[number1sixerfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4N6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I agree that the K1000's are also in the same league. The problem is that one could argue that the game they play is different. Their presentation of music is so different than the R10's, HD800's, and any other headphone that I have heard, that the K1000's almost deserve their own classification. Not quite speakers...not quite headphones...very...well...unique. The things they do well, they do better than any other headphone going. Yes, they are very finicky with amps. But once amped correctly, they sing a song that is hard to resist.

I agree completely. The K1000's are easily in the same league, just as a lot of other top tier cans are(from what I've heard/owned, the HP1000, L3000, HE60, etc.). It all boils down to preference at that point.

The K1000's actually have more detail, are faster, and more open. I really fail to see how they are not in the same league as the HD800. I prefer the overall balance of the HD800, but that is more of a preference.

 

[purk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4N6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm actually considering doing the opposite. I do love my R10's, but the superior bass, terrific spaciousness, clean treble, and overall superior neutrality of the HD800's make me think about parting ways with the legend. I'd probably kick myself later if I did sell them, but then I would always have the HD800's there to lick my wounds.

Sounds like you want a little more bass from your R10. Have you get a chance to audition the bass heavy R10 by any chance. When I listen to them side by side, albeit in a meet enviroment, the R10 was superior sounding to the HD800 beside the bass quantity and details. The HD800 really remind me of the Qualia.

 

[takezo]

interesting comparison:

 

[Snacks]

Interesting indeed!

That area in the 1 to 5k range; how does it relate to sound? When I heard the R10, I remember it having a magical midrange that seemed pinpoint with instruments. But the bass did not seem so nicely done.

 

[immtbiker]

That graph doesn't correspond with my listening results. While my R-10 seems to have "more bass", the 800's go down just as deep as the Sony's, they just don't dominate that part of the soundstage as much.
The graph implies that the R-10's extend down further.

The 800's have excellent bass, but as with the O2's, it's not as "heavy" in comparison with the 10's.

 

[vcoheda]

4N6 is selling his R10. i guess that shows where he comes down on the comparison.

 

[blubliss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif 4N6 is selling his R10. i guess that shows where he comes down on the comparison.

Not necessarily, why don't you let him make that statement.

IME, the R10 is still the big king, by a pretty decent margin. The HD800 is great and I will keep it, but the R10 is so tonally beautiful. The wood does something special.

(This now with both balanced, same source and amp)

The balancing (stock) did help the HD800 in my setup quite a bit, increased clarity and separation. The vocals are no longer somewhat muffled.

 

[immtbiker]

The R-10's will fetch 3X's more cash than the 800's in a selloff, so it might not be a "which is better" sort of thing.

 

[4N6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif 4N6 is selling his R10. i guess that shows where he comes down on the comparison.

Quote:

Originally Posted by immtbiker /img/forum/go_quote.gif The R-10's will fetch 3X's more cash than the 800's in a selloff, so it might not be a "which is better" sort of thing.

Both are right. In the comparison, I do still feel that the R10's are a better overall headphone. However, it is not by much, and to my ears, there are a few things that the HD800 does a little better. With that in mind, I thought I could happily live with just the HD800's, espcially considering that the R10's have a significant value to them, a value that I could use to upgrade other parts of my system.

 

[Jon L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blubliss /img/forum/go_quote.gif the R10 is so tonally beautiful. The wood does something special.

I just *know* somebody is making woodied HD800 somewhere...

 

[leberserkfury]

i'll buy the wooded HD800.

 

[Piotr Ryka]

I have to say that HD 800 seem to me somewhat apathetic. This my have ony houndred hours of playing, so it will come better. But...

 

[vcoheda]

i am convinced that the HD800 is an elite, top-tier headphone. the HD800 balanced + B52 is one of the best combos i have ever heard.

 

[Piotr Ryka]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif i am convinced that the HD800 is an elite, top-tier headphone. the HD800 balanced + B52 is one of the best combos i have ever heard.

Do not frighten me some B -52 bomber, I have SET amplifier with 45 Emission Labs “mesh” tubes and do not fear anybody.
They are still unfeeling. I can tell more, they are very strange. I will leave them a few days on warming up, and start up to methodical description.

 

[greggf]

Piotr,

Greetings! "Strange" and "apathetic" is pretty much how the HD800 sounded to me, although I didn't have the kind of amps you have.

Can you elaborate more specifically on what you mean by apathetic and strange? How does the 800 sound to you on your amps?

BTW have you ever had or heard the R10? If so, any comments?