You could try Google Translate. I have used it a few times and it works well enough to be intelligible.
Sennheiser HDVD800 Headphone Amplifier
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FxTkd
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Quote:
Frank,
Just copy and paste http://www.hifi-forum.de/viewthread-110-14032-4.html to GOOGLE search then click translate.
Not a 100% accurate in translation but you get a good idea whats being discussed.
Hope this helps.
Frank,
Just copy and paste http://www.hifi-forum.de/viewthread-110-14032-4.html to GOOGLE search then click translate.
Not a 100% accurate in translation but you get a good idea whats being discussed.
Hope this helps.
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Tried it and Google said page not found
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Just open it in chrome and translation should be in automatic option.
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I get the web page translated but not the page this write up is on about the amp.
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It said Hifi forum page not found
CDWMcInSpots
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You can also cut and paste the actual text you want to translate into Google Translate.
The original German text was included in the post and was easy to find on the page the link lead to.
Here's the translation from Google Translate (please don't believe it's what the German authour actually wrote):
# 188 on: Yesterday, 23:42
So, I had the HDVD800 now for a few hours to measure (Prism Sound dScope III). I could hear only short - I only had my Ultrasone Edition 8 here).
For Vergelich I had the Lehmann Black Cube Linear Pro.
So finally a few facts (most values were at Sennheiser was almost identical in via XLR analog, USB and Toslink / Measured only the unbalanced output KH).
The output impedance is 43 ohms (measured). Since the high-end, I was able to ask the product manager said: You probably quite started the development with 10 ohm, but with A / B Blind listening was because Senn Husky Key Rings (HD600-800), but also a few other manufacturers then probably the 43 ohm version clearly prefers. For me personally, a statement with which I can live.
Other readings: In most disciplines, the HDVD800 measures significantly better than the Lehmann.
Intermodulation distortion
SMPTE at 150 Ohm: Sennheiser 0.0004% / 0.0018% Lehmann
SMPTE at 18 Ohm: Sennheiser 0.0006% / 0.002% Lehmann
CCIR at 150 Ohms: 0.005% Sennheiser / 0.02% Lehmannn
As with many other metrics: It suggests that the Sennheiser is a well-designed device.
Frequency response
Lehmann with slight Einbruchen in the treble and bass, but extremely low. Sennheiser straight. Both to 5 ohms. When Sennheiser determine no clipping at maximum level. The Lehmann clipt, but at at much higher voltages than they can deliver the Sennheiser at all. Unspannendes topic.
THD + Noise
Course at the frequency between about 0.003% and 0.0015% at 20 Hz at 20 kHz. When Lehmann an order of magnitude worse. In both probably irrelevant.
Synchronization
When Lehmann between -0.3 dB and +1 dB (compared to other very good). When Sennheiser moderately between -0.7 dB and 0 dB. Unfortunately, in quite the normal Hörlautstärkenbereich (worse than 0.5 dB below 200mV at 150 ohms). There would be times the series variance interesting: In my experience, the law varies widely on all devices and also in the Alps Potisiv used.
Hearing Test
As I said I had little time, and certainly no peace. I only had the Ultrasone Edition 8 here (quite constant impedance to 35 ohms). First, I could not hear out differences. Bass boost should keep the Edition 8 indeed limited.
It would be interesting to get him on the HD800 to hear and again to measure the synchronization between TH900 and LCD-3 for me one more copies.
Lg
Btw: At least one copy of the A-beyer 20 on the high end was clearly audible synchronization problems. Maybe it's just time to send the classic pots retire.
[Post by CS2001 11 , 2013, 23:52 edited]
The original German text was included in the post and was easy to find on the page the link lead to.
Here's the translation from Google Translate (please don't believe it's what the German authour actually wrote):
# 188 on: Yesterday, 23:42
So, I had the HDVD800 now for a few hours to measure (Prism Sound dScope III). I could hear only short - I only had my Ultrasone Edition 8 here).
For Vergelich I had the Lehmann Black Cube Linear Pro.
