The HD800 & HD800S thread

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by sorrodje, Oct 11, 2015.

  1. LSW

    LSW Facebook Friend

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    Fwiw I have both a jotunheim and Vali 2. I noticed no difference at all switching back and forth when I level matched using a multimeter on my hd800. Haven't tried tube rolling, just the stock Vali 2 tube. I used an a/b switch and really tried to notice differences by playing the same passages of songs back to back. I got nothing, they sounded the same. Either amp has plenty of power. Just get the one you want, unless you plan on tube rolling.
     
  2. digitaldave

    digitaldave Acquaintance

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    @Mystic, sorry for the slight post necromancy, but I’m reading up a bit on the HD800 as I may end up with a pair... I would be using them with a Valhalla 2 and a Bifrost that is currently stock (i.e. no upgraded USB, no Multibit but was planning on upgrading) so I’m interested to know why you say the Bifrost Multibit isn’t suited to the HD800. For reference, I currently have both HD600 and recently acquired HD650 running from my Valhalla 2 / Bifrost stack.

    Thanks,

    Dave.
     
  3. SnowPuppy

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    Going with the Modi Multibit over the Bifrost Multibit is a valid point of view. However unless you wanted to eventually upgrade to the Yggdrasil I would go with the Bifrost Multibit over the Modi Multibit. Especially since you already have a Bifrost that you can upgrade. The Bifrost Multibit has a better power supply and a better USB 5th gen input than the Modi Multibit. Unless you get the Eitr with the Modi Multibit. But then you have two wall warts taking multiple outlets vs one clean plug. This can be alleviated by getting the Schiit Floor wart. But with this and the Eitr the price is starting to approach the Bifrost Multibit. Plus the Bifrost Multibit is a much better physical match with the Valhalla 2 allowing a clean attractive stack. And when the next upgrade comes out for the Bifrost Multibit most will be especially glad they have the Bifrost Multibit instead of the Modi Multibit. I plan on getting a Yggdrasil to go with my Rggy. However when I do I still plan on upgrading my Bifrost Multibit when the time comes. I just love the Bifrost Multibit's form factor and great sound. I will use the Bifrost Multibit in a second system with either my Asgard 2, Mapletree Ear+, or perhaps a new Valhalla 2. I loved the sound I heard from the Valhalla 2 at the 2017 RMAF Canjam.
     
  4. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Bifrost Multibit is better for the long term given Schiit's DAC upgrades.

    Current Bifrost Multibit has disjoint bass and treble. Not as resolving as Gungnir Multibit, but treble is Yggdrasil / Gungnir Multibit like (incisive and not for folks who prefer relaxing) while bass is still mid-bassy and not the most taut like the exiting DS Bifrost Multibit, not quite having that fast "Moffat" bass. Consider that HD800 is already kind of like this, bright with some mid-upper bass warmth, probably not good to mesh together. IMO, HD800 would be better with a source like Modi Multibit which has not just a more cohesive presentation, but also a dark tonality. Add Eitr for sure if using USB.
     
  5. digitaldave

    digitaldave Acquaintance

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    @Marvey thanks for clarifying. Makes sense that it’ll just be adding more of the same, which isn’t necessarily a good plan. I guess this is similar to why the Jotunheim isn’t thought to be a good match with the HD800s, ie the ‘slightly glarey treble’ you mentioned in the Schiit amp compendium combining with the 6kHz peak on the headphones, right?

    Edit: added extra question to check my understanding of the combo.
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2017
  6. Erikdayo

    Erikdayo Friend

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    Would you say the same for the HD800S regarding those two DACs? I am looking for a DAC for the HD800S and HD650 and am considering the Bifrost multibit. This would likely be paired with a Valhalla 2 amp.
     
  7. allegro

    allegro Friend

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    Bifrost Multibit pairs well with the Vali 2 and HD800S from my listening. I think the Bifrost Multibit is a bargain at $600. I still have mine but now use a Brooklyn DAC+ in my main system because Schiit hates MQA:) Would also like to hear what Marvey thinks.
     
  8. SnowPuppy

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    Hopefully someone like HDtracks will still stream MQA if Tidal goes away:

    https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/13/tidal-jay-z-financial-trouble/
     
  9. wormcycle

    wormcycle Friend

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    Revisiting my HD800S listening experience and comparing them to HEKv2 on the Bryston stack I still appreciate sound stage, instrument separation etc.. but in comparison HD800S are sounding a bit disjointed, I mean the music does not come together, at least with complex classical tracks.
    Coincidentally I watched Currawong review of HD800S where he described something very similar: clear, sharp separation of instruments and voice with like empty space in between. He attributed this effect to excessive dumping of sound reflections inside the headphone cups, and mentioned that the HD800S dust covers playing an important role here.

