[HeadphoneAddict]

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solid state amp ? or Tube amp ? WA22 ?

 
That depends on the amp - While I prefer the HD800 with an Eddie Current Balancing Act or ZDT, they are also quite good with the Luxman P-1u, HiFIMan EF6, and Nuforce DAC-100 solid state amps.  The WA22 was also up there with the best, but in comparison to the ZDT it was a little thinner in midrange weight and body.  That can be changed with different tubes.  So there is no one right answer.

 

[grokit]

X3 on the WA22, it does make the HD800 shine with the right tubes. I used this setup for quite a while with excellent results (have since changed rectifiers):
 
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue54/woo.htm
 
The HD800 also responds well to balanced cabling with the WA22. It's not supposed to because of the WA22's design, but it does.

 

[MacedonianHero]

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X3 on the WA22, it does make the HD800 shine with the right tubes. I used this setup for quite a while with excellent results (have since changed rectifiers):
 
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue54/woo.htm
 
The HD800 also responds well to balanced cabling with the WA22. It's not supposed to because of the WA22's design, but it does.

Agreed...but be prepared to spend some $ on the tubes. The WA22/HD800 is a fantastic combo. 
 
SS options, the GS-X is the best SS amp I've heard yet with the HD800s. 

 

[YoengJyh]

Wah.... it was so sweet that listening to beatles again via HD800... arghhh~
 

 

[Gamerzhell]

Anyone got suggestions as to a seriously detailed/revealing and neutral amp for the HD800?
 
Was thinking Mjolnir or V200 but maybe someone has a suggestion that gives more detail.

 

[BournePerfect]

AGD C-2.2 Would make an excellent match for the Senn I think. Very very detailed with a silky smooth character that would go well with them. I had a very revealing Dynalo, but I didn't like it with the HD 800s since they were still pretty shrill sounding on it. Still an incredibly detailed amp on a budget though.

-Daniel

 

[Maxvla]

Bryston BHA-1 will give you great detail. I have a Mjolnir on the way to compare, though.

 

[Anaxilus]

Eddie Current line up as well.  Haven't heard more revealing or detailed dynamic amps yet.

 

[BournePerfect]

Eddie Current line up as well.  Haven't heard more revealing or detailed dynamic amps yet.

Yep. My Zana provides more detail than any amp I've heard, and in a musical way that doesn't throw it in your face either. Also the amp that finally convinced me to keep the Senn after almost giving up on it with lesser amps that were ironically recommended with it (TTVJ Fet-A and Dynalo).

-Daniel

 

[YoengJyh]

Does Q cable do a good job for HD800?

 

[rgs9200m]

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Wah.... it was so sweet that listening to beatles again via HD800... arghhh~
 

Same here; 'love the Beatles in Mono box set; it has a nice warm signature.

 

[dleblanc343]

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Does Q cable do a good job for HD800?

In terms of build quality and feel of the cable, yes, it's fantastic. In terms of sound, it's better than stock, but never had the chance to compare with other custom made cables. I might be getting a DHC copper soon, but for now I can't really compare.

 

[olor1n]

Quote:

Quote:

Wah.... it was so sweet that listening to beatles again via HD800... arghhh~
 

Same here; 'love the Beatles in Mono box set; it has a nice warm signature.

 
Love the intimacy of the Mono box set, particularly the early albums. The expansion of sound when switching to the Stereo set is glorious though. Listening to Help! from that collection. It's magnificent.

 

[YoengJyh]

Another album... Eric Clapton Unplugged via HD800... arghhh.... Very Sweet.... 

 

[steve2151]

Finally got around to sliding my speakers off my desk and freeing up space for a bigger chain. Went from a NFB-10SE to a KingRex UC384,  Audio GD SA-1, and Apex Arete/Volcano.
 
I own HD 800 #345 and this rig warms it up quite nicely. Grain is practically eliminated and the previously anemic bass impact has been bumped up a few notches. Soundstage is slightly smaller vs going balanced on the NFB-10SE, but more 3D and enveloping. I'd quantify it as  a 10%-15% improvement for a whole lot of money, but the this level of headphone deserves everything you can throw at it.