[nprathap]

I am finally making the bold move to buy the HD 800, and I see that they are announcing HD 800 S.  I am getting the HD 800 for $1100 through Amazon, and the HD 800 S is priced at 1699.95 retail as I can see it on Moon Audio. Should I cancel and get the new HD 800 S compared to the tested well established HD 800? 
 
I have HD 600 and I decided it over HD 650, and I have a Decaware Taboo MKIII with my LCD -2.  
 
So couple of questions:
 
1) HD 800 or HD 800S ?
2) What would be the best Amplifier - Class A tube amplifier is what I am looking for...
3) What would be the best mod to use on HD 800 if I make the decision on HD 800.
4) What would be the best cable ? 
 
Waiting for some help and guidance here....

 

[Mr Rick]

  I am finally making the bold move to buy the HD 800, and I see that they are announcing HD 800 S.  I am getting the HD 800 for $1100 through Amazon, and the HD 800 S is priced at 1699.95 retail as I can see it on Moon Audio. Should I cancel and get the new HD 800 S compared to the tested well established HD 800? 
 
I have HD 600 and I decided it over HD 650, and I have a Decaware Taboo MKIII with my LCD -2.  
 
So couple of questions:
 
1) HD 800 or HD 800S ?
2) What would be the best Amplifier - Class A tube amplifier is what I am looking for...
3) What would be the best mod to use on HD 800 if I make the decision on HD 800.
4) What would be the best cable ? 
 
Waiting for some help and guidance here....

 
I would put the whole project on hold until a few professional reviewers get their hands on the HD800S.  Right now it's all speculation.

 

[nprathap]

Thanks Rick.  What you think about proceeding with HD 800?  Or you think its worth the wait? I am getting the HD 800 for USD 1100.

 

[Youth]

Have you heard the HD800? I think it would a good idea before purchase if possible. 
 
What's your budget for the amplifier?

 

[nprathap]

I did audition them and loved them.  I was looking for an OTL and I can go up to 2K.    I have a MKIII Taboo which I use with the LCD-2 and they can drive HD 800 as well. 
 
But not sure if I should wait for HD800S :|

 

[nprathap]

How is VALHALLA 2 as a start? Or Lyr-2

 

[nprathap]

its a big money so you think it is worth the wait? Or I should go with the known tested HD-800 please let me know so I can cancel the order.   I will go by your suggestion  

 

[Mr Rick]

  How is VALHALLA 2 as a start? Or Lyr-2

 
I have both. They play well with my HD800. I also have the Cavalli Liquid Carbon which I use for balanced cables with my HD800 and HD650.  Balanced cables are nothing special. Just something from China I found on Ebay. 

 

[Mr Rick]

  its a big money so you think it is worth the wait? Or I should go with the known tested HD-800 please let me know so I can cancel the order.   I will go by your suggestion  

 
Personally I would wait. But, you have heard the standard 800. If you really like them, then I would get them and never look back. 
 
Your choice.

 

[saidentary]

........
........ 2) What would be the best Amplifier - Class A tube amplifier is what I am looking for...
..........

I don't know whether it's the best, because I haven't compared it to many other headphone amplifiers, but it's worthy of a listen: MicroZOTL 2
 
I own it.  It's absolutely magical with the HiFiMAN HE-1000 headphones.
 
Note: The blue colored text areas are links to discussions about the MicroZOTL 2 and my beta tester review of the HE-1000s, in which I talk about the MicroZOTL 2.
 
Also, the MicroZOTL 2 is well within your budget, priced at $1100. 

 

[pctazhp]

  How is VALHALLA 2 as a start? Or Lyr-2

 
I tried the Valhalla 2 (stock tubes) with my HD700s and was not at all impressed. My current amp - Little Dot IV SE is, to my ears, far superior in must about all ways. Substituting the C3G drivers into the LD, it isn't even close!!!
 
I have a Feliks Elise on order. I think you owe it to yourself to at least consider the Elise: http://www.head-fi.org/t/782754/feliks-audio-elise-new-thread

 

[Nicklikesmusic]

   
I tried the Valhalla 2 (stock tubes) with my HD700s and was not at all impressed. My current amp - Little Dot IV SE is, to my ears, far superior in must about all ways. Substituting the C3G drivers into the LD, it isn't even close!!!
 
I have a Feliks Elise on order. I think you owe it to yourself to at least consider the Elise: http://www.head-fi.org/t/782754/feliks-audio-elise-new-thread

The HD700 is a different kettle of fish from the HD800. I do not like my HD598 driven from the Valhalla 2 but I love the HD800 driven from the same device. Valhalla 2 works best with 300 ohm headphones like the HD800. HD700 is 150 ohm. If you ever demo the V2 make sure it is really hot before listening, like so hot that you can barely hold onto the volume knob. 

 

[noxa]

If it was my choice is be going for the 800S just off what I've read so far, early review more or less tell you the difference. If you've heard the 800 and read if the 800S seem to fix any ills you perceived when you heard the 800, if not then go for the 800, seems a simple process to me.

 

[nprathap]

have anyone tried ifi Retro50 with HD 800? 

 

 

[SeaWo|f]

Other than just wanting a new amp, I'm not sure there is a reason for wanting to plug your new hd800/800s into anything other than your taboo mk iii.

But I can understand the itch for new kit. Class A tube at about 2k why not the wa22?