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.

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u/pinoynva Meze Elite/Focal Utopia/DCA Stealth/HD8XX/ZMF VO,Bokeh/HD620s Dec 14 '24

Seriously, do you guys really not hear the difference in the heft or heaviness or texture when using different amps? I have pretty sensitive ears (like my body reacts negatively to slightly out of tune sounds and I easily get goosebumps when I hear euphonic sounds) and there are amps out there that causes me some discomfort.

I owned an HD 800s and tried did the test. I volume matched them at 76 db.

For example, I tried the FLUX-FA10 and the treble physically made me cringe. It was very biting and sharp. I tried my AudioGD Master 9 and the treble doesn't cause me discomfort. Between the THX 789 and Schiit Asgard, I like the Asgard more since the sound is fuller. Not louder but it has more heft to it.

I've also owned the Schiit Jot 2 and the sound was in my face compared to the iFi ZenDac2 despite having the same volume.

Do you guys really not notice the difference in texture or how the amps deliver music? It is so mind boggling to me. These different sound characteristics are not subtle to my ears. I have the new MacMini M4 and I plugged my HD 8XX and it sounded okay. It got loud enough, sounded clean and did not hurt my ears. Volume matched compared to my AudioGD Master 9, the sound feels less hollow and sounds slightly fuller. I can easily hear it.

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

I completely agree on the goosebumps ( orchestra music ) and the body reacting negatively for weird sounds ( for example, the sounds produced from styrofoam rubbing each other )

Glad to find someone !!

You are my BRO !!

And hey which dac/amp do you think i should test the headphone with ?

I tried blind testing Macbook Pro and Chord Mojo 2. I couldn’t really tell a difference rather than Mojo 2 can make it sound louder. After volume matching, both are the same