So finally a few facts (most values were at Sennheiser was almost identical in via XLR analog, USB and Toslink / Measured only the unbalanced output KH).
The output impedance is 43 ohms (measured). Since the high-end, I was able to ask the product manager said: You probably quite started the development with 10 ohm, but with A / B Blind listening was because Senn Husky Key Rings (HD600-800), but also a few other manufacturers then probably the 43 ohm version clearly prefers. For me personally, a statement with which I can live.
Other readings: In most disciplines, the HDVD800 measures significantly better than the Lehmann.
Intermodulation distortion
SMPTE at 150 Ohm: Sennheiser 0.0004% / 0.0018% Lehmann
SMPTE at 18 Ohm: Sennheiser 0.0006% / 0.002% Lehmann
CCIR at 150 Ohms: 0.005% Sennheiser / 0.02% Lehmannn
As with many other metrics: It suggests that the Sennheiser is a well-designed device.
Frequency response
Lehmann with slight Einbruchen in the treble and bass, but extremely low. Sennheiser straight. Both to 5 ohms. When Sennheiser determine no clipping at maximum level. The Lehmann clipt, but at at much higher voltages than they can deliver the Sennheiser at all. Unspannendes topic.
THD + Noise
Course at the frequency between about 0.003% and 0.0015% at 20 Hz at 20 kHz. When Lehmann an order of magnitude worse. In both probably irrelevant.
Synchronization
When Lehmann between -0.3 dB and +1 dB (compared to other very good). When Sennheiser moderately between -0.7 dB and 0 dB. Unfortunately, in quite the normal Hörlautstärkenbereich (worse than 0.5 dB below 200mV at 150 ohms). There would be times the series variance interesting: In my experience, the law varies widely on all devices and also in the Alps Potisiv used.
Hearing Test
As I said I had little time, and certainly no peace. I only had the Ultrasone Edition 8 here (quite constant impedance to 35 ohms). First, I could not hear out differences. Bass boost should keep the Edition 8 indeed limited.
It would be interesting to get him on the HD800 to hear and again to measure the synchronization between TH900 and LCD-3 for me one more copies.
Lg
Btw: At least one copy of the A-beyer 20 on the high end was clearly audible synchronization problems. Maybe it's just time to send the classic pots retire.
[Post by CS2001 11 , 2013, 23:52 edited]
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Thanks and it is appreciated. I am waiting for a product release from Sennheiser as I am doing an official review on the amplifier and I should have more information from the many questions I asked them. I should have this review done by early June when I have all the information I need. I will say it is an excellent sounding amplifier with every headphone I have listened with.
R Giskard
Used to work for HAD Audiolab
Previously known as Akatona.
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There's a reason for the "shaft" on the volume control. It's an interesting concept that allows for the actual attenuator to be closer to the input instead of having it soldered directly on the front panel and running the copper pathways to the back of the amplifier where the input section is. It allows for a lower noise floor even though it is more academic than real.
The other alternative is to have the input section on the front along with the input connectors as is the case with my reference amplifier. But I wouldn't recommend it for most people.
Still, this particular feature is not a new idea but rather a very old one. Old receivers (Tandberg) but also some newer high end products like the BP26 preamplifier from Bryston use this system as well. Sony used it in late seventies and even power switches were implemented in this way. However, in those days it was more a necessity than extravagance since those were the days before multi-layer circuit boards so there was only so much of copper traces that could be laid on the board without them overlapping.
I like the Sennheiser HDVA600 but I don't think it is as good as the Bryston BHA-1. The HDVD800 seems to have a rather competent built-in DAC but it is 2000 Euro in Europe. The HDVA600 is 1600 Euro and still quite a lot of money considering it is not the best thing you can buy. I have not tried the one with the built-in DAC butit might be worth the price difference and would actially make the HDVD800 a better value than the HDVA600.
The other alternative is to have the input section on the front along with the input connectors as is the case with my reference amplifier. But I wouldn't recommend it for most people.
