The Sennheiser HD 800 headphones are the dream of every gamer and audiophile. They are not perfect, according to reviews and specs, especially for their price, but they are loved and bought by active audio users all over the world. Sennheiser headphones, one of the pioneers of the music technology industry, are a universal solution for listening to any genre of music. Or almost any genre.
Model Features
German manufacturer Sennheiser is known in many countries as an advanced supplier of high quality audio equipment and electronics. Recently, analysts have noted some overvaluation of many of the manufacturer's products in the budget lineup, but the premium devices are still some of the best in the world.
Sennheiser HD 800 were presented in 2009 and immediately caused a furor with their price (then $1,500, now about $1,000). However, the lucky people who managed to buy the accessory appreciated the incredible amount of effort put into the device by the developers.
One of the main advantages and at the same time distinctive features is a non-standard radiator with a ring-type cone, fixed on the outer and inner side for rigid fixation of the diaphragm, providing high sound quality without extraneous vibrations, with deep bass. The high speed and resolution of the sound, with a large diaphragm, is facilitated by a carefully designed coil and magnet assembly.
Another advantage is the sonic vibrations with a flat front, which means the music is heard as if from a distant source, naturally, clearly and volumetrically. Other dome-shaped headphones mostly transmit sound with a spherical front because of the close proximity of the membrane to the ear, which creates an unnatural flat sound effect.
The 9 best Sennheiser headphones
Technical Specifications
The capabilities of the original German-built Sennheiser HD 800 headphones are as follows:
- The transducer type is a dynamic transducer;
- Impedance (impedance by current AC type) - 300 ohms. Assumes the use of quality music playback equipment or the connection of an amplifier;
- The frequency perception range is 6 ... 51000 Hz. All sounds can be heard in the volume perceived by the ear, the latitude provides a deep and colorful transmission of waves;
- Sensitivity - 102 Hz, a godsend for the audiophile, you can be very loud;
- Harmonic distortion coefficient - less than 0.02%;
- Weight of the device 260 grams;
- Cable classic insulated length of 3 meters;
- Jack 6.3 mm.
Accessories
The manufacturer, creating something new in the world of headphones for professional use, tried to emphasize the status of the device, including a large box with printing of excellent quality.
Inside is another box, in which are stacked:
- Headphones;
- Complete cable;
- Colorful instructions with the history of the device.
- There is nothing more in the kit, and for the money it would be desirable, users say.
The exterior and usability
The HD 800 headphones look as a classic $1,000 piece of equipment should - expensive and well-made. The design is "from the future" but in the modern trend, the ergonomic body with fabric soft pads for body contact, the durable "Leona" reinforced plastic and the metal spring in the headband with a serial number that can be used to identify the original Sennheiser product.
The manufacturer intentionally did not use the usual attributes of expensive headphones - leather, wood, as did Grado and Ultrasonic. The exterior is completely created from scratch, and the status is emphasized by the uncomplicated shapes and unconventional approach of the artists.
The earcups are lightweight thanks to the reinforced plastic used in the production and minimal content - only the drivers are inside, protected by a removable washable insert against dirt and grease and gaskets that prevent dust and hair from penetrating the construction. Speakers are protected from mechanical damage by a metal mesh with multiple holes for maximum air access and sound compensation.
Comfort is ensured by velvet fabric padding on the ear cushions and headband. Noteworthy: it does not collect dust and hair and is easy to clean. Due to the size of the cups cover the ear, fit tightly to the head with proper adjustment of the connecting headband and do not cause fatigue.
The headphones have no isolation, so it is reasonable to use them only at home or in the studio, in a quiet environment where the user and others will not interfere with each other, creating mutually unnecessary sounds.
Attachment of the bowls to the headband is hinged, but well fixed. Consumers have no questions about build quality - no backlashes and squeaks.
The cable is inserted into the cups through proprietary connectors that securely fix the wire in the cups. The plug is a distinctive feature of the HD 800 headphones, the manufacturer emphasized that this is a thorough device, not a mobile one.
Sound
Enthusiasts around the world tested the Sennheiser HD 800 monitor headphones and came to the conclusion: the dynamic transducer in their design is one of the best among similar ones, but there are some issues with sound quality. We could have closed our eyes to them, if the model would cost cheaper.
So, in the low, medium and high frequencies the sound is perfectly clear, bright and powerful, there are no problems. This is one of the best results in a premium headphone. To improve the sound quality you will need an amplifier because of the high AC resistance in the device.
This is where the difficulty arises: not every amplifier gets perfect playback. Good with Yulong (DA8 and A28), Violectric. In general, you need to look for resonant AHF, symbiosis with which will suit the user. And that's a disadvantage of the HD 800 model. You'll also need a DAC to stabilize the widest sound expansion.
Bass will be appreciated by fans of deep and bright music - it is deep and easily controlled by the musical device, but there is a feeling of its insufficient passability due to the high sound resolution. For this reason, heavy rock and concert with drums will not be conveyed in the proper atmosphere, which somewhat blurs the impression of this model. But vocals and soft music are heard perfectly and in detail, the effect of presence is created.
Conclusion
The flagship Sennheiser HD 800 headphones are a versatile solution for music with a focus on light vibes. Fans of metal and pumped up bass will not appreciate them, so the device is recommended to buy for work with light genres, in which they will maximize the charm of the vibrations and create the effect of presence at the instrumental or vocal concert.
The HD 800 is an inexpensive, stylish and comfortable headphone that requires plenty of accompaniment - amplifier, DAC and other accompanying equipment, working well in symbiosis with professional or close to it equipment. Like any other device, they are not devoid of flaws, but with proper accompaniment they have no equal and with the task at hand they will cope 100%.
Topical materials:
10 best wireless headphones
, The 12 Best Headphones for Music
, 5 best wireless headphones for TV
, 5 best gaming headphones with microphone
, 7 best in-ear headphones with active noise reduction technology
, 9 best Sennheiser headphones