Difference in terms of sound:
1) If you like the HD800 but somewhat struggling with the ringing treble, this will be perfect for you. Its still a bright sounding headphone, with very similar sound signature to the HD800, but with the peaks trimmed-off. The treble on the HD800S is smooth and very captivating.
2) Vocals sounded more natural, less chocked up. The HD800 sometimes gives me a feeling of the vocalist being strangled (exaggeration). Think it's something to do with the balance of high mids and high treble. They did a good job on the HD800 S.
3) Bass is less sterile than the HD800. More natural. The slight 'bloat' is perceivable, but gives more body to the bass.
4) For the soundstage, as many people worried, its slightly affected. The initial impression you will get is that the obviousness and airiness of the soundstage is reduced. The so-called 'infinite' soundstage width of the HD800 is reduced to some extend in exchange for some silky smooth treble.
5) Some vocals sounded unnaturally closer to my ears. Suspect that it might be due to the chemistry between a higher proportion high bass - low mids and a lower proportion high treble in relation to the overall frequency response curve.
Overall:
A more tonally balance and natural sounding HD800. Timbre reproduction is alot better as well. However, soundstage is negatively affected.
1) If you like the HD800 but somewhat struggling with the ringing treble, this will be perfect for you. Its still a bright sounding headphone, with very similar sound signature to the HD800, but with the peaks trimmed-off. The treble on the HD800S is smooth and very captivating.
2) Vocals sounded more natural, less chocked up. The HD800 sometimes gives me a feeling of the vocalist being strangled (exaggeration). Think it's something to do with the balance of high mids and high treble. They did a good job on the HD800 S.
3) Bass is less sterile than the HD800. More natural. The slight 'bloat' is perceivable, but gives more body to the bass.
4) For the soundstage, as many people worried, its slightly affected. The initial impression you will get is that the obviousness and airiness of the soundstage is reduced. The so-called 'infinite' soundstage width of the HD800 is reduced to some extend in exchange for some silky smooth treble.
5) Some vocals sounded unnaturally closer to my ears. Suspect that it might be due to the chemistry between a higher proportion high bass - low mids and a lower proportion high treble in relation to the overall frequency response curve.
Overall:
A more tonally balance and natural sounding HD800. Timbre reproduction is alot better as well. However, soundstage is negatively affected.
