I think you should do a build for each company's TOTL cans (e.g. Sennheiser, Hifiman, Sony, Fostex, Beyer, etc.), showing which amp and source pairs best, etc.
The top of the line Sennheiser is the HE-1, which already comes with a headphone amp included - you can't buy it separately. It's 60k though, so it's not really of any interest to most of us.
I am a new owner of the THX DAC AMP based on a previous review. Thought I would extend a very big Thank you Josh. Very happy with this unit and look forward to using it every single day. Thanks for all the recommendations and look forward to additional reviews.
Yup, this is exactly my endgame setup, except I also have a Topping A90 for better amplification with more bass and speed than the built in ADI-2's amp.
schiit ragnarok 2 pre amping into the schiit vidar ,a schiit mjolnir, an 2 rme adi 2 pro with digital to digital (for eq, and crossfeed ) going into the denafrips pontus, and the diana v2 as well as a pair of svs ultra towers bifrocated tweeter being the ragnarok and the sub being the vidar
@@versaleyang agreed! The ADI-2 is nice but its HP amp is not the endgame for the power hungry Arya. It really scales great when dedicated amplification
@@versaleyang how much of a difference comparing the A9- to the hp out of RME? I’m getting my RME Rme and verite closed next week. Considering getting an amp but one with significantly better power than RME probably costs like 500 bucks at least.
Hey Joshua, the Monolith THX was discontinued about 6 months ago with no replacement version in sight, what would you recommend instead to someone who wanted all the features that it offered with the HD800S and is willing to go past budget?
My personal pick (and actual daily audio chain) is a Grace SDAC Balanced -> THX 789 -> Audeze LCD-X. Comes in a few hundred dollars under the $2k budget as well, since some better amps and dacs have come out recently. I think the LCD-X is my pick for modern recordings and mixes, while the Arya is otherworldly if you listen to older, more vintage recordings. Can't express how much I love my current setup
Loved this review because: 1) offered up several fresh ideas on mixing and matching equipment 2) good reviews, in their own right, of the equipment shown, 3) I happen to own the: Monoprice THX AAA DAC/Amp AND Hifiman Arya (and Focal Elex) AND xDuoo TA-20 tube amp (vs Darkvoice) This video gives me instructions and ideas on how to better utilize my equipment for an even more enjoyable experience. I don't need to spend any more money on gear rather I need to exploit the capabilities of what I already own. Damn, Josh just saved me some money in 2021; well worth my Patreon contributions!
Currently running Focal Clear Pros with the Monolith Desktop DAC/AMP at home and an ifi Micro BL for being somewhat portable or when I want a little different sound. I don't see myself upgrading for a long time. This channel played a big part in choosing the Clears and I am extremely happy with them!
Just wanted to say Joshua I love your reviews. Thanks to your feedback and honesty, I own a good $500 set up. I am rocking the Sundara, Topping D10s dac, and Magni 3 amp. I am also getting ready to build a portable set up and console set up. It will use the HD560s and Topping DX3+ Pro Dac/Amp. Super excited to build this setup.
These kinds of equipment mix and match takes a lot of technical and practical knowledge and you just summarised a lot of it in a well made video.. i got a lot of very useful infos from this one.. thank you, Joshua! ❤️
Can we get detailed settings for the THX DAC/AMP? Frequency and Q settings that work best with HD 800S? You mentioned 7K dip in video but nothing more specific than that. Great vid, thanks!
The DIRAC is interesting to use with cans however I feel where it is most useful and really shines is when driving a pair of near field bookshelf speakers. This Monoprice also works wonderfully with the LCD-X and IMO better in EQ to get the most impactful experience than the 800s. It is slightly less wide than the 800s setup but far more detail retrieval. This is the setup actually where I personally use the DIRAC setup the most with headphones.
another easy pairing with the HD800 is the DAC/AMP ifi micro iDSD Signature, plenty of power and the burr brown dac is pretty nice sounding...and you just plug your phone or laptop or PC into it for streaming
Hey Josh, your discussion about the EQ reminded me to request a video from you: what can an EQ do and not do? For example, can it make the right headphones more punchy? Can you emphasize soundstage? Can you bring out detail for headphones that appear to lack detail? Etc. I guess in other words, what sound characteristics can be controlled by EQ, and what can’t be?
Fully agree. The Clear is one of if not the best tuned headphone out there. Doesn't need any eq. Sounds great with everything. But it wouldn't fit in the unlock ultimate soundstage title here. Soundstage is (only) above average on the clears.
@@joggometer5393 Price difference + it's a different game. I was obsessed with the widest soundstage possible. If you're into this specific usage (gamers, classical, live e.g.) Here is the start and maybe the end. In this case it's not recommended to start tuning from a Focal Clear. You can't EQ the soundstage unfortunately. Not really.
