[johnjen]

Speaking of which, if I do want to use balanced cables, do I need to send the HD800 to a specialist to mod the connectors or can any balanced cable just connected to the HD800 fine?

Yes!

Most after market cables can just plug into the 800's, which precludes having to send them in.

But to go for the full meal deal, ie. hardwiring, yes they need to be sent in or taken to someone who is familiar with the proceedure.

And as an alternative the stock cable is capable of being converted to balanced operation (it has 4 wires in the cable) by just changing the connector.

JJ

 

[daphen]

Is the Valhalla 2 good with the HD800? Do I need a DAC?

 

[Thenewguy007]

Yes!

Most after market cables can just plug into the 800's, which precludes having to send them in.

But to go for the full meal deal, ie. hardwiring, yes they need to be sent in or taken to someone who is familiar with the proceedure.

And as an alternative the stock cable is capable of being converted to balanced operation (it has 4 wires in the cable) by just changing the connector.

JJ

 
What's the difference between buying aftermarket balanced cables vs having the HD800 hardwired?

 

[Mach3]

If Anybody missed it, check out Tylles Big Sound reviews on blind testing, very intersting and HD800 comes in top5 every time

http://www.innerfidelity.com

 
Yeah top 4 everytime, surprised the HE1000 wasn't even picked once out of the 3 test. I mean even the LCD3F got picked for 2nd place.

 

[atsq17]

  Is the Valhalla 2 good with the HD800? Do I need a DAC?

 
 
Depends on budget and opinion. I personally think it's average.
 
To the DAC question... an emphatically big YES! 

 

[atsq17]

   
What's the difference between buying aftermarket balanced cables vs having the HD800 hardwired?

 
There's no need to hardwire the cable. It's made to be removable so you can upgrade them. 
 
Get cables from Norne, Double Helix or Whiplash if you are in the USA (I personally use Norne) and Toxic Cables if you are in UK or Europe. 

 

[RUMAY408]

  Randy, you need to find someone with the Studio Six at a meet and hook up the HD800's. That is the best combo with the HD800's I have heard.

ALO makes quality gear and the Studio Six is their flagship amp so I have no doubt its amazing, if they bring one to the Nashville Music City meet I would love to hear it.
 
Dan (Mr. Speakers) brought the WA5 with Royal Sophia Princess Tubes to the last meet with the Yggy as a DAC, a very impressive setup he also ran the Yggy with the Cavalli Liquid Crimson and The Rag to show case the Ether HP's

 

[johnjen]

What's the difference between buying aftermarket balanced cables vs having the HD800 hardwired?

It isn't about the difference, it's about what type of amp you have (balanced or unbalanced) that you'll use to drive the 800's.
And
Whether you want to modify the 800's (hardwire them), or not.

These 2 aspects can be mixed between them.

And in so doing, by modifying in this way, they are no longer in 'stock' condition.
This can be a 'big deal' for some (selling them, changing their aesthetic value, etc.) while for others if it improves the performance, it can be a decidely 'good thing'.

IOW these are 2 different ways of modifying the 800's.

JJ

 

[Khragon]

Anyone experience with this cable from eBay?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221506101403
 
I purchased one recently (black, 15-feet, XLR), looking forward to better ergonomics compare to the stock cable, and hopefully some sonic improvements as well.
Not ready to drop $350-$500 on Norne just yet, as I need 10+ feet for my application, so hopefully this cable will work out.

 

[RUMAY408]

  Is the Valhalla 2 good with the HD800? Do I need a DAC?

The Valhalla is one of the better HP amps in it's price range I've heard but would strongly recommend a similar quality DAC

 

[Mach3]

Base on Bob Katz claims recently on innerfidelity "Big Sound 2015" high impedance cans like HD800 require high voltage not high current to shine.
Can't agree with him anymore on that statement, my Phonitor with the 120V technology really makes the HD800 sing like a high end tube amp.

 

[punit]

  Anyone experience with this cable from eBay?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221506101403
 
I purchased one recently (black, 15-feet, XLR), looking forward to better ergonomics compare to the stock cable, and hopefully some sonic improvements as well.
Not ready to drop $350-$500 on Norne just yet, as I need 10+ feet for my application, so hopefully this cable will work out.

He does not mention what kind of cable he uses. I just ordered a replacement  Zy Cable, will see how that goes.

 

[Khragon]

  He does not mention what kind of cable he uses. I just ordered a replacement  Zy Cable, will see how that goes.

Yeah, I guess I could ask, but searching his feedback, all of them are very good, so.. at $126 for a 15 footer, it's worth a try.  I'll report back when I get a chance to give it a listen.  Did you get one for yourself too?

 

[atsq17]

Bogac Tekman aka: AudioMinor on HeadFi and Ebay makes some good reasonably priced cables. I had him re-terminate a cable once and it sounded almost better than the original. 

 

[thinker]

the new Sennheiser HD-800 has reengineered driver and the HDVD-800 plays DSD files