Still, this particular feature is not a new idea but rather a very old one. Old receivers (Tandberg) but also some newer high end products like the BP26 preamplifier from Bryston use this system as well. Sony used it in late seventies and even power switches were implemented in this way. However, in those days it was more a necessity than extravagance since those were the days before multi-layer circuit boards so there was only so much of copper traces that could be laid on the board without them overlapping.
I like the Sennheiser HDVA600 but I don't think it is as good as the Bryston BHA-1. The HDVD800 seems to have a rather competent built-in DAC but it is 2000 Euro in Europe. The HDVA600 is 1600 Euro and still quite a lot of money considering it is not the best thing you can buy. I have not tried the one with the built-in DAC butit might be worth the price difference and would actially make the HDVD800 a better value than the HDVA600.
telecaster
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Who said high output impedance was a wrong design?
Nordwestlicht
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The output impedance never can be 'wrong'.
It's a matter of personal taste. But why should I spend so much money for an amp like the HDVD800 when I can get the sonical results for much lower costs?!
I'm German and that maybe partly means that I'm practically oriented and simply don't believe in 'audio voodoo'.
The Sennheiser HD800 is really easy to drive.
My Cantate.2 is enough for it. It's very well constructed by Jan Meier and offers enough power for the HD800.
If I want a different sound, I just take different resistors between the headphone jack and the HD800...
Sennheiser picks a 43 ohms resistor for the output.
So will I do and I think that I'll get (nearly?) the same sound at the same volume levels with my Cantate.2 compared the the HDVD800.
Don't get me wrong!
I like the HDVD800 very much... especially its design and features.
But even the balanced option won't enhance the sound over the non-balanced one.
That's a fact.
Why?
Because:
If there are probable differences at the same volume level (you'll have to measure the level, to be certain that it is equal), no one can say, if it is better or worse.
Let me clarify this:
In the case that there really are audible differences (that are not imagined by the listener), who in the world can say:
A is better than B ?!
Because: what is "better"?
The HD800 already sounds amazingly good out of the Cantate.2 with 0 ohms output impedance.
It sounds (slightly) different with 50, 100 ohms or other higher impedances. That's a fact.
Someone may prefer its sound @ 0 ohms. Another one will like it more @ 120 ohms. etc. pp. - I'll try it out at Sennheisers now suggested 43 ohms.
Remember:
The Headphones Make the Music!!! in the first place (not the source or the amp, both can have a certain impact, though)
And, of cause, the recording quality and the condition of the human brain.
That said:
Even a "perfect recording" may sound more dull than an imperfect one... an old one.
It's all a matter of taste!
And for my personal likings the HD800 + Corda Cantate.2 + Denon DVD-3910 is an awesome option to listen to music...
...and I've already tried many headphones, amps and sources.
I'm truly aware that no source-amp-headphones-combination can be 'the one and only "philosopher's stone"' for all people on earth.
Some like the SR009 + T2 very much, other the Orpheus, others the HD800 + XYT-amp, while others just love the Dre Beats.
Again, I think the HDVD800 is a good, but also overpriced amp (here in Germany), but it's one amp out of hundreds, which also are considered to be good or even very good.
To all owners of the HDVD800: Have fun with it!
It's a matter of personal taste. But why should I spend so much money for an amp like the HDVD800 when I can get the sonical results for much lower costs?!
I'm German and that maybe partly means that I'm practically oriented and simply don't believe in 'audio voodoo'.
The Sennheiser HD800 is really easy to drive.
My Cantate.2 is enough for it. It's very well constructed by Jan Meier and offers enough power for the HD800.
If I want a different sound, I just take different resistors between the headphone jack and the HD800...
Sennheiser picks a 43 ohms resistor for the output.
So will I do and I think that I'll get (nearly?) the same sound at the same volume levels with my Cantate.2 compared the the HDVD800.
Don't get me wrong!
I like the HDVD800 very much... especially its design and features.
But even the balanced option won't enhance the sound over the non-balanced one.
That's a fact.
Why?
Because:
If there are probable differences at the same volume level (you'll have to measure the level, to be certain that it is equal), no one can say, if it is better or worse.
