[Ichos]

How come? Can you elaborate please?

It is considerably more bright, less warm and more recessed mids.
Of course it has better bass, it is more diffuse, detailed, dynamic etc etc but at the end a different sound signature.

 

[MisterMoJo]

It is considerably more bright, less warm and more recessed mids.
Of course it has better bass, it is more diffuse, detailed, dynamic etc etc but at the end a different sound signature.

Thank you.

 

[maarek99]

If I like the HD 650 will I like the HD 800 S?

Depends. I upgraded from the 650 to the 800 S and for me it worked great! I still occasionally reach for the 650 still but the 800 S is a great upgrade.

 

[gefski]

If I like the HD 650 will I like the HD 800 S?

Depends on whether you see headphones in either/or terms. For me, listening 5-6 evenings a week, I’ll stick with one for a couple weeks, enjoying every minute. Might be 650, DT880, LCD-3, HD800S. I don’t worry about “better” and switch a lot unless I’m trying something new.

 

[hornytoad]

How come? Can you elaborate please?

They are completely different . the 650 has a dark warmer sound ,though it still has decent resolution. Not my cup of tea.

The Hd800s is brighter , has better resolution and the soundstage is wider ,deeper and much more satisfying than the closed in sound of the 650.

I'll say the 800s is also has a more dynamic sound.

It's not really a close comparison as the Hd800s wins easily. Both may need a little bass help but I'm not a bass head but i could see the complaint from some here.

 

[Whitigir]

If you paired the 800s with the right amp, otherwise it wouldn’t show it true potentials

 

[hornytoad]

If you paired the 800s with the right amp, otherwise it wouldn’t show it true potentials

This !! Completely true. I would stay away from brighter headphone amplifiers. The Rupert Neve amp is a good one.

 

[Contrails]

If I like the HD 650 will I like the HD 800 S?

Let me put it this way - what music do you listen to mostly? This will be a bigger deciding factor.

Modern music, and especially if the recording is pretty average - HD650 all day everyday. *HD650 can literally play anything well.

Large scale orchestra, acoustic, Jazz (all well recorded) - HD800S. Anything poorly recorded or requires good thumping bass won’t sound good. Yes it has bass, you will hear it but won’t feel it.

Hd660s is another option which images better than the HD650 but if you have a very good tube amp and DAC - HD650 will scale better.

 

[vlach]

This !! Completely true. I would stay away from brighter headphone amplifiers. The Rupert Neve amp is a good one.

Oh really? I haven't heard the Rupert Neve however i always perceived it as a very lean, monitoring-type of amp, just based on reviews in general and assumed it wouldn't be a good match for the leanish HD800s.

 

[hornytoad]

Oh really? I haven't heard the Rupert Nueve however i always perceived it as a very lean, monitoring-type of amp, just based on reviews in general and assumed it wouldn't be a good match for the leanish HD800s.

It is not as lean as you think .

 

[Whitigir]

When you talk about 800S, there is only 1 word to describe it correctly “Capable”.

The question is, are you ?

Because if you are not capable of handling the 800s, then it would sound with all the negativities that you could describe. If you have an 800S and you can not find yourself to appreciate it, then it is you and your system problem. I have traveled down the rabbit hole long enough to tell you so

 

[hornytoad]

When you talk about 800S, there is only 1 word to describe it correctly “Capable”.

The question is, are you ?

Because if you are not capable of handling the 800s, then it would sound with all the negativities that you could describe. If you have an 800S and you can not find yourself to appreciate it, then it is you and your system problem. I have traveled down the rabbit hole long enough to tell you so

Indeed . And a great headphone amp is required.

 

[MisterMoJo]

Would a GSX Mini be a good match?

 

[MisterMoJo]

Let me put it this way - what music do you listen to mostly? This will be a bigger deciding factor.

Modern music, and especially if the recording is pretty average - HD650 all day everyday. *HD650 can literally play anything well.

Large scale orchestra, acoustic, Jazz (all well recorded) - HD800S. Anything poorly recorded or requires good thumping bass won’t sound good. Yes it has bass, you will hear it but won’t feel it.

Hd660s is another option which images better than the HD650 but if you have a very good tube amp and DAC - HD650 will scale better.

I will be listening to mostly classical movie soundtracks. James Horner, John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Hans Zimmer. Flac from CD.

 

[Contrails]

I will be listening to mostly classical movie soundtracks. James Horner, John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Hans Zimmer. Flac from CD.

HD800S. And get a good SET/OTL amp for it.
Some options:
Quicksilver Headphone amp ($995)
Amp and Sound stuff
Eddie current ZD (used market)
Apex Teton ($4800).

I used a WA22 when I owned the HD800S. A bit slow but big soundstage. The Sennheiser amp (HDVD800) is also really good and a better option than WA22. These can be had for great prices on the used market.

Edit: HDV820 is the amp I heard.