[iDesign]

Tyll recommended the 800S over the 800, I'm not sure what you're saying there.

 
Tyll also said: 
https://youtu.be/T0QrsBzmVVw?t=1008
 
"On the other hand, [the HD 800 S] does have that little bit of distortion in the bass and if somebody is going to be EQ-ing it, I don't know. Its a tough one and I might take a stock HD 800 over a stock HD 800 S if I was going to use EQ on it all the time. So in a pro setting, you might still go that way and just tune out that 6kHz resonance with an equalizer although that doesnt work as well as the modifications-- the Super DuPont modification." 

 

[blacknile]

 
well recorded classical (no Jascha Heifetz, William Kempf, Furtwangler, Toscanini, Mravinsky, Rabin, Geisking or Maria Callas dude!) 

 
Have to disagree. Jascha Heifetz has been captured on excellent audiophile recordings (RCA Red seal SACD); Wilhelm Kempff has been served extremely well by DG (the mono and later stereo Beethoven sonatas for example are really fine imho). I have several CDs by both that sound astounding on my late SN (40K+) unmodded HD800.

 

[Magick Man]

What Tyll, and other reviewers, are saying is: If you already have an HD800, and you don't mind modding and using some EQ, getting the HD800S is entirely unnecessary. However, if you're buying the HD800 for the first time, and don't want to mod them (voiding the warranty) and prefer not to use EQ, the HD800S is a no-brainer. Some of the mods are tricky, you can easily damage the drivers, and you will shorten the life of the HD800 significantly, even if you are successful in modding them perfectly (because you have to tamper with the headphone's structural material) - that's directly from Tyll's video on the subject (@15:18):


[VIDEO]https://youtu.be/T0QrsBzmVVw?t=918[/VIDEO]

 

[GearMe]

Tyll also said: 
https://youtu.be/T0QrsBzmVVw?t=1008

"On the other hand, [the HD 800 S] does have that little bit of distortion in the bass and if somebody is going to be EQ-ing it, I don't know. Its a tough one and I might take a stock HD 800 over a stock HD 800 S if I was going to use EQ on it all the time. So in a pro setting, you might still go that way and jsut tune out that 6kHz resonance with an equalizer although that doesnt work as well as the modifications-- the Super DuPont modification." 

Tyll from the Innerfidelity site

"Speaking of EQ, when I listen to the two headphones EQed, I think I tend to prefer the old HD 800, but it's close. With the HD 800 S I find myself being somewhat cautious about my bass level setting—bringing it up to where I like it does make the distortion a bit more obvious. On the other hand, I can tweak out a notch at 6kHz to try to tame the spike in the old HD 800, but the resonance is still there in the headphones, and if a signal gets hot around 6kHz then you can hear it zinging. Niether are perfect, but I think I prefer having to fiddle with the 6kHz notch a bit based on the music playing rather than not being able to dial the bass up to where I want it without lows becoming a bit too congested. However, if I wasn't using EQ, I'd easily prefer the HD 800 S."


Based on his comments, it appears that the 800S won't take EQ as well in the bass region due to the added distortion. That said, he still hears the resonance in the treble on the 800 even after he's EQ'd them. If I recall, he tends to like a warmer signature as well when he's listening for pleasure...so factor that in when you're reading his commentary.

Seems like it really comes down to personal preference and budget.

 

[Magick Man]

Tyll recommended the 800S over the 800, I'm not sure what you're saying there.

Tyll also said: 
https://youtu.be/T0QrsBzmVVw?t=1008

"On the other hand, [the HD 800 S] does have that little bit of distortion in the bass and if somebody is going to be EQ-ing it, I don't know. Its a tough one and I might take a stock HD 800 over a stock HD 800 S if I was going to use EQ on it all the time. So in a pro setting, you might still go that way and just tune out that 6kHz resonance with an equalizer although that doesnt work as well as the modifications-- the Super DuPont modification." 

I rarely EQ my headphones, most people don't, and others don't want to shorten the life of such an expensive device. Buying new, just to then mod them (voiding the warranty), seems counter-intuitive.

 

[shabta]

   
Have to disagree. Jascha Heifetz has been captured on excellent audiophile recordings (RCA Red seal SACD); Wilhelm Kempff has been served extremely well by DG (the mono and later stereo Beethoven sonatas for example are really fine imho). I have several CDs by both that sound astounding on my late SN (40K+) unmodded HD800.

