[casinobelagio]

So I’ll be looking to add to my small collection soon and just to let you know I have the HD700,He400I and Nighthawks,and although I enjoy them I’d really like to get either HD800s or LCD-2,or LCD-x,and I’d be even tempted to get the LCD-3.Im using woo audio WA7 to power them,the thing is the headphones that I have now are light,comfortable and that’s what’s keeping me from getting the Audeze,but then I’m tempted by the fact that I’d love to experience the planar bass of the Audeze.On the other hand From what I’ve read,the hd800s is a little light in that area,especially compared to the LCD.I would not say that I’m a bass head,but when I’m in the mood I’d like to have it,I do appreciate clarity,the ability to hear every nuance of what I’m listening to,I think soundstage is important for me since I do like listening to live music.For example Led Zeppelin,I love closing my eyes and have the feeling that I’m there at the concert.BTW I am using True-Fi so that I can deal with the 700 brightness,they are my favourite of the three,but I need something more if that makes sense.So if you have been able to use Audeze and or the 800s and give me some advice it would be much appreciated.

 

[Me x3]

Check the Beyerdynamic Tesla T1 and Tesla T1 (2nd Generation).
You'll get more refined sound relative to HD700. More layered bass response, more realistic timbre, more microdetailed treble.
Preserving a relatively light and very comfortable headphone with open soundstage and really good imaging.

In the past, I've owned HD700 along with Tesla T1 and HD800 (the silver one). Despite being a capable headphone with some nice strenghts (kind of a punchier HD800 Jr) it was always hard for me to pick HD700 over the Tesla T1 when I wanted something less clinical than HD800. To my ears, the T1 offers a richer / more resolving view into the music, while preserving musicality.

If you're going 1st Gen, skip very early units: make sure to get a serial number over 10.000.

Both Tesla T1s are similar in the big scheme of things, although you might find some reltively subtle differences.
T1 (1st Generation) is a bit softer in the bass (still warmer than HD800), more expansive and just a tad more forward in the upper midrange.
T1 (2nd Generation) is punchier in the bass and a little bit more energetic in the treble. More compact, focused and lively by comparison.

 

[casinobelagio]

Ok,thank you I’ll see if I can demo the Beyerdynamic locally,and to be honest I was thinking about the DT1990 pro but after seeing the drivers was not sold on the quality.

 

[onevstheworld]

At your price point, you should also consider Mr Speakers and Focal.

 

[casinobelagio]

I’ve heard that Focal doesn’t pair good with a tube amp.Mr Speakers are not really sold here so I’d have to order online,but still could be an option,thanks for your input.

 

[buke9]

The Focal doesn’t pair well with tube amps is I’m sorry a total misunderstanding for who said that. The first time I heard the Utopias was from a Amps and Sounds Kenzie and it was very good and I now have a Kenzie. Have heard the Clear just a day ago from said amp and it was also very good. The owner of The clears was thinking of a Kenzie for the Clears so does very well with tube amps. Also the HD-800’s are a great headphone.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

Check the Beyerdynamic Tesla T1 and Tesla T1 (2nd Generation).
You'll get more refined sound relative to HD700. More layered bass response, more realistic timbre, more microdetailed treble.
Preserving a relatively light and very comfortable headphone with open soundstage and really good imaging.

In the past, I've owned HD700 along with Tesla T1 and HD800 (the silver one). Despite being a capable headphone with some nice strenghts (kind of a punchier HD800 Jr) it was always hard for me to pick HD700 over the Tesla T1 when I wanted something less clinical than HD800. To my ears, the T1 offers a richer / more resolving view into the music, while preserving musicality.

If you're going 1st Gen, skip very early units: make sure to get a serial number over 10.000.

Both Tesla T1s are similar in the big scheme of things, although you might find some reltively subtle differences.
T1 (1st Generation) is a bit softer in the bass (still warmer than HD800), airier/more expansive and just a tad more forward in the upper midrange.
T1 (2nd Generation) is punchier in the bass and a little bit more energetic in the treble. Little bit more compact, focused and lively by comparison.

Interesting! It seems like most people who have heard the T1 and the T1 gen. 2 say that the original T1 is much brighter. But you’re saying that the gen 2 has more treble energy?

