I would say the probability that exotic wire in a transformer has an impact on sound is much higher than exotic wire in an interconnect less than a few feet.

It is less the length, and more the function, though I suppose function is a function of the length. In an interconnect, silver has a slightly lower impedance than copper. But neither putting a (tiny) resistor in line with the silver to make it like the copper, nor doubling up the copper to make it like silver, seems to have a measurable or DBT perceivable effect on sound.

 

In a transformer, the silver wire's better conductivity increases the flux which could possibly make the transformer work better.

 

I have neither heard nor measured a silver wired transformer, so I can't say whether the difference is audible or worthwhile. And based on the price, I can't say I am in a hurry to do so. But you can certainly do the calculations for an electric motor wound with silver wire over copper to see the increase in efficiency.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-Reference-Class-Wired-Headphones/dp/B001OTZ8DA

 

Is it discontinued??

It says HD800 - Black, which were discontinued by Sennheiser or rather never made it to serial manufacture.  They always planned on having a silver and a black one before launch. 

It says HD800 - Black, which were discontinued by Sennheiser or rather never made it to serial manufacture.  They always planned on having a silver and a black one before launch. 

 

Oh, I understand! Thanks, Spritzer. I reckoned they called it black but it was the same. I also saw some info on Changstar indicating that they were discontinued, and when I saw that ad, I was puzzled.

"Changstar information" is an oxymoron.

Perhaps he forgot to put it in quotes.  I mean, at least he was smart enough to come here for confirmation, but for future reference Leonardo, please don't bring their oozing bile here.  Thanks.

well the head-fi thread is a trainwreck. i don't know what the sense would be in discontinuing the HD800. what sennheiser needs, or rather is lacking, are headphones in the 2-5k range if it's worth it to them to sell a few thousand pairs.

"Changstar information" is an oxymoron.

Quoted for absolute truthiness!

HD800 is unavailable on many sites, indeed. Especially on official Sennheiser sites. I guess lots of sale + not enough anticipation with stocks + Christmas holidays at Sennheiser factory = product temporarily unavailable. Sennheiser doesn't change its line-up every morning like for instance Audeze or worse, Audio-GD.

 

Ali

Edited January 3, 201511 yr by Ali-Pacha

Lol! Sorry guys! Didn't know that

Sennheiser are still selling the HD600 which they should have discontinued years ago so the HD800 going away isn't bloody likely.  Still I can check on Monday from the belly of the beast. 

 

Also Changstar as source is just precious.  Might as well believe that the new HE1000 is the best headphone ever made as they are saying on HF....

Looks like no new Senn flagship at CES:

 

^^

So the noobs on Head-Fi were wrong? Say it ain't so?

As Birgir mentioned, the HD600s have been around for years and years, so why the heck would the HD800s be discontinued? This is Sennheiser not Hifiman. 

Someone had a set they could not part with for $25 less than the $50 more than they are worth, and started a rumor to drive up prices.

That's why. 

wish i had screenshot what someone from the store Gramophone had posted in response to Audeze announcing the EL-8. something like "great, another headphone to demonstrate, too bad there aren't any customers"

I did confirm today that the HD800 is indeed not discontinued and it's just the slew of wireless units that they are coming out with.  I could have tried them but couldn't be arsed... 

Can we get the HD700 discontinued?

I approve of Ric's post

I did confirm today that the HD800 is indeed not discontinued and it's just the slew of wireless units that they are coming out with.  I could have tried them but couldn't be arsed... 

 

well i was told by them that something BIG was coming out at CES, i did ask if it was bluetooth, they said no..so are these wireless bluetooth?

Beatsheiser HD850 by Dre - Designed in Cupertino

**BRENT**

Well the HE1000+amp will be 10K.  Stax SR-009/SR-007 + BHSE or KGSSHV/KGST will continue to reign supreme then.

I'm still waiting for the HD6xx.  It's like the HD600HD650, only all black.  and a little better.  16 better.

I'm still waiting for the HD6xx.  It's like the HD600HD650, only all black.  and a little better.  16 better.

 

HD580 with HD600 grills is all black. 

 

The headband is kind of slate-grey, but it can be covered up with a Beyerdynamic headband-cover. Or painted. 

HD580 with HD600 grills is all black. 

 

The headband is kind of slate-grey, but it can be covered up with a Beyerdynamic headband-cover. Or painted. 

Indeed