[joefig44]

I'm looking for recommendations. Used to own some high-end gear, but sold it off a while back as couldn't justify holding onto it for the amount I listened. Now, with being home much more, looking to jump back in.

What I used to own:
Audeze LCD-X with AudioGD NFB 11.28 - wonderful bass, but very recessed highs - wished for more detail
Focal Elex with AudioGD NFB 11.28 - very detailed (almost too much), liked this setup a lot but wished for a bit more bass
Meze Empyrean with Woo WA11 - very smooth sound signature, but seemed to lack in detail

Now as said I'm starting from scratch. I'm good with open cans, but closed would be preferred as long as not leaving too much sound quality on the table.

Ideally I don't want to spend more than $2000 on the whole setup, but am not restricted in spending even up to $4000 if it's warranted.

 

[pbui44]

Check out the Sennheiser HD800S and hybrid sheepskin-protein-leather ear pads:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Sennheiser-...775469&hash=item289efe02cc:g:K5AAAOSwnfpfe6dm
(I think this seller is well-known on the classifieds section of this forum)

https://www.amazon.ca/Replacement-S...VFZS8N5230Z&psc=1&refRID=HV7A9RV3NVFZS8N5230Z

 

[joefig44]

Check out the Sennheiser HD800S and hybrid sheepskin-protein-leather ear pads:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Sennheiser-...775469&hash=item289efe02cc:g:K5AAAOSwnfpfe6dm
(I think this seller is well-known on the classifieds section of this forum)

https://www.amazon.ca/Replacement-S...VFZS8N5230Z&psc=1&refRID=HV7A9RV3NVFZS8N5230Z

What should I pair these with then? I currently don't own any amp.

I heard the RME ADI-2 is good?

I'm in Canada, so after exchange and shipping it's $1900+ Cdn so I may as well buy new locally for $2100

 

[joefig44]

Is $1400 Cdn a really good deal for an 800S used?

 

[pbui44]

That eBay link above is the best deal for HD800S overall right now.

As for amp, check out the liquid platinum for the HD800S:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33305

As for DAC, this one will do (SMSL SP200 Amp is too harsh on HD800S for some):

https://www.amazon.ca/SMSL-Flagship...CG5BVRBJV3F&psc=1&refRID=2XK2DG1KECG5BVRBJV3F

 

[joefig44]

That eBay link above is the best deal for HD800S overall right now.

As for amp, check out the liquid platinum for the HD800S:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33305

As for DAC, this one will do (SMSL SP200 Amp is too harsh on HD800S for some):

https://www.amazon.ca/SMSL-Flagship...CG5BVRBJV3F&psc=1&refRID=2XK2DG1KECG5BVRBJV3F

Sorry, what I mean is I have an opportunity to buy a used HD800S for $1400 Canadian.

 

[pbui44]

Sorry, what I mean is I have an opportunity to buy a used HD800S for $1400 Canadian.

As long as the seller has a highly (95% or more) positive rated reputation and you have PayPal/buyer’s protection. There is such as thing as too good of a deal, after all.

 

[joefig44]

Check out the Sennheiser HD800S and hybrid sheepskin-protein-leather ear pads:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Sennheiser-...775469&hash=item289efe02cc:g:K5AAAOSwnfpfe6dm
(I think this seller is well-known on the classifieds section of this forum)

https://www.amazon.ca/Replacement-S...VFZS8N5230Z&psc=1&refRID=HV7A9RV3NVFZS8N5230Z

Ok, picked up a used 800S for $1400 Cdn + brand new RME ADI-2 as well as the replacement pads. Hoping this all sounds stellar!

 

[pbui44]

Ok, picked up a used 800S for $1400 Cdn + brand new RME ADI-2 as well as the replacement pads. Hoping this all sounds stellar!

If you find the RME ADI-2 too harsh with the HD800S, then you can always pick up a liquid platinum and 2 3-pin XLR cables. Either way, good luck!

 

[joefig44]

If you find the RME ADI-2 too harsh with the HD800S, then you can always pick up a liquid platinum and 2 3-pin XLR cables. Either way, good luck!

Is there some instructional video on how to swap the pads?

 

[pbui44]

Is there some instructional video on how to swap the pads?

Here is one of many on YouTube for the HD800(S):

 

[goodleechanghwa]

if you didnt find elex to have enough bass, then how about eikon?

 

[surfgeorge]

Congrats on buying the HD800S!
I listened to them a week ago out of a CHORD Hugo 2 and it was breathtaking!
Huge soundstage with pinpoint accurate imaging and incredible detail without sounding artificial...

 

[joefig44]

Congrats on buying the HD800S!
I listened to them a week ago out of a CHORD Hugo 2 and it was breathtaking!
Huge soundstage with pinpoint accurate imaging and incredible detail without sounding artificial...

Thanks, yes with the RME ADI-2 they sound really good. If you know of any equalizer settings for the ADI-2 that go with the 800S would be much appreciated.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Thanks, yes with the RME ADI-2 they sound really good. If you know of any equalizer settings for the ADI-2 that go with the 800S would be much appreciated.

I flatten the area between 6-10 KHz by 3-5 dB but I only need it for some female vocals. I try to listen without EQ whenever possible. This for HD 800 btw, for 800S you should not need any EQ at all.