[DavidA]

@MWSVette, nice paint job by PETEREK

 

[MWSVette]

@MWSVette, nice paint job by PETEREK

 



He does do nice work...

 

[MWSVette]

 

 
The original paint job had gotten chipped over the years.  I wanted to dress them up so I had them painted.  Silver changed to bright white, leaving the black matte black areas.
 
Now they look better than new.

 

[Shetzu]

   
The original paint job had gotten chipped over the years.  I wanted to dress them up so I had them painted.  Silver changed to bright white, leaving the black matte black areas.
 
Now they look better than new.

Excellent job. 

 

[beowulf]

  Had these painted they had gotten chipped...
 

 
That looks pretty good. What type of paint and how was it applied?
 
This reminds me that I read somewhere that the HD800S doesn't seem to have the chipping issue on the black frame, but later someone wrote that it still happens. Any user can comment?

 

[thekorsen]

Sorry to bomb the thread like this, but I need some amp advice. I'll be getting a pair of the HD800 soon that I'll probably be Superdupont modding, and I'd like to know if the vali 2 or the matrix m-stage would be a better match.

 

[icebear]

There is a thread to answer your question:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/660817/whats-the-best-amp-for-hd800

 

[thefitz]

  Sorry to bomb the thread like this, but I need some amp advice. I'll be getting a pair of the HD800 soon that I'll probably be Superdupont modding, and I'd like to know if the vali 2 or the matrix m-stage would be a better match.

I use an SD800 (Superdupont HD800... let's make this a thing, k? ) with an original Lyr and original Valhalla and am having problems with the headphone's seal. My giant smile is getting in the way!
 
In my opinion, you should really spring for an OTL tube amp if you're willing to buy an amp just for the SD800. Not just an amp with tubes, but an OTL tube amp. These types of amps often put out their most power in and around 300 ohms, which is what the HD800 is. No concern about driving the headphone, or cranking the amp - it's an optimal match.

 

[Sorrodje]

  Sorry to bomb the thread like this, but I need some amp advice. I'll be getting a pair of the HD800 soon that I'll probably be Superdupont modding, and I'd like to know if the vali 2 or the matrix m-stage would be a better match.

 
 
Vali2 won't disappoint you. Never heard yet the M-stage  
 
Trust me : Real upgrades from the Vali2 are Hi End amps . The Small Schiit will let you decide safely if the HD800 Modded or not is right up your alley and then wait to fund one of usual best amps for the Senn. 

 

[thekorsen]

Vali2 won't disappoint you. Never heard yet the M-stage  

Trust me : Real upgrades from the Vali2 are Hi End amps . The Small Schiit will let you decide safely if the HD800 Modded or not is right up your alley and then wait to fund one of usual best amps for the Senn. 

I use an SD800 (Superdupont HD800... let's make this a thing, k? ) with an original Lyr and original Valhalla and am having problems with the headphone's seal. My giant smile is getting in the way!

In my opinion, you should really spring for an OTL tube amp if you're willing to buy an amp just for the SD800. Not just an amp with tubes, but an OTL tube amp. These types of amps often put out their most power in and around 300 ohms, which is what the HD800 is. No concern about driving the headphone, or cranking the amp - it's an optimal match.

Hum...seems like the consensus is OTL is the way to go. I found a deal on a old (10+ years old...) OTL that used to retail at $350 and it does come with some cheap tubes. Its an option, but I'd like to hear what the m-stage can do relative to something like the vali 2 first.

 

[MWSVette]

Hum...seems like the consensus is OTL is the way to go. I found a deal on a old (10+ years old...) OTL that used to retail at $350 and it does come with some cheap tubes. Its an option, but I'd like to hear what the m-stage can do relative to something like the vali 2 first.

 
 
OTL generally work well with high impedance cans...
 
For the price the Vali 2 is a great little amp.  Also a cheaper start for tube rolling...

 

[Sorrodje]

And the Vali2 is not an OTL amp. Input tube stage + Solid State output if I remember well.  Indeed, very cheap tube rolling options  

 

[MWSVette]

  And the Vali2 is not an OTL amp. Input tube stage + Solid State output if I remember well.  Indeed, very cheap tube rolling options  

Exactly right, it is a hybrid.
 
But the OP stated he may like to try the Vali 2 and with only one tube it is cheaper to roll with...

 

[Fegefeuer]

I recommend the Valhalla 2 out of personal experience. That's where the SKELETON of the HD800 finally starts to walk around like it should and support the meat. That's where the HD800 shows why it's a special kind of headphone that stood the test of time. Afterwards it gets ugly with prices.
 
Not advising against the Vali 2, never heard it properly. 

 

[Sorrodje]

Vali2 is more an easy going option. sounds clean and fun. not boring or sterile but still far for Stellar results you can get from a totl tube amp imo. Never heard the Valhalla