Let me clarify this:
In the case that there really are audible differences (that are not imagined by the listener), who in the world can say:
A is better than B ?!
Because: what is "better"?
The HD800 already sounds amazingly good out of the Cantate.2 with 0 ohms output impedance.
It sounds (slightly) different with 50, 100 ohms or other higher impedances. That's a fact.
Someone may prefer its sound @ 0 ohms. Another one will like it more @ 120 ohms. etc. pp. - I'll try it out at Sennheisers now suggested 43 ohms.
Remember:
The Headphones Make the Music!!! in the first place (not the source or the amp, both can have a certain impact, though)
And, of cause, the recording quality and the condition of the human brain.
That said:
Even a "perfect recording" may sound more dull than an imperfect one... an old one.
It's all a matter of taste!
And for my personal likings the HD800 + Corda Cantate.2 + Denon DVD-3910 is an awesome option to listen to music...
...and I've already tried many headphones, amps and sources.
I'm truly aware that no source-amp-headphones-combination can be 'the one and only "philosopher's stone"' for all people on earth.
Some like the SR009 + T2 very much, other the Orpheus, others the HD800 + XYT-amp, while others just love the Dre Beats.
Again, I think the HDVD800 is a good, but also overpriced amp (here in Germany), but it's one amp out of hundreds, which also are considered to be good or even very good.
To all owners of the HDVD800: Have fun with it!
JefferyK
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Originally Posted by FxTkd /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Has anybody who owns the HDVD800 made any adjustments to the gain setting in the back of the amp?
----
I just got my HDVD 800 today.
My understanding is that the gain control affects only the unbalanced analog RCA inputs.
I plugged the Rotel preamp I use as a phono stage into these inputs and turned the gain up one notch so that the volume level is closer to that of the coax digital input.
Jeffery
Has anybody who owns the HDVD800 made any adjustments to the gain setting in the back of the amp?
----
I just got my HDVD 800 today.
My understanding is that the gain control affects only the unbalanced analog RCA inputs.
I plugged the Rotel preamp I use as a phono stage into these inputs and turned the gain up one notch so that the volume level is closer to that of the coax digital input.
Jeffery
JefferyK
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P.S. I'm very skeptical of burn in, but the initial very "digital" sound started smoothing out while I was listening, at about the 30-minute mark. I don't think it was my ears adjusting. Other folks have had a similar experience with this amp. The detail is something else -- very involving. Placement is very precise -- none of the "swimming" I experienced with my other amp. And noticeably less distortion. I just hope the HDVD 800 will give me the plush, "live" sound my other balanced/built-in DAC amp did. Not quite there. Looking forward to trying a balanced cable.
I just picked up my HDVD 800 a few days ago - fantastic!
I have a few questions on the analog XLR outputs, as the manual does not have a lot of information on them, so was hoping someone could answer the following:
- I would like to hook them up to a power amp - is the output gain / volume affected by the volume dial, or is it fixed?
- Do the outputs switch off when a headphone is connected?
- My amp only has RCA inputs. any issues with using XLR to RCA cables?
- Also appreciate any recommendations on XLR to RCA cables.
I had previously been using a Dacmagic plus, which I used at my desktop as a headphone amp as well as the source for my desktop sound system (Rotel power amp and Focal Sib/Cub speakers), and was hoping to use the HDVD 800 in a similar way, hence the above questions.
I have a few questions on the analog XLR outputs, as the manual does not have a lot of information on them, so was hoping someone could answer the following:
- I would like to hook them up to a power amp - is the output gain / volume affected by the volume dial, or is it fixed?
- Do the outputs switch off when a headphone is connected?
- My amp only has RCA inputs. any issues with using XLR to RCA cables?
- Also appreciate any recommendations on XLR to RCA cables.
I had previously been using a Dacmagic plus, which I used at my desktop as a headphone amp as well as the source for my desktop sound system (Rotel power amp and Focal Sib/Cub speakers), and was hoping to use the HDVD 800 in a similar way, hence the above questions.
DefQon
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Has anyone compared this to the GSX yet?
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