Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Senn HD800 headphones and Meridian signature sound

Hello there!
I am on the verge to succumb and buy those headphones. I want the most true headphones out there for 700-1000 euros and those seem to qualify.

I have heard lots of talk about these, how they can be sibilant or treble pronounced. Also as they lack extreme bass foundation.

Frankly I cannot take those claims for granted because it is so subjective and source dependant. I know lots of source maker who use treble/bass boost to enhance their line up and I hate it.

When someone says it lacks bass and is sibilant for sure nobody on earth will like a bassless and treble fatiguing earphone! BUT HD 800 seems to be the most accepted headphone nowadays, maybe due to hype but I doubt that.

I already asked here about a headphone amp and was advised to look at Meier audio corda amps. Frankly I am leaning toward the new Classic amp, looks fantastic and is solid state. Another option is the tube amp Darkvoice 337 which seems like a bargin in tubedome. I would love to have a custom built tube headphone amp but I don't have the courage to shell out 2000 euros for an amp alone!

Hope it reaches some Meridianers in the same dilemna as mine, searching for a cutting edge headphone sound that is retaining the Meridian signature sound.

Sources will be Meridian 596 rca outs, 561 rca outs.

Thanks for reading.

Did you try Stax? You should certainly listen to them before you shell out that much dough on Sennheisers.

Never actually, what I read about them is their high end is so sweet but so expensive, like 5000� territory. About the lesser stax I read only good things but also that their amps is also very expensive!
But that is a good advice, I should seek some pairs for listenning tryouts!

I bought a new pair plus a second-hand amp on eBay (had just been serviced) for a bit over a grand. They're really amazing.

Just find a dealer and do some listening. See if you like the sound signature in general, then go from there.

+1 on Stax.

Anyway, thinking about the Senns or whatever headphone-related, keep in mind you'll WEAR them, so it is MOST important to try them.

We all have different head sizes/shapes, same applies to ears, and we all perceive different sounds from same headphones. Way, way different to speakers! So take others opinions or reviews just as orientation: you ave to try them by yourself, and decide. As an example I have a big head myself (probably empty but helmet size XXL!) so most headphones 'have' more bass when I wear them (more side pressure).

All this explains, too, why you'll see headpones of all tastes on sale in the speciallised forums etc (because for most people the only way to test is buy!).

You are totally right, it's not only based on reading, I have a crush on senns being I love my first pair as a child, then got several others senns I like them. My hats and panama are XXL size too and it's hard to find big size headware these days! Anyways it is interesting and would never have thought about that bass heavy sound comes from our giant heads (big heads are rarely empty m8!
HD 800 or others was my quest and was considering stax, but I succumbed and bought a tube amp already, so its gotta be dynamics headset!
the high price of the hd800 will be seriously weighted with listenning sessions with my amp. I will buy whatever sounds best with it. I guess the reason will lead me buying HD600 or HD650 used and be done with it, but the purchase of the amp was made to listen as many cans as possible to find happiness.

I am sure a good setup will transribe well the signature sound of my 596 and will report on my findings for meridianers here later who needs M in a can!

Btw the amp is the darkvoice 337 knockoff called la figaro 339. It got rave reviews, it's a dual mono single ended OTL that uses 6AS7 power tubes and 6SJT drivers. It seems to be kind of a bargain for non US who likes tubes. Quality seems dodgy but Im fearless!
In france its so expensive to buy into quality design and nos glasses! I have high hopes for now, listenning will tell..

There are certainly MANY good headphones out there, the Sennheiser HD800 being at the forefront. I have heard them being driven by the Leben CX-300xs. Its a bit pricy and because of that, I settled for a bargain AKG K701's which I think are just as good.

The STAX are way expensive, especially if you are comparing the same category, top brand top model against another. If so, then you must also try the ULTRASONE Edition 8 & EDITION 10 models, since you are parting with so much money for a pair of "cans".

I would not doubt the final choice would still be up there as these are the very top marques and I would attribute the decision to personal taste, comfort and choice.

Do share your review once you have your choice as its always good to learn and read about your experience.

Happy hunting!

Cheers!

Thanks I will report once I found out whats best for my head geometry!

I don't like closed headphones, and also dislike fake leather and real leather. By experience, especially in summer, it becomes unbearable to me with the sweat and the heat.

Those ultrasone seems overbuilt and overclassy with their leather. I also don't like the new high end chinese range of headphone with wooden rims waiting to crack under dry atmosphere! Same goes for similar grados. I value intelligent design very much.

I always loved headphones, and also always hated when they were uncomfortable! I'm not saying comfort rules but it's most likely the second most important parameter than can take over the trone if it's too uncomfortable.

I still have the Sony MDR F1 which is the most comfortable headphones ever made, very female friend friendly!
I'm looking at audio places in paris to demo some contenders, the problem today is lack of those places, and most importantly lack of availability of exotic demo units everything going online.

Don't want to go used though, and willing to have manufacturer warranty.

I auditioned the Sennheiser HD800 headphones Sennheiser HD800 recently in Hereford and was pretty impressed with them compared to my HD650's both driven by a lehmann Audio headphone amp. I am quite tempted to make the upgrade, would anyone be interested in my 2 year old HD650's in mint condition with box no warranty?

Ok but this seems like a good offer to me
Sennheiser HD800 Reference Headphones with Stefan Endorphin Connecting Cable

Why not buy a new pair �823 free delivery

here

Shaun

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