[jtinto]

Amazing how the 800S utterly shines like no headphone i have ever heard for classical, but then i completely change the tempo and put on some EDM/electronic music and while it still sounds exceptional i can't help but feel like something is missing. I just pulled the trigger on a pair of used LCD 2 that look to be in terrific almost perfect shape, so once they arrive i'll have to confirm if the 800S is indeed missing something...

I kept the HD800 and Focal Clear for just that reason. It's nice to switch.
The LCD-2 should be a good combination as well ...

 

[Slim1970]

Which SS amp would you recommend ?

I have the Pro iCan and they sound amazing on it. I also give them a sub bass boost with the XBass+ and they sound so much fuller. It's a great pairing in my opinion.

 

[Brooko]

I can totally see that argument and respect it. Which amp and dac you using ?

Most of the time its just the iFi iDSD. More than enough power. Sounds wonderful. Best of all, a very small footprint. I use it on the desktop mostly. I also have a full OTL Tube - the "Enterprise" from VE. The HD800S is pretty magical out of both. But then I've found it great out of virtually any amp with a linear output, and enough power output.

 

[Slim1970]

The HD800S's are special. Even against Utopia's they do things the Utopia's can't. I really wish people could hear them with the Pro iCan and the added sub-bass. It's mind boggling how good they sound. The HD800S's already offer an out of head experience. Now imagine that experience with sub-bass. They are scary good!

 

[S Crowther]

The HD800S's are special. Even against Utopia's they do things the Utopia's can't. I really wish people could hear them with the Pro iCan and the added sub-bass. It's mind boggling how good they sound. The HD800S's already offer an out of head experience. Now imagine that experience with sub-bass. They are scary good!

I used to drive the HD800S from V2V1 balanced and that was fine for me. I only listen to classical. Then I tried them with Pro-Ject head box RS and preferred the SQ. Slimmer, leaner, purer sound, more focussed.
The Pro-Ject is hybrid design with variable impedance setting.

 

[smodtactical]

The HD800S's are special. Even against Utopia's they do things the Utopia's can't. I really wish people could hear them with the Pro iCan and the added sub-bass. It's mind boggling how good they sound. The HD800S's already offer an out of head experience. Now imagine that experience with sub-bass. They are scary good!

What do you think they do better than Utopia beyond sound stage?

 

[Slim1970]

What do you think they do better than Utopia beyond sound stage?

With the added sub bass the sense of realism and depth to sound is amazing and to my ears best the Utopia's. They sound more full bodied and even more 3D like. The bass goes deeper and is more layered as well. The Pro iCan with the first setting of XBass+ on let's the HD800S's shine.

 

[Whitigir]

With the added sub bass the sense of realism and depth to sound is amazing and to my ears best the Utopia's. They sound more full bodied and even more 3D like. The bass goes deeper and is more layered as well. The Pro iCan with the first setting of XBass+ on let's the HD800S's shine.

These above are true, but it lacks those dynamic punches ROFLMAO. Now, if we can have 800s+Utopia to have a BaBy, like combining both into 1

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

These above are true, but it lacks those dynamic punches ROFLMAO. Now, if we can have 800s+Utopia to have a BaBy, like combining both into 1

Why can’t Focal create a Utopia with soundstage? $4000 and you can’t R&D a soundstage?

 

[Arniesb]

Why can’t Focal create a Utopia with soundstage? $4000 and you can’t R&D a soundstage?

Dont forget super costly not maintanable headband that when wear out will cost arm and leg to replace! Sennheiser only company that cares about every detail unlike most companys.

 

[Whitigir]

Dont forget super costly not maintanable headband that when wear out will cost arm and leg to replace! Sennheiser only company that cares about every detail unlike most companys.

Stax does care too

Why can’t Focal create a Utopia with soundstage? $4000 and you can’t R&D a soundstage?

Compare to their Grande Utopia, it is nothing . Wait until you hear Focal Utopia Grande headphones or whenever it comes out

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

Stax does care too



Compare to their Grande Utopia, it is nothing . Wait until you hear Focal Utopia Grande headphones or whenever it comes out

But Stax chains you to one specific amplifier.

 

[Whitigir]

But Stax chains you to one specific amplifier.

Even better, less rabbit hole to venture. It saves helleluva lot of money

 

[111MilesToGo]

I have the Pro iCan and they sound amazing on it. I also give them a sub bass boost with the XBass+ and they sound so much fuller. It's a great pairing in my opinion.

Just to make sure: Which branch of the iFi Pro iCAN do you use, the SS or the tubes? When do you experience the nice synergies with the HD 800 S, one of them or both?

From your gear list I see you have the Hugo 2. What are your experiences with the Hugo 2 and HD 800 S, without the iCAN as compared to with it?

 

[casper3127]

Dont forget super costly not maintanable headband that when wear out will cost arm and leg to replace! Sennheiser only company that cares about every detail unlike most companys.

Sorry to say but I don't agree with that. They're like other mainstream companies who give a damn for their high-end customers. I'm speaking of course from my experience.
Audeze is really a company one can fully trust on. Eyes really wide shut.

YMMV of course.