Wow, $1200! I love my music (use a HD650) but I do not think I can truly appreciate the sounds $1200 would buy me. Ears are not that pro.
Bay Bloor Radio
Sennheiser HD800 $1,199.95
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- Lovable
- Deal Addict
- Aug 21, 2009
- 4760 posts
- 383 upvotes
- MacBuster
- Deal Addict
- Nov 27, 2003
- 1896 posts
- 181 upvotes
Now you've gone and done. I now want a WA7 to drive my HD600's.plebeian wrote: ↑BALLER!
I was looking at getting a woo, but Canada Computers (which was the only retailer in Canada that used to stock their amps) stopped carrying them.
Know any retailers that carry woo in Canada, or do I have to take a trip to the states?
I really want a wa7 so I never have to worry about a dac or an amp again.
Thanks for nothing.
- txenglan
- Deal Addict
- Nov 22, 2003
- 3733 posts
- 2064 upvotes
Fun test for anyone in here using the HD800's (or any other headphones/speakers for that matter):
Was reading through another thread relating to a deal on some HD598's and noticed a post by the OP, recommending a test with a jazz instrumental piece sampled at 24bit/192khz. The OP's post on this is at:
sennheiser-hd-598-burl-wood-headphones- ... st17867461
The links provided at that post are:
http://soundkeeperrecordings.com/format.htm - The page from which the files can be downloaded.
http://soundkeeperrecordings.com/tracks ... -24192.zip - Goes directly to the 24/192 version of "Maria".
I've been re-reading on and revisiting the apparent debate about anything above 16/48. Fascinating stuff. By now, I am guessing everyone here has read:
http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html
I have a Jolida FX Tube DAC that I am currently using for serious music listening (speakers not headphones). The DAC can handle up to 24/192 but not via USB (which is what I use to feed it from one of the music sources I use). It only handles 24/192 when using coax or optical. That said, the DAC can do 24/96 via USB. I am going to run some comparison tests over the next week and see whether I can tell the difference between some identical material @ 16/48 and 24/96. I did do a quick comparison using headphones this morning but didn't have time to listen very carefully. Also, I was using ATH-AD700 via a FiiO E10 (which is limited to 24/96). I thought I might be able to hear a slight difference (between the 16/44 sample and the 24/96) when focusing on the cymbals but again, didn't have much time to confirm. If there was a difference, I felt I was going to have to "scrutinize" the samples to find it.
So...does anyone here hear any difference between all three samples? If so, what sounds different, specifically? Regardless of "if not/if so" - which headphones/amp/speakers are you using?
Was reading through another thread relating to a deal on some HD598's and noticed a post by the OP, recommending a test with a jazz instrumental piece sampled at 24bit/192khz. The OP's post on this is at:
sennheiser-hd-598-burl-wood-headphones- ... st17867461
The links provided at that post are:
http://soundkeeperrecordings.com/format.htm - The page from which the files can be downloaded.
http://soundkeeperrecordings.com/tracks ... -24192.zip - Goes directly to the 24/192 version of "Maria".
I've been re-reading on and revisiting the apparent debate about anything above 16/48. Fascinating stuff. By now, I am guessing everyone here has read:
http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html
I have a Jolida FX Tube DAC that I am currently using for serious music listening (speakers not headphones). The DAC can handle up to 24/192 but not via USB (which is what I use to feed it from one of the music sources I use). It only handles 24/192 when using coax or optical. That said, the DAC can do 24/96 via USB. I am going to run some comparison tests over the next week and see whether I can tell the difference between some identical material @ 16/48 and 24/96. I did do a quick comparison using headphones this morning but didn't have time to listen very carefully. Also, I was using ATH-AD700 via a FiiO E10 (which is limited to 24/96). I thought I might be able to hear a slight difference (between the 16/44 sample and the 24/96) when focusing on the cymbals but again, didn't have much time to confirm. If there was a difference, I felt I was going to have to "scrutinize" the samples to find it.
So...does anyone here hear any difference between all three samples? If so, what sounds different, specifically? Regardless of "if not/if so" - which headphones/amp/speakers are you using?
- Karlik
- Jr. Member
- May 20, 2008
- 151 posts
- 200 upvotes
- Toronto
I suggest actually trying to listen. HD800 sound nothing like anything for $200. It is impossible not to notice the difference regardless of age.
- BoombasticSloth
- Deal Addict
- Jul 15, 2006
- 2304 posts
- 683 upvotes
- Vancouver
FYI, the Questyle CMA800R is on massdrop for $999.99, free shipping to Canada. This is regarded as an excellent amp with the HD800.
all the best.
all the best.
- perpetuus
- Member
- Jun 24, 2010
- 305 posts
- 84 upvotes
To buy or not to buy? Alot of comparisons between this amp and the Bryston BHA-1. The latter is made in Canada and has a 20 year warranty.BoombasticSloth wrote: ↑FYI, the Questyle CMA800R is on massdrop for $999.99, free shipping to Canada. This is regarded as an excellent amp with the HD800.
all the best.
By the way, I am using a Zana Deux Transformer right now.
[IMG]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 7/vkts.jpg[/IMG]
- MacBuster
- Deal Addict
- Nov 27, 2003
- 1896 posts
- 181 upvotes
Where does the Wa7 fit in?perpetuus wrote: ↑To buy or not to buy? Alot of comparisons between this amp and the Bryston BHA-1. The latter is made in Canada and has a 20 year warranty.
By the way, I am using a Zana Deux Transformer right now.
