning a reddot design award is a huge accolade, and I can definitely see how the HDVD 800 won. It's an extremely well-designed and minimalistic piece of engineering. Definitely a step up over other junk-looking amps.

 

[frix]

Actually it looks is the most tempting aspect of this amp.
But getting it just for look and feel its price is too high for me.

 

[elwappo99]

It's a good looking amp. I wonder how much of the price tag is going towards the cosmetic looks and how much is going into cost of the parts. 

 

[GSARider]

Very well done on the red dot design award, I 'very always found that red dot award winning products to be well made.

 

[dleblanc343]

I

That shaft is pretty neat! I find myself spinning the volume knob just to see it rotate through the glass. That's the only function of the shaft as far as I can tell, and it's a bit much to have it featured in some press release, but it's still pretty fun to look at it spinning around.

I think Axel Grell mentions the fucntion of the rod potentiometer in Jude's interview video with him. With Sennheiser, most things do have a function!

 

[Radio_head]

Like many high-end luxury purchases, headphone amplifiers are ultimately a form of phallic compensation.  Long shafts and oversized knobs matter.

 

[Mambosenior]

Quote:

I
I think Axel Grell mentions the fucntion of the rod potentiometer in Jude's interview video with him. With Sennheiser, most things do have a function!

 The length of the "rod" probably converts the "0" of the first digit of the price to a "1." (Hey, I am a Sennheiser lifer also.)

 
What I find off about this type of marketing is the insinuation that with "this" gadget a listener will hear the way Sennheiser intended the HD-800 to sound. Since I believe in fair play, I will give it a go at the first opportunity but, (give me a rod) who the hell knows or cares what Sennheiser tech (or suit) decided on "what the HD-800 should sound like."

 

[dleblanc343]

Everyone thinks I'm a Sennheiser fanboy because of my pic I believe. Just to clear it up, I'm not lol; I actually am not impressed by their amps and most of their headphones.

But I truly believe I heard the rod has its purpose, I'm sure it's nothing dramatic though

 

[Operakid]

The purpose is to eliminate wired going from the back of the amp to the front where the pot is then to the back: extra wire colors sound.
 
I would love to know what it sounds like with HD800.  Like most, my issue is listenability in and above the brightness range.  I would love to know if this gives them more smoothness. 

 

[Steve Eddy]

Quote:

 

Wow, Sennheiser really broke the bank here, and went all out.  Just imagine, a 150mm shaft!!!,  WOW!!!!!

 
That's what she said.

 
se

 

[Lil' Knight]

The build quality section from the press release above is so mouthwatering. Sennheiser do know how to make simple and popular things sound overcomplicated.