[MattTCG]

  McIntosh D100? 

 
I don't hear a lot about the d100, although I've read a few reviews. It doesn't seem to get the same notoriety as some other solutions here. 

 

[nigeljames]

What is the best sub 1000$ DAC for HD800?

 
There isn't one.

 

[62ohm]

What is the best sub 1000$ DAC for HD800?

 
I am currently extremely happy with my setup (Benchmark DAC1-USB -> HDVA600). I finally get the HD800 to sound in a way that I would describe as 'perfect' for my taste, nothing I heard that I found annoying or leaving me wanting for 'something more'. I've tried the Schiit Bifrost with it, as well as Arcam irDAC and Musical Fidelity M1 DAC and to me, the Benchmark DAC1 completes what the HDVA600 lacks. 
 
I'm not saying that the Benchmark DAC1 is the best sub $1,000 DACfor HD800, but what I'm saying is synergy matters and the Benchmark DAC1 is probably one of the best DAC to pair with HDVA600/HDVD800 with the HD800. YMMV.

 

[Rossliew]

I've used the Modi into the Little Dot Mk 3 with the HD800 and it sounded glorious to these ears. Maybe not as revealing but no less musical. Good value for money

 

[Rossliew]

   
I don't hear a lot about the d100, although I've read a few reviews. It doesn't seem to get the same notoriety as some other solutions here. 

Mike Mercer will beg to differ It does cost a pretty penny though

 

[kothganesh]

The uberfrost is a very good dac. But...I've heard the hd800 sound appreciably better on other dacs. I've been content with the bifrost for a long time, but I felt like if I could give the 800's a better source I'd be nearing the promised land. 

I suppose you considered the Gungnir ?

 

[MattTCG]

I suppose you considered the Gungnir ?

 
Yes, and still am. It will all come down to what I'm able to audition and what the expenses look like at the time of purchase. Got to operate off the radar of Mrs. TCG. Secrete pp account is well padded though. 
 
The gungnir would give me dual RCA outs which I'd really like. 

 

[BournePerfect]

What is the best sub 1000$ DAC for HD800?

 
My favorite was the Nuforce HDP. Sounded somewhat similar to the Eximus DP1-but not as refined or nuanced. A steal at $275 used imo. Use a different amp though or prepare for some short listening sessions with the HD800.
 
-Daniel

 

[LugBug1]

  Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm very much leaning towards the NAD option. I've read over and over how crucial the dac is for the overall performance of the 800. I'll likely pickup the NAD this week. 
 

Look forward to your impressions on this one bud, it's on my radar too. 

 

[palmfish]

I still really enjoy using my Asus Essence One Muses. Good amp and great DAC. Makes a great preamp with my BH Crack too.

 

[Jazic]

I just got a pair of hd800s on my hands. I sat down last night in a quite low lit room and listened to "Over the Rainbow" from the Jazz at the Pawnshop album on my very underpowered e18 through USB out from a flac on my s4. While I had to boost the bass some it sounded decent enough.

I listened to it from beginning to end and for the first time ever I actually teared up. Not exactly my manliness on display but for the first time ever I actually felt the music.

Since then I've tried them on my sound blaster zxr and it is 100x better. Don't scoff it's actually a decent dac/amp card for the price.

I have an Asus Essence STU with Muses upgraded and a Schiit Valhalla 2 coming in soon. If its even 5% better than what the zxr can do I'll be punching myself for not doing this sooner.

As a note about the tears, I did recently lose my gma so that still has me soft hearted but wow did that song hit hard like I've never experienced with any other headphone.

I did notice that with my SE846s when comparing the sound there seemed to be more details brought out by the IEM's. I will just blame that on their being so closed sounding and less airy so details are more present and easier to spot. If I could have the low end of the se846s and the high end of the hd800s I'd never leave my house.

I'm still in the habit of bumping the 30&60hz about 4-6db and 16khz about the same. Most headphones lack those frequencies I've noticed. And yes I can hear 16khz barely but not 30hz so much. At 30hz it's more feel than hear.

 

[kothganesh]

I tried (in a very very long while) to do some EQ. Since I have Amarra, I chose the LCD-2 option for the EQ (very original right?) for my HD 800. To my ears, the bass is even more refined and deeper now. Driving the 800 off my ZD and rocking to No Quarter by Led Zeppelin.

 

[whirlwind]

I just now realized , that I have not done any EQ since i have had my new dac......sometimes I am slow to even catch on to the stuff I do myself  

 

[lin0003]

Just a question for those who have heard the HD800 on a ton of amps. Is there a better amp than the V200 which is around the 1.5k price range? 

 

[62ohm]

  Just a question for those who have heard the HD800 on a ton of amps. Is there a better amp than the V200 which is around the 1.5k price range? 

 
I preferred both the BHA-1 and the HDVA600 to the V200. But I think if you're used to (and liked) the smoothness of the V200, the HDVA600 would suit you better (the Bryston leans more towards the bright side to me).