[BirdManOfCT]

Anyone using the NAD M51 with HDVD800 (or HDVA600)? Impressions? Especially with HD800.

 

[BirdManOfCT]

More opinions on the Audiophilleo2 with HDVD800? I searched this thread and read some, but wondering about updates. Looks like the site claims that works with 24/196, is that true? Thought I saw somewhere about S/PDIF limited to 20 bits?

 

[BirdManOfCT]

Why does the HDVD800 have 4 outputs? I can see one for single-ended and another for balanced, but why two sets of both? Sure, could connect up to 4 headphones, but there's only one volume control. It would be hard to have 4 people with 4 different headphones be happy with the volume setting. On the other hand, it would make it easy to switch between different headphones for one listener and change the volume accordingly, but that seems like atypical.

 

[defbear]

I found the two balanced xlr headphone inputs do not sound the same. I like the one towards the center better. Having more than one headphone plugged in at the same time also lowers the volume. Perhaps degrades the sound a bit.

 

[remilio]

I found the two balanced xlr headphone inputs do not sound the same. I like the one towards the center better.

Wow, that's strange. Perhaps I should try to compare too.

 

[RCBinTN]

  Why does the HDVD800 have 4 outputs? I can see one for single-ended and another for balanced, but why two sets of both? Sure, could connect up to 4 headphones, but there's only one volume control. It would be hard to have 4 people with 4 different headphones be happy with the volume setting. On the other hand, it would make it easy to switch between different headphones for one listener and change the volume accordingly, but that seems like atypical.

 
I bought the HDVA600 so me and the wife can both listen to HD800 at the same time, enjoy the same music.  Works out well .

 

[Mozartaudio]

 

 
The DAC in the HDVD 800 is Ok but I feel it is the weak point.  

 
My headphones sound better using external Clock with the AES/EBU digital cables connected to HDVD 800 digital input. If you already own HDVD 800 try some good clock. 

 

[defbear]

My headphones sound better using external Clock with the AES/EBU digital cables connected to HDVD 800 digital input. If you already own HDVD 800 try some good clock. 

how do you apply an External Clock to the hdvd800

 

[Mozartaudio]

how do you apply an External Clock to the hdvd800

From Studio Mutec clock digital output with the AES/EBU digital 110 ohm cable connect to AES/EBU digital input (XLR) on Sennheiser HDVD  800. 

 

[RCBinTN]

I see the HDVA600 is on-sale at Moon Audio for US$1275.  Just FYI.

 

[gnomen]

 
From Studio Mutec clock digital output with the AES/EBU digital 110 ohm cable connect to AES/EBU digital input (XLR) on Sennheiser HDVD  800. 

I do not know the answer to this series of questions but it would seem fundamental to know whether the HDVD800 clocks the USB input or relies on the computer's clock (or intervening device).  Anyone know?

 

[AudioSonicSound]

Hi! I have Sennheiser HD 598 and I listen to all types of music, mostly from the 70's and 80's, heavy metal, rock, disco, synth-pop, orchestral...
I want to buy head-amp/DAC, with different inputs (optical, coaxial, XLR, RCA) so that I can connect my PC, CD and Blu-ray players. Right now I'm thinking about SENNHEISER HDVD 800 and MARANTZ HD-DAC1. Which one would you recommend and why? THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

 

[maxedfx]

Of you are planning to use a separate dac, then the general consensus is to get the HDVA 600 rather than the HDVD 800! Both have the same amp except no dac on the 600!

 

[AudioSonicSound]

I'd rather go with head-amp and DAC as one component, because I already have too much components.

 

[TheManko]

If you're using Sennheiser 598, then I'd recommend going for the Marantz. The HDVD 800 costs twice as much, and would be overkill for headphones like that. The HDVD 800 is designed for the HD 800, and I recommend it for high impedance headphones like the HD 800 or Beyerdynamic T1. The Marantz has a better dac than the HDVD 800, which will probably work better in your case if you're going to use it with your speakers too. The HDVD 800 is a powerful amplifier, with a weak dac added to it, while the Marantz is a more evenly balanced design. I haven't heard the Marantz myself, so I'm just going off what I was able to tell from reviews. But if you're not going to be using Sennheiser HD 800 headphones, you're probably better off not getting the HDVD 800.