That is a good point. I’ve noticed very noticeable differences when “tube rolling” with the HD800. The HD 800S did improve or smooth out some of the treble peaks in that 4 to 6K region, so I can understand you not having to EQ them with the right tubes. However, in my situation with the...

Beautiful picture. ☺️ I did forget to mention the velour pads are the most breathable pads I’ve tried yet. Terrific for the summertime, especially setting by some tubes. 😉

Hey. That is really great to know. Looking forward to more impressions on this. Yes. Spec wise. The 5998 power tubes are the most powerful output power tubes for the WA22. 7236 is not far behind along with the 421A from western electric. Great to know. The tungsten is a voltage hungry beast...

Thought I’d post this here because I’ve been with this notable headphone for 12 years now and it keeps on surprising me. Yes. The classic HD 800. 😏 So recently, I put on some Dekoni Velour Elite pads and it has improved the bass response by quite a fair margin compared to the stock pads. Main...

Okay. So I know this song was used during a pretty powerful scene in the movie, Silence of the Lambs (1990) and maybe some are kind of scarred by that, however this is a actually a really good song. And it has that audiophile bass sound to boot.

Maybe in the end it comes down to tubes or shelf/rack space? 😂 Yeah. The tube rabbit hole is incredibly expensive and unfortunately (just in my experience) a lot of new production tubes don’t hold a candle to NOS tubes. It sucks, but is a reality I’m having to accept. Some tubes like a Tak 274b...

I wonder if Dekoni will ever make pads for the D8K ? I know if they did I’d buy a pair. I think the D8K need an alcantara or micro suede pad. :)

I’m the same. I never EQ it. For me. The tuning of the D8K really agrees with me. Maybe the one headphone for me they truly lives up to its price tag. 😉

Yeah that person was me. I did a whole spiel on it way back in the middle of this thread somewhere. Lol. It does make a difference and from a physics stand point it makes sense. :)

I really do see your point. WA33 seems incisive enough in its sound signature whereby certain tubes could allow the WA33 to sound like a true solid state amplifier. Very possible. Probably worth exploring before buying another amplifier. 😉

@bigbeans this is worth a look. Graham Tricker is an amazing amplifier designer. https://tron-electric.co.uk/headphone-amplifiers/antares/

Same thing in Canada, friend. Definitely we are both in the same situation.

This comparison I’d love to hear about. I’ve been really wanting to try ZMF headphone flagships. But yeah. The D8K (OG) is a really hard headphone to beat. I don’t imagine the ZMF Atrium or Caldera open to beat the D8K in every conceivable way. I think the differences could make it better. All...

First and foremost. Very sorry to hear about the ripped G-pad. 😟 I know others here have experienced difficulties as well. I will just say I’m in the minority camp there. 🫣 “The Goldilocks of sound” 🤔. Yeah. I like that description! I think the H-Pads bring out and refine the treble the best...

Yes! 😊

I’ve had very decent results with my WA22 pre amping the Schiit Kara via balanced interconnection. I leave the WA22 at 2 o’clock and run my Schiit Kara in passive mode and it is quite excellent. I find this pairing better than the WA22 pre amping my Pathos Aurium. That pairing was just too much...

You gotta think of an amplifier like a high end sports car. If you give a high performance sports car 87 octane fuel as opposed to 98 octane fuel will it run and perform better? You bet it will. S-Booster is a good example. The size of the toroidal transformer and quality is more than double...

I love it. Looks really great. Very succinct and elegant. ☺️

Yes. The tube rolling. Absolutely. I’m currently using a pair of Toshiba 6DJ8’s. I think they’re fantastic. Another thing I should mention is how surprised I was for how long the S-booster power supply break in period was. The company said around 150 hrs for break in period, but I honestly think...

After about a year and half of ownership with the Pathos Aurium I’m incredibly captivated by its sheer musicality. This amplifier has exceptional dynamic range because of its excellent slew rates and timing accuracy with the music itself. The Aurium never feels cold or overly analytical. It is...

That is a nice idea. Kind of acts as a tensioner. Good idea. Also. I’m struggling on what closed back headphone can destroy my LCD XC and that is what needs to happen in order for me to buy another closed back headphone. The XC EQ’d is nuts. The technical performance and slam is really quite...

Ok. Very cool. And yeah I don’t have much issue with the stock rubber strap, but I know it could of course be improved upon. As for the pads? Yeah I’m with ya there. My XC I’ve had for 6 years and it still gets pretty good use and yet the pads are still minted. I’ve not once changed them. I...

I think this is the best looking headband I’ve ever seen for this headphone. If I may ask. Does it really change the comfort factor by a lot? The rubber headband on my XC that comes stock is ok, but this looks pretty enticing. Cheers. 😎

I agree with you. I love having mine, since my library of music contains a vast number of CDs. I guess I really am in the minority camp with physical media these days. I think that is a damn shame as well.