[oktapod]

Hey folks.
 
Having built up a fairly impressive main system with large active speakers, I'm planning to downsize and invest into my headphone setup.
 
I currently have a pair of HD800s which I drive unbalanced from the class-A headphone output of my DAC/Pre (a modified Audiolab MDAC).  This gives good results - but I suspect that there is more to come from the HD800s with balanced connection and/or a dedicated headphone amp.
 
I have a Stax itch, however.  I'm interested in a Kimik modified SR-007mk2 setup, which will cost around £3200 in the UK.  I'd offset that slightly by selling the HD800s for perhaps £600, but that's still £2600 to find.  
 
My question is whether a keeping my HD800 plus using up to that £2600 to spend on a balanced headphone amp plus balanced lead is likely to sound better than going to the all-Stax setup.  Thus far, I haven't had a chance to try the Stax and I am hoping to hear one locally, but knowing where to try out various HD800 amp options is a bit trickier, with the nearest dealer selling both Stax and HD800s/amps being 400 miles away from me...
 
Any advice?  
 
ta.

 

[Rhamnetin]

"Better" is going to be very subjective in that case.  To make the choice even harder, both setups are going to sound transparent and rather neutral, the HD 800 being a tad more neutral but I find the SR-007 to be much more transparent.  If you can audition the SR-007, definitely do so before making your decision.  Personally I like the SR-007 a lot more than the HD 800, although the SR-007 I listened to was a Mk1.

 

[paradoxper]

Easy. Forgo the Kimik crap pick up a 007 mk 1 ($1700-ish) and a KGSSHV or maybe KGST ($2400-3000-ish.)
I'd also recommend considering stretching that budget for a source upgrade.
 
 
Do try to listen to any/all the choices mentioned though..

 

[customcoco]

  Easy. Forgo the Kimik crap pick up a 007 mk 1 ($1700-ish) and a KGSSHV or maybe KGST ($2400-3000-ish.)
I'd also recommend considering stretching that budget for a source upgrade.
 
 
Do try to listen to any/all the choices mentioned though..

Sorry about derailling the thread, but what's a Kimik SR007 ?

 

[paradoxper]

This

 

[oktapod]

Thanks for the suggestions.  The difficulty is finding used Stax in my area; I'm not sure I'd want to buy unseen at these prices.  I know that buying new is more expensive, but at least I don't have to concern myself with the 'history' of the cans.
 
That said, I'll keep an eye out for anything suitable that's local to me (Scotland).  I will go hear the set that's local to me, although they are not for sale but it will give me a reference.  No real interest in source upgrades right now - that's already pretty much covered for me.  

 

[customcoco]

  This

Thanks

 

[Eternal Phoenix]

  Thanks for the suggestions.  The difficulty is finding used Stax in my area; I'm not sure I'd want to buy unseen at these prices.  I know that buying new is more expensive, but at least I don't have to concern myself with the 'history' of the cans.
 
That said, I'll keep an eye out for anything suitable that's local to me (Scotland).  I will go hear the set that's local to me, although they are not for sale but it will give me a reference.  No real interest in source upgrades right now - that's already pretty much covered for me.  

 
Ok, another option, don't know if this is much help but is potentially available within your limits.

Brand new SR-007 mk2: £1995
 
And a corrected Chinese KGSS from a respected builder on these forums:

http://mjolnir-audio.com/?page_id=9
$1500 + shipping