Sennheiser HD 800 Redux

[HeadphoneAddict]

No, mods actually do something.

Okay, that's what I thought. Thanks.

So, like I said, "Even un-modded I thought the HD800 played well with TTVJ's Luxman P-1u loaner."

[Wmcmanus]

Loved them with the best recorded classical. Couldn't enjoy them with jazz...

I find that this sort of thing is true with many headphones. Sometimes, I just flip through them trying to match them to the music I'm in the mood for like I used to do when I was trying to find the right tie for the shirt and pants I was wearing that day.

[Eric5676]

Been happy with my pair since the day they first came out.

[Dreadhead]

Been happy with my pair since the day they first came out.

Me too. Love them stock.

[The Monkey]

I don't like that Jim doesn't like them.

[morphsci]

Well I am all about the midrange. I will forgive shortcomings in the treble (K340) or bass (O II) response but not in the midrange. Plus at least 3/4 of my headphone listening time is with the Omega twins. Lastly, Shelly likes the HD800 and she has much better taste than I do.

Edited April 22, 2012 by morphsci

[Shahrose]

Has someone really bought the HD800 4 times already?

I love mine. If I had to keep only two cans it would be the HD800 and SR-007 MKI.

Bought mine twice...made a mistake selling them the first time. IMO? Best dynamic cans available, and I've owned most stuff.

[Shahrose]

Oh and for anyone who finds them distant-sounding...you're not alone. After spending a couple years with the 800s, my fix was a pure silver cable. Copper and stock SPC pushes the sound farther out and slows/thickens it.

Cable cynics will scoff...in which case they can have fun with their distant mids.

Edited April 22, 2012 by Shahrose

[wink]

"Cable cynics will scoff...in which case they can have fun with their distant mids."

They certainly will.

It's the same as someone who is colour-blind scoffing at those who can see colour.......

[Beefy]

It's the same as someone who is colour-blind scoffing at those who can see colour.......

Or perhaps it is the same as someone who can see colour, scoffing at someone who think they can see IR and UV.

[robm321]

I listened to the HD800s next to the K-1000s at the last meet which put to rest any interest. Great sounding phone but I'll stick with the HP-2 and K-1000 till something better comes along

[Shahrose]

I listened to the HD800s next to the K-1000s at the last meet which put to rest any interest. Great sounding phone but I'll stick with the HP-2 and K-1000 till something better comes along

Maybe it's just your preference, which is cool, but I wonder if you'd have a different opinion with more time spent. Owned both, sold the K1000 and didn't regret it for one second. Too far behind technically.

[The Monkey]

Oh and for anyone who finds them distant-sounding...you're not alone. After spending a couple years with the 800s, my fix was a pure silver cable. Copper and stock SPC pushes the sound farther out and slows/thickens it.

Cable cynics will scoff...in which case they can have fun with their distant mids.

Cable cynics will scoff because it's a whole load of horseshit.

[wink]

"Or perhaps it is the same as someone who can see colour, scoffing at someone who think they can see IR and UV. "

Perhaps they can. I'm not in a position to judge. I can only comment on what I experience.

[naamanf]

"Or perhaps it is the same as someone who can see colour, scoffing at someone who think they can see IR and UV. "

Perhaps they can. I'm not in a position to judge. I can only comment on what I think I experience.

FIFY

I also really like to HD800 but never got around to getting a pair. Hopefully I will get around to picking up a pair in the near future.

[swt61]

I don't like that Jim doesn't like them.

I don't like them either, and it's not just because they're Sennheisers. They're technically a good headphone, but I find them boring and a bit lifeless.

[guzziguy]

So what you are saying, Steve, is that they just aren't flamboyant enough for you? Is that right?

[morphsci]

I think he is saying they are the ipodBJ of headphones.

[Tyll Hertsens]

That's gonna leave a mark.

[tkam]

The point about the mids is a good one. Sometimes they sound a little "distant" to me. Don't know how else to describe it.

That's exactly how I describe the mids on the HD800s whenever I'm asked. Sometimes the mids just didn't fit in with the rest of what I was hearing from the HD800. They do have some great qualities but for my tastes they just weren't keepers.

[The Monkey]

It's odd because I've heard the mids on the O2 have a sucked out, almost hollow sound when paired with the wrong amp. That also seems like a distant sound. But I don't think it's quite what is going on here with the HD800.

I also notice that I tend to listen to the HD 800 at lower volumes.

[wink]

Friends, Romans anc countrymen, lend me your ears...

I wanna see if I can hear what you hear.

[deepak]

the Omega twins

Those two do get along

[spritzer]

It's odd because I've heard the mids on the O2 have a sucked out, almost hollow sound when paired with the wrong amp. That also seems like a distant sound. But I don't think it's quite what is going on here with the HD800.

That's not what I've found to be honest and the number back this up since the midrange is the most benign load for any amp. Over blown bass, check. Distant and rolled off highs, check. Very compromised sound stage, check, but the midrange always shines through. Could just be me and the small issue of me falling hard for the 007 even off my old SRM-313...

[swt61]

It's odd because I've heard the mids on the O2 have a sucked out, almost hollow sound when paired with the wrong amp.

Well, I've heard that the β22 is a poor match for them, so take that info and do with it what you will.