@@tonyleungnl For me the soundstage thing is overrated by most people and gets to much hyped up! Regardless of headphone, it's not like liatening to a dedicated surround sound speaker setup. It is a stereo system on your head and besides frequency tuning, in the "air range", and/or a little bit of diffuse field trickery, as it is with the 800 series, there is nothing more for soundstage a headphone can do. The differences are not night and day in stage. A balanced frequency response is the most important aspect for long term listening, avoiding fatigue, and to hear everything as it should be (quite like an oled TV). The 800s sounds artificially wide for me and stretches everything in this wide sounding and tinny soundscape. For gaming, at least for pure enjoyment, you want at most something with "oomph" in the bass range, to get the fun out of events happening in the low registers and the highs shouldn't be too high in level or peaky, because most of game sounds aren't mastered to the highest quality. In both cases the hd800 series is average at best. Had it long enough, for roughly 6 months in my collection. For competitive gaming it's great, but elsewhere, not so much. Planars (Ananada, Arya) or dynamics with punch and slam like the focal clear or biocellulose cans (nighthawk, denon d7200) are far more enjoyable for gaming on a pure enjoyment level. All Sennheisers are average at best in the low notes department and no eq, i have an rme adi 2 with parametric eq abilities, can change that to a satisfying degree.
I use my HD 800 S with a Beyerdynamic A2. A hell of on combination. Resolving, spacious, and and with a very good low end if you toggle the A2 to 100 Ohm Output-Impedance. Great for classical music and gaming is out of this world.Cheers from Germany.
I know this video is a year old but was wondering what amp you would recommend now that this amp is no longer being made. Looking into getting the HD800s but don’t want to pull the trigger until I know what amp is best for that specific headset
J.V., if you go to parts express and purchase an EH 6SN7 and JAN 6AS7 tube for a combined total of $33 plus a variable output transformer for the Darkvoice. If you lower the voltage to 100V, which is what the Darkvoice wants to be fed, you'll experience no hum. I opened mine up and disconnected the pre out ground and power on light from the circuit. It removes a tarp from the sound.
This series is what I needed to months ago at the beginning of my journey, keep up the great work. Looking forward to upgrades paths between the price points after you hit your goals.
You should do a comparison of all the setups as like a season finale, you could talk about how it might be or might not be worth upgrading your setup if the quality isn’t that much of an improvement
If anyone is looking for a linear amp/dac combo, that is not it. That has the AKM4493 Dac inside it which colors the sound. The ESS SABRE dac's however do not, they are linear. So if you want a linear dac/amp you want one with a ES chip in it, not an AKM.
Hey Joshua In the past Weeks i Thougt abbout buying a dac, an amp and a pair of headphone for editing. I thought about the modious, magnious and the dt1990 pros. In the review from the magnious you said it would be really precise. So would this be a good idea or would the balanced schiit equipment be overkill and i schould get a Topping DX3 pro instead, because its also neutral and it has bluetooth, also its not balance like the 1990s. I just wanted to know your opinion about this
I tried the 800S DAC/amp combo, and either I got sibilance like you noted, or scooped sound and still an underlying shrill nature with some serious midrange and phase issues. My hearing is very acute due to years of critical mixing and mastering and lots of at home musical enjoyment. I am trying to find some great headphones now, as I have always done my pleasure listening and professional mixing on speakers/monitors (e.g. Martin Logan Renaissance, Focal Trio, Piper Payne, Barefoot stacks, etc). What do you recommend as a top headphone + DAC system, not constrained by price?
Although I am new to the audiophile world, I have learned some principles from this series so great job! Would be great if there is a video on where the Focal Clear Pro fits in. I currently have it paired with Schiit Vali 2+ and Modi 3+. Enjoying the sound for now but would like to know where to take the next stage to, probably trying a new tube.
Hi, thanks for the build. It's interesting that you chose the HD800S for the $2000 build even though you put it in B tier in your tier list video from last year and there are cheaper ones in higher tiers. I'm curious, is it because of the specific amp pairing / EQ which synergizes well with the headphone and cancels out some of its cons? Or were you also thinking of gamers (Since you praised the HD800S for gaming)? Mind elaborating on your choice a bit?
I think he chose these headphones just because it has the largest sound stage. If there were headphones known to have a larger one then maybe he would have picked those instead.
I think at this price, you may make some more videos, like base head $2000, analytical sound $2000, planar magnetic $2000, electrostatic $2000, etc. It will be very interesting to see many options based on preference.
My god this video just made my day.. My 800s is arriving in few days.. and i have this moniprice Amp/dac already, could you please help with the EQ profile through this amp? I would really appreciate it, because i have zero idea on how to EQ.
Hey, Joshua! I love your videos. I recently started looking into the Sennheiser HD 800 S and was thinking of buying them. Any recommendations on a build for gaming on PC?
I keep hearing. Oh the magnius and modius are awesome if you don’t want the amp dac combo of the mono price. But no one compares them. What’s the difference
How about a build guide based on let’s say “getting the best sound out of Spotify” if our only real streaming source is that (rather than tidal or other super high fidelity sources) at what price point does it “not really matter anymore”?
I use a triscuits box filled with an epoxy resin attached to a 3/4 inch thick piece of oak that’s about 6x8 inches square for my headphone stand. It looks funky and people ask about it when they see it because it’s odd to have headphones hanging out on a box of crackers.
Hey, totally off topic but what are your tubey style studio lights in the background there? Because I kinda want some. Also, 2k. Welp. Let me see if I can trim this down somehow.
