[Lord Raven]

The 800 does not lack bass. What it lacks is overemphasized bass. Some OTLs do better than solid state amps. Which tube amp are you using?

Listen to some cello or orchestral kettle drums and you will be happy with the bass.

The drums definitely feel better, I kind of want more. I have Feliks Elise with some well known tubes. 5998 and EL3N. DAC Chord Mojo.

The only issue I have is, when I turn it up, it feels like I'll lose my hearing. It becomes intolerable. Maybe I just need the anax mod.

 

[Lord Raven]

is that a serious question?

if so, how the f would i know what someone else likes

my opinion and preferences are just mine and I’m certainly never going to tell anyone that their preferences are wrong

if it’s tongue in cheek than i simply smile and wink
The only certainties in life: Death and taxes

LOL I want some certainty before I want to tear my headphones apart. I was using Beyerdynamic Tesla T1 before I moved to HD800. Same setup.

I am not satisfied, I think this is the highest I would ever go with my current setup. I have also stuck my head in home audio and car audio so can't ask for more trouble with this hobby. I hear a song or two and my wife calls me to look after the babh LOL

 

[Lord Raven]

Talking about the drums, I heard Hotel California live version on Orpheus HE1 and absolutely blew my brains out, see my display photo. Sennheiser invited me for a demo

 

[Lord Raven]

I don't know but tonight my HD800 sounded superb, I have no idea what just happened.

 

[thecrow]

I don't know but tonight my HD800 sounded superb, I have no idea what just happened.

it's a very underrated headphone these days

 

[johnjen]

The drums definitely feel better, I kind of want more. I have Feliks Elise with some well known tubes. 5998 and EL3N. DAC Chord Mojo.

The only issue I have is, when I turn it up, it feels like I'll lose my hearing. It becomes intolerable. Maybe I just need the anax mod.

The Elise specs say it has 200mW output power but it doesn't say at what Ω.
Nor is it mentioned if this amp is an OTL design or if it uses output xfmrs, which will impact it's power to Ω relationship.

And since 200mW is a minimal amount of power, it's possible that the amp is clipping when you crank on it, which explains the "when I turn it up, …It becomes intolerable".
Especially if you have added any EQ, as it will further reduce any 'available' headroom.

JJ

 

[Lord Raven]

The Elise specs say it has 200mW output power but it doesn't say at what Ω.
Nor is it mentioned if this amp is an OTL design or if it uses output xfmrs, which will impact it's power to Ω relationship.

And since 200mW is a minimal amount of power, it's possible that the amp is clipping when you crank on it, which explains the "when I turn it up, …It becomes intolerable".
Especially if you have added any EQ, as it will further reduce any 'available' headroom.

JJ

The Elise is a high-end output transformer-less (OTL) headphone amplifier and preamplifier
Here are the specs:

• Input Impedance: 100 kOhm
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 60 Khz +/- 3 dB (300 ohm)
• Power output: 200mW
• Pre-amp Gain: 20dB
• THD: 0.4 % (300 ohm, 20 mW)
• Supported headphones impedance: 32 - 600 ohm <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 

[Lord Raven]

it's a very underrated headphone these days

I think I am going to stick to it, need to get the best out of your current gear before you move on

 

[TontonJoK]

Love my HD800's for years and still working superb

 

[kdphan]

My third time owning the HD800 and I can confirm having a good amp makes a big difference.

prior to this, the HD800 weren’t all that special to me. Once I got the tubes I wanted for my WA22, the HD800 sound awesome.

 

[joseph69]

Pairing the 800 w/WA33 and it sounds beautiful.

 

[johnjen]

The Elise is a high-end output transformer-less (OTL) headphone amplifier and preamplifier
Here are the specs:

• Input Impedance: 100 kOhm
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 60 Khz +/- 3 dB (300 ohm)
• Power output: 200mW
• Pre-amp Gain: 20dB
• THD: 0.4 % (300 ohm, 20 mW)
• Supported headphones impedance: 32 - 600 ohm <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Yes I read that as well.
But the specs don't mention at what Ω the 200mw applies.
And as the Ω goes up usually the available power drops.

JJ

 

[Lord Raven]

Yes I read that as well.
But the specs don't mention at what Ω the 200mw applies.
And as the Ω goes up usually the available power drops.

JJ

Oh yeah, now I got what you were referring to. When I said the headphones become intolerable, they become brighter and brighter. I have driver Beyerdynamic Tesla T1 on this amplifier with ease, which are 600 Ohms headphones. Power is never an issue for this amplifier, I'll find out what is the maximum power rated at from Elise thread.

I don't think I have courage to change my amplifier at this stage of hobby, I'd rather buy a new lens

 

[kdphan]

Did the earpad swap to lambskin.
First thing I noticed was an increase in low end bass quantity
Second, overall signature is warmer
Third, lambskin earpads are much more comfy

Can somebody recommend headband replacement? The HD800 I bought has headband that's at the end of its life.

 

[Lord Raven]

Did the earpad swap to lambskin.
First thing I noticed was an increase in low end bass quantity
Second, overall signature is warmer
Third, lambskin earpads are much more comfy

Can somebody recommend headband replacement? The HD800 I bought has headband that's at the end of its life.

Hi kd, I would love to try, where did you get the pads? HD800 is huge for my head, I don't get a firm hold on my skull, is the lamb skin pad bigger than the original for better grip?