[deltasun]

Nice little set-up you have there.

What Grado's are you rocking ?

I believe they're the SR80i's.

 

[subsonic1050]

I appreciate the input - as I have never heard the HD800's, I was merely lumping them in with other headphones that appear to be in the same category in terms of quality and price (not in sound) - I would like to hear them all and make a determination. Right now I don't have a very high powered headphone amp that would do the HD800's justice, nor an HE-6, but I wouldn't be opposed to spending the additional money. 

 

[MattTCG]

The HE-500's consume the majority of the head time, they're better when it comes to clarity, detail extraction, instrumental seperation, and speed. The LCD-2's have a lusher midrange, with a more intoxicating signature. More 3D soundstage, better vocality, with deeper bass extension and slam.

Both headphones are equal sonically, but different flavors.

 
+1 THIS. Although I found the lcd2 the better hp for me, I found it too uncomfortable for the price tag. Although they are essentially the same weight, the he500 seems to do a better job at distributing the weight and therefore more comfortable IMO. More comfortable=more headtime. 

 

[subsonic1050]

The place where I could listen to the HD800's isn't actually IN Milwaukee, but it is close enough. There is a place called "Audio Consultants" in Libertyville, IL - it is about an  hour away from me.

 

[parbaked]

  Why do you say that the HD800's would not be a good choice?

Sound is too different from the HE-400 that you said you enjoy so unless you are looking for the opposite flavor then the advise is to consider HE-500 or LCD-2.
 
Since you can try the HD800 in WI, go try them....and bring along your 400s...
 
Then you can let us know what you think...

 

[subsonic1050]

I plan on doing just that! I think I will make a trip down there Tuesday or Wednesday if my schedule permits - I'll let you know what my conclusions were.

 

[LugBug1]

If you have the HE-400's, either the LCD-2 or HE-500 would suffice. The HD800 needs a potent amp and source to milk all of their potential fidelity, and if you get an LCD-3, you're paying (IMHO) the $1000 extra for that last 5% of audio improvement over the LCD-2.

That is true. But an M-stage will still give you better sound with the HD800 than both the HE500 or LCD2 are capable of ime and thats with a budget amp. So its not all about amp cost with the HD800. That is now an old myth that is constantly being proved wrong  
 
But it all comes down to preference. Some folks prefer a smoother thicker sound over transparency. 

 

[Austin Morrow]

I appreciate the input - as I have never heard the HD800's, I was merely lumping them in with other headphones that appear to be in the same category in terms of quality and price (not in sound) - I would like to hear them all and make a determination. Right now I don't have a very high powered headphone amp that would do the HD800's justice, nor an HE-6, but I wouldn't be opposed to spending the additional money. 

That is true. But an M-stage will still give you better sound with the HD800 than both the HE500 or LCD2 are capable of ime and thats with a budget amp. So its not all about amp cost with the HD800. That is now an old myth that is constantly being proved wrong  

But it all comes down to preference. Some folks prefer a smoother thicker sound over transparency. 

Oh, don't worry! I completely agree with you on amp cost. Trust me, I know of amplifiers that cost thousands that can't match a $200 amplifier. Take for example, the Mini-X for orthos or Schiit's entry level gear.

 

[Owenpri]

Just picked up the Amperior.

 

[ssrock64]

  The place where I could listen to the HD800's isn't actually IN Milwaukee, but it is close enough. There is a place called "Audio Consultants" in Libertyville, IL - it is about an  hour away from me.

If you're ever up in Green Bay, Hi-Fi Heaven usually has a decent sampling of TOTL cans for you to try out. Last time I was there I auditioned a PS1000, HD800, T1, and T5p.

 

[subsonic1050]

Thanks for the info ssrock - I am actually from Appleton, and still visit family in the area very frequently. Maybe I will make a trip up there instead!

 

[ssrock64]

  Thanks for the info ssrock - I am actually from Appleton, and still visit family in the area very frequently. Maybe I will make a trip up there instead!

I can't guarantee any Audeze, Hifiman, or other smaller brands like that, but they have a very good selection of Grados, a decent offering of mid-tier and top-tier Beyers, a smattering of top-tier Sennheisers, and the occasional inclusion of other brands. They've also got tons of DACs and amps across almost any price range. They're mainly a high-end home theater design and installation business, but their physical shop has plenty of gear to try. The building looks like an upside-down pyramid behind Sears; it's hard to miss.

 

[Leckel1996]

  Nice little set-up you have there.
 
What Grado's are you rocking ?

modded sr80i's. 

 

[DarKen23]

Inside my man-cave

 

[philo50]

Inside my man-cave

looking good.......