Not sure what you are disagreeing with. It's true that there are Heifetz and Kempf recordings which were really well recorded and lots that weren't... In any case it doesn't contradict that many historically significant performances will sound better on the S. SO if I changed what I said to SOME heifetz and kempf then we are good? 

 

[DWbirdseye]

He recommended the 800S over the 800 w/ mods, too.

At the 15 minute mark of his video he clearly states that the 800 with mods, i.e. French mod plus eq "is a great choice and a bit superior to the 800S." I own the S and could not be happier. 

 

[Sorrodje]

I don't want to repeat myself but I still believe what I wrote here : http://www.head-fi.org/t/795365/sennheiser-hd800-s-impressions-thread-read-first-post-for-summary/240#post_12350999 is still true :
 

  Let's consider the following examples: 
 

1. For someone who already hates the HD800, it is doubtful that the HD800S will drastically change their opinion. The HD800S is still a HD800 in that it is bright-ish, on the cold side and somewhat analytical… it still offers a kind of  "austere" or cerebral listening experience.
2. For the original HD800's diehard fans, I can imagine some disappointment. They'll probably miss the special excitement provided by the HD800 treble and instrument separation. Switching to the more “normal” HD800S would probably be like asking a cocaine addict to live only with clear water. I really think that people who already enjoy their HD800 with classical music only have no urge to buy a HD800S except if they are after more tonal accuracy and better timbres. I personally prefer the 800S but YMMV.
3. For people who already liked the HD800 but still struggled with its treble and cold tone/weak mids, I highly encourage them to give the HD800S a listen. The new sibling could be a winner for them.
4. For HD800 owners who don't want to lose money due to a low resale price but want to benefit from HD800S qualities, EQ and/or mods are probably the way to go. But, if you asked me what my advice is between a new HD800 and a new HD800 S, I'd honestly say that you should take the 800S.

 
IMO , all bases are covered.  I wouldn't advice to anyone to buy a new HD800 and mod it.  A used one though..... 

 

[DWbirdseye]

   I wouldn't advice to anyone to buy a new HD800 and mod it.  A used one though..... 

 
Agree.

 

[MacedonianHero]

  I don't want to repeat myself but I still believe what I wrote here : http://www.head-fi.org/t/795365/sennheiser-hd800-s-impressions-thread-read-first-post-for-summary/240#post_12350999 is still true :
 
 
IMO , all bases are covered.  I wouldn't advice to anyone to buy a new HD800 and mod it.  A used one though..... 

 
Quick question, is your version of the mod reversible? 

 

[Sorrodje]

@MacedonianHero : Yup. and the screen in front of the driver is easy to peel off AND to put back. but it's a mod and the fact the screen has been peeled off cancel the warranty IMO.  Not something I advice on a brand new HD800.  

 

[MacedonianHero]

  @MacedonianHero : Yup. and the screen in front of the driver is easy to peel off AND to put back. but it's a mod and the fact the screen has been peeled off cancel the warranty IMO.  Not something I advice on a brand new HD800.  

Cool...thanks.

 

[gikigill]

Sticking with my stock HD800, just plug it into my Bottlehead SEX for that extra second order harmonic distortion.

 

[Magick Man]

He recommended the 800S over the 800 w/ mods, too.

At the 15 minute mark of his video he clearly states that the 800 with mods, i.e. French mod plus eq "is a great choice and a bit superior to the 800S." I own the S and could not be happier. 

Most don't EQ, and buying a $1000 set of headphones just to extensively mod them is pretty absurd for most people (given the risk of damaging them is rather high and you will be significantly shortening their usable life). What Tyll is saying is, if you already have an old set of HD800s and have a steady hand, sure, but if you don't, just buy the 800S. I agree with him.

IMO , all bases are covered.  I wouldn't advice to anyone to buy a new HD800 and mod it.  A used one though..... 

If you can get a dinged-up set for ~$700, maybe $800...

 

[McPanse]

I'm far from being a classical-only listener. Nor am I a high-res FLAC guy. I stream more than anything else because it's just so convenient.

Tyll's review is was prompted me to see if I'm still inside the return window. As someone else pointed out, $600 won't matter much with just a little hindsight.

Technically, I had until today to print a return label and drop them with UPS. But I'm out of printer ink and UPS is now closed until Monday. So I might be out of luck. I've emailed Amazon to see if Monday is too late.

My 12-year-old son really likes the HD800. No complaints about treble, and he certainly has greater high frequency sensitivity than I do.

I will be happy either way since I really enjoy the unmoved HD800.