Lovely!  I agree, though I have never had the opportunity to do a comparison (A vs. B).   The HDVD800 remains the best match with the HD800.  The soundstage is impeccable and out of this world!   I wonder how it compares with the HD600 and HD650.

I've been a big fan of Accuphase amps for nearly 20 years.  They drive Tannoy Kingdom speakers perfectly. I can't afford the newer models, but the vintage C-202 and P300 (pre + power) are sublime.   I love the C-202 driving the HD800: Impeccable soundstage Impressive clarity across treble...

I do not regret selling my HD 650.  I have used (and cherished) them for 10 years.   After getting the old then the new HD800 (not the 800S), I notice that the HD800 is addictive for 3 reasons: • Incomparable soundstage • Out-of-this-world presence • Comfort   IMO, I believe the balanced...

OMG!  You've really hit the nail on the head!  No doubt, the HE-1 is the ultimate choice, but, definitely, way too expensive!  Dream stuff  

Thanks! A perfect review, very elaborate and very honest! Just what I was looking for!   I'm a strong proponent of the HDVD800 with the HD800.  

I agree although many would argue it's a matter of individual taste. I have a 'feeling' that the HDVD (+ balanced cable) matches better the HD800 than the new HD800.

At $199, the Massdrop HD650 is the perfect choice.

The HD800 is a unique listening experience, especially in terms of soundstage.  Senn HD600 / 650 are 'easier' to drive and easier to listen to.

I'm happy you said it!  The HD800 soundstage is spectacular  indeed!

Couldn't agree more! HD800 is an absolute audiophile masterpiece of design! I'm also coming from the triad HD580 / HD600 / HD650.  HD800 is the fourth musqueteer!

I fully agree with the 2 recommendations: Sony and AKG.   I'd be more inclined towards the Sony.

I'm also a totally devoted classical music audiophile.  It's that the HD800 - especially the new HD800 - rendition of the fortepiano is so real (and realistic) that one may describe as larger than life.  In fact, it is just 'grandiose'. I just love it with the HDVD 800.

The HD800 + HDVD800 combination is a bliss.

I couldn't agree more. I live in Egypt and sweat is a major nuisance with the HD800 despite the Alcantara lining.  I'm not a big proponent of air conditioning. Incidently, I find I sweat less when using the HDVD 800 than without ?!

I cannot recommend enough using a balanced cable with the HD800.  I've opted for the Sennheiser CH800.  The difference was dramatic and astounding. 

Still looking for HD tracks and demo quality audio for the HD 800 + HDVD 800 + balanced CH 800 cable

Despite having listened to very elaborate speaker setups, I still find soundstage, detail rendition and definition of the HD 800 unsurpassed.

Can you elaborate, please?

Sonarworks EQ plugin?  Totally unknown for me! 

I'm an interpreter and, as such, have to travel around often.  An audiophile quality portable amp for the HD 800 would be a welcome solution. Moving around with the HDVD 800 is unpractical.

I have no access to audition the Concero again.  The only opportunity I had was a year ago.  I guess it was the native setting.

Having listened to the Concero only once, though on several types of material, I am left with a firm opinion that it sounds "equalized". This was particularly true with vocals and opera.   I felt "cramped" after I used the Concero for 10 minutes or so. Listening to the HDVD 800, I feel more...

I haven't had the opportunity to listen to the Beyerdynamic T1. Yet, as I said, "he agreed - albeit reluctantly - that these were a listening tool that went beyond anything else he had heard ever before." - Reluctantly >> He showed some reticence at uttering it, but the evidence was...

Interesting question.  I was in Sharm El - Sheikh, Egypt for a conference where I met a loudspeaker designer for KEF (UK).  He was an audio freak and, when he saw the HD 800, he went nuts!   Chemistry being what it is between humans, we had a long discussion about audiophile tastes and...

I couldn't agree more.  I'm myself an ex-musician:  I used to play the piano at the Conservatory and am still today very moved by the touch of "romantic pianists".  No wonder great composers relied on the piano to sketch out their greater masterworks.   The HD 800 really left me aghast from...