Literally just bought 800S and HDV820, can’t wait for those to show up, but as those are built for each other, ignoring price, does that look like a better than this set?
what you have is pretty much an end-game setup! the HDV820 was made to marriage in harmony with the Hd 800S & will even max out the capabilities of their Hd 6 series line-up.
Nice video Joshua, I have the Sennheiser 800S which I certainly can recommend and I have this THX DAC/AMP as well I was not happy with this AMP It does not have high/low gain and it's very hard to find the sweet spot for the volume and you can't run two line outs at the same time for example speakers out/RCA with the Headphone out, Volume wheel scroll is very slow, it's very frustrating navigating the menu on the unit & Dirac is not something I found much use for. I bought the Topping DX7 Pro I recommend that AMP/DAC over this one has everything I can ask for and more.
Hey guys, Im searching a balanced dac/amp. As features I'm searching balance out (XLR or 4.4mm) and dual xlr out for a second amp (a tube amp). Do you have any suggestions? (not too pricy please)
@@mastroitek sure thing, then I use swyh-rs (software to send my PC audio to the raspberry pi & DAC) over the intranet. I think I might make a video on it.
I just got into IEMs after having high end systems in everything but headphones. Worked for Magnolia, Paradigm Sound and Vision and Sony. Live in Denver and have attended a few RMAF. A lot of work in SQ quality car builds. Specifically, line arrays inside a car. Think of an array of 2" drivers in a line under the glove box, yet the tweeter is on the dash time it right and it’s pretty incredible. So I am a big fan of DSP. At heart I love JBL Cinema and JBL Synthesis. I currently have two JBL 3722N and a Crown DSi 2000. Not ideal for an apartment. So, I will be selling those. After trying 6 different $2k(ish) systems I found myself in love with the KEF LS50 Wireless. However, I want to save for the LS50 Wireless II + Stands or do what seems to be the smartest movie in 2ch Hi-Fi and save for the Buchardt Audio A500 or even the A700. I’d like to note I believe the success behind both wireless LS50(s) were due largely to their dedicated and high output amps, sealed chambers in the enclosure and most importantly the DSP. The Buchardt Audio company has struck gold in my opinion. So while I save for the LS50 Wireless II at $3k or Make a ONE time purchase of the Buchardt Audio A700 in a few years. The tech will only get better. So, I decided I great sound now and later. The LS50s ended up in the bedroom and the acoustics were amazing. I told myself just wait and returned them. My car system is either being used for its two 12s or I’m wearing my Sony WI-1000X (2018). These In-Ear Headphones are a hidden Gem. The 2nd gen WI-1000XM2 sound worse. I’ve auditioned the WH-1000XM4 to see what experience I’d get switching to a headphone they are great. However, I rather enjoy the sound of In-Ears/IEMs over headphones and they are more discrete. Thus began my IEM/DAP research. How do I build upon 3 years of Sony’s signature sound? Easy. Grab a Fiio M11 DAP and a pair of Sony IER-M7. Literally the next step in the Sony chain. The M7s fit was amazing, had that Sony signature, but the bass was horrible. I took note that the WI-1000X had and internal amp and were active noise canceling. Next logical step is the Sony IER-M9(s). Waiting for them to get in stock on a specific site. Meanwhile, I kept the Fiio M11 and tried the Fiio FA9 Knowles 6 BA and did not like it. The Shure SE846. poor quality. Sennheiser IE80S to see if I might like their sound and try the Sennheiser IE 800 S. I did not like the 80s. Duna Luna Beryllium IEM. Loved it but did not have the low end extension I need for EDM. Also, at this point I’m realizing I’m going to start colleting IEMs lol. So I returned the Fiio M11 and the Duna Luna. In the mail is a New HiBy R6 DAP and the Final Audio A8000 Beryllium IEMs to audition. Still need to audition… Sony IEH-M9 J H Audio Contour XO JH Audio 16v2 Purchase the Campfire Audio Polaris II (Amazing for EDM I hear) 64 Audio U12T 64 Audio And I just came across these Beyerdynamic Xelento Wireless In a perfect world the Sony IEH-M9 will have enough bass to satisfy. Should I avoid any of these or prioritize them? Looking for a HiFi IEM with a BIG sound stage and enough bass for EDM.
My endgame setup under $2000 is as follows; HD800s (4.4 pentacon) + Topping A90 (4.4) + ifi Zen DAC (balanced) For 800s, you should make everything balanced. I tested different setup. Balanced setup provide better soundstage, opened sound, and smoothness. A90 provides tamed warm sound with enough clean power. Ifi zen dac adds soundstage and smoothness.
Coming from a car audio world trying to add headphone audio. Dirac is available separately to others but you need to buy a mini dsp which I seem to understand many headphone guys hate the idea of eq/dsp.
Thank you very much. Another great video and information. I have the 700's and really like them. Boy, it's amazing how many commentors want you to work harder (just for them), yet 'almost' all of them can't even bother to be courteous or polite. Just demanding. Really sad.
I've got a fairly good system consisting of a late model Yamaha amp with two sets of KEF floorstanding speakers and a set of Boland Acoustic floorstanders and two subs. When I'm having a good session it all sounds great but I always get in trouble with the neighbours. This looks like the perfect solution, cheers mate. :)
You always praise the Arya for its incredible scale. I'd really like to experience it but it's slightly out of my budget. Any headphone that's "90% for half the price" in terms of the Arya's scale?
