All of Doug's current amps are balanced, except for a couple of prototypes. The HD800 sounds great with either the L-2 or DSHA-1. Try to get a prototype or look for a used unit. Todd's asking price for his L-2 was down to $1300 or $1400 before he auctioned it off. I doubt that you would be able to find a better production amp for the HD800 than the L-2 at any price.