 

[Me x3]

Interesting! It seems like most people who have heard the T1 and the T1 gen. 2 say that the original T1 is much brighter. But you’re saying that the gen 2 has more treble energy?

Some background:

When the Tesla T1 (1st Generation) was lunched, it was brighter and some had issues with channel matching (various measurements showed this)
That less than ideal start, gave the T1 (1st Generation) good part of its fame for being very bright.
As far as third party measurements go, things became better after SN.3900 or so... Both in terms of channel matching and tonal balance.
Most people at the press probably listened to T1 (1st Generation) when just lunched and then T1 (2nd Generation) when just lunched too, so that can lead to misleading impressions, considering most T1 (1st Generation) out there are likely different from those very early units.

Back to your question:

Yes, my T1 (2nd Generation) is slightly brighter than my relatively late T1 (1st Generation)
The treble on the T1 (2nd Generation) raises slightly earlier and reaches around 3dB higher than the treble on the T1 (1st Generation) when matched at 1kHz.

Purple trace is T1 (2nd Generation) - Green trace is T1 (1st Generation)

Keep in mind this frequency response plot:
1- Can't be compared with any other frequency response measurements out there.
2- Can only be interpreted in relative terms. Can't be used in absolute terms.

Frequency response don't tell the whole story, so these do differ a bit more than what the plot might suggest.

Regards,
Me x3

 

[casinobelagio]

Want to thank everybody for your answers so far,it’s nice to people from different areas,and who have a passion for this hobby.The T1 are about 700,00 less than the hd800s,that’s in Canadian funds,but at the same time I really wanted to buy a headphone that would be my endgame for now,seems my wife doesn’t want me to buy another pair for the next year or so.Also have to read,do lots of research,talk to people since it’s not possible to walk into a store and just try headphones,there are a few places here but none that have the hd800s to try,although I understand that if I buy direct I have 30 days to try them,the T1 I would have to buy from Amazon so I’d be able to return them also,but I’d rather buy and enjoy.Id also like to hear the Focals Clear on a tube amp,from reading on innerfidelity and also watching Z reviews,although sometimes you have to take him with a grain of salt,they don’t pair well with tube amps.

 

[Malfunkt]

Hi, not sure what part of Canada you are in, but if close to edmonton, you should come to one of our upcoming meets.

One way to fiscally make it work is sell some or all of your headphones and consolidate. The HD800 is great and should be able to get for good used prices.

Personally, I’d love to own an HD800 or Focal Clear but really I’m happy with my LCD2 and HD700 combination for open backs. The HD700 for comfort and expansive signature, the LCD2 for bass and emotional weight.

 

[casinobelagio]

Thanks,but I’m in Montreal so won’t be able to come.I will continue to use what I have,I will keep looking for any deals on the 800,maybe when the 820 comes out there will be.When the 660s came out the 700 dropped in price to 650,00 on Amazon so I grabbed them,so I’m hoping the same for 800,I think now I’ll just want to have 2 headphones with different signatures ,so I’ll try to sell what I have,Audeze LCD and the 800 will be my 2 phones.

 

[JvH26]

Hi,

I'm not sure if you have made a choice yet but I'd like to share my personal experience. I have owned the Audeze EL-8 open back and the iSINE20s and do now own a pair of Sennheiser HD800 with the SuperDupont mod. I have also owned the HE-400i you now own. I personally bought a pair of second hand HD800's after only having heard a pair of HD800S a few times and was not really sure what to expect from the normal HD800. I do recognize a bit of myself in you in terms of what you mention that you want in music. I am not a basshead either, but still really can appreciate a good bass sometimes. I will tell you this, I absolutely adore the bass of the HD800, it's simply the most precise well defined bass I have ever heard from a headphone and I have heard quite a few.

I really think the HD800 is a great headphone to have in addition to a few others so I think it is a great choice for you! The thing is I have also heard a pair of LCD2s and a few others Focal Clear, Hifiman Edition X V2, Grado GS2000e and a few of MrSpeakers. To me though, nothing did impress me as much as the HD800 did, I think for the price (definitely second hand) they are just amazing! They have the most amazing sound stage and insane clarity.