There is a lot of hype on the new Goldplaner GL2000 on Drop for around $600. Zeos and a few other reviewers say they are close to Arya. Other reviewers say not. They are new headphones and in a few months, there will be many reviews. Maybe they will be 90% of Arya for 50% of the price - maybe not.
Long time viewer, first time commenter. Just wanted to say that I love the channel, Josh. One question: I also have the Monoprice DAC/Amp, which I love. Got the Fidelio X2HR for casual listening, and the DT 1990s as my daily driver. Love both headphones. But I've been saving up for a higher range, endgame-ish headphones for a while. I'm leaning towards the Aryas, but would be open to other suggestions. Thanks!
Haha, I had a similar question and I bought the Arya. Arya is a kind of all round "planar". Some say (Hawaii boy): You need ONE planar and ONE dynamic headphone in your life. Actually you can try to EQ your headphone first, before spending money to you next level. EQ don't cost a thing, but it will bring you to the next level and opens an other chapter in your way to the end-game.
Long time lurker, finally subbed to your awesome channel. Been wanting to buy above average audiophile gear for a long time, but I live in Hawaii and SHIPPING PRICES SUCK! Can't wait to see your budget builds for the average consumer.
just got schiit magnius, waiting on modius... my Mayflower Arc is louder, When the modius shows up will it give louder sound from the magnius or just more clarity? I also have some balanced cables and connectors showing up.
@@omeee have you heard clears with a high end head phone? I find they actually scale well in a Burson, Flux, Phonitor, V280/281 level hp amp as opposed to Topping A90.
I have the hd800s and I have been very happy with THX DAC AMP combo. If you dont mind, what settings on the DAC AMP do you use? Thank you for your excellent report.
Synergy... Awesome. Wondering if you had a chance to look into the Schiit Bifrost combo with a Magnius... I’m looking into the in between space between detailed with depth, width, and imaging.
I think you should do a build for each company's TOTL cans (e.g. Sennheiser, Hifiman, Sony, Fostex, Beyer, etc.), showing which amp and source pairs best, etc.
The top of the line Sennheiser is the HE-1, which already comes with a headphone amp included - you can't buy it separately.
It's 60k though, so it's not really of any interest to most of us.
This is such a great series. With synergy being so important, I don't know why more YT hifi/audiophile reviewers don't do this.
Cause Technie wants to sell you the headset and Joshua mostly displays what's he showing and describes other stuff
I am a new owner of the THX DAC AMP based on a previous review. Thought I would extend a very big Thank you Josh. Very happy with this unit and look forward to using it every single day. Thanks for all the recommendations and look forward to additional reviews.
Can you do a bass build, midrange build, treble build, soundstage build and imaging build for each price range?
Bass; Modhouse Argon on a THX AAA 789 or something.
Treble: DT990. That's it.
Soundstage: See video.
Imaging: DT880/TYGR on an Atom stack.
@@dannybos7024 Bass: Atticus or Eikon?
@@autumntothestar Your choice.
@@dannybos7024 what about Grado for treble?
@@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797 Itś meh.
Arya + ADI-2 endgame setup
Abyss 1266 Phi tc + eleven audio Formula s and perhabs an elf audio xiaudio powerman psu 🙂👍
Yup, this is exactly my endgame setup, except I also have a Topping A90 for better amplification with more bass and speed than the built in ADI-2's amp.
schiit ragnarok 2 pre amping into the schiit vidar ,a schiit mjolnir, an 2 rme adi 2 pro with digital to digital (for eq, and crossfeed ) going into the denafrips pontus, and the diana v2 as well as a pair of svs ultra towers bifrocated tweeter being the ragnarok and the sub being the vidar
@@versaleyang agreed! The ADI-2 is nice but its HP amp is not the endgame for the power hungry Arya. It really scales great when dedicated amplification
@@versaleyang how much of a difference comparing the A9- to the hp out of RME? I’m getting my RME Rme and verite closed next week. Considering getting an amp but one with significantly better power than RME probably costs like 500 bucks at least.
Could you pls. share the amazon link for 4.4mm female to 4pin xlr adapter cable ?
Monolith isn't as available now. Any alternatives for a simlar price with eq options?
*me gets my pay check*
Joshua: so I go and make the guy spend his money
Hey Joshua, the Monolith THX was discontinued about 6 months ago with no replacement version in sight, what would you recommend instead to someone who wanted all the features that it offered with the HD800S and is willing to go past budget?
Really wish I could know what new options are there 🤔
My personal pick (and actual daily audio chain) is a Grace SDAC Balanced -> THX 789 -> Audeze LCD-X. Comes in a few hundred dollars under the $2k budget as well, since some better amps and dacs have come out recently. I think the LCD-X is my pick for modern recordings and mixes, while the Arya is otherworldly if you listen to older, more vintage recordings. Can't express how much I love my current setup
Can you please share your EQ settings?
