Headphone amp?

I own Sennheiser HD800s. You can see my system under my user ID. I also have Focal Utopia, LCD, Beyerdynamic, UltraSonde… and other headphones. I listen to the Sennheiser the most, although I would have to give a slight sound advantage to the Focal… but the Sennheiser are lighter, comfortable with a much more open sound stage (open backed is why)

Headphones and associated gear are just like every other piece of high end gear. You need to support them with the best possible source and amplification. You want them to sound good, you need a very high quality and warm headphone amp. Given your main system amp, I can make some assumptions about your taste. The amp helps warm up and render your system more natural sounding. The Sennheiser need ample power with a very natural sound. I highly recommend Woo head amps. Woo knows how to build powerful natural sounding amps. I have searched for years through different amps… imported one from Germany that was real powerful. I found Woo to consistently provide the best natural sound.

I have used a WA6 (~$1K), WA6SE (~1.5K), and finally now a WA5 (~$5K). Each step up made a jump in performance, that last by far the biggest. The 800s are really addictive with massive 800B tube power. Woo makes different lines as well. I highly recommended any of his stuff. Quality and outstanding sound. Of the caliber you Pass.

I listen to equipment when I am in an upgrade cycle… after that only the music.

However, it is easy to get seduced with details and slam at the expense of rhythm and pace / musicality. Then your final system is only enjoyable to listen to the equipment… this leads to… ok, I listened to my one album and go do something else. Also, constantly seeking out better recorded albums. As opposed to finding it hard to drag your self away from your system almost regardless of what is playing.

I listen to music three hours a day… and have to drag myself away from it each time.