    I removed dust covers and indeed I can hear the difference: the sound is just slightly diffused but there is more synergy between the instruments, overall more pleasant listening experience.
    Can it be right or I am just talking myself into some kind of BS?I

    I found an old post here regarding HD800 but not sure if this is related.
     
  10. Ice-man

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    Have you experimented with the rug/shelf liner mod? It seems to do a better job than the dust covers for me with regard to presenting a more natural and coherent staging.
     
  11. wormcycle

    wormcycle Friend

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    No I did not, may do that as well. But considering that in this case removing the dumping material, not adding it, "improved" the sound, at least to my ears, is this mode applicable to HD800S? If Currawong is right, the rug mode it would further reduce the sound reflections in the cups. I guess the only answer is in trying.
     
  12. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    When I had the HD800 (not S) I removed the dust covers, and technicalities the 800 is famous for vanished and everything sounded more smoothed over and homogenized so I didn't like it. I realized the dust covers were having a significant effect on the imagining/separation so I never removed them again. I did demo the 800S and while I liked it, it did not seem as accurate as the 800 in terms of imagining/separation. I found the 800 much better for classical.
     
  13. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    More upper midrange without the dust cover. Even the very first HD800 mods all ditched the dust cover. I have a shitty graph here that shows the effect with some early mod that I used. Stock the effect is similar, but not as big.

    One thing to note is that the HD800S resonator seems to be designed with the dust cover in mind, which helps to broaden the Q of the resonator. Otherwise the Q becomes too high and you'll get a peak just below and above 6kHz. Since I don't seem to be able to find my early HD800S measurements on the flat plate coupler that I posted here, I attached it again. Note that this shows less of a FR effect of the dust cover.

    Rug liner is applicable to both HD800 and HD800S.

    o_O
     

    Attached Files:

  14. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    Yeah, not doubting the FR specs, just saying it did not sound good to me with the dust covers removed on the 800... it sounded compromised. YMMV.
     
  15. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    No, to put it simply, everything matters with the HD800 as it is that resolving.

    All the best mods are here in this site and your really loosing out if you don't try.
    The HD800 even does not like its own cable lol.

    Also,
    if a "friend" asked me to suggest an amp for the HD800,
    I would never offer up anything except a tube amp.

    The sound of the HD800 (especially the mid-range realism) climbs with higher impedance tube gear.

    You also can't get away,
    that this is a brighter than average Headphone,
    and the added fact that it is end-game resolving only means it will EXpOsE your solid state gear weaknesses.
    :(
    Then you will blame the headphone which I did and bought & sold unit twice because of this..

    The solution for the HD800 is a non-glare DAC,
    and a non-fatigue harsh-free amp,
    wich you will not easily find unless its tube or hybrid gear.

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news and generalities,
    but I am speaking as a friend.
     
  16. Jerry

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    Really? Which cable best suits it then?
     
  17. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    For some reason almost every cable gives a better experience than stock.

    To get into specifics would be a "preference" choice that will not apply to everyone,
    But most everyone knows that the stock cable is generally regarded as garbage.

    Personally, I like Norne Draug2 for the HD800,
    But there are allot of other choices out now..

    The main thing to go for is the quality to be OCC copper or a silver,
    Or a silver/copper mix,

    NOT, never silver plated.

    To explain further would be going a bit off topic.

    Edit**
    My post sounds a bit rough,
    so reminder it is only my experience,
    and your own experience is more important..

    So take mine with "a few" grains of salt,
    to add under your own as advise only...

    Not telln anyone what to do,
    as thier own system synergy is the bottom line.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2018
  18. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    I have heard the whole "stock cable is garbage" argument. My HD800 came with an "upgraded" copper cable along with the stock, and I switched back to stock later on when I realized the upgraded cable (albeit smoother) was smearing details and f'ing with the imaging qualities of the headphone. The stock cable sounded fine to me. YMMV.
     
  19. AppleheadMay

    AppleheadMay Friend

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    I only buy “upgraded” cables for two reasons:
    - I need 4,5m (15ft) length
    - I like my cables in thick, soft cotton (or cotton-like) material
    For the rest I don’t hear the difference although with one headphone I have heard a difference between a stock copper and aftermarket silver cable, or at least I think I did.
    And the cables I buy are much more affordable than most aftermarket cable brands although I still find them pricey enough for a bit of superthin wire.
     
  20. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    Each able to make them less shouty and smoother with no tradeoffs.
     

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