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98.145.88.111
Inquiring minds want to know.
"Lock up when you're done and don't touch the piano."
-Dr. Greg House
Follow Ups:
Bought a Sennheiser HDVD 800 balanced amp a few months ago -- very pleased with it. Although I will say that it is odd that Sennheiser is marketing a balanced amp for its flagship headphones but not a balanced cable. One is coming someday, apparently. I'm trying to decide if I should buy a balanced cable from a different vendor. I'm not getting everything I can out of the HDVD 800 without a balanced cable. Anyway, before the HDVD 800 I used a HeadRoom balanced amp with a built-in DAC and a balanced Cardas cable -- that setup was HEAVENLY. The HDVD 800 has audibly lower distortion (well, no distortion that I can hear), but the HeadRoom amp had crossfeed, which made the headphones "disappear," and an incredible bottom end.
I'm using a cardas cable on my HD800's and like it a lot.
"Lock up when you're done and don't touch the piano."
-Dr. Greg House
I don't have them, but i do have a Donald North Audio Stratus. Several owners report that it's the best amp they have ever owned for their HD800s. I look at the cost of those cans and gulp, "not again"!
I am currently using an older pair of K701s.
Observe, before you think. Think before you open your yap. Act on the basis of experience.
Both of Donald North's amps have the reputation for doing something special with the HD800. Sonett provides more of a modern, "solid state" sound. Stratus sounds more like classic tube gear.
I have never heard the Sonett, but do own the Stratus. It is somewhat atypical in an SET for its lack of color. When I think of classic tube gear, I don't generally think of SET, I think instead of older PP amps with a glorious mid-range, flabby bass and rolled off highs. When I think of classic SET, I think about very engaging, somewhat warm, intimate sound. The Stratus is more neutral, has very tight deep bass and a pure, clean top end, with the mid-range we've come to expect out of SET, but virtually no colorations. It can also be very lively. The 2A3 tube one uses makes a difference: single plates are best; the AVVT meshplate is at the top.
Observe, before you think. Think before you open your yap. Act on the basis of experience.
... a bit less warm sounding and less "colorful", with sharper leading transients and less "bloom" and/or note decay. Accordingly, it is supposed to be a bit more "transparent" sounding and maybe a bit tighter sounding throughout the bass range - or so it is said. (Disclaimer: I have never actually heard the Stratus, this is just hearsay info based upon various user statements I've read on the internet.)
Edits: 08/20/13 08/20/13
I would characterize the amps differently. To me the Sonett has a mid-hall presentation while the Stratus has more of a front-hall presentation with greater immediacy and "you are there" palpable presence. The Sonett has a moderated composure while the Stratus is more vivid and dramatic, and I would say the Stratus has sharper leading transients and greater layering. If they were wines, the Sonett would be a pinot noir while the Stratus would be 7 Deadly Zins.
It sure is nice to have one of the better headphone manufacturers contributing here. I'm a Pinot drinker.
Bottlehead Crack/Speedball. Best sound I've ever had.
WW
New Orthophonic High Fidelity
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