[K_19]

Quote:

I feel like I'm approaching an HD-800 set up that I really like...
 
iMac optical out -> Stello DA100 -> WA6SE.  I found a 1956 NOS Metal Base Amperex Bugle Boy 5AR4/GZ34 for a rectifier.  Drivers are the Raytheon 6EW7 fat bottles, made in Japan.  The Bugle Boy is adding a texture to things that just was not there before, while doing everything else as good or better than the other rectifiers I've rolled.
 
Time to try the Anax mod to take off that little edge and I think I've got my HD-800 rig for a while...
 

I'm not using the same tubes as you, but the DA100 + WA6SE combo does sound great with the HD800, that's for sure.
 
 

 

[TheWuss]

So, Tyll posted a really terrific summary of the Anaxilus mod.
With a full youtube instructional video.
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/diy-modification-sennheiser-hd-800-anaxilus-mod
 
Great work, Tyll!
 

 

[Tyll Hertsens]

Thanks, Wuss. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[chicostein]

FYI, my just-arrived frequency chart.
 

 
Any comments?

 

[Lan647]

Quote:

FYI, my just-arrived frequency chart.
 

 
Any comments?

Looks good. The usual 6k boost is there, but it looks like you have more bass than usual... good for you!
 

 

[chicostein]

Thanks, Lan647
 
Indeed, lucky to have a "bass heavy edition˜...
 
 

 

[purrin]

       Quote:

Thanks, Wuss. Glad you enjoyed it.

Awesome Tyll. Wonder if the folks at Sennheiser will read it. Would be nice if they had "localized" the HD800 according to tastes of those in different parts of the world.
 

 

[Lan647]

Just want you guys to know I just bought myself a Musical fidelity M1HPA. Running it directly to the iMac via an audioquest "forrest" USB cable. Must say it sounds pretty good. I know the amp is excellent but I didn't expect the built in DAC to sound more than "ok" which it definitely does!
 
I use iTunes for playback and auditri for converting FLAC to ALAC. 

So what's next, you think? Any improvements I can make without buying any gear or expensive software? 

 

[D_4_Dog]

try BitPerfect, a few dollars only from apple app store, definite improvement over itunes while not costing an arm + leg

 

[Radio_head]

Or Audirvana which is free.

 

[TheWuss]

Venom 3 power cords.
Seriously.

 

[D_4_Dog]

Quote:

Or Audirvana which is free.

didn't recommend this though because it prompted me to purchase audirvana+ shortly afterwards =P

 

[musicman59]

Audirvana Plus is inexpensive and sound very good. I compared it to Decible and like Audirvana Plus better.

 

[Lan647]

Quote:

try BitPerfect, a few dollars only from apple app store, definite improvement over itunes while not costing an arm + leg

But bitperfect messes up the system right? I heard it disables the computer speakers.. 

May try audirvana but not sure about the interface. I like when the players just work alongside itunes, like bitperfect or amarra (thinking about amarra in the future) 

For now, here's some pictures! =) 

 

[Z06_Pilot]

I've had my HD800's for about 2 weeks now and have been burning them in and listening via my Xonar STK card (my Woo WA6-SE just shipped yesterday-I cannot wait!)
 
Holy smoke, how did they create the soundstage on these?  It's truly astounding just how wide and separated everything is.  It's a real treat listening to Adele on her "19" and "21" albums through these.  The instruments are far left and right of center to give her voice center stage.  I have never heard this effect as pronounced before with phones.  The clarity of vocals and the mid-range
 
IMO, they are not perfect for everything, particularly live recordings where a warmer, more intimate soundstage is preferred, like with the LCD-2.2's. 
 
Anything acoustic or symphonic, I reach for the HD800's every time.
 
I have not noticed the 7k bump or any extreme brightness some folks talk about.  I have always appreciated a bright upper range though, and maybe that's why.
 
I agree with what a lot of reviewers say about the HD800's......not perfect, but very close......