The (new) HD800 Impressions Thread
Apr 3, 2021 at 2:10 PM Post #28,503 of 28,976
Would they sound good at half volume or is clarity/performance impacted at all volumes? Thanks, I’m just curious.
I don't have them at hand now but I don't think that volume level will impact performance.
This is very capable high end player and one of the few that can do justice to the HD800.
I am testing with the HD650 that have similar specs with the 800 and they play very good.
 
Apr 3, 2021 at 2:36 PM Post #28,504 of 28,976
I don't have them at hand now but I don't think that volume level will impact performance.
This is very capable high end player and one of the few that can do justice to the HD800.
I am testing with the HD650 that have similar specs with the 800 and they play very good.

Awesome! I can’t wait till mine arrives early to mid next week. I’m primarily an iem user these days (U12t and Valkyrie mostly) but have a few full size cans including the hd650, hd800, denon d2000, and a surprise favorite grado hp2. I picked up balance cables for the IEMs (they are 3 weeks away I think in China) and already grabbed a balanced for my hd800. Not sure if I’ll bother with balanced cables for the rest of the full size just cuz I don’t use them that often anymore ... the only one I’d think about is the grado but that’s probably a pain to acquire and change the cable on and I think it will play quite well as is.
 
Apr 3, 2021 at 3:20 PM Post #28,505 of 28,976
Awesome! I can’t wait till mine arrives early to mid next week. I’m primarily an iem user these days (U12t and Valkyrie mostly) but have a few full size cans including the hd650, hd800, denon d2000, and a surprise favorite grado hp2. I picked up balance cables for the IEMs (they are 3 weeks away I think in China) and already grabbed a balanced for my hd800. Not sure if I’ll bother with balanced cables for the rest of the full size just cuz I don’t use them that often anymore ... the only one I’d think about is the grado but that’s probably a pain to acquire and change the cable on and I think it will play quite well as is.
You are going to love the pairing.
The NOS filter is very analogue sounding and it is going to be a perfect match with the 800.
 
Apr 5, 2021 at 10:46 AM Post #28,506 of 28,976
There's a Soekris 1541 DAC listed now for $1000. I had the 1421 and Ares 1 and there was no contest. Sounds from the edges on the 1421 got mushed into the center and pretty much lost. The 1421 for me was up there in detail with the Chord Hugo 2. Another option to consider anyway.
Did you mean to refer to the sound from the edges for the Ares, and not to the sound from the edges for the 1421?
 
Apr 5, 2021 at 3:00 PM Post #28,507 of 28,976
Did you mean to refer to the sound from the edges for the Ares, and not to the sound from the edges for the 1421?
I meant on the 1421, there was a certain prominent instrument at the left and right edges of the soundstage. The same track on the Ares nearly eliminated that instrument. It was indistinct and came from closer to the center of the soundstage. Since some of my music was clearly missing on the Ares, it was clearly inferior for me.
 
Apr 5, 2021 at 3:09 PM Post #28,508 of 28,976
I meant on the 1421, there was a certain prominent instrument at the left and right edges of the soundstage. The same track on the Ares nearly eliminated that instrument. It was indistinct and came from closer to the center of the soundstage. Since some of my music was clearly missing on the Ares, it was clearly inferior for me.
Thank you for providing that clarification for me.

I would be interested to know of how the 2541, and of how the Ares II, would compare to each other.
 
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Apr 10, 2021 at 6:23 AM Post #28,509 of 28,976
Whassup? Painful HD800 headband hot spots? No more.

HD800 headband comfort cover. A layer of microfiber cloth under the headband and another bigger one that wraps everything together, with two paperclips to hold it. Cut to size with a scalpel. Took 5 mins. Works really great. Looks cute too. Can't go wrong with the sporty neon lime green. :p

HD800_headband_comfort_cover_1.jpg
HD800_headband_comfort_cover_2.jpg
Tip: when removing, pull the top cloth piece out from underneath the clip, don't try to pull out the clip itself, as it will pierce the cloth and get stuck. :wink:

p.s. it also increases the headband on head stability 😎
 
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Apr 21, 2021 at 6:03 PM Post #28,511 of 28,976
Anyone used the Singxer SA-1 on the hd800 yet?
 
Apr 30, 2021 at 8:41 AM Post #28,512 of 28,976
Hi guys, I would like to have your opinion on the old models of hd800 (SN 024XX), do you think that the old models are outdated?
I've been offered for ~700€.
I wanted to enjoy the Focal Clear, but I didn't like it (too aggressive, too forward, and that clipping problem).
I have on the other hand a lot of affection for my K702, in the same philosophy as this HD800 (never heard the HD800).
I'm looking for precision, not bass emphasis (jazz, classical).

Thanks for your help
 
Apr 30, 2021 at 9:43 AM Post #28,513 of 28,976
s/n 024XX, as in the two thousand s/n range? That's like the very early batches from ten year ago. What condition is it in?

Clear are shouty in the 1-2kHz range, the HD800 are shouty in the 5-7kHz range. But mostly dependent on upstream interaction, since both are quite revealing in nature.
 
Apr 30, 2021 at 11:20 AM Post #28,514 of 28,976
I have the 'old' HD800 and IMHO they are still excellent for what you describe. The newer HD800S addresses a perceived HF peak around 8,000Hz but when I auditioned the S the difference was so minor I thought it not worth changing.

This year I have added the Focal Utopia and they are, indeed, a step up. But with the necessary Lazuli Reference cable or similar they are twice the price. The HD800 still keeps up in terms of detail and sound stage, and mine might benefit from their own Lazuli cable, I just have not pursued getting one for the HD800s as well.

Can't speak to the condition of the pair you have been offered, of course, but that looks like a good price if they are well maintained.
 
Apr 30, 2021 at 1:08 PM Post #28,515 of 28,976
Thanks a lot for your feedbacks on this badboy, latest news : the HD800 which is proposed to me is a model of 2009 !
The condition seems ok (some minor scratches, new cable (original), new pads).
My concerns are :
- The age : can a headphone driver naturally deteriorates after >10 years ?,
- And the model : the HD800 was corrected (in 2012? ) after it was launched in 2009, but I don't know if the sound changed dramatically.
The hd800 non "s" interests me more as it is said to be easier to equalize.
 

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