Ooh and one side note, I always used to think comfort in headphones wasn't that important and the sound was the only thing that matters. After having listened to the LCD2s I changed my opinion. The clamping force was very hard and they were that heavy I felt my neck after a while. Also for me in particular, I got pain in my jaw from the headphone pushing against my cheekbones. The last part is just my face I guess.

Hope to have been of some help, good luck!

 

[Me x3]

The T1 are about 700,00 less than the hd800s,that’s in Canadian funds,but at the same time I really wanted to buy a headphone that would be my endgame for now,seems my wife doesn’t want me to buy another pair for the next year or so.

Endgame is the one that you enjoy the most, and that depends on what you're looking for.
Don't let pricing fool you, that has very little to do with what headphone you'll find more enjoyable.

I've enjoyed my former K712 more than my HD800 multiple times (yes, the 300usd headphone) for its more natural tone and overall similar qualities.
Not saying K712 is better than HD800, it's not as transparent, but ultimate transparency is just a part of what makes a headphone enjoyable.

Go for HD800/HD800S if you want a very precise sound, extremely microdetailed/textured, with a big and relatively cohesive soundstage.
Don't go for HD800/HD800S if you don't want a slighly dry/very damped sound. It's not the most dynamic sounding headphone around.

What I mean is, don't think the fact that HD800S costs 1600usd makes it a better/more likely 'endgame' headphone (read, more enjoyable/realistic/easier to connect with the music) compared with cheaper but also top flight dynamic headphones (HD800/Tesla T1/Tesla T1.2/K812). Take it from someone who has them around. They are similarly enjoyable to me. Price means very little at this point.

 

[casinobelagio]

Hi,

I'm not sure if you have made a choice yet but I'd like to share my personal experience. I have owned the Audeze EL-8 open back and the iSINE20s and do now own a pair of Sennheiser HD800 with the SuperDupont mod. I have also owned the HE-400i you now own. I personally bought a pair of second hand HD800's after only having heard a pair of HD800S a few times and was not really sure what to expect from the normal HD800. I do recognize a bit of myself in you in terms of what you mention that you want in music. I am not a basshead either, but still really can appreciate a good bass sometimes. I will tell you this, I absolutely adore the bass of the HD800, it's simply the most precise well defined bass I have ever heard from a headphone and I have heard quite a few.

I really think the HD800 is a great headphone to have in addition to a few others so I think it is a great choice for you! The thing is I have also heard a pair of LCD2s and a few others Focal Clear, Hifiman Edition X V2, Grado GS2000e and a few of MrSpeakers. To me though, nothing did impress me as much as the HD800 did, I think for the price (definitely second hand) they are just amazing! They have the most amazing sound stage and insane clarity.

Ooh and one side note, I always used to think comfort in headphones wasn't that important and the sound was the only thing that matters. After having listened to the LCD2s I changed my opinion. The clamping force was very hard and they were that heavy I felt my neck after a while. Also for me in particular, I got pain in my jaw from the headphone pushing against my cheekbones. The last part is just my face I guess.

Hope to have been of some help, good luck!

Thank you for all your detailed info.I think that I'll get the 800s but wait till I can get a deal.

 

[casinobelagio]

Endgame is the one that you enjoy the most, and that depends on what you're looking for.
Don't let pricing fool you, that has very little to do with what headphone you'll find more enjoyable.

I've enjoyed my former K712 more than my HD800 multiple times (yes, the 300usd headphone) for its more natural tone and overall similar qualities.
Not saying K712 is better than HD800, it's not as transparent, but ultimate transparency is just a part of what makes a headphone enjoyable.

Go for HD800/HD800S if you want a very precise sound, extremely microdetailed/textured, with a big and relatively cohesive soundstage.
Don't go for HD800/HD800S if you don't want a slighly dry/very damped sound. It's not the most dynamic sounding headphone around.

What I mean is, don't think the fact that HD800S costs 1600usd makes it a better/more likely 'endgame' headphone (read, more enjoyable/realistic/easier to connect with the music) compared with cheaper but also top flight dynamic headphones (HD800/Tesla T1/Tesla T1.2/K812). Take it from someone who has them around. They are similarly enjoyable to me. Price means very little at this poin