Loved this review because:
1) offered up several fresh ideas on mixing and matching equipment
2) good reviews, in their own right, of the equipment shown,
3) I happen to own the: Monoprice THX AAA DAC/Amp AND Hifiman Arya (and Focal Elex) AND xDuoo TA-20 tube amp (vs Darkvoice)
This video gives me instructions and ideas on how to better utilize my equipment for an even more enjoyable experience. I don't need to spend any more money on gear rather I need to exploit the capabilities of what I already own. Damn, Josh just saved me some money in 2021; well worth my Patreon contributions!
Currently running Focal Clear Pros with the Monolith Desktop DAC/AMP at home and an ifi Micro BL for being somewhat portable or when I want a little different sound. I don't see myself upgrading for a long time. This channel played a big part in choosing the Clears and I am extremely happy with them!
Just wanted to say Joshua I love your reviews. Thanks to your feedback and honesty, I own a good $500 set up. I am rocking the Sundara, Topping D10s dac, and Magni 3 amp. I am also getting ready to build a portable set up and console set up. It will use the HD560s and Topping DX3+ Pro Dac/Amp. Super excited to build this setup.
Loving these videos! I would love to see a great pairing for the LCD-X!
These kinds of equipment mix and match takes a lot of technical and practical knowledge and you just summarised a lot of it in a well made video.. i got a lot of very useful infos from this one.. thank you, Joshua! ❤️
Can we get detailed settings for the THX DAC/AMP? Frequency and Q settings that work best with HD 800S? You mentioned 7K dip in video but nothing more specific than that. Great vid, thanks!
I've never clicked so fast - this is my exact set-up. Josh, could you share the EQ settings you put on the DAC/AMP for the 800s?
+1
Yeah I would love this as well
+1
+1
is this your first setup, or did you upgrade and if so what did you upgrade from?
Hey Josh, could you do this same build series for portable setups?
You should add a playlist to your channel about those system build
The DIRAC is interesting to use with cans however I feel where it is most useful and really shines is when driving a pair of near field bookshelf speakers. This Monoprice also works wonderfully with the LCD-X and IMO better in EQ to get the most impactful experience than the 800s. It is slightly less wide than the 800s setup but far more detail retrieval. This is the setup actually where I personally use the DIRAC setup the most with headphones.
another easy pairing with the HD800 is the DAC/AMP ifi micro iDSD Signature, plenty of power and the burr brown dac is pretty nice sounding...and you just plug your phone or laptop or PC into it for streaming
Hey Josh, your discussion about the EQ reminded me to request a video from you: what can an EQ do and not do? For example, can it make the right headphones more punchy? Can you emphasize soundstage? Can you bring out detail for headphones that appear to lack detail? Etc. I guess in other words, what sound characteristics can be controlled by EQ, and what can’t be?
Worth mentioning Josh - earlier HD800S runs had a 4 pin XLR cable packaged with it.
Why not a focal clear recommendation?
I would take the clear over these any day plus you dont have to prat around with eq correcting faults since they have none.
Fully agree. The Clear is one of if not the best tuned headphone out there. Doesn't need any eq. Sounds great with everything. But it wouldn't fit in the unlock ultimate soundstage title here. Soundstage is (only) above average on the clears.
@@joggometer5393 Good point I missed the soundstage part of the title
@@joggometer5393 Price difference + it's a different game. I was obsessed with the widest soundstage possible. If you're into this specific usage (gamers, classical, live e.g.) Here is the start and maybe the end. In this case it's not recommended to start tuning from a Focal Clear. You can't EQ the soundstage unfortunately. Not really.
@@tonyleungnl For me the soundstage thing is overrated by most people and gets to much hyped up! Regardless of headphone, it's not like liatening to a dedicated surround sound speaker setup. It is a stereo system on your head and besides frequency tuning, in the "air range", and/or a little bit of diffuse field trickery, as it is with the 800 series, there is nothing more for soundstage a headphone can do. The differences are not night and day in stage. A balanced frequency response is the most important aspect for long term listening, avoiding fatigue, and to hear everything as it should be (quite like an oled TV). The 800s sounds artificially wide for me and stretches everything in this wide sounding and tinny soundscape. For gaming, at least for pure enjoyment, you want at most something with "oomph" in the bass range, to get the fun out of events happening in the low registers and the highs shouldn't be too high in level or peaky, because most of game sounds aren't mastered to the highest quality. In both cases the hd800 series is average at best. Had it long enough, for roughly 6 months in my collection. For competitive gaming it's great, but elsewhere, not so much.
Planars (Ananada, Arya) or dynamics with punch and slam like the focal clear or biocellulose cans (nighthawk, denon d7200) are far more enjoyable for gaming on a pure enjoyment level.
All Sennheisers are average at best in the low notes department and no eq, i have an rme adi 2 with parametric eq abilities, can change that to a satisfying degree.
I recently got a HD800 with a Schiit Modius+Jotumheim and I can tell that the soundstage and DETAIL is nuts. Good video Joshua!
Hey Josh, are you waiting on the GL2000's to ship too?
I use my HD 800 S with a Beyerdynamic A2. A hell of on combination. Resolving, spacious, and and with a very good low end if you toggle the A2 to 100 Ohm Output-Impedance. Great for classical music and gaming is out of this world.Cheers from Germany.
