Looking into purchasing HD 800's with my tax returns this month. I use my headphones to listen to sound, I don't use sound to analyze my headphones. I guess that would mean I am not an audiophile, I am a music and movie lover as well as an avid gamer. I am all about having the best in technology an equipment, whether it be my custom PC, calibrated 65zt60 Panasonic plasma or potentially these headphones.
I have previously owned the HD 700's and I felt that there price per performance was severely lacking at that time. I found the treble peaks insanely irritating for the genre of music I was listening to. Also, I did not find them as comfortable as everyone made them out to be as my ear faintly touched the pads in a way that caused my ear to feel itchy.
Currently I am using the Soundblaster X7 as my Dac/Amp. Four questions I have before I 100% commit to the purchase;
1. Will the X7 be able to correctly power the 800's. (Some say the ohm spikes would cause an issue from proper amping, others say that's untrue) If not, would an o2/odac and or a Modi2 or Loki and an Asgard 2 do the trick?
2. Are there fatiguing treble peaks similar to the HD 700's?
3. Taking into account of diminishing returns would something like the HD600's, AKG 712Pro or another headphone get me 80% the sound of the 800's at a third of the price?
4. How are these headphones comfort wise, I will be using these headphones everyday for at least 5 hours. They will be used for music, movies and gaming, are they viable all-day comfort, multiple usage headphones if not why?
This might not directly answer your questions but.....
After looking at your music prefs in your profile I'm not so sure if the hd800s would be suited (to edm)
I have read/seen reviews that suggest the hd700s are suited for edm (when comparing to hd800s) but you did not find much value there.
I auditioned the hd600s one arvo for about 45 mins and I thought they were great value. Very easy listening, no sharpness at all but (relatively) nice and clear and open. Like settling in to an old favourite couch. Not sure about edm, as I don't listen too much, fine for tick and hip hop.
Straight after that I heard the he560s and I was blown away with the timbre and the lush upper mids and highs and firm and clear bottom end.
I was set to buy those, after another session of demoing them until I heard the hd800s, which also wowed me. I'd be happy with both. (I am happy with the hd800s).
The soundstage of the hd800s is fantastic. I do enjoy the mids and highs as that is a turn on for me in sound profiles. I don't find them fatiguing but I can understand those who do.
However in me choosing between the hd800s and he560s my difficult decision was simply between choosing the "pure enjoyment" of the he560s v the "analytical" offerings of the hd800s.
Im not saying the he560s would suit you but I do recommend as others would say to audition the hd800 and hd600 before seeing if either fit your musical preferences. Particularly if you are looking for headphones to purely enjoy rather than to analyse with (loosely speaking).
Perhaps the fostex th900 might suit at this price point? I believe, from more experienced auditioned/owners of these they can kick some butt.
Perhaps the new fidelio x2, at a mid fi price point, if you've enjoyed your x1s.
If you want something with nice bottom end (not too forced) perhaps the shure srh1540s might be worth looking at a mid price point - they are nice rounded numbers but do have a closed sound. But they bring me back to the value of the hd600s IF they suit.
Good luck with your decisions - always a tricky one until you demo some.
Peter t
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