[Moonhead]

Upgraptitis..
Stax Route, been there done that!

 

[pearljam50000]

Cool, so...is the Stax SR-009 that much better than the HD800?

 

[Moonhead]

I would say different and better in some ways.
Cant beat vocal presentation from Stax, but it's not gonna give the same wow effect and versatile of HD800, IMO.

 

[Sorrodje]

I would say different and better in some ways.
Cant beat vocal presentation from Stax, but it's not gonna give the same wow effect and versatile of HD800, IMO.

 
Exactly my thought too. the SR009 is a wonderful headphone but I wouldn't sell my HD800 for a SR009... Tthe idea to add a SR009 rig to my HD800 rig never leaves my brain though.  something like HD800 + HE-6 + SR009 looks like the ultimate headphone stable for me. 

 

[q2klepto]

Anyone have any thoughts on how the Vali might sound compared to an NFB15 (solid state, wolfson dac) with the HD800s?  The vali is regarded as a good starting tube amp for the hd800s, considered warm compared to the valhalla 2. 
 
ill probably feed the vali with my nfb. 

 

[Sorrodje]

  Anyone have any thoughts on how the Vali might sound compared to an NFB15 (solid state, wolfson dac) with the HD800s?  The vali is regarded as a good starting tube amp for the hd800s, considered warm compared to the valhalla 2. 
 
ill probably feed the vali with my nfb. 

 
I did that some month ago and found the Vali offered a really great improvement with my NFB12 .  the embedded HO did wonders with my HE-4 but no so much with the HD800 in my opinion. it does not sound wrong but not that good. YMMV

 

[q2klepto]

   
I did that some month ago and found the Vali offered a really great improvement with my NFB12 .  the embedded HO did wonders with my HE-4 but no so much with the HD800 in my opinion. it does not sound wrong but not that good. YMMV

 
Interesting - it looks like the 12 and 15 both use the same wolfson dual WM8741 configuration.  I know the Valhalla2 might be better all around, but its also about 3X the price
 
Wonder if i should hunt for a cheap used vali

 

[Sorrodje]

@q2klepto : There's no risk. Just remember the Vali can riiiiiing a bit but the engaging and punchy sound worth it in my opinion.

 

[q2klepto]

  @q2klepto : There's no risk. Just remember the Vali can riiiiiing a bit but the engaging and punchy sound worth it in my opinion.

 
Is that when the united is physically moved? Or is that something else?

 

[Sorrodje]

depends.. for the most sensitive unit it rings when you turn the volume pot.. Even gently. But with the more recent ones, I think it's far less sensitive  

 

[inseconds99]

I am in the hunt for an amp to connect to my x7 for my hd800. Looking for something with a slightly warm tilt but I don't want to lose any detail, soundstage or resolution.

 

[pearljam50000]

What's the perfect SS amp , neutral sound, 300$ budget, for HD800?

 

[Sorrodje]

What's the perfect SS amp , neutral sound, 300$ budget, for HD800?

 
 
Meier audio Corda Jazz would me my pick. but I presum there's many other good options. 

 

[Dobrescu George]

What's the perfect SS amp , neutral sound, 300$ budget, for HD800?

Matrix m-stage hpa2. Very clear sounding. There still are more options. 
 
You should try before buying, this way you will know for good what is your choice.

 

[pearljam50000]

Thanks.
How much of the sound in %, is the DAC, and how much is the amp, with the HD800, would you say?
Thanks.
What i mean is, which one has more impact on SQ and which one is more important.
let's say DAC is 70%, and amp is 30% (for example)