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Sennheiser HD800S Review (Headphone)

if there are any HD800 owners out there that also use the RME- ADI 2 dac, have you tried Amirm's eq?
if so, is there still plenty of headroom left?

thinking of buying both, but dont know if i would be better off with the "pro" version and use balanced option
 
Is it any point in buying an expensive headphone? Since Eq seem to fix everything it comes down to comfort or what? Still using the old laughable Grado SR125 with Roon Eq if I wish , am I missing something?
 
Got a pair yesterday and they sound terrific, but I would like to try Amirm's PEQ settings. Any suggestions on a budget friendly device for peq? Using a JDS stack for amplification (so I just need eq)
Thank you so much for reading
 
Got a pair yesterday and they sound terrific, but I would like to try Amirm's PEQ settings. Any suggestions on a budget friendly device for peq? Using a JDS stack for amplification (so I just need eq)
Thank you so much for reading
Equalizer APO on Windows and SoundSource on Mac.

Some useful links below:

Keep in mind that .txt preset files for SoundSource and EQApo differ slightly in nomenclature, so they're not interchangeable.

Edit:
If a software EQ solution doesn't work for you, consider exchanging your JDS Stack for a JDS Element IV, which has EQ built-in.
 
Is it any point in buying an expensive headphone? Since Eq seem to fix everything it comes down to comfort or what? Still using the old laughable Grado SR125 with Roon Eq if I wish , am I missing something?

It depends! Nowadays expensive headphones are just too expensive for what they are, sure. Example: DCA Stealth vs E3 or Noire X even. Susvara vs Arya and so on. IMO, HD800s is worth vs HD600 range. No amount of EQ can make them sound alike.

Even with Harman target EQ correction, no two headphones sound the same or have the same sound presentation to every person. Same as how speakers don't perform the same in every room.

Essentially, basics need to be met: comfort, low distortion profile, sensitivity or how easy it is to drive, and channel-matching. Plus knowing your preferences and having the time to tweak them with EQ equals a great listening experience. That can cost $XXX for me, but $XXXX for someone else.
 
Equalizer APO on Windows and SoundSource on Mac.

Some useful links below:

Keep in mind that .txt preset files for SoundSource and EQApo differ slightly in nomenclature, so they're not interchangeable.

Edit:
If a software EQ solution doesn't work for you, consider exchanging your JDS Stack for a JDS Element IV, which has EQ built-in.
Thank you! I'll go for software
With "exchange" do you mean some kind of program on JDS to give one's used devices for a discount on new ones (like Apple)?
The Element IV costs around 700€ in the EU (shipping, taxes,...) so that's sadly not an option
 
Equalizer APO on Windows and SoundSource on Mac.

Some useful links below:

Keep in mind that .txt preset files for SoundSource and EQApo differ slightly in nomenclature, so they're not interchangeable.

Edit:
If a software EQ solution doesn't work for you, consider exchanging your JDS Stack for a JDS Element IV, which has EQ built-in.
Ooops just one tiny detail: when using SoundSource, can I output the signal via usb to my atom dac? Or does the software force the D/A conversion to happn in the computer itself? (apologies if this question is silly)
 
I did not expect the 800 S to have less headband adjustment range than the 6X0 and 5X0 series. Thankfully, they just about fit! Which is a great relief. I have to extend the headband until it can't anymore and then push down on the headband a little bit when it's on my head. One less notch and I'd have been out of luck. They are very comfortable.

I think my ears are pretty close to being centered in the cup, if not a tiny bit towards the bottom of the cup. Not sure if this will do anything to the sound or not, since I literally cannot do anything about it. They sound quite good, but on the "Thinner" side. Though I am used to things like the HD 650, so I guess I need to get used to it.

Can anyone confirm what it sounds like when your they are pushed slightly up on your head?
 
Try wearing it tilted with the headband a bit more towards the forehead.
 
Is it any point in buying an expensive headphone? Since Eq seem to fix everything it comes down to comfort or what? Still using the old laughable Grado SR125 with Roon Eq if I wish , am I missing something?
I've owned a few pairs of Grado 125's, those are actually great headphones for what they cost. In my opinion they better many in terms of full range of sound covered, detail, and high resolution. I actually preferred them to many more expensive models for that, and as you say with EQ they are a great headphone to own, they could be all you ever need really for your audiophile listening needs. They also have a nice open sound and present speaker like in some ways. Really enjoyed those.

I did think the Phillips X2HR were even better though, and you could get them for less money. They give a bigger sound have more bass and even better bigger speaker like presentation.

Back to the main point what's the point of this headphone extortionate spending? Well Ive already given an example of spending less is more with the Phillips. The HD800S on the other hand are a luxury spend but even with EQ those others may have characteristics that may be preferable to some, like more bass for example with the Phillips. However, nothing can match the HD800S for micro detail, nuance, finesse, not even some (most) exotica headphones or speakers for that matter. They are extraordinary! And perhaps unmatched for that. I have never heard so deep into the recording in my 40+ years as an audiophile. You pays you money you take you choice.

Comfort is subjective as well. The 800S are big cans but try to offset it by being as light as possible. You still never completely forget they are on but it's a small trade off for something like this. I think other big headphones are probably worse.
 
I did not expect the 800 S to have less headband adjustment range than the 6X0 and 5X0 series. Thankfully, they just about fit! Which is a great relief. I have to extend the headband until it can't anymore and then push down on the headband a little bit when it's on my head. One less notch and I'd have been out of luck. They are very comfortable.

I think my ears are pretty close to being centered in the cup, if not a tiny bit towards the bottom of the cup. Not sure if this will do anything to the sound or not, since I literally cannot do anything about it. They sound quite good, but on the "Thinner" side. Though I am used to things like the HD 650, so I guess I need to get used to it.

Can anyone confirm what it sounds like when your they are pushed slightly up on your head?
For small heads, look into something like the ZMF Crescent Snap Strap. Than should help. For the "thinner", look into EQung. I use the oratory1990 settings
 
It changes a little.
 
just looking at headphone power calculator on headphonesty and noticed when i select HD800 from list, it shows impedance of 430 ohms!
now, i know dynamics (or most) fluctuate but thats a massive hike over the 300 nominal.
is it correct and does this alter on the 800 S ?
 
just looking at headphone power calculator on headphonesty and noticed when i select HD800 from list, it shows impedance of 430 ohms!
now, i know dynamics (or most) fluctuate but thats a massive hike over the 300 nominal.
is it correct and does this alter on the 800 S ?

Same on HD800s

1735211860308.png


 
just looking at headphone power calculator on headphonesty and noticed when i select HD800 from list, it shows impedance of 430 ohms!
now, i know dynamics (or most) fluctuate but thats a massive hike over the 300 nominal.
is it correct and does this alter on the 800 S ?

Same on HD800s

View attachment 416540

It's no worse than the average speaker:
View attachment 369156

Attachment from ASR, Nubert NuVero 60 review
 
For small heads, look into something like the ZMF Crescent Snap Strap. Than should help. For the "thinner", look into EQung. I use the oratory1990 settings
I have the opposite issue with fitment, the headphone just barely fits on my giant head.

And ears slightly pushed to the bottom of the cup apparently only changes the sound "A little bit" Good enough for me I guess.
 
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