I know this video is a year old but was wondering what amp you would recommend now that this amp is no longer being made. Looking into getting the HD800s but don’t want to pull the trigger until I know what amp is best for that specific headset
Seen that headphone stand in other videos. Doesn't look like HP fit on the thing and could knocked off real easy and over 100 bucks??
J.V., if you go to parts express and purchase an EH 6SN7 and JAN 6AS7 tube for a combined total of $33 plus a variable output transformer for the Darkvoice. If you lower the voltage to 100V, which is what the Darkvoice wants to be fed, you'll experience no hum. I opened mine up and disconnected the pre out ground and power on light from the circuit. It removes a tarp from the sound.
Josh, great video. Very well thought out including the reasoning behind your decisions why these components work well with one another. Thank you.
Hi Joshua, What about a tier list of headphone amp? Please :D
This series is what I needed to months ago at the beginning of my journey, keep up the great work.
Looking forward to upgrades paths between the price points after you hit your goals.
You should do a comparison of all the setups as like a season finale, you could talk about how it might be or might not be worth upgrading your setup if the quality isn’t that much of an improvement
Do you think the Drop THX AAA 789 and Grace SDAC Balanced or THX DAC AMP outperforms the Schiit Magnius/Modius you featured previously?
If anyone is looking for a linear amp/dac combo, that is not it. That has the AKM4493 Dac inside it which colors the sound. The ESS SABRE dac's however do not, they are linear. So if you want a linear dac/amp you want one with a ES chip in it, not an AKM.
Would you still recommend this as the best build under 2k? Maybe replacing the HD800S with an LCD-X/XC
As a person with a really modest setup looking to build a new and better one, I love this serie.
Hey Joshua
In the past Weeks i Thougt abbout buying a dac, an amp and a pair of headphone for editing. I thought about the modious, magnious and the dt1990 pros. In the review from the magnious you said it would be really precise. So would this be a good idea or would the balanced schiit equipment be overkill and i schould get a Topping DX3 pro instead, because its also neutral and it has bluetooth, also its not balance like the 1990s. I just wanted to know your opinion about this
I tried the 800S DAC/amp combo, and either I got sibilance like you noted, or scooped sound and still an underlying shrill nature with some serious midrange and phase issues. My hearing is very acute due to years of critical mixing and mastering and lots of at home musical enjoyment. I am trying to find some great headphones now, as I have always done my pleasure listening and professional mixing on speakers/monitors (e.g. Martin Logan Renaissance, Focal Trio, Piper Payne, Barefoot stacks, etc). What do you recommend as a top headphone + DAC system, not constrained by price?
Can you make a low budget build? Loving this series
Although I am new to the audiophile world, I have learned some principles from this series so great job! Would be great if there is a video on where the Focal Clear Pro fits in. I currently have it paired with Schiit Vali 2+ and Modi 3+. Enjoying the sound for now but would like to know where to take the next stage to, probably trying a new tube.
Hi, thanks for the build. It's interesting that you chose the HD800S for the $2000 build even though you put it in B tier in your tier list video from last year and there are cheaper ones in higher tiers. I'm curious, is it because of the specific amp pairing / EQ which synergizes well with the headphone and cancels out some of its cons? Or were you also thinking of gamers (Since you praised the HD800S for gaming)? Mind elaborating on your choice a bit?
I think he chose these headphones just because it has the largest sound stage. If there were headphones known to have a larger one then maybe he would have picked those instead.
I think at this price, you may make some more videos, like base head $2000, analytical sound $2000, planar magnetic $2000, electrostatic $2000, etc. It will be very interesting to see many options based on preference.
Hi, may I know what music streaming services do you use in your daily listening?
any recommandation for which to choose?
Thoughts on using the HD800S with an audio interface like an Audient iD14? I also use Sonarworks in conjunction with my setup.
My god this video just made my day.. My 800s is arriving in few days.. and i have this moniprice Amp/dac already, could you please help with the EQ profile through this amp? I would really appreciate it, because i have zero idea on how to EQ.
agree
Hey, Joshua! I love your videos. I recently started looking into the Sennheiser HD 800 S and was thinking of buying them. Any recommendations on a build for gaming on PC?
I also subbed too btw!
I wish my comment got some love 🥺
I keep hearing. Oh the magnius and modius are awesome if you don’t want the amp dac combo of the mono price. But no one compares them. What’s the difference
How about a build guide based on let’s say “getting the best sound out of Spotify” if our only real streaming source is that (rather than tidal or other super high fidelity sources) at what price point does it “not really matter anymore”?
agree
As always, thank you for the content! I've been looking for a good headphone stand, so just ordered 3 stands through your link.
Hey Josh, if one swapped in the Topping A90D how would this change the presentation, if at all?
Hi Joshua, I have the HD800S and the Monolith dac/amp, do you mind sharing the EQ settings you use, please?
please joshua do a 200 dollars system , you're going to be doing a lot for me , great series btw
adaptor links plz
I use a triscuits box filled with an epoxy resin attached to a 3/4 inch thick piece of oak that’s about 6x8 inches square for my headphone stand. It looks funky and people ask about it when they see it because it’s odd to have headphones hanging out on a box of crackers.
Hey, totally off topic but what are your tubey style studio lights in the background there? Because I kinda want some.
