jamesjames
500+ Head-Fier
My final thought on this is simply that I don't agree the HD800S has 'quirks'. For what it's worth I think the better view is that the Yamaha has 'quirks'. But I think it would be better altogether not to suggest we have an objective list of 'quirks' that can be called in aid of personal opinion.You're right, it's not all that helpful without proper context. But it's not something easily conveyed either. That's why I wrote an article with specific comparisons with all equipment stated up front. I'm obviously limited to what I have on hand, but at least you're aware of where I'm coming from. You either closely relate and find credibility in my opinion and experience, or you don't. But take everything with a grain of salt in the Internet anyway. Simple as that.
Although, in general, totl is whatever the company considers its flagship. And Yamaha most certainly considers this their statement piece.
You've never heard them on my chain and I've never heard them on yours, so there's already an obvious discrepancy. Doesn't matter whether you think higher quality amplification matters or not, the point being you didn't put your ears where I've heard them from. To clarify, that doesn't mean your experience is any less than mine. Both are simply data points.
I can go on and on about how the yh5k outclasses the 800s in spades from a performance standpoint (according to my standard of ideal sound based on my personal experiences), but like I said in my article, once you factor in your taste all bets are off. Some people love the 800s for what they are, quirks and all, and that won't change.
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