[James-uk]

I've recently started using spotify. For those that are opposed to lossy formats and streaming I have found a good use for it for you. I've always found my cd Copy of brothers in arms to be bass light and just a bit thin. today I discovered a 20th anniversary edition next to the 'digitally remastered ' version and it's been mastered much better . I can now really enjoy this album on the hd800s for the first time. I'm now going to search for other albums I own and don't enjoy the mastering of to see if there are better masters available. It's ALL about the mastering!

 

[lovethatsound]

How does the HD800 pair with the Chord Hugo DAC/amp?

They pair quite well, but I use the Hugo as a dac into my hdvd800 amp.I also use senns balance cable.Like this it sounds totally amazing.The Hugo with just the hd800s sounds great.

 

[lin0003]

Nice v200. What dac do you use it with? And what do you think of it with the HD800?

They pair very well, its takes a slight edge off the treble. I'm using it with the M-DAC.

 

[whirlwind]

My new dac has arrived.
 

 
 

 

[jackskelly]

   
I wouldn't be surprised if a HD800 successor comes in at $1995-2495, the LCD-3 has set the bar in this respect.
 
The HD700 is a strange animal, in tonality it's more like the HD650 than the HD600/800. But overall I'm not really sure if it's that much better than the HD600/650, or if it's worth holding back and save a couple of hundred bucks compared to the HD800. The HD800 is in my mind superior to the HD700 unless you have some very poor recordings. And then I'm also not a huge fan of the looks of the HD700, the HD600/650 look classy in an old school kind of way. The HD800 is space age.. and the HD700 looks like it could cost $200-300 bucks or so - certainly not $800. I think the HD700 would have been recieved differently if it retailed at $450 and was meant to eventually replace the HD600/650. Overall the HD700 is not a bad headphone, just in a weird place in the market. Of course - from my point of view I'd be more than happy if they'd kept the HD600/650 around for another 20 years with minute adjustments here and there.. they are still all time greats in my book. Just like the B&W 801... all time classics. You could say the HD600/650 are the kalashnikov's of the headphone world, and if it works why change it?

 

 
I wonder how many years away the successor to the HD 800 is? Hopefully within 3-5 years. Will they go for a revision, an "HD 850" or a new model, an "HD 900?" Personally I hope they come out with another electrostatic headphone sometime in the future. 

 

 

[62ohm]

  My new dac has arrived.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 

 
 

 

 
Gratz mate! I'm looking for a DAC myself, and weirdly as days go by I'm getting more and more attracted to the Benchmark DAC1 and Musical Fidelity M1 DAC.

 

[MattTCG]

  My new dac has arrived.
 
 
 
 
 

Very nice Sir!! I'll be looking forward to getting your thoughts on it. 

 

[MacedonianHero]

  My new dac has arrived.
 

 
 

 
Looks great! 

 

[Mortalcoil]

  My new dac has arrived.
 

 
 
Congrats whirlwind. 
 
PS Audio's website doesn't do it justice.  Much sleeker and substantial looking piece of gear.

 

[kothganesh]

  My new dac has arrived.
 

 
 

Oh very nice. Is this like the "younger brother" to the PWD II? The black looks better than the silver. Now where is my wallet?

 

[perplekks45]

Slight change of plans after I spent some quality time in a local brick and mortar store:
 
A new dac was mentioned, slightly over budget but supposed to be absolutely amazing for the HD800 (and in general): the T+A DAC-8. Could get it as a loaner for a bit to judge for myself if that's what I want/need.
 
Then it all changed again when the pretty head-fi oriented sales guy and me spoke about the McIntosh MHA-100. He had already had the chance to listen to it and said he was blown away by it. So they will order one for me which I can then either listen to in store or maybe even get as a loaner for 1 or 2 weeks.
 
My poor wallet...
 
Back on topic:
 
That is a beautiful piece of gear! Congrats!

 

[whirlwind]

 

  My new dac has arrived.
 
 
 
 
 

Very nice Sir!! I'll be looking forward to getting your thoughts on it. 

Thanks Matt, I am pretty stoked, early impressions are that the imaging and detail have went up another notch....if that is at all possible with the HD800
 

 

  My new dac has arrived.

 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 

 

 
Looks great! 

Thanks Peter, and thank you for all of your help.
 

 

  My new dac has arrived.
 

 
 
Congrats whirlwind. 
 
PS Audio's website doesn't do it justice.  Much sleeker and substantial looking piece of gear.

Thank you, yea....this thing is pretty dang heavy....weighing in at around 14 pounds!
it feels of great quality
 

 

  My new dac has arrived.

 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 

 

Oh very nice. Is this like the "younger brother" to the PWD II? The black looks better than the silver. Now where is my wallet?

Thank you, and yea, I guess you could say it is its younger brother, or maybe sister, as the PWD II cost over twice as much.

 

[gsr108]

Just wanted to put this out there: but for those of you (like me) who find the HD800's too bright, even with the Anax 2.0 mod, can try to put a doggie pad (from mr speakers) behind the dust covers.  It's really tamed the sibilance issues I had (in my current setup - HT claro - coax - NAD M51 - dual CMA800R).  I'm really digging the sound now - it's tied or possibly even surpassed my previous favorite, the HE-6's (on a SuSy Dynahi). 

 

[MattTCG]

Hmm...very interesting. Fortunately for me the 800 is not bright.

 

[whirlwind]

I know before I bought the headphone, I heard many say that it was just too bright.....I do not at all find that to be the case.