Also, 2k. Welp. Let me see if I can trim this down somehow.
God I wish I could find out what those are lol
Quasar Science RBG Lights. Quite pricey but really pretty
@@JoshuaValour what specific model are they?
@@JoshuaValour Super pretty. 👌🏻
Dave2d never tells us, so you helped me out a lot.
If you can pick up a pair of focal clears on sale with a schiit modius and jotenheim 2 that system sounds fantastic and could be under $2000
How will this set up sound with a GOXLR attached?
What eq settings do you normally use?
Literally just bought 800S and HDV820, can’t wait for those to show up, but as those are built for each other, ignoring price, does that look like a better than this set?
what you have is pretty much an end-game setup! the HDV820 was made to marriage in harmony with the Hd 800S & will even max out the capabilities of their Hd 6 series line-up.
Nice video Joshua, I have the Sennheiser 800S which I certainly can recommend and I have this THX DAC/AMP as well I was not happy with this AMP It does not have high/low gain and it's very hard to find the sweet spot for the volume and you can't run two line outs at the same time for example speakers out/RCA with the Headphone out, Volume wheel scroll is very slow, it's very frustrating navigating the menu on the unit & Dirac is not something I found much use for. I bought the Topping DX7 Pro I recommend that AMP/DAC over this one has everything I can ask for and more.
Hey guys, Im searching a balanced dac/amp.
As features I'm searching balance out (XLR or 4.4mm) and dual xlr out for a second amp (a tube amp). Do you have any suggestions?
(not too pricy please)
Build one with Hifiberry Dac+ pro XLR. I built mine for $100 fully balanced. Good luck
@@bradsnyder8645 Thx, that seems fun!! I like it
@@mastroitek sure thing, then I use swyh-rs (software to send my PC audio to the raspberry pi & DAC) over the intranet. I think I might make a video on it.
Song? 4:10
Would you still recommend the AMP in later 2022 or are there better alternatives. Primarily focus is gaming and Music during the day.P
Already own both the THX and the HD as my endgame! Also got the LCD-X for a change.
I just got into IEMs after having high end systems in everything but headphones. Worked for Magnolia, Paradigm Sound and Vision and Sony. Live in Denver and have attended a few RMAF. A lot of work in SQ quality car builds. Specifically, line arrays inside a car. Think of an array of 2" drivers in a line under the glove box, yet the tweeter is on the dash time it right and it’s pretty incredible. So I am a big fan of DSP. At heart I love JBL Cinema and JBL Synthesis. I currently have two JBL 3722N and a Crown DSi 2000. Not ideal for an apartment. So, I will be selling those. After trying 6 different $2k(ish) systems I found myself in love with the KEF LS50 Wireless. However, I want to save for the LS50 Wireless II + Stands or do what seems to be the smartest movie in 2ch Hi-Fi and save for the Buchardt Audio A500 or even the A700. I’d like to note I believe the success behind both wireless LS50(s) were due largely to their dedicated and high output amps, sealed chambers in the enclosure and most importantly the DSP. The Buchardt Audio company has struck gold in my opinion. So while I save for the LS50 Wireless II at $3k or Make a ONE time purchase of the Buchardt Audio A700 in a few years. The tech will only get better.
So, I decided I great sound now and later. The LS50s ended up in the bedroom and the acoustics were amazing. I told myself just wait and returned them. My car system is either being used for its two 12s or I’m wearing my Sony WI-1000X (2018). These In-Ear Headphones are a hidden Gem. The 2nd gen WI-1000XM2 sound worse. I’ve auditioned the WH-1000XM4 to see what experience I’d get switching to a headphone they are great. However, I rather enjoy the sound of In-Ears/IEMs over headphones and they are more discrete.
Thus began my IEM/DAP research. How do I build upon 3 years of Sony’s signature sound? Easy. Grab a Fiio M11 DAP and a pair of Sony IER-M7. Literally the next step in the Sony chain. The M7s fit was amazing, had that Sony signature, but the bass was horrible. I took note that the WI-1000X had and internal amp and were active noise canceling. Next logical step is the Sony IER-M9(s). Waiting for them to get in stock on a specific site.
Meanwhile, I kept the Fiio M11 and tried the Fiio FA9 Knowles 6 BA and did not like it. The Shure SE846. poor quality. Sennheiser IE80S to see if I might like their sound and try the Sennheiser IE 800 S. I did not like the 80s. Duna Luna Beryllium IEM. Loved it but did not have the low end extension I need for EDM. Also, at this point I’m realizing I’m going to start colleting IEMs lol. So I returned the Fiio M11 and the Duna Luna. In the mail is a New HiBy R6 DAP and the Final Audio A8000 Beryllium IEMs to audition.
Still need to audition…
Sony IEH-M9
J H Audio Contour XO
JH Audio 16v2
Purchase the Campfire Audio Polaris II (Amazing for EDM I hear)
64 Audio U12T
64 Audio
And I just came across these
Beyerdynamic Xelento Wireless
In a perfect world the Sony IEH-M9 will have enough bass to satisfy.
Should I avoid any of these or prioritize them? Looking for a HiFi IEM with a BIG sound stage and enough bass for EDM.
