[Timber1900]

Hello, 
 
I joined the forum for the sole purposes of being able to get in touch with the experienced audiophiles in the crowd. I was hoping I could get some input on my soon-to-be realized dream of owning HD800s. 
 
Some background, I am an avid PC gamer, someone who appreciates the very nice things in life, and I got my first big boy job and I'm okay with spending top dollar, so long as I make the right decision and it's somehow justifiable. 
 
I've been using an Asus Essence STX Xonar, coupled with Logitech z5500s and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80ohm. Yes, I know using the TOSLink from the STX to the z5500s defeats the purpose, but I already had those speakers and wasn't ready to part ways with them. I wanted a top end sound card for powering headphones. I was drawn to the DT770s for their bass and their sound stage, and at $200 those were what I could afford. I went on to get a pair of DT990s 250 Ohm for around the house listening and Custom One Pros for my office. I appreciate the nuances of each headphone and I am okay with coloring the sound a bit to get the signature I'm looking for. 
 
Now-a-days I'm interested in switching out the z5500s for a bookshelf pair from SVS and a sub. But I still want surround sound gaming in the form of premier headphones. 
 
I've read the HD800s are about as good as they get in sound stage, and I'm not phased by the price tag. Also they look damn good. So much so that I'm considering them over the Beyerdynamic T1's, which you can tell is the brand I'm most loyal to. 
 
So without anyone convincing me that I need to get HD558s instead, can any one provide some input? Any particular sound card, either internal or external that I should consider over the STX? Is there another headphone that has better sound stage and directional accuracy than the HD800s?
 
Cheers,
 
-P 

 

[b0000]

  Is there another headphone that has better sound stage and directional accuracy than the HD800s?

 nope nope nope. The hd800 is my go to headphone for movies and games.
 
also, this is the place to go regarding soundcards.
 
also, you may find this thread useful.

 

[Slashfury99]

I have to say, hands down, HD800 has the absolute best detail, accuracy and one of the best soundstage there are in current production headphones, nothing comes close.

Another problem arises is that, without the right amp pairing, you wouldn't get the amazing sound that you see on reviews from the HD800. The sound card wouldn't drive it at its potential, you might be disappointed.

 

[superjawes]

Another problem arises is that, without the right amp pairing, you wouldn't get the amazing sound that you see on reviews from the HD800. The sound card wouldn't drive it at its potential, you might be disappointed.

Well if the OP really isn't phased by the price tag of the 800's, I would assume that getting a decent amp wouldn't be a problem.

EDIT: I got to try the 800's for the first time at AXPONA this weekend, and I was immediately in love. I am 90% certain that these are going to be my next set of headphones...my wallet may force me to wait a year or two...

 

[Slashfury99]

Well if the OP really isn't phased by the price tag of the 800's, I would assume that getting a decent amp wouldn't be a problem.

EDIT: I got to try the 800's for the first time at AXPONA this weekend, and I was immediately in love. I am 90% certain that these are going to be my next set of headphones...my wallet may force me to wait a year or two...

Oh and another fortune for its amp, that's more punishing IMO.

 

[superjawes]

Oh and another fortune for its amp, that's more punishing IMO.

Well I already have a Schiit Valhalla and Magni, and I'll probably (at least) get a Bifrost before I even consider spending money on a pair of 800's (used or otherwise).

 

[Slashfury99]

Well I already have a Schiit Valhalla and Magni, and I'll probably (at least) get a Bifrost before I even consider spending money on a pair of 800's (used or otherwise).

Oh then that's great! Those are really good amps!

 

[Timber1900]

Hey guys, 
 
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it. 
 
I'll be willing to spend good money on a high end amp if it means I'll be reaping the benefit of the headphones. I figure with all the possible amps out there, I may as well go for the one that was designed by Sennheiser, working under the impression that Sennheiser built the amp with the HD800s in mind. I'm looking at the HDVD 800. Does anyone have any experience with this amp? 
 
Cheers

 

[superjawes]

It was powering the 800's I listened to at AXPONA, but it was the only one, so I don't really have a reference point...

Tyll Herstens seems to like the Eddie Current Balancing Act for these (See Wall of Fame and the Full Review).

You might also check the HD800 Appreciation Thread for more recommendations.

 

[Slashfury99]

Hey guys, 

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it. 

I'll be willing to spend good money on a high end amp if it means I'll be reaping the benefit of the headphones. I figure with all the possible amps out there, I may as well go for the one that was designed by Sennheiser, working under the impression that Sennheiser built the amp with the HD800s in mind. I'm looking at the HDVD 800. Does anyone have any experience with this amp? 

Cheers

After trying about 10-15 amps for the HD800 (not kidding, I was bent on getting THE right sound), I concluded that the HDVD800 is the best pairing for the HD800, as of now. I even tried higher priced amps like Cavalli Liquid Au or Glass, none of which was better.

The pairing works like magic, sound quality is beyond imagination, not harsh, not warm, just feels original. I guess Sennheiser are the only ones who can perfectly amp the HD800, seeing as they made them.

 

[superjawes]

After trying about 10-15 amps for the HD800 (not kidding, I was bent on getting THE right sound), I concluded that the HDVD800 is the best pairing for the HD800, as of now. I even tried higher priced amps like Cavalli Liquid Au or Glass, none of which was better.

The pairing works like magic, sound quality is beyond imagination, not harsh, not warm, just feels original. I guess Sennheiser are the only ones who can perfectly amp the HD800, seeing as they made them.

Is that with balanced cables or single ended?

(As balanced cables would be an additional purchase)

 

[Slashfury99]

You can use the standard HD800 cable, but I personally like to use a balanced one.