Jo80 Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 Hi all, I’m considering purchasing a pair of HD800’s. However, I read that the 6hz peak can trouble people. I would not mind any sonic quirks as long as the headphone does not cause any hearing damage. I’ve read some threads of headfi with people saying that the answer is no, but others saying that the brightness of the uneven treble can cause ear fatigue leading to pain, especially to those who have sensitive ears. Does anyone know the science behind this? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farpun Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 I've heard that having high treble leads to people lowering the volume hence less damage to hearing, of course this is definitely not scientifically proven hahaAlso the opposite of having not much treble means people turn up the volume.Like I said I have no idea if this is true Hi all, I’m considering purchasing a pair of HD800’s. However, I read that the 6hz peak can trouble people. I would not mind any sonic quirks as long as the headphone does not cause any hearing damage. I’ve read some threads of headfi with people saying that the answer is no, but others saying that the brightness of the uneven treble can cause ear fatigue leading to pain, especially to those who have sensitive ears. Does anyone know the science behind this? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengineer Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 Purely tondo with how loud you have them, and how long you listen at said volume. You treble sensitive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo80 Posted September 24, 2019 Author Share Posted September 24, 2019 Thanks all. Hi Bengineer, I don't have problems with headphones and earphones treble in general in my limited experience, but I can't stand wireless headphones , as their dampening static sound make me very uncomfortable - so I may be sensitive in some regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengineer Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 Wireless or noise cancelling? I can't do noise cancelling, the weird pressure build up when its turned on annoys me. Most people don't even notice it. I think you'll be fine. It never bothered me. And if you're going HD800, probably wise to do the DuPont mod, which trims that 6k peak anyway. Most important thing is that they are supremely open. The leak all noise, and they let it all in. The most open of all headphones. So if you have any noise around you, you're likely to compensate by turning them up. Then you're at risk of damage. If you google you'll see what volumes, for how long cause damage, and what causes irrepairable damage. Gunshot will cause damage, but your ears will heal. Prolonged exposure to gunshots will result in permanent damage. Same with headphones/speakers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deafenears Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 I stumbled onto this earlier this morning, might be useful: https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/passive-filters/ For the HD800, there's a filter cable that claims to lower the 6kHz peak by 8dB. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarzan Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 10 hours ago, deafenears said: I stumbled onto this earlier this morning, might be useful: https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/passive-filters/ For the HD800, there's a filter cable that claims to lower the 6kHz peak by 8dB. interesting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zakblue Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 (edited) I think before you purchase the HD800 just know that they really do get to the point of unlistenable with that treble peak after a while. I did try modding them but was never happy with the results. I also had them running from a decent tube amp AND with a bit of eq. I've owned 2 pairs, one with early serial and one with late. I sold them both due to firstly to their recording-picky nature. The second thing that I couldn't deal with was the headband. Because the cups are so massive and they kind of sit loose on the ears, all the weight is right down on the top of the head. I really think Sennheiser should've doubled the amount of cushioning on the headband. I'm just pointing out all the negatives here, because down the road that's all that matters! Plus they are not cheap. Edited September 27, 2019 by zakblue 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prymortal Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 6 hours ago, zakblue said: I think before you purchase the HD800 just know that they really do get to the point of unlistenable with that treble peak after a while. I did try modding them but was never happy with the results. I also had them running from a decent tube amp AND with a bit of eq. I've owned 2 pairs, one with early serial and one with late. I sold them both due to firstly to their recording-picky nature. The second thing that I couldn't deal with was the headband. Because the cups are so massive and they kind of sit loose on the ears, all the weight is right down on the top of the head. I really think Sennheiser should've doubled the amount of cushioning on the headband. I'm just pointing out all the negatives here, because down the road that's all that matters! Plus they are not cheap. You know a few hours ago i would of happily argued this a bit, Right now.... After a few hours of listening to my old songs I'm just sitting here nodding thinking, Yip & Yip. spot on! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengineer Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 Yeah. I could listen for 8bhour straight, unmodded, no EQ and be completely fine and still loving them. Really a person to person thing. Didn't bother me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4turn Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 (edited) I did find mine a little on the sharp side when using solid state setup, but then changed to an Aune T1 (DAC, tube preamp with golden lion, SS amp - all in one) and it smoothed the sound out. Now running SMSL Sanskritt 6th edition with a darkvoice and have no issues with that treble spike. I have no regrets purchasing these headphones. Onto the 4th year now and replaced earpads/headband and new lighter cables and they feel brand new! everyone has different head shapes/sizes, would recommend testing these. Headphones are such as subjective item.. mine fit perfectly and I dont even notice them after 10 minutes of wearing. (usually wear them for hours) Would highly recommend these! Edited September 27, 2019 by s4turn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PleasantSounds Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 The evolution ha equipped us with a mechanism that warns us when some part of the body is running a risk of permanent damage. It is called pain. It will manifest itself long before you do any harm to your ears. Having said that, the evil side effects of listening to the HD800 are grossly exaggerated. This is one of the most comfortable headphones to wear, and with the right upstream gear it can be simply amazing. However if the price of the headphone itself is all you can aford, then think again: to experience the full capabilities of these headphones it won't be your ears hurting, but your wallet. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo80 Posted September 28, 2019 Author Share Posted September 28, 2019 (edited) Thanks again all. Yeah the H800 has a big reputation, especially for instrumental music, and it is something I want to experience. Again, if the treble peak is only a quirk or a matter of taste and preference, I don't mind pulling the trigger. However, if the treble can objectively cause hearing damage compared to other headphones who do not have the peak - assuming the volume is the same - I would rather not risk it. Decisions, decisions... Edited September 28, 2019 by Jo80 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prymortal Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, Jo80 said: Thanks again all. Yeah the H800 has a big reputation, especially for instrumental music, and it is something I want to experience. Again, if the treble peak is only a quirk or a matter of taste and preference, I don't mind pulling the trigger. However, if the treble can objectively cause hearing damage compared to other headphones who do not have the peak - assuming the volume is the same - I would rather not risk it. Decisions, decisions... I should of just shared this the first time. peaks not major. Look at the DB & compare it against well... some other headphones, near enough. If it was up at 10 or higher then you can be worried, depending on how loud you listen to your music. Also if you need a Du Pont mod hit me up I don't need mine never use it & not just because i have a HD800s, but because I like the stock HD800 sound. Edited September 28, 2019 by prymortal 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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