Is the Monolith DAC/AMP discontinued? I cannot seem to find it anywhere. I'd love to grab it
Keep doing these builds Josh! They are awesome!
Could you tell us where to buy the adaptor?
Budget for me.. $200 880 6ohm. $200 asgard. $150 topping dx3 in dac mode. Amazing
My endgame setup under $2000 is as follows;
HD800s (4.4 pentacon) + Topping A90 (4.4) + ifi Zen DAC (balanced)
For 800s, you should make everything balanced. I tested different setup. Balanced setup provide better soundstage, opened sound, and smoothness. A90 provides tamed warm sound with enough clean power. Ifi zen dac adds soundstage and smoothness.
Coming from a car audio world trying to add headphone audio. Dirac is available separately to others but you need to buy a mini dsp which I seem to understand many headphone guys hate the idea of eq/dsp.
Thank you very much. Another great video and information. I have the 700's and really like them. Boy, it's amazing how many commentors want you to work harder (just for them), yet 'almost' all of them can't even bother to be courteous or polite. Just demanding. Really sad.
Thanks for your awesome and informative videos! Headphone and amp ordered today.
What are your general EQ settings on this setup?
I've got a fairly good system consisting of a late model Yamaha amp with two sets of KEF floorstanding speakers and a set of Boland Acoustic floorstanders and two subs. When I'm having a good session it all sounds great but I always get in trouble with the neighbours. This looks like the perfect solution, cheers mate. :)
Love this series! Keep going on 👌🏻
I thought my ifi zen dac + shp9500 already has a pretty sick soundstage. Can't wait to upgrade to he400i soon
400i2020 with magni 3+ and the apple dongle is amazing!
Just bought this same exact build! And im really engoying it! Thanks for the advice Joshua! I’m just waiting for the Darkvoice to arrive.
You always praise the Arya for its incredible scale. I'd really like to experience it but it's slightly out of my budget. Any headphone that's "90% for half the price" in terms of the Arya's scale?
That would be the Ananda with a good DAC and amp
There is a lot of hype on the new Goldplaner GL2000 on Drop for around $600. Zeos and a few other reviewers say they are close to Arya. Other reviewers say not. They are new headphones and in a few months, there will be many reviews. Maybe they will be 90% of Arya for 50% of the price - maybe not.
Gl2000
Where's the link to your HD800s build? I think I heaed you did one before and you'll link it
I bought these two weeks ago when they went on sale. I’ve been listening on my Feliks Elise.
was this dac/amp discontinued? Anywhere I can still pick it up?
Long time viewer, first time commenter. Just wanted to say that I love the channel, Josh. One question:
I also have the Monoprice DAC/Amp, which I love. Got the Fidelio X2HR for casual listening, and the DT 1990s as my daily driver. Love both headphones. But I've been saving up for a higher range, endgame-ish headphones for a while. I'm leaning towards the Aryas, but would be open to other suggestions. Thanks!
Haha, I had a similar question and I bought the Arya. Arya is a kind of all round "planar". Some say (Hawaii boy): You need ONE planar and ONE dynamic headphone in your life. Actually you can try to EQ your headphone first, before spending money to you next level. EQ don't cost a thing, but it will bring you to the next level and opens an other chapter in your way to the end-game.
@@tonyleungnl thanks for the feedback! care to share a bit more about your experience with the Aryas? Things you like, don't like and any surprises?
Long time lurker, finally subbed to your awesome channel. Been wanting to buy above average audiophile gear for a long time, but I live in Hawaii and SHIPPING PRICES SUCK! Can't wait to see your budget builds for the average consumer.
can I hook up mayflower dac/amp with magnius amp? or will mixing the two mess something up?
Your quality is absolutely insane in this
love these videos tho great vid man :)
i bough this Amp/Dac with DT 1990 Pro while waiting for the HD8xx you think is gonna make a good pair?(for the 1990 that is)
my current soundstage/imaging setup is rme adi 2 dac>JotR>Raal SR1a.
I love this new series
just got schiit magnius, waiting on modius... my Mayflower Arc is louder, When the modius shows up will it give louder sound from the magnius or just more clarity?
I also have some balanced cables and connectors showing up.
Why is no one else doing a series like this?
Can you make a video on the best portable digital audio players at different price points?
I'd go used and get a pair of Clears ($750) + Burson Soloist 3XP ($850) + Topping D90 ($400) .. Josh these shows are fun, good content!
no point in spending so much for dac/amp. Especially on amp for Clears.
@@omeee have you heard clears with a high end head phone? I find they actually scale well in a Burson, Flux, Phonitor, V280/281 level hp amp as opposed to Topping A90.
I have the hd800s and I have been very happy with THX DAC AMP combo. If you dont mind, what settings on the DAC AMP
do you use? Thank you for your excellent report.
Joshua what software do u use in your pc to listen to Flacs or dsd and is it better than windows media or the equivalent in Apple and why?
Will you be able to try out the Burson Composer 3X Performance and Composer 3X Performance in the future?
How can I use this set-up with a goxlr?
Synergy... Awesome.
Wondering if you had a chance to look into the Schiit Bifrost combo with a Magnius... I’m looking into the in between space between detailed with depth, width, and imaging.