Weighing in on Beyerdynamic T1's

[drewh1]

I just became a crack-aholic. I started with a pair of Senn HD600's because I heard good things and they were fairly inexpensive.  Turns out they were not for me.  They did sound veiled to me, even with an upgraded cable. I just did not enjoy listening to them.

I just plugged in a set of T1's and man do these things sound great, even right out of the box.  they seem to be such a match for the Crack, amazing dynamic range and great clarity, separation of instruments, all that audiophile stuff.

I can't wait to get my Ayre QB-9 DAC back from being upgraded. These things sound great even with my very inexpensive back up DAC. I am sure I'll be in heaven with the upgraded DAC. I haven't heard the HD-800's but I have to say, I don't feel the need.

[Paul Birkeland]

T1's have been selling for very reasonable prices lately, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a pair at today's prices!

[drewh1]

Yep, some good deals to be had on the 1st Generation.

[JamieMcC]

I preferred using the T1 with the my Crack to the HD800. The first generation T1 is very good value for the performance they offeer imho. Very tempted to try the new version.

[Rhok]

I've been looking to make a headphone jump, currently running the HD650's (Crack + Speedball), waiting to see how the Sennheiser HD800S reviews go.

Otherwise, I'm very tempted to just get the 2nd gen T1's, seems like everyone loves them.

[drewh1]

A friend of mine was over recently to check out my upgraded Ayre DAC. We compared the HD 800's to the T1's (I own the T1's). Went back and forth with a lot of different kinds of music. I have to say the Senn's have a magic about them. Different flavor from the T1's.  My only caveat is that I bet the T1's would be better for long listening although I didn't listen to the 800's for a long period of time.

My conclusion, I don't listen to headphones that much so I wouldn't spend the extra money but the 800's sounded awfully good through my Crack. If I had the resources, I would probably go with the 800's (or have both).

[Rhok]

A friend of mine was over recently to check out my upgraded Ayre DAC. We compared the HD 800's to the T1's (I own the T1's). Went back and forth with a lot of different kinds of music. I have to say the Senn's have a magic about them. Different flavor from the T1's.  My only caveat is that I bet the T1's would be better for long listening although I didn't listen to the 800's for a long period of time.

My conclusion, I don't listen to headphones that much so I wouldn't spend the extra money but the 800's sounded awfully good through my Crack. If I had the resources, I would probably go with the 800's (or have both).

Good feedback, as I was leaning towards the HD 800/S.
 
Just in-case it was missed, since Sennheiser's naming scheme on this one isn't that great - the HD 800 S is a brand new "improved' HD 800, and will be available sometime in January 2016 for the USA.

Some people have got their hands on it in Germany, I'm waiting to see how it compares against the original HD 800.

[Nathan]

I own several sets of headphones- T1 2nd gen, HD600''s and Hifiman HE560's.

The T1 2nd gen is the best of the lot- a great headphone. I use those with either my SEX or Bryston BHA-1, but not my Crack. I had a set of HD800's in house for a while- I like the T1's much better. Just thought the HD800's were too bright.

[Rhok]

I purchased the Sennheiser HD 800 S from a German supplier (as they are not available in the USA yet) it's supposed to be warmer than the HD 800's - more lower end, tamed mids (no more harsh 6K peak).

I'll post my opinion once I get them, probably within 2 weeks or so.

[drewh1]

I look forward to hearing your impressions. I have to say I am really liking these t1's since I rewired my crack. I'll have to listen to the 800's again but hard to imagine enjoying anything more.

[Rhok]

It's been awhile, and I've owned my HD 800 S's for close to 2 months now.

I moved from the HD 650's to the HD 800 S, and at first I wasn't sure what I thought - they definitely sounded thin (at first) in comparison, and I wasn't 100% confident in my purchase.

However, after giving them a fair chance, and tube rolling (using existing options I had previously already owned, but didn't like as much with my HD 650's) I absolutely love them.

I don't think the Crack + Speedball is the best pairing for these bad boys, but it's whats in the budget for now.

The detail, instrument separation, sound stage, just everything is superb, you can forget you're hearing things from headphones, it just feels like the sounds are going on around you, and when I go back to my HD 650's for a listen - I'm not even sure how I was ever amazed by them - quite interesting how the brain works.

In short, I think I hit a wall with my HD 650's, and the purchase for the HD 800 S's were a straight upgrade and I couldn't be happier.

Looking forward to seeing how they scale with better equipment, looking at the Mainline for my next big purchase!

[mcandmar]

when I go back to my HD 650's for a listen - I'm not even sure how I was ever amazed by them - quite interesting how the brain works.

I found exactly the same, i was never a fan of the 650's to start with, but going back to them after the 800's is far from flattering.  In the same way my HE-500's feel absurdly heavy and slightly dark sounding, but oddly the Grados still hold their own as a fine sounding pair of headphones.

I've not heard an actual Mainline, but if my 6C45 is anything to go by it will be a significant leap from the Crack or S.E.X. amp.  Think 650 to 800 level of difference.