[IMG]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 7/vkts.jpg[/IMG]
- perpetuus
- Member
- Jun 24, 2010
- 305 posts
- 84 upvotes
I don't have any experience with the WA7, but it is an intergrated solution with amp + DAC at $1,000. The Zana Deux Transformer is discontinued, and is a balanced version of the original Zana Deux. I am using it for both my headphones and my speakers, it has plenty of power. The replacement for this amp is the 2A3, but it is $3,200 to $3,900. A comparable Woo Audio product is the WA22, which fetches around $2,000 used locally.
I truly believe that solid state amps are better technically, and better value for the money, but tube amps have a distinct sound signature of their own.
- itacosentino
- Banned
- Feb 4, 2013
- 377 posts
- 114 upvotes
- Toronto
I tired the $500 denons at future shop, massive difference to regular headphones, the way the bass pulses and the sound stage was phenomenal, not to mention it was only an mp3 file. I'm sure these are even better, they're poorly marketed anyways .
- zhulinghe6152
- Member
- Mar 19, 2012
- 374 posts
- 81 upvotes
my local fs has one with no earpad lol.... Yes, way much better than the $100 ish and $200 ish headphonesitacosentino wrote: ↑I tired the $500 denons at future shop, massive difference to regular headphones, the way the bass pulses and the sound stage was phenomenal, not to mention it was only an mp3 file. I'm sure these are even better, they're poorly marketed anyways .
- plebeian [OP]
- Deal Addict
- Dec 28, 2012
- 1802 posts
- 370 upvotes
The WA7 is a great little amp/dac, but I wouldn't consider it "next level", you can get much better equipment, but it will likely cost you an arm and an leg.
The WA7's is a tube amp, dac, and has a dedicated linear power supply all for $1000.
Plus it looks gorgeous, and has the baller Woo Audio name.
It is more of an econo solution really.
IMO the WA7 is a good place to get out of this hobby before it consumes your soul.
- craig187
- Deal Addict
- Dec 25, 2012
- 1402 posts
- 193 upvotes
I wonder if the Biebs wore these rather than Beats whether he would be arrested less.
- jono454
- Deal Addict
- Mar 22, 2006
- 2091 posts
- 976 upvotes
- Scarborough
This hobby is a great way to consume your wallet and piss off your significant other =)plebeian wrote: ↑The WA7 is a great little amp/dac, but I wouldn't consider it "next level", you can get much better equipment, but it will likely cost you an arm and an leg.
The WA7's is a tube amp, dac, and has a dedicated linear power supply all for $1000.
Plus it looks gorgeous, and has the baller Woo Audio name.
It is more of an econo solution really.
IMO the WA7 is a good place to get out of this hobby before it consumes your soul.
- jono454
- Deal Addict
- Mar 22, 2006
- 2091 posts
- 976 upvotes
- Scarborough
Damn i'm super jelly..=(perpetuus wrote: ↑To buy or not to buy? Alot of comparisons between this amp and the Bryston BHA-1. The latter is made in Canada and has a 20 year warranty.
By the way, I am using a Zana Deux Transformer right now.
[IMG]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 7/vkts.jpg[/IMG]
For what it's worth here is my little stack. I have more but these headphones get the most use.
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/ecKtpDu.jpg[/IMG]
- xxchrno
- Newbie
- Mar 5, 2007
- 92 posts
- 33 upvotes
Hows the HD700 with the Lyr, jono? Been looking to pick up a pair if Razordog Audio gets them in stock
May just pick up the 800s if anything...
May just pick up the 800s if anything...
- jono454
- Deal Addict
- Mar 22, 2006
- 2091 posts
- 976 upvotes
- Scarborough
Love it. You may have to spend an extra $50-$60 to get some better tubes. The stock ones aren't that great.
When I changed the tubes to the orange globes they made quite a noticeable difference.
From what I gather, The HD800s are a lot more analytical and the HD700s are a more 'fun' version...minus all the superior micro detail and soundstage from the HD800.
- bpopd
- Deal Fanatic
- Apr 15, 2004
- 5264 posts
- 125 upvotes
- Nepean
You make the HD700 sound like a large downgrade from the HD800.
heatware available upon request
- bpopd
- Deal Fanatic
- Apr 15, 2004
- 5264 posts
- 125 upvotes
- Nepean
I dunno how this worked, but for some reason these discussions have justified a $1300 headphone for me to buy.
Consumerism ownz me.
Consumerism ownz me.
heatware available upon request
- leoben
- Deal Addict
- Dec 8, 2008
- 1887 posts
- 225 upvotes
- GTA
I live in Ottawa and it's pretty hard to demo stuff here.. Do you guys think it'd be weird if I show up at Bay Bloor Radio with my desktop amp, hoping to audition HD800? I'm a girl who is a bit shy to just try stuff without buying, not sure how customer service is at baybloor radio. Also, anyone know which other headphones they have for demo there? I currently use beyer dt880 with ALO PanAm desktop amp, and am sort of itching for an upgrade. Going to Toronto tomorrow so might as well drop by and hear this thing
- BoombasticSloth
- Deal Addict
- Jul 15, 2006
- 2304 posts
- 683 upvotes
- Vancouver
leoben: I don't think it is weird to show up with your own amp to demo their $1300 HP. Personally, I think people should demo HP, especially when they are at this price range. If the retailer does not have the amp that you are planning to drive the HD800 with, then absolutely bring in your own amp. Heck bring in your own dac, and notebook with your music as well. Just let them know when you walk into the store, that you brought in your own equipment to demo their headphone so that nobody mistakens you for leaving the store with "their" equipment.
all the best.
all the best.
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