[aragornmustdie]

@paulchiu:

http://www.sgheadphones.net/index.php?showtopic=10209

(Cambridge Audio DacMagic (modded), RSA Apache (revision C), Sennheiser HD800, Grado HF2, Power Distributor (Oyaide MTB-6... US Plugs), Tweaks, XLR ICs and Power cables, Audio Agile Power Cord, BlackSand Violet Z1: Black Sand Silver Reference V, Taoc 25MF, Taoc SBL-13MT, Acoustic Revive: DBP-3, AR-DC3, AR RGC24,Telos RCA and XLR caps, Cardas Golden Cross, Nordost: Blue Heaven, Baldur, Frey, Valgrind dock )

I'm too lazy to google the names.

So many HD800s at that meet. Must say that I'm really, really impressed with what this model is capable of. Major throwback is 1st: price, 2nd: they're bloody ugly.

 

[buyvigrx]

Generally I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this post really forced me to do so! really nice post.

 

[john11f]

i listen mostly electronica and rock on my iMac hooked to a Benchmark DAC1 Pre...only headphones right now is a Ultrasone HFI-780.

will the HD800 be a perfect match for my listening pleasure?

 

[DoYouRight]

simple answer...no

they are not known for bass prowess. maybe DX1000 or L3000 are more glorified electronic cans. maybe with the right amp the hd800 would get you there but I dunno.

 

[john11f]

I've been trying to justify to myself to buy a $1400++ pair of cans.

 

[Gu Sensei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoYouRight /img/forum/go_quote.gif simple answer...no.

I second that.

To me they are most well-suited for classical. Maybe jazz too but I do not listen to that much. Slower rock tracks can sound very good but mostly I have to pick carefully outside of classical. They do not seem to 'rock' well nor seem well suited for synthesizers. Many folks will disagree though.

The D7000s are by far my favorite for rock and electronica (not something I often listen to though). I would choose the Denons over the DX1000s, I find the bass to be tighter, quicker, and punchier. L3000s are sublime for both for sure, but most likely well out of your price range. The JH13|Pros are fantastic with everything and have the added benefit of being portable. Edition 8 & 9s are probably a safe bet as well if you want to stay in the Ultrasone family, but I have just tried them in stores.

As usual, best to try for yourself.

Good luck!

 

[shamu144]

Any of the HD800 owners had the opportunity to also listen extensivley Stax SR-303 or SR-404 well amped.

From what I read, they could share some similarities, assuming of course one is electrostatic and the other electrodynamic.

I was thinking about the Stax Lambda big soundstage and lack of focus, excellent extension on extremes, transparency and resolution, with an emphasis in the lower highs... Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Quaddy]

sounds like a job for grado 325i

Quote:

Originally Posted by john11f /img/forum/go_quote.gif i listen mostly electronica and rock

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamu144 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any of the HD800 owners had the opportunity to also listen extensivley Stax SR-303 or SR-404 well amped. From what I read, they could share some similarities, assuming of course one is electrostatic and the other electrodynamic. I was thinking about the Stax Lambda big soundstage and lack of focus, excellent extension on extremes, transparency and resolution, with an emphasis in the lower highs... Any thoughts? Thanks

I have the HD800/Double-Helix cable on Eddie Current ZDT amp, and SR-404 Limited Edition (silver plated cable) on a maxed Woo GES.

Overall I like the HD800 a little better in terms of imaging, bass punch and extension at both ends. Both are very detailed and fast, while the SR-404LE are a little more forward sounding with a more "blended" imaging and soundstage. Still, an SR-404 with standard Woo GES could cost 1/2 the HD800/ZDT rig, and offer a very competitive sound that is only a little behind the better rig.

 

[htsource]

Currently I have a pair of 650 running off my PC with an Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card, thinking of upgrading to 800, but not sure if I need new amp to drive 800 phones?

 

[pompon]

I have X-Meridian 7.1 and have both phones. Hd800 is not harder to drive than HD650.
Your soundcard is good enough to not worry about amp unless going on good tube or B22.
Mid quality SS amp will not be an upgrade to your Xonar IMO.

 

[htsource]

Thank you, that's good to know. So you have both 650 and 800? How much do you like the 800? More so than the 650?

 

[Logos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gu Sensei /img/forum/go_quote.gif I second that. To me they are most well-suited for classical. Maybe jazz too but I do not listen to that much. Slower rock tracks can sound very good but mostly I have to pick carefully outside of classical. They do not seem to 'rock' well nor seem well suited for synthesizers. Many folks will disagree though. The D7000s are by far my favorite for rock and electronica (not something I often listen to though). I would choose the Denons over the DX1000s, I find the bass to be tighter, quicker, and punchier. L3000s are sublime for both for sure, but most likely well out of your price range. The JH13|Pros are fantastic with everything and have the added benefit of being portable. Edition 8 & 9s are probably a safe bet as well if you want to stay in the Ultrasone family, but I have just tried them in stores. As usual, best to try for yourself. Good luck!

I see you also own the PS-1000's, if it were between the HD-800 and the PS-1000, which would you say will handle rock and electronica better? Thanks.

 

[AmanGeorge]

Just got my HD800s in tonight. Ouch. I keep doing SPL measurements and realizing that I'm listening much louder than is healthy. Here's to hoping I don't kill my hearing with these things.

 

[immtbiker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by htsource /img/forum/go_quote.gif Currently I have a pair of 650 running off my PC with an Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card, thinking of upgrading to 800, but not sure if I need new amp to drive 800 phones?

They need approximately the same amount of power. The better the quality of the power (preferably including an amp worthy of said headphones), the better the sound.