HD-800 amp discussion

[dallan]

Reading this thread i am a bit confounded.  I have heard the Sonnet and the Zana Duex back to back and the Zana Duex was hands down better.  The Sonnet seemed thinner to me and not able to drive the 800s nearly as well.  It was really no contest, and it was at Donald's table.  I like him and it is a decent amp, the Zana Duex was just in a different league to my ears.  Go figure.

 

[03029174]

Hi Guys
 
I've decided to build a new system around the HD800's. The phones and amp should arrive within the next fortnight
I've had some experience with Grado PS-1s and K1000s in the past and fancied trying something different.
I've gone for a non tube amp for a change because i wanted to get as close as possible to how Sennheiser wanted these cans to sound.
As far as i've seen, they always use solid state amps on their display stands.
I went for the SPL Phonitor because i was interested in the crossfeed and speaker controls. I did some reseach and found this link
http://tech.sina.com.cn/h/2009-12-22/07021183837.shtml
I used google translate and its a Sennheiser Concept Store which opened in Asia.
I was happy to see they were using the SPL amp in their demo room.
 
 

 
I went for as neutral and transparent as possible and if its too cold il change the cable and ICs to Copper
I have a Cary Xciter Dac which is high quality and not harsh to my ears so that should help
Really looking forward to it!

 

[Uncle Erik]

The Zana Deux is also my pick for the HD-800. They play well together and the Zana's resolution translates well. I also run the Moth Si2A3 for listening to vocals and acoustic. DHTs sound great on the HD-800, however, the bass isn't as tight.

 

[baka1969]

As much as I've tried to like tubes I'm a SS guy. I have been very pleased with the three channel Beta22/Sigma22 paired with the HD800. The Cary Xciter DAC added a tinge of warmth over the previous DacMagic without losing detail or clarity. I can't seem to find any flaws with this amp. I really enjoy listening to the Mozart Violin Sonatas with the setup. I have several different recordings but the collection with Itzhak Perlman and Daniel Barenboim are my preferred renditions.

 

[grokit]

I can find something to like in both, depending on other factors. I love the WA22 with the HD800 but would really like to try that Phonitor with them, it seems like it could be a very good match.

 

[Currawong]

Quote:

Hi Guys
 
I've decided to build a new system around the HD800's. The phones and amp should arrive within the next fortnight
I've had some experience with Grado PS-1s and K1000s in the past and fancied trying something different.
I've gone for a non tube amp for a change because i wanted to get as close as possible to how Sennheiser wanted these cans to sound.
As far as i've seen, they always use solid state amps on their display stands.
I went for the SPL Phonitor because i was interested in the crossfeed and speaker controls. I did some reseach and found this link
http://tech.sina.com.cn/h/2009-12-22/07021183837.shtml
I used google translate and its a Sennheiser Concept Store which opened in Asia.
I was happy to see they were using the SPL amp in their demo room.
 
 

 
I went for as neutral and transparent as possible and if its too cold il change the cable and ICs to Copper
I have a Cary Xciter Dac which is high quality and not harsh to my ears so that should help
Really looking forward to it!

With the headphones on backwards?

 

[nikongod]

they are on backwards.

 

[grokit]

 

[Currawong]

Team Captain Obvious strikes again.

 

[03029174]

Haha I did try to find a better pic but couldn't
Glad baka1969 mentioned the xciter dac adds a bit of warmth, that's a good start!

 

[epocs]

x2 on the Zana Deux. Single Ended, I would say that it is the supreme way to hear the HD800.
 
Haven't compared enough with balanced to make a definitive decision on that.

 

[Gazza]

I'm loving my HD800 with my Manley Labs 300B preamplifier. I've only changed the 6SL7 tubes to Sylvania ones. The rest are stock.

 

[Henerenry]

I vote crack + speedball.
 
Honestly, the synergy it has with the hd800 is amazing. If anyone has thought that the hd800 was a tad anemic in the bass they must hear one! Its not bloated, but its tight and fast and goes low.

 

[dallan]

Quote:

x2 on the Zana Deux. Single Ended, I would say that it is the supreme way to hear the HD800.
 

That's what I use 85% of the time, and as a matter of fact, right now.

 

[Der Germane]

I've tried out different combinations with solid state and tube amps and different sources and came back to something I haven't expected so far.
 
My personal ideal combination for the HD800 is -you probably won't believe it- :
 
HD800 + Corda Opera + Denon DVD-A1XV (Source Direct Mode).
 
I think not everyone would be happy with this combination.
But I suggest you try it out, if you've got the chance.
Maybe you'll be surprised.
The HD800 just sounds right to me with this combination.
 
Finally, finally, I am totally happy with it.