The 820 sounds extremely similar to the 800S. A little more deep bass and a little less rich mids. If you read somewhere it sounded a lot different that person likely never actually heard the 820.
Well it had very negative reviews from the get go. The used prices make them a bargain. I have the VC too, my newest headphone so it's been getting the most use. Went back to the 820 last night for some music which didn't sound great on the VC, but did on the 820. The VC is quite different, but ultimately I'd choose it over the 820. That said, I'm never selling my 820. I also prefer it by quite a lot over my 800 SDR. The VC is about as cheap as it has ever been, with some sets for $1999 at the moment on the ZMF November sale for one of a kind models.
Well I don't really differentiate that way, nor would I be good at doing so. I'd say the 820 is the safer bet since it's cheaper and certainly more like the 800S sound than the VC is. The 820 advantages are that wide soundstage with more space between instruments. When I go back to them there is such a clarity to the sound which I really enjoy. The VC is enveloping, with sound much closer in around the head. They're both incredibly detailed. The 820s have more treble and are probably more neutral/analytic overall, but themselves are much warmer than the 800 SDR, but the VC are warmest. The VCs are all unique art pieces, especially now that the stabilized maple burl ones are out today. Mine are stabilized, and the most beautiful headphones I've owned so I get enjoyment out of them when they're just visible on my desk.
That is not the case here though. It´s just the signature of the amp it has plenty of sub bass. I would say it actually boost sub bass but it just make everything sound hollow. So if you have such a unique thing as a headphone with bloated midrange it´s greatLack of bass is the first symptom that the HD800S aren't properly driven. They can sound "just fine" or "quite good" from the sources that don't give them enough power but truth be told, as soon as they get enough juice they open up. What I've expreienced is that when they lack power from the source, the bass is shallow and lacks the thump. Their sub-bas is still rather mediocre, but there is just as big gap between single-ended and balanced output from Aune S6 Pro as there is between balanced output of Aune S6 Pro and Burson C3X Performance. I even went as far as to put them on high gain which is rather unnecessary, but stil they have benefited from that extra amount of power. They have also improved by changing the stock cable which ergonomics are jus tragic...
BTW. High volume doesn't necessary mean that the headphones are well driven
You auditioned the 820 and mids was fine?
Maybe have a look at this thread: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-closed-back-headphone-thread-plus-comparisons-reviews.939901/
