[paradoxper]

Interesting.
I just heard both, my HEDD and another members 800 via my WA33 this past weekend, which is what made me hunt down and purchase a BNIB NOS 800. I've borrowed the 800 +/-4yrs ago from The Cable Company 2x and always enjoyed them but never bought them (I don't know why?).
I them purchased the 800S (again, I don't know why?) and didn't care for it much so I let it go.

That HD800 has long been a tricky-trickster.

I think we have different tastes or ultimate preference.

No matter what, the HD800's large stage (slight diffuse issue) great detail and articulation has always been hampered by its peak character and more thin sound.

The HEDD is not quite as large (what is) but more enveloping than A,B,C and digs out greater detail whilst being slightly more punchy.
The big 'successor' factors are its ability to remain ultra smooth in the treble and provide clearer mids with much more meat to the body.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts, regardless.

 

[joseph69]

That HD800 has long been a tricky-trickster.

I think we have different tastes or ultimate preference.

No matter what, the HD800's large stage (slight diffuse issue) great detail and articulation has always been hampered by its peak character and more thin sound.

The HEDD is not quite as large (what is) but more enveloping than A,B,C and digs out greater detail whilst being slightly more punchy.
The big 'successor' factors are its ability to remain ultra smooth in the treble and provide clearer mids with much more meat to the body.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts, regardless.

Here are my thoughts on the HEDD.
I just don't know why I wasn't hearing what others heard.
I do recall reading 1or 2 impressions that closely mimic my impressions, though, so maybe it's the pair I received as I mention in the link.

 

[paradoxper]

Here are my thoughts on the HEDD.
I just don't know why I wasn't hearing what others heard.
I do recall reading 1or 2 impressions that closely mimic my impressions, though, so maybe it's the pair I received as I mention in the link.

At least now I can better understand where you're coming from.

It's always a wonder how we can perceive such different experiences.

And I have to refuse to believe in such unit variation and likely believe your ears just didn't gel.
Although Ironic that you could end up really preferring the HD800 signature, it would confirm such is the nature of subjectivity.

 

[joseph69]

At least now I can better understand where you're coming from.

It's always a wonder how we can perceive such different experiences.

And I have to refuse to believe in such unit variation and likely believe your ears just didn't gel.
Although Ironic that you could end up really preferring the HD800 signature, it would confirm such is the nature of subjectivity.

Yeah, just weren't for me.

 

[joseph69]

I received the 800 Saturday and they went back to the seller today because they were not NOS BNIB.
The frames were scratched and foam was missing from the inside of their box. Besides that, the ear pads & headband were like charcoal,
they were literally disintegrating in my hands. Oh well.

 

[paradoxper]

I received the 800 Saturday and they went back to the seller today because they were not NOS BNIB.
The frames were scratched and foam was missing from the inside of their box. Besides that, the ear pads & headband were like charcoal,
they were literally disintegrating in my hands. Oh well.

Did you make sure to huff and puff and cough, cough, cough all over them in retribution?

 

[joseph69]

Did you make sure to huff and puff and cough, cough, cough all over them in retribution?

I probably would've inhaled the disintegrating foam and died in doing so.

 

[paradoxper]

I probably would've inhaled the disintegrating foam and died in doing so.

Survival of the smartest.

 

[dleblanc343]

After quitting the HD800 camp for almost 3 years now, in favor of the HE6/Clear and HE1000v2 combo... followed by an HE1000se, K1000 and Susvara - I am now back on Sennheiser's team.

With Oratory1990's Harman correction EQ, on a stock HD800 (sdr or anax mod removed as it was worse); these scale to godly heights and have a listenable tuning.

Susvara is still my top headphone, but HD800 is right along its side and does some things better believe it or not.

HD800 is now more enjoyable than the likes of Empyrean, Utopia, HEKv2, LCD4. Not quite as good as a Stax 009 or 009S, but still a better product imho as it sounds better to the ear despite the technicalities.

I hate to say it, but EQ can be good.. and I really hate to say it; in this case it's fantastic.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

That's excellent news for me since I can't afford most of the cans you listed

 

[dleblanc343]

That's excellent news for me since I can't afford most of the cans you listed

Feel free to shoot me a PM

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Feel free to shoot me a PM

Hell, these days I can't even afford a PM

 

[uncletim]

would any of those inexpensive THX amps wake up my old HD800's? now that I do not travel anymore I may want to listen to them.

 

[johnjen]

would any of those inexpensive THX amps wake up my old HD800's? now that I do not travel anymore I may want to listen to them.

This is where I get to say "try it and find out".
You just might be the only one who has…
And of course let us know what you find out.

JJ

 

[gimmeheadroom]

would any of those inexpensive THX amps wake up my old HD800's? now that I do not travel anymore I may want to listen to them.

I would guess they would not be a good pairing. The 800s definitely could stand some warming up.

If you're not travelling and you can get your hands on an OTL amp that would be the hot ticket for the 800s and 600 series as well.