[Vicks7]

All, would appreciate some advice on new headphones. I currently own some Stax SR 009s, Senn 6xx, Grado 325s and a Grado modded R1 headphone using Ypsilon drivers. Also have some Unique Melody Miracles that I use with an AK240.

I am thinking of something in the price range of the Senn 800s but having read through a number of threads many members say there are now better options for phones than the 800s at this price point. I would be using these connected to a T+A DAC 200 or to a Cayin iHA-6 headphone amp. I guess the alternative, just to consider, would be to get a better headphone amp for the Stax cans - I currently have a Wes Audio GES.

I mainly listen to jazz, blues, acoustic and female vocals.

Thanks all

 

[Lindholdt]

What are you looking for? I mean, what would you like the new headphones to do, that your current collection can't?
The HD800 is fantastic IMO, but only if you are looking for what it specialise in.

 

[Vicks7]

I would like a better and more expansive soundstage, a better bass (and better I mean more realistic, and faster), the ability to be able to pick out individual instruments, more detail but also more realistic timbres (not "hifi").

 

[Lindholdt]

I would like a better and more expansive soundstage, a better bass (and better I mean more realistic, and faster), the ability to be able to pick out individual instruments, more detail but also more realistic timbres (not "hifi").

To me, you pretty much described a HiFiMAN headphone, either the Arya or HE1000. While the HD800s has a larger soundstage, the ability to pick out the instruments, the better/faster bass and retrieving more details, are all better on the Hifiman. I compared my HE1000's to the HD800s a few weeks back, a nice long session, and I haven't put the HE1000 up for sale
I don't know if the Stax's are able to do the same, as I've never heard them, but I do think a set of HiFiMAN would bring something different to the table, compared to what you already own.

 

[Vicks7]

To me, you pretty much described a HiFiMAN headphone, either the Arya or HE1000. While the HD800s has a larger soundstage, the ability to pick out the instruments, the better/faster bass and retrieving more details, are all better on the Hifiman. I compared my HE1000's to the HD800s a few weeks back, a nice long session, and I haven't put the HE1000 up for sale
I don't know if the Stax's are able to do the same, as I've never heard them, but I do think a set of HiFiMAN would bring something different to the table, compared to what you already own.

thanks, I will look into these. I have never listened to the HiFiMAN phones.

 

[Lindholdt]

thanks, I will look into these. I have never listened to the HiFiMAN phones.

If you can live with the build quality, they offer really great sound for the money IMO.
Have fun

 

[dunring]

The Hifiman Arya Stealth would be an upgrade from those, and build quality is much more sturdy feeling than their other models. For female vocals it's hard to beat the Audio Technica ADH1000X.
For an amplifier upgrade, the Topping A30 Pro is my favorite. Same power on all connectors, but the A90 soundstage is larger sounding (but not by that much).

 

[bagwell359]

I’d do 2 things. Get a tubed amp for the Stax, a used HFM Jr is a good step up at fair $.

The HE-1000 is a great choice - but there are 4 of them. The latest “Stealth” is the best price/perf IMO.

 

[Tano]

All, would appreciate some advice on new headphones. I currently own some Stax SR 009s, Senn 6xx, Grado 325s and a Grado modded R1 headphone using Ypsilon drivers. Also have some Unique Melody Miracles that I use with an AK240.

I am thinking of something in the price range of the Senn 800s but having read through a number of threads many members say there are now better options for phones than the 800s at this price point. I would be using these connected to a T+A DAC 200 or to a Cayin iHA-6 headphone amp. I guess the alternative, just to consider, would be to get a better headphone amp for the Stax cans - I currently have a Wes Audio GES.

I mainly listen to jazz, blues, acoustic and female vocals.

Thanks all

I would get an HD800s if you listen to those genres mostly. I still need to find anything than sounds better with Jazz & acoustic than the 800s.
Recently I compared the 800s with the HE1000 stealth at home and the timbre was just better on the Sennheisers in my opinion.

The 800s is a reference and you won't go wrong with them.

 

[Lindholdt]

A fellow Head-Fi member just posted a review/comparison between the HD800s and the HEKS, if you are interested
https://www.headphoneer.com/hifiman-he1000v2-vs-sennheiser-hd800s-review/

 

[Terriero]

I would get an HD800s if you listen to those genres mostly. I still need to find anything than sounds better with Jazz & acoustic than the 800s.
Recently I compared the 800s with the HE1000 stealth at home and the timbre was just better on the Sennheisers in my opinion.

The 800s is a reference and you won't go wrong with them.

Have you compared the classical HD 600s with the 800s with jazz and acoustic genres?... From what I've read in the forum people usually prefer the 600s for small jazz ensembles and the 800s for big orchestras, and find the 600s' timbre more natural. I love my 800 for big orchestras, but some times I look for intimacy when I'm listening a smaller band.

Anyway, I'll find out by myself soon

Saludos desde Canarias

 

[Tano]

Have you compared the classical HD 600s with the 800s with jazz and acoustic genres?... From what I've read in the forum people usually prefer the 600s for small jazz ensembles and the 800s for big orchestras, and find the 600s' timbre more natural. I love my 800 for big orchestras, but some times I look for intimacy when I'm listening a smaller band.

Anyway, I'll find out by myself soon

Saludos desde Canarias

Unfortunately I owned the HD600 way before than the HD800s so didn't have the chance to compare it side by side. I liked the 600 a lot, but it was a bit short on the technical aspects, that's why I sold it. From memory I can say that the HD800s is a step up in that regard, and I find the timbre very natural just as the 600. The 800s is brighter but I don't find it ofensiva, specially when you EQ the 6khz peak.

I find that the 800s works with all kind of Jazz and it's capable of doing both small and big bands. But I understand people that prefers the presentation of the 600s. My other reference headphone is the Clear OG, and sometimes is good to have that extra punch and intimacy.

Ya me contarás qué tal la comparación. A disfrutarlos.
Un saludo compañero!