Head fi has local meets in so cal, around once a year. If you haven't, you should join the so cal group at head fi.
But, TBH, it can be hard to listen at a big meet, lots of people and background noise.
I know we have members with HD800's here.
And you can get lots of DAC advice here, probably better to start a thread in the right circle.
I find it makes a big difference what you feed the DAC with too.
Randy