[Tanalasta]

The older style headphones with smaller cups tend to be lighter and clamp better. I assume you've tried several adjustments and position on the actual head itself. But I get you. I have the same problem with the HD800S and the Empy's (and even the Utopia). When I'm on the recliner almost have to prop up a pillow.

I've been again reminded how much I adore the pairing of the HD800S and the WA11 Topaz out of the 4.4mm balanced mode. Even using the onboard USB ESS DAC. There's a musicality about this pairing with a full, slightly warm laid back sound whilst taming that treble. it doesn't quite have the detail nor the analytical nature of the Hugo2 but none of the harshness. It isn't as resolving as the Utopia (which may be a good thing on the WA11 Topaz as it's more forgiving) given the WA11 Topaz isn't the cleanest output around.

I wonder how the HD800S would sound out of a proper tube amp.

 

[Revolution1]

I wonder how the HD800S would sound out of a proper tube amp.

Sounds great with the Unison Research SH, soft and musically with good resolution from the built-in ESS.

 

[swissheadphonelover]

Interesting news, when I get older I will have a smooth transition from my HD800s to Sonova hearing aids

https://en-de.sennheiser.com/newsroom/sonova-acquires-sennheiser-consumer-business-vzxws7

 

[Another Audiophile]

And like this the HD800S will remain in history as a benchmark and legendary headphone

 

[Rob80b]

Interesting news, when I get older I will have a smooth transition from my HD800s to Sonova hearing aids

https://en-de.sennheiser.com/newsroom/sonova-acquires-sennheiser-consumer-business-vzxws7

Yep...on the brighter side given my age a need for a Sonova product may also just be around the corner.
Relatively speaking though it has been quiet on the Sennheiser front.

 

[Evshrug]

Hey guys (and gals!)!
Someone asked on an IE 900 thread how to get new HD 800(S) headband padding. I went on a little rabbit hunt, and they currently have 30 or so in stock. Here’s the best way (for the USA) to get one if you need it:

Part # 534406 $30.27 HD800 headband cushion
Call 1-877-736-6434 extension 1, and reference the part #.

 

[Rob80b]

Sennheiser were good to their word.


Curious though if they have changed the rubber composite, feels a little different but that could be age, only time will tell.

Hey guys (and gals!)!
............
Call 1-877-736-6434 extension 1, and reference the part #.

Hi Evshrug

Sent this query to Sennheiser, as of yet no reply...maybe you are able to find out...

It's about the rubber used for the cable jacket on the the current CH800 that are now made in China, it appears to be less, how can I say rubbery : ), may be just my imagination but it feels more like the 650/660 cables, a good thing in my books as those cables last for years......hopefully so and the new cable will not be prone to breaking down and disintegrating as on my previous 2 made in Germany.

Previous cable.

 

[Evshrug]

Hmm, it might take me awhile, because I have to email someone who might know someone who might email someone else...
The joys of contract work!

 

[Rob80b]

Hmm, it might take me awhile, because I have to email someone who might know someone who might email someone else...
The joys of contract work!

 

[yates7592]

Ultra High = Ultra Dynamic --> I run mine from an 8W 300B SET Valve Amp from the Speaker Taps to a HiFiMan Adaptor box.

How does HD800S sound with the HiFiMan box? I'm also thinking of using an 8W SET 300B tube amp.

 

[Evshrug]

Hi Evshrug

Sent this query to Sennheiser, as of yet no reply...maybe you are able to find out...

It's about the rubber used for the cable jacket on the the current CH800 that are now made in China, it appears to be less, how can I say rubbery : ), may be just my imagination but it feels more like the 650/660 cables, a good thing in my books as those cables last for years......hopefully so and the new cable will not be prone to breaking down and disintegrating as on my previous 2 made in Germany.

Previous cable.

Actually Rob80b, I’m not exactly sure what the question is. Are you asking if the cable changed? Different jacket material, less memory in the wire?

 

[Rob80b]

Actually Rob80b, I’m not exactly sure what the question is. Are you asking if the cable changed? Different jacket material, less memory in the wire?

Hi Evshrug....yes, it's in reference to the jacket material.

Besides myself there have been numerous reports of the cable jacket prematurely disintegrating, it may be just from different body oils in contact with the rubber causing it to break down or possibly a bad run on the jacket itself...hard to to tell as I have never experienced this before....and I've numerous headphones/cables,some dating back to the 1970s and "none the worse from wear."
Needless to say Sennheiser have been stellar in addressing my own concerns having replaced my balanced the cable, not once but twice over 5 years, so I'm hoping that with the most recent replacement the jacket material has been changed and might last the life of the HD800S.

Original cable
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sen...ost-for-summary.795365/page-216#post-14176884

Replacement April 2018
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sen...ost-for-summary.795365/page-218#post-14187914

April 2021
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sen...ost-for-summary.795365/page-427#post-16296048
2nd replacement April 2021
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sen...ost-for-summary.795365/page-218#post-14187914


similar reports.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/help-repairing-hd800-cable.689763/

https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/to...n-for-repairing-frayed-hd800-headphone-cable/

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/kv9ydf/my_second_hd_800_cable_is_splitting_has_anyone/

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...nyone_else_had_their_hd800s_cable_insulation/

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...d_to_vent_sennheiser_hd_800s_cable_splitting/

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/7h1bri/hd800_cable_replacements/

https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneA...nnheiser_hd800s_replacement_cable_suggestion/

https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneA...0_hd700_cables_totally_destroyed_please_help/

 

[Whazzzup]

I replaced mine with custom from the get go. 5 years doing great

 

[Rob80b]

I replaced mine with custom from the get go. 5 years doing great

3rd party replacement or not.... IMHO I would think Sennheiser appreciate the feedback and will address the problem as most would expect the cable on a higher end headphone which are usually babied, or any headphone at that, to last a fair amount of time, if not the life of the phone .....and it's not the wiring nor the connectors as the cable works just fine but just the outer jacket.

 

[Luke Thomas]

Anyone try a equalizer. (Not a digital ) a equalizer with physical knobs. To add bass to your 800s ? Thanks