Starting from scratch

[bigfatpaulie]

It won't be an issue...
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/diy-modification-sennheiser-hd-800-anaxilus-mod
 
The reason I suggest it is because, IMHO, the HD800's are the better headphone vs the HEK but need very specific amplification to sound right.  The anax mod helps if you don't have said amplification....

 

[yates7592]

I really miss my HD800's. In fact I'm considering buying a pair again, they're that good. But a balanced cable is essential in my opinion. You won't be hearing what they're really capable of on the stock 1/4 inch cable. I've never heard HEK but nothing I've read about them has made me feel like I have to audition them, knowing the HD800 like I do.

 

[conquerator2]

Your loss
The HEK are worth hearing at least...

 

[Womaz]

I think both are excellent headphones, Best Value the HD800, Best headphone - still undecided.

 

[up late]

think that you'll make the right decision going by your posts

 

[Womaz]

think that you'll make the right decision going by your posts

Would you like to tell me what that will be as right now I have no idea
I love the look, build and fit of the HD800. The only downside is the treble which is a bit bright for me on occasions.
Ideally I need a longer than 3m cable anyway so looking at various options for balanced cable for HD800. Cardas and Norne are the only two I know of and I am here in the UK so not a lot of choice I dont think.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

 
Would you like to tell me what that will be as right now I have no idea
I love the look, build and fit of the HD800. The only downside is the treble which is a bit bright for me on occasions.
Ideally I need a longer than 3m cable anyway so looking at various options for balanced cable for HD800. Cardas and Norne are the only two I know of and I am here in the UK so not a lot of choice I dont think.

 
I'm telling you....  Read about the Anax mod.  You can do it to your loaner pair as it is completely reversible and costs less than $10.

 

[MrTie84]

 
Would you like to tell me what that will be as right now I have no idea
I love the look, build and fit of the HD800. The only downside is the treble which is a bit bright for me on occasions.
Ideally I need a longer than 3m cable anyway so looking at various options for balanced cable for HD800. Cardas and Norne are the only two I know of and I am here in the UK so not a lot of choice I dont think.

You can get a 5m meter balanced cable on that one auction site for a reasonable outlay with free shipping to the UK, FYI. From everything I've read modding the HD800 is a fairly easy afternoon affair and will tame the treble peak at 6k. Both are great headphones, so I don't think you'd go wrong with either. I personally think the sound stage on a balanced HD800 is better than anything else in the headphone world, and they are extremely comfortable. That said the bass on the HEK is better to my ears.

 

[up late]

Would you like to tell me what that will be as right now I have no idea
I love the look, build and fit of the HD800. The only downside is the treble which is a bit bright for me on occasions.
Ideally I need a longer than 3m cable anyway so looking at various options for balanced cable for HD800. Cardas and Norne are the only two I know of and I am here in the UK so not a lot of choice I dont think.

it'll be the one that you most enjoy listening to regardless of price. but if value for money is a consideration then it has to be the hd800.

 

[Womaz]

   
I'm telling you....  Read about the Anax mod.  You can do it to your loaner pair as it is completely reversible and costs less than $10.

I wont do it on my demo pair as that does not sit well with me , but I am considering the HD800 more and more I have to admit, I need a balanced cable for it anyway so cable still needed. Appreciate your input though.
I have used my EQ in JRiver to tame it a bit, but I am a bloody novice at this to say the least.......massive learning curve last few days.

 

[Womaz]

  You can get a 5m meter balanced cable on that one auction site for a reasonable outlay with free shipping to the UK, FYI. From everything I've read modding the HD800 is a fairly easy afternoon affair and will tame the treble peak at 6k. Both are great headphones, so I don't think you'd go wrong with either. I personally think the sound stage on a balanced HD800 is better than anything else in the headphone world, and they are extremely comfortable. That said the bass on the HEK is better to my ears.

Yes I have found that too. The comfort, looks and fit of the HD800 is excellent. Like I say I have used the EQ and took the 3k and 6k down 1,5db. I have no idea what I am doing here mind but I like the results. =-)

 

[SpherE22]

I wont do it on my demo pair as that does not sit well with me , but I am considering the HD800 more and more I have to admit, I need a balanced cable for it anyway so cable still needed. Appreciate your input though.
I have used my EQ in JRiver to tame it a bit, but I am a bloody novice at this to say the least.......massive learning curve last few days.

Contact Trevor from norne audio for a 3 meter+ balanced cable. Dealing with him is a pleasure and the cables he makes are the best quality. I just ordered one for my he-1000....Too bad the first one I ordered was a solvx for the hd800 and it made the sound so sharp and bright. Go with the draug2.

 

[SpherE22]

The hifimans are worth an audition, give them a listen. Imo they're still on top as far as headphones go.

 

[Womaz]

Contact Trevor from norne audio for a 3 meter+ balanced cable. Dealing with him is a pleasure and the cables he makes are the best quality. I just ordered one for my he-1000....Too bad the first one I ordered was a solvx for the hd800 and it made the sound so sharp and bright. Go with the draug2.

I have both on home demo now.
The Norne cable will be considered if I go for the HD800 as i will need a balanced cable anyway. Problem with the Norde is its USA and only does maximum of 10ft I think.

 

[nepherte]

Forza Audio also makes cables for the HD800. They're located in Poland.