[Failed Engineer]

Try to find a used Headamp GS-1.  That's one of the best SS amps around $1000 for the HD800, and it's high value, if you look at it's resale.  If you decide you don't like it, you'll sell it for what you paid, assuming it's typical market prices.

 

[Canadian411]

  Try to find a used Headamp GS-1.  That's one of the best SS amps around $1000 for the HD800, and it's high value, if you look at it's resale.  If you decide you don't like it, you'll sell it for what you paid, assuming it's typical market prices.

 
Oh that's a good idea, I might try. I never really liked Headamps (to me just ugly amps) but GS1 look way better than GS2 for sure.
Thanks for the suggestion. Great !

 

[Eee Pee]

There's always the Schiit Mjolnir…

 

[62ohm]

What about the V200? I heard it also pairs well with HD800.

 

[philo50]

original Soloist

 

[Canadian411]

OMG so many good amps thank you guys !

 

[verber]

  Hey fellow audiophiles, 
 
I know there are countless threads on this topic, some outdated, but I am looking for a recommendation for a high value solid state amp, preferably within the 600-1000$ range for my HD800s. Tube rolling my Lyr has become too expensive, and lets face it, all those beautiful tubes will be gone soon or insanely expensive with the ever growing popularity of this hobby. I know the range I'm asking for is a far cry from an end game setup but I appreciate your input. 

 
 
+1 to the suggestion of the Headamp GS-1.  Other options that would be worth a listen (though I personally don't like them as much as the GS-1) include Violectric V200, used Bryston BHA-1 should be under $1k. It might sound funny to recommend a portable amplifier, but I also really liked the Headamp Pico Power.  Thought it was surprisingly similar to the GS-1.
 
 

  Maybe you can give the Chord Hugo a shot at ~ $1,600. You get an amp with enough power to drive the HD800 beautifully plus a world class dac that can rival others costing 3X +. Coming off my desktop setup with ALO SS and Mass Kobo 394, I don't feel losing much when I pair the HD800 with the Hugo on the go.

 
The Hugo is $2400... that's way above requested price range.  It's a great unit and gives the best sound of any portable system I have heard, but I would classify the amplifier section as good, not great.  There is a very noticeable sound improvement when going from the hugo to a top amplifier like the headlamp gs-x mk2.

 

[PinkLed]

Same thanks guys keep em comin!
 
The HDVA 600 does have an unbalanced rca input if Im not mistaken though right? And Im a bit confused by the two 1/4" jacks on the front. Is one higher impedance and one lower impedance?
 
http://en-us.sennheiser.com/headphone-audio-amplification-hdva-600-acoustic
 
They have the input data but no output data, at least from what I can find. 

 

[subtle]

  Maybe you can give the Chord Hugo a shot at ~ $1,600. You get an amp with enough power to drive the HD800 beautifully plus a world class dac that can rival others costing 3X +. Coming off my desktop setup with ALO SS and Mass Kobo 394, I don't feel losing much when I pair the HD800 with the Hugo on the go.

 
If I could find a Hugo at that price I would definitely buy one just to try it out.
 
At the $2350 price I'm seeing in most places I'll pass.

 

[holeout]

Apologize for the typo. The cost of my Hugo came to ~$1,900.

 

[Canadian411]

I guess there is no perfect amp/dac..
 
I really try to like the following amps/dac but little thing doesn't make me to pull the trigger..
 
HDVD800 - no DSD, at $2000 should have one
HDVD600 - no USB input
GS-X mk2 - Ugly (no offense but just ugly)
Burson - Had hum issue, the volume knob comes out easily
Hugo Chord - pricey for me and that color code makes it look like a toy, and weird volume knob
 
I guess I am too picky,,

 

[MattTCG]

Can someone clarify a question for me please. Is the Anaxilus mod still being used for the newest hd800 or is this something that was done primarily for the older hd800's? 
 
thanks...

 

[kantana]

  Apologize for the typo. The cost of my Hugo came to ~$1,900.

Same here, assume it was 14,800 HKD?

 

[magiccabbage]

   
If I could find a Hugo at that price I would definitely buy one just to try it out.
 
At the $2350 price I'm seeing in most places I'll pass.

I hate the look of the thing, it looks like a child's toy! Jesus it's horrible and tiny, that shinny aluminium finish. YUCK. 
 
 
no offense meant of course 

 

[kantana]

  Maybe you can give the Chord Hugo a shot at ~ $1,600. You get an amp with enough power to drive the HD800 beautifully plus a world class dac that can rival others costing 3X +. Coming off my desktop setup with ALO SS and Mass Kobo 394, I don't feel losing much when I pair the HD800 with the Hugo on the go.

I find the HD800 sounding brilliant from the Hugo but I've never tried desktop amps for my headphones before.  How much improvement can I expect if I feed the Hugo to a desktop amp?