Hi Sam, yes, I think they are in the same league. That doesn't mean they're the same -- to my ears and at this early stage, the hd-800s have the better soundstage, but the "alphadogs" are said to improve significantly in this area as they break-in. I also think the "dogs" have a somewhat warmer, but still very detailed presentation, and better bass -- very tactile bass, which seems to be one of the hallmarks of orthos. They are also closed back and isolate you from a good deal of outside noise, and likewise don't disturb others near you -- really the reason I decided to try them so I could have some closed back headphones for listening in bed. I also find them extremely comfortable and hold their adjustement well. They are a bit of a skull clamp at first, but even wearing them for the last 3 days they have already loosened up some. They are $300, not $200. Balanced version are $350 pre-order, and $400 once they begin to ship. They don't sound very good with the Crack, but the s.e.x. should be a great match. The unblanced version also comes with 2 cables -- one 1/4" and one 3.5mm -- no adaptors, two separate cables.
Bought mine from stereodesk.com -- an authorized dealer, who deals directly with the manufacturer.
This is probably a bit off topic here, so if you want to talk more about them, start a thread in the headphones forum.
I'm really taken by these, even as new as they are, which is odd for a guy who never really liked planars/orthodynamics and closed back cans. I've heard the stock and other modified verions of these and they are not at all like these. These are serious cans despite their relatively low cost.
-- Jim
Jim Rebman -- recovering audiophile
Equitech balanced power; uRendu, USB processor -> Musette DAC -> 5670 tube buffer -> Finale Audio F138 FFX -> Cain and Cain Abbys near-field).
s.e.x. 2.1 under construction. Want list: Stereomour II
All ICs homemade (speaker and power next)
