Best Amps for HD800S - 2023 Edition

Something I'd like to add to the topic in the spirit of synergy for 800, it is common knowledge that it needs a synergistic amp. One aspect that gets overlooked and something I learnt a few years into owning the 800 was, how the DAC was just as critical. Most 800 veterans here on SBAF probably are already familiar with that sentiment. If you are either new to the 800 or, have rolled different amps but feel that there is still a bit of thinness and stridency, the problem just might be the DAC. Chord DACs are a good example of bad synergy for the 800. What you need is a DAC that is punchy, dynamic, bold in the mids and void of stridency/edginess in the lower treble. If you own such a DAC, you should be able to run the 800 even on a neutral-ish/uncolored sounding tube amp.

 

Also, the HD800 was released 15 years ago. I dunno about y'all, but my high frequency hearing and has definitely dropped since then. Hell, the resurgence in Grado love around here is probably a soft nod to that already.

What I used to consider "super analytic and sterile" back in the day doesn't feel that way anymore. Granted, my understanding of sound has also changed since then.

Anyhow, we all hear things different, experiences change over time, YMMV, blah blah. In conclusion, we're all getting old.

 

Given the consensus on the difficulty of making the HD800 sound good, I’m curious about its longevity. I think it’s the only dynamic ultra-high-end headphone from that era still in production (the Stax 007 is about the same age but electrostatic). It was also ultra-expensive by the standards of the day (except the Sony R10, the original HE90 Orpheus, and the Stax Omega — but those were all made in very small quantities), but had to have sold well (judging by the serial numbers). If it wasn’t enjoyable with the system synergy available at the time, were people buying it and not using it? Or powering through? Seems like a lot of money to spend on something not enjoyable.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find this amp on the list.

Though I haven't had the chance to pair it with the HD800"S", it complemented three distinct HD800 models I tested: an early SN equipped with an sdr mod, a later version in its original form, and another with added internal padding. Some years back, I had the opportunity to use this amp for several months, courtesy of a kind-hearted friend in Texas.

I once believed that OTL amps couldn't match the quality of OPT variants, especially within similar price brackets. The Teton amp, however, challenged that notion. It may not possess the most vibrant harmonics or the traditional "tubey" essence, and while its soundstage might not compete with certain OPT amps in its price class, I was captivated by its smoky-black background, intricate musicality, a hint of refreshing coolness, and its powerful, textured bass. When paired with the ZMFs I owned, it didn't come across as overly rich or warm. Yet, when matched with the HD800, it not only elevated my musical experience but also heavily sidetracked my productivity lol, especially during my doctoral dissertation days. The exact magic behind its exceptional pairing with the HD800 remains a mystery to me, but it's undeniable that it did.

Also, from my personal aesthetic standpoint, it's a beauty. The blend of blue LED indicators, silver dials, and a matte finish gives the amplifier a distinctive, appealing look. If memory serves, the knobs and volume potentiometer were also of exceptional quality.

 

High end headphones as a journey, not a destination. Shoehorning the HD800 into an acceptable sound is probably better than hookers and blow, and has preoccupied many an old man who would otherwise be yelling at clouds.

 

I started getting interested in HPs around the time, 2015, Tyll was doing his Big Sound trials at InnerFidelity, and the feeling then (or my feeling anyway) was that the HD800 was TOTL for staging and imaging and close to TOTL for detail, resolution, etc. Perhaps only behind the various stat models. So, if you wanted sheer performance, and I think a lot of people will go for that even over tonality, then the Senn flagship was a top choice. Especially if you didn't want to go down the stat rabbit hole.

The influential Battle of the Flagships over on HeadFi also rated the HD800 highly.

I've never thought it was so bad stock, if paired with a warmer amp.

And the inherent steeliness/coldness/brightness maybe didn't bother folks who only listened to classical, and that's a pretty good chunk of audiophiles? I think there are way more Stax-heads, for example, out there than we acknowledge here.

I dunno. Maybe folks *like* the tweak-iness of the HD800, b/c you can hear the differences and thus climb higher and higher, etc.

 

I think the intention is also to have a great excuse to get together with friends, have mini meets when "XYZ Amp" was in the area on loaner, rather than hoarding the experience for ones own self, and bragging rights.

 

You and I talked about this a long time ago (not in the context of the HD800): https://www.changstar.com/www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,2608.msg74020.html#msg74020

 

I think Headamp’s latest iteration of dynalo+ module based amps and the upcoming CFA3 are decidedly warmer and more tonally rich than the original dynalo circuit.

The treble still sounds elevated but the overall sound is natural and not sterile. I think at least one Headamp amp should make it on the list.

 

So... it's kind of related but... should we even group DSHA-3FN into this listing?

I feel like 3FN in certain setups is quite warm-sounding and it does have a bit of magic with brighter-sounding headphones in general. I don't exactly have a stock HD800 anymore but it seems to do quite a lot of things right with HD800 drivers.

 

See, that's just because the old men haven't learned (or pride forbids) to substitute the blow for those little blue pills...

 

Been rocking BHA-1 and Phonitor XE with my HD 800S, I been primarily using Dangerous Convert 2 to source both of them. I can understand the reasoning about removing the BHA-1 off the list, I got mine used years ago for $900 but new price on them at $2500 is kinda mind blowing.

Phonitor One D was surprisingly a good pairing with the HD 800S at like 1/4th the price of the XE. Same signature and a better DAC than the included AKM made the HD 800S sing.

If it wasn't so hard/expensive to get, the Zahl HM1 I would be what I would probably sell my setup for as end game amp for basically everything. Great pairing on the HD 800S but also with the Susvara/HE-6 when I had a unit here temporarily. At CJ last month I had a few folks mention specifically they liked the HM1/800S pairing at the booth.

 

hello,
not intending to cause trouble... would these recommendations change if they were driving JAR HD800/HD800S?
curious minds would like to know.
cheers!

 

I doubt it. I've never observed JAR xxx altering the original pairing traits, as seen with models like JAR 580, 600, 650, 660, and 800. The modifications consistently centered around subtle yet meaningful adjustments.

 

I wonder if the new Violectric V222 would be a good pairing for the HD800. It's supposed to replace and improve upon the V280 while retaining a lot of its lauded characteristics. I believe that they also made some changes to the chassis design to bring the price down.

https://power-holdings-inc.com/Violectric-HPA-V222-Headphone-Amp-p505414428

 

FWIW I've paired the studio b with a pair of jjs and found it matches rather well with the hd800 wSDR mod. At the level of the Starlett if not above it. The JJs provide just the right amount of warmth without overstepping on the 800's tonality. Staging when paired with this amp is the most expansive I've heard in a headphone by a long shot. Just my2c.

For better or worse, this was the headphone that taught me the importance of gear synergy. Plenty of hours and money went into building a setup and having a list like this would help a lot. One thing I find particularly annoying about this headphone aside from it's treble tendencies is the condition of the pads dictates most of the sound you get out of the headphone. Factor in the price, iffy durability in humid climate and asinine earpad latch system that Sennheiser employs it is a headache in more ways than one. Can't seem to get rid of it despite it's shortcomings and it's my only constant in this hobby.