Sennheiser HD800 and HDVA 600 Review

[Vintage Pete]

That's a beautiful headphone rig for sure Dan...I definitely look forward to giving it a listen on my next visit.

[HiFiGuy528]

IMO, HDVA600 and HDVD800 are worth every penny. Great choice Dan.

[wpascoe]

Dan ... As you may recall, I was so intrigued by your original comments on the HD800 headphones that I immediately got on the phone to my dealer. At the same time, I ordered the HDVD800 headphone amp and the CH800 balanced cable to round out the system.

As I write this, it's 3:07 AM, and I've been trying to go to bed for the last two hours. But ... I can't. First it was The Beatles' "Rubber Soul," in honor of Sunday's anniversary. Then The Doobie Brothers' "Minute by Minute." Then Yes' "Fragile." And I just dropped the needle on Side A of The Rolling Stones' "Let It Bleed."

Damn you, sir! This IS addictive, and I shan't bother to put quotation marks around the word.

I concur wholeheartedly with your comments on the ease of wearing them (perfect fit, light to wear, no fatigue AT ALL, even after one six-hour session, my longest ... so far) and the sound quality. I feel like I'm in a recording studio, listening to master tapes. I close my eyes and see the mixing board in front of me, and I want to reach out and tweak some instrument's level!

This is a dynamite combination. Seriously.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[jdandy]

Bill.......I am 100% with you on the addictive nature of this wonderful headphone and amplifier combination. I remember you commenting on ordering the Sennheiser HD800/HDVD800/CH800S package. I am glad you posted your impressions because I was wondering what you thought. No doubt about it, this headphone system is exemplary.

[Jerome W]

Dan,

I am going to ask my dealer if he can let me the HDVA600 for a few days to compare it with my 300B Manley.
With the EH 300B tubes, the sound was a bit harsh at times on average recordings. The switch to Genalex reissue Gold Lion 300B's made my HD800 listening completely addictive. The sound is now more natural, the timbres are delicate and rich, while keeping impressive dynamics and resolution.
An SS amp like the Senn may give more bass tightness than a 300B SET but I'm not so sure. I wonder if the timbres will be as rich as with the 300. The comparison will be interesting.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Dan,

I am going to ask my dealer if he can let me the HDVA600 for a few days to compare it with my 300B Manley.
With the EH 300B tubes, the sound was a bit harsh at times on average recordings. The switch to Genalex reissue Gold Lion 300B's made my HD800 listening completely addictive. The sound is now more natural, the timbres are delicate and rich, while keeping impressive dynamics and resolution.
An SS amp like the Senn may give more bass tightness than a 300B SET but I'm not so sure. I wonder if the timbres will be as rich as with the 300. The comparison will be interesting.

Jérôme.......I will be interested to read your impression of the Sennheiser HDVA 600 headphone amplifier. I am curious how it compares to your Manley 300B preamplifier headphone output. I hope your dealer will be able to accommodate your request.

[HiFiGuy528]

Consider Lehmann Audio Linear as well.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by jdandy

.........the addictive nature of this wonderful headphone ......

You guys are killing me......I couldn't stand it anymore, I caved and ordered the HD800 today. Should arrive in a few days. I'll wait and try it with my Woo and Luxman amps before I go for the balanced setup and decide on a cable.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

You guys are killing me......I couldn't stand it anymore, I caved and ordered the HD800 today. Should arrive in a few days. I'll wait and try it with my Woo and Luxman amps before I go for the balanced setup and decide on a cable.

Tony.......I predict you will love the Sennheiser HD800 headphone. It is truly an amazing product.

[djwhog]

Congrats Tony, you are going to wearing them 8 hours a day I feel