I'm randomly drinking some delicious White Russians and A/B testing the Senn HD800(SDR) and the Verite Open here are my thoughts (I'm going to copy paste from another forum):
Ok so going between the HD800(SDR) and the ZMF Verite Open with Universe Perf pads on the following chain Bifrost2 - BHC+SB and I feel like the stage and imaging isn’t as wide or in your face on the Verite, but the overall “enjoyment” for me is better with the Verite. The HD800(sdr) is brighter and feels more analytical…but honestly I kind of prefer it to the Verite right now…hmmm…let me dig into this some more expect edits to this post to continue on unless someone responds lol
Ok, back on the HD800(SDR)
… well damn if this isn’t one of the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn! anyways, onto the sound…it sounds less precise… but wider, cleaner, less intimate…but, has a “WOW” factor that is rather addictive on this chain. Detail is fuzzy sounding to me (Fuzzy: not as crisp in detail retrieval, has an air of haze to certain tracks). But, vocals and high notes are special, addictive, bass is lite but clean. Makes me want to listen again to this track.
https://open.qobuz.com/track/84890348
Switching back to the Verite Open with the above track:
WOW…presence is in your face! It sounds the same but with better well everything…=( sorry HD800(SDR) well…actually the highs and stage is “better” on the HD800(SDR)…Ok with the Verite Opens this track gets very intimate and “present” almost overwhelming/encompassing… it is easy to get lost on the sea of ZMF with this combo…
New song:
https://open.qobuz.com/track/61364756
Ok, starting with the Verite Open… just sounds right… vocals are up front with the instruments just hanging right behind them, but, with impact and clarity! Really liking the drums on this track in the background…fantastic
Ok back to the HD800(SDR) Cleaner…less warm… vocals are still upfront but drums and instruments are closer and wider. Addictive… feels “fresh” and “lite”
So this is tough and honestly both have excellent qualities and merits that I wouldn’t/couldn’t pronounce a “winner” but, honestly could be very happy with either. Depending on mood, either “crisp” “clean” or “warm” “intimate” with “depth” is how I would choose. Mind you this is on this specific chain… but damn if both aren’t exceptional sounding headphones… I am a believer in multiple headphones for “spice of life” listening… and this little experiment just re-enforces that belief.
But, if you asked me to pick only one of these two…I would have to give it to the Verite Open.
Image below, but with the VC not VO of my current super stacks lol
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