[thecrow]

Well, this is just me chiming in randomly to share my thoughts about my ARCAM irDAC-Burson Soloist SL and HD 800 (classic) pairing.
It's now been nearly 4 years since I've had this sound chain. Obviously I am still very impressed by it. The Burson Soloist SL is one heck of a great amp with a well designed, shortened signal pathway and really clean power supply. It also uses FET design for the transistors. The SL is an extremely clean and neutral sounding amp. It is by no means a warm amp and paired with the 800's it is a very clinical listen. Anyhow, throwing a great, punchy warm DAC like the ARCAM into the chain really balances and smooths things out where listening sessions can go on for hrs on end without feeling burnt out.
My 2 cents added. I highly recommend the Burson Soloist for those who really dig the extremely neutral and accurate listening sessions. I know it's not for everyone, especially since this sound chain listed above really exposes bad sources or poorly mixed recordings.

Enjoy the music everyone. The HD 800's are still in my opinion a World beater headphone!

I know thats an old post but i just came across it.

I totally agree. For $1000usd to pick up a 2nd hand irdac and burson soloist i had that rather than the sl) it is an exceptional combo. Very versatile with lots of hps. The synergy of the two is fantastic.

When i upgraded and split the pair in the process of looking for stuff i didnt find another dac to pair with the soloist or too good an amp to pair with the irdac. I found the irdac too closed for upgrading purposes and the soloist too grainy/bright with other dacs i tried (including the burson amp/ sabre dac gear but together the irdac and soloist were great.

 

[nephilim32]

It's a real synergy gone totally right.
I was really surprised how well it's worked out and the pairing is STILL going strong. Your thoughts and impressions I feel are dead on. The ARCAM irDAC (ARCAM is now owned by HARMEN) is kind of a meaty DAC. It has warmth and bass presence, which matches so well with an amp like the soloist because it is very neutral and a stickler for detail, which some find is brightness.
Anyway man. I look back when I bought it and I think I got lucky. I did do my research, but I didn't think it would've been this good. Lastly I recently added the OPPO BDP 83 universal cd transport/blu ray player to the mix and my god it's great.

Enjoy the music and thanks for your thoughts.

 

[purk]

If u have the fund, I go straight to ECP L3 or DSHA-3 for HD800 pairing.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

Best amp with HD800's?

I have a strong opinion...

 

[banco-sg]

anyone tried it with Sony TA-ZH1ES?

 

[purk]

anyone tried it with Sony TA-ZH1ES?

It is a very good but not the best pairing. The ZH1ES could have used a little more power to bring out better sense of dynamics and attack from the HD800. The ZH1ES smooth and warm nature does work well with the HD800's treble however.

 

[Matez]

Best amp with HD800's?

I have a strong opinion...

Ah, this blue deck was on my mind since literally forever. I haven't heard it but am going to say that I've seen at least several times someone suggested it to match with HD 800 on this very forum.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

Ah, this blue deck was on my mind since literally forever. I haven't heard it but am going to say that I've seen at least several times someone suggested it to match with HD 800 on this very forum.

You are probably thinking of the Stratus, not the Stellaris.

 

[Sorrodje]

Both Stratus and Stellaris are amongst the finest amplifier for HD800. No doubt. Heard both and still own the Stratus with last upgrades. I'd be curious to compare the last iteration of thes Stratus to the Stellaris

 

[Matez]

You are probably thinking of the Stratus, not the Stellaris.

Yup, DNA Stratus was on my mind. Thanks!

 

[nephilim32]

Best amp with HD800's?

I have a strong opinion...

Oh I love that you sit atop on Mount. D.A.V.E
It really has to be the best DAC I've ever heard. Nice Rig, Paul. A real pleasure dome for sure.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

Thank you. I was lucky enough to have a few hours both yesterday and the day before to listen with the Stellaris (which is rare for me). It is an immensely enjoyable listen.

 

[Rossliew]

What about the Ragnarok with HD800?

 

[UntilThen]

What about the Ragnarok with HD800?

It is very good.

 

[Hi-Head]

... and what about the Bakoon HPA-21? Searching this thread I could not (yet) find a reference to the Korean built, battery powered Satri IC amplifier.
I can confirm It is a great pair to the HD800 smoothing the Senn's tendancy to a bit crispy trebles and emphasizing the right level and control of bass some people miss in the HD800.

Best Regards,
Hi-Head