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Author Topic: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800  (Read 100584 times)

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Lojay

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #600 on: September 20, 2015, 02:48:53 AM »
Forget the Luxman. Overpriced as hell and entirely lackluster.
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Anaxilus

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #601 on: September 20, 2015, 02:52:16 AM »
Quote from: kothganesh on September 20, 2015, 02:13:21 AM
I will vouch for the BW but want to know why the ZD Super is not getting the attention it truly deserves.

I think there's simply far more BWs in circulation. ZDS is really good with the right driver tube.
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Ringingears

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #602 on: September 20, 2015, 03:04:38 AM »
I listen with great enjoyment to my BW with mod HD800 all the time. Using with Gungnir at present. Great match up in my opinion.
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DubiousMike

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #603 on: September 20, 2015, 03:27:00 AM »
Quote from: Thenewdude007 on September 19, 2015, 11:10:08 PM
WooAudio WA2, tube-ish sound, warm & smooth, sounds like a tube version of the V200 & apparently has the same weaknesses. I did read from someone that they actual have very different sound signature (was not reiterated further).

I'd recommend striking the WA2 from your list.  Except for the beautiful case work, it is arguably a downgrade from your crack.  There is no constant current loading the tubes and no room for film output caps.  WA2 can still make for enjoyable listening for someone who prefers a smoother tubier sound, but it is definitely less detailed and dynamic than a speedball crack to my ears. 

I take it you aren't interested in building a mainline?  Among $1,200 tube amps, it is really hard to beat.  There aren't that many of them in circulation, but those who have heard it tend to have good things to say.  E.g. OJ's comment: http://www.head-fi.org/t/650510/the-new-hd800-impressions-thread/18825#post_11662861 (duly noting that Doc B's tape rig as a source is supposed to be off the charts phenomenal). 
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kothganesh

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #604 on: September 20, 2015, 07:05:32 AM »
Quote from: Anaxilus on September 20, 2015, 02:52:16 AM
I think there's simply far more BWs in circulation. ZDS is really good with the right driver tube.

Anax, some recommendations please. I am using the stock tubes now. Thanks.
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Anaxilus

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #605 on: September 20, 2015, 07:56:07 AM »
Quote from: kothganesh on September 20, 2015, 07:05:32 AM
Anax, some recommendations please. I am using the stock tubes now. Thanks.

Ask Merv about the 6SL7s. He knows what I liked. I'm not really the 6SL7 guy.
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kothganesh

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #606 on: September 20, 2015, 09:05:09 AM »
Checked the amp and it uses the Yungsol 6SL7 GT which from all I've read is a very good driver. Apparently there is a GTY as well so off I go to check...thanks
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Thenewdude007

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #607 on: September 20, 2015, 09:26:52 PM »
Quote from: Lojay on September 20, 2015, 02:48:53 AM
Forget the Luxman. Overpriced as hell and entirely lackluster.
What if it could be had for $1,200.
My only reference is this thread. Marvey compared the Luxman to EC's Zana Deux, even though he seems to not have tried EC's own solid state Black Widow amp.

Quote from: DubiousMike on September 20, 2015, 03:27:00 AM
I take it you aren't interested in building a mainline?  Among $1,200 tube amps, it is really hard to beat.  There aren't that many of them in circulation.

If I had the proper skills, I definitely would. Paying someone to assembly it would skyrocket it in the higher end priced DNA & Eddie Current amps.
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CEE TEE

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #608 on: September 20, 2015, 10:27:30 PM »
Right now, I'm thinking this...

Cheapest and still great: good software with EQ > Geek Out V1 1000 > Modded HD800
Pretty cheap, great value, punchy/big sound, helps with HD800 tonality:  Crack/Speedball > Modded HD800
Versatile/practical Solid State, Medium/Higher price but good value: good software with EQ > EC Black Widow > Modded HD800
More expensive/next level tube amp, great control and linearity with some tube goodness: EC Zana Deux Super > Modded HD800
Definitely expensive, special headstage presentation, ability of least-fatiguing sound from HD800:  EC Balancing Act w/KR PX-4 > HD800. 

Extra notes on Geek Out:  I have an order for V2+ and expect that it will be sweeter than the GO 1000 V1 (based on V2 and V2+ prototypes I have borrowed) but the V1 is working very well with higher buffer in Amarra Tidal and no external power, so the form factor is just great and 1000 has plenty of gain.
Extra Notes on the Black Widow:  This set-up is good for many types of phones because of amp, does something subtly "liquid" with treble that is really good for dynamic driver and sigma-delta DAC grain)
Extra notes on ZD/ZDS:  After hearing the ZD Super, I want to do some mods on my original (non-SE) ZD and try to boost its performance.  After getting some parts replaced and output tubes on my original ZD, it isn't as satisfying as it was when it was having problems.  It was a bit peakier before, but had some sweet euphony...now it is "okay" but doesn't seem to sound as good as it looks.
Extra Notes on BA:  Very tunable with output and driver tubes. New Cinemag transformers (have not heard yet) may tighten up the bass which can be a weakness of BA performance. I do still miss this amp most out of all gear I have sold- but cost, expensive/rare output tubes needed for rolling, and size of this amp/power supply made it hard to keep in a big stable of tube amps/gear without a dedicated room.  Not sure if I will eventually get one again or an EC Studio or stay happy with these less expensive options. Trying to be more responsible and selling the BA made me buy three other amps to compensate. :-\ So yeah- it is hard to give up serious goodness but that has led me to try lots of current options and find these to share with you.

Right now I am surprised and happy at how the HD800 can be tamed and enjoyed in many ways that are so satisfying.  I have tried to list a few that people can get and should be able to be very happy with.
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Ringingears

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Re: Best Amps for Sennheiser HD800
« Reply #609 on: September 20, 2015, 10:52:18 PM »
I find the choice between the Black Widow and the ZDS difficult.  I would probably lean towards towards the ZDS, but the heat from those Russian tubes just wouldn't work during summer up here. I have a speaker amp with 4 of them so I know. So the BW is the most logical choice. At some point I will add the Gumby and may just spend time listening to more music. Of course I could go nuts and have both amps. One for summer the other for winter. But that would be a bit over the top.

Although the nice warm glow from a tube amp on a cold winter night.........
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