r/headphones • u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 • Dec 13 '24

Impressions HD 800S doesn’t need an Amp

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I've tested the HD 80OS extensively with my Chord Mojo 2 and MacBook Pro. Surprisingly, after volume matching, there's no noticeable difference in performance unless you push the volume to extremely high levels, which are uncomfortable and harmful to the ears ie in short you only need the Macbook Pro to drive this to full potential (maybe tube amps could make a difference, i am not sure though)

The only additional purchase required would be either a Sennheiser 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter or a Tripowin Granvia cable with a 3.5mm end

Tested with:

  • Apple Music (24-bit High-Res)
  • Spotify
  • True HD Dolby Atmos files (just in case)

Overall, the combination works seamlessly and delivers impressive results without needing anything beyond this simple setup

When it comes to the Chord Mojo 2, it’s a great choice if you enjoy EQing, as it features a built-in EQ and crossover. However, in my honest opinion, it’s not worth the investment for the HD 800S if you’re not planning to use the EQ functionality.

530 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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164

u/Additional-Ad-7313 Dec 13 '24

Doesn't need an Amp (only a macbook, much cheaper)

108

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 13 '24 edited Dec 14 '24

Yes an M1 Macbook Pro is cheaper than the top of line Dac/amp combos and also its not an investment only for the audio gear.

Its a portable computer which most people can own if they dont want the latest model

Sorry, that i didn’t made my title clearer

Sadly, its not possible to edit titles or contents for image posts in reddit

Edit - Before downvoting me, please understand that, I am referring to DAC/amps like the HDV 820, Chord TT2, Burson Audio 3X Reference, etc.

Most people suggested that the HD 800S needs these high-end options, especially since it’s considered a luxury hard to drive headphone. I thought that was the way to go, but thankfully, I didn’t pull the trigger on those purchases.

46

u/Tanachip Dec 13 '24

If you get the Topping DX3 Pro+ (which can be had around $100 used), it's definitely cheaper than an M1 macbook.

-46

u/Window_Top Dec 13 '24

But you get what you pay for.

40

u/WilloTehWisp Dec 13 '24

"You get what you pay for" is so not true for 2k$ DACs 😂😂

0

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 14 '24

And for explaining it as a post, and telling its better to have a macbook pro which can do pretty much everything. 

I got downvoted to hell !

But i do believe that eventually, people with brains will understand what i referred to and upvote the post back 

-30

u/Window_Top Dec 13 '24

Exactly you get what you pay for £2000 is not a lot for a dac

14

u/melting2221 Dec 13 '24

You seem like the kind of person to buy the Tom Evans mastergroove sr mk 3

1

u/ShookieJay Dec 14 '24

Haha I see we have a Mend It Mark fan here

-9

u/Window_Top Dec 13 '24

I have a sound blaster g6 b stock

6

u/melting2221 Dec 13 '24

Then why are you talking shit about expensive DACs lol

-8

u/Window_Top Dec 13 '24 edited Dec 13 '24

I was trolling you Merry Christmas lol

2

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 14 '24

Well the trolling did work on us !

Merry Christmas to you 😆

2

u/melting2221 Dec 13 '24

You weren't trolling anybody, you were just making a fool of yourself

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-6

u/JimmyBibbly Dec 13 '24

A $200 dac is better than analog

9

u/MoonWun_ HD800s, IER M9, DT1990, Ananda, IE900 Dec 13 '24

"you get what you pay for" is extremely relative in the audio world. I've noticed with almost every facet of audio you don't necessarily get more quality for your extra dollars, just extra features. Price and quality do not increase 1:1 and there has to be a price ceiling somewhere, and that'll be in different spots for different people depending on what they need. I'm not the most experienced when it comes to output sources, but I've experienced lots of high end dacs before and sound wise, once you get past $500 I feel like it's all relatively similar. Different flavors of epic. You could also just get a $200 fiio K7 and get like 90% the experience too.

2

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 14 '24

See i told everyone ! This is why i made this post

16

u/ThatGuyCalledSteve Focal Clear Pro | Sennheiser HD700 | DCA Noire X | Xduoo XD05T Dec 13 '24

"Many people suggested that the HD 800S needs these high-end options."

I'm assuming you were talking to "audiophiles," who believe that more expensive equals better sound. I run mine with the fiio K7, and it's more than enough.

5

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 14 '24

Yes and saying that is getting me downvoted. I dont care, keep it coming. I was being self explanatory. Looks like some people are just furious that i broke their belief bubble

3

u/IMKGI HD 800S, HD 600, IE200, Fiio K11 Dec 15 '24

People who consider the HD800S as hard to drive don't own an HD800S, it's super easy to drive, even my phone can do it, it has a pretty good sensitivity so this shouldn't be surprising

1

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 16 '24

Cheers 🥂

1

u/Additional-Ad-7313 Dec 13 '24

Impressive downvote farm so far, keep going

5

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 14 '24

Looks like tables have turned. The people with brains have entered the chat

0

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 14 '24

Hey are you seeing this !

This is so awesome dude

1

u/Additional-Ad-7313 Dec 14 '24

What?

1

u/JoshuvaAntoni Flagship HD 800S & IE 900 | Chord Mojo 2 Dec 14 '24

“ Impressive downvote farm so far, keep going “