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Overview
The Sennheiser HD820 is a closed-back audiophile headphone that pushes the boundaries of what was previously considered possible in this product category. Designed and manufactured in Germany, this high-end model stands out for its innovative approach and exceptional sound quality.
Design and Conception
The HD820 immediately stands out with its unique design. The outer shells are made of concave glass, a feature that is not only aesthetic but also plays a crucial role in the acoustic performance of the headphones. This glass panel covers the “Ring Radiator” transducers, a proprietary Sennheiser technology renowned for its sound quality.
Materials and Finishes
The attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of the HD820:
Robust metal headband with internal damping
Handcrafted microfiber ear cushions
Silver-plated OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) cables
Gold-plated connectors
These material choices not only ensure durability but also contribute to the overall sound experience and user comfort.
The Challenge of Closed-Back Headphones
Traditionally, closed-back headphones were considered inferior to open-back models in terms of sound quality, especially for audiophile applications. The HD820 aims to challenge this paradigm by offering a listening experience comparable to the best open-back headphones while retaining the advantages of a closed-back design.
Glass Reflector System
The key innovation of the HD820 lies in its glass reflector system. The concave glass serves multiple functions:
It reflects sound waves from the back of the transducer towards an absorber.
This reflection minimizes unwanted resonances.
The process simulates the effect of an open-back headphone, allowing sound waves to be “vented” in a similar manner.
Ring Radiator Transducers
At the heart of the HD820 are Sennheiser’s Ring Radiator transducers. This technology, already proven in other high-end models from the brand, is optimized here to work in synergy with the glass reflector system.
Acoustic Performance
The HD820 offers an impressive frequency response:
12 Hz to 43,800 Hz (-3 dB)
6 Hz to 48,000 Hz (-10 dB)
This wide frequency range allows the headphones to faithfully reproduce the subtlest nuances of music, from deep bass to crystal-clear highs.
With a sound pressure level (SPL) of 103 dB at 1 kHz for 1V, the HD820 is capable of delivering significant volume while maintaining minimal distortion.
The HD820’s impedance of 300 Ω is typical of high-end audiophile headphones. This high value generally requires the use of a dedicated amplifier to get the best performance from the headphones.
Listening Experience
The HD820 is designed to offer an exceptionally wide and natural soundstage, a feature generally associated with open-back headphones. This performance is all the more remarkable for a closed-back headphone.
Sound transparency is one of the HD820’s strengths. The headphones are capable of revealing the smallest details of the recording, offering a faithful and precise reproduction of the music.
Unlike open-back headphones, the HD820 offers excellent sound isolation. The microfiber ear pads effectively reduce ambient noise, allowing for total immersion in music without disturbing the external environment.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The HD820 features a circumaural design, meaning the ear pads completely surround the ears. This approach contributes to sound isolation and enhances comfort during long listening sessions.
Weighing 360 grams without the cable, the HD820 is average for high-end audiophile headphones. The weight distribution and headband design are optimized to minimize fatigue during prolonged use.
Its handcrafted microfiber ear pads offer several advantages:
Increased comfort due to their softness
Improved breathability compared to leather
Durability and ease of maintenance
Connectivity
The HD820 comes with several connection options to suit different audio equipment:
6.35 mm stereo jack (asymmetrical)
4.4 mm Pentaconn stereo jack (symmetrical)
XLR-4 connector (symmetrical)
Detachable Cable
The HD820’s cable is detachable, offering several benefits:
Easy replacement in case of damage
Ability to use aftermarket cables to customize the sound
Simplified storage and transport
The standard cable provided with the HD820 is 3 meters long. This generous length offers appreciable freedom of movement when using the headphones with fixed equipment.
Compatibility and Amplification
With its 300-ohm impedance, the HD820 requires quality amplification to reach its full potential. Portable sources like smartphones or MP3 players are generally insufficient to properly power these headphones.
Sennheiser specifically recommends using the HDV 820 amplifier with the HD820. This amplifier was designed in tandem with the headphones to offer optimal synergy.
Accessories and Presentation
The HD820 comes with a complete set of accessories:
Connection cables (6.35 mm jack, 4.4 mm Pentaconn, XLR-4)
USB key containing the user manual in PDF format and the individual frequency response curve
Storage box
Microfiber cloth for cleaning
Storage Box
The storage box provided with the HD820 is not just an accessory. It is designed to effectively protect the headphones when not in use, thus preserving their integrity and performance over the long term.
Main Advantages of the Sennheiser HD820
Exceptional sound quality for closed-back headphones, rivaling the best open-back models
Innovative glass reflector technology for unprecedented sound transparency
Excellent sound isolation allowing use in various environments
Robust construction and high-quality materials ensuring durability and performance
Wide range of connection options for maximum compatibility with audiophile equipment
Unique design combining aesthetics and functionality
Optimized comfort for long listening sessions thanks to handcrafted microfiber ear pads
Extended frequency response capturing the entire audible spectrum and beyond
Complete accessories including a storage box and multiple cables
German manufacturing synonymous with precision and reliability
What the press says
Sennheiser is taking advantage of CES to introduce a new headphone: the HD 820. A cousin of the highly acclaimed HD 800 S, from which it borrows several design elements, the HD 820 distinguishes itself with its closed acoustic design. This should provide superior sound isolation while still delivering, according to the manufacturer, audio quality worthy of its pedigree.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Sennheiser profite du CES pour présenter un nouveau casque : le HD 820. Cousin du très célèbre HD 800 S, dont il reprend plusieurs éléments de conception, il s'en différencie par sa conception acoustique fermée, grâce à laquelle il devrait procurer une isolation phonique bien supérieure, tout en conservant, nous promet le constructeur, une qualité audio digne de son rang.
Paired with a Shanling EM5 headphone amp, connected in balanced 4.4, these headphones sound great. They are neutral but extremely precise. Compared to my previous headphones, the Focal Elegia, which were much messier in the bass and high frequencies but had a livelier midrange, the HD 820 are a success. Extremely sensitive to recordings, they forgive nothing - only Hi-Res can be played with these headphones. The HD 820 are very comfortable, not too heavy, and deliver surgical sound reproduction. I recommend them, even if their price seems a bit inflated to me.
Comment from October 24, 2022 — Experience from October 13, 2022
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Associé à un ampli casque Shanling EM5, connecté en symétrique 4.4, ce casque sonne très bien, il est neutre, mais extrêmement précis, en comparaison de mon précédent casque, un Focal Elegia, qui était beaucoup plus brouillon dans les basses et hautes fréquences, mais avec un médium plus vivant.
Extrêmement sensible aux enregistrements, ne pardonne rien, seule la Hi-Res peut être jouée avec ce casque.
Le HD 820 est donc une réussite, très confortable, pas très lourd et avec une restitution sonore chirurgicale.
Je le conseille, même si son tarif me paraît un peu surfait.
Chan
Excellent sound quality, although less finesse in the treble compared to the Fostex TH909 (which lacks a bit of punch in the bass by comparison) and less overall balance than a Denon AhD9200, especially for listening to classical music. Quite significant sound leakage for a closed-back headphone design. Cables are of excellent quality, in 4.4 mm balanced and 6.35 mm unbalanced. Be aware that you need a device capable of driving the 300 ohms of these very aesthetic and comfortable headphones. My Astell&Kern Kann Cube or Astell&Kern SP2000T manage very well, but be careful if you use less "powerful" sources. In short, these are excellent (sedentary) headphones, but they may not necessarily please all ears, depending on your preferred musical style, especially if you don't want your couch neighbors to be able to follow along with the lyrics...
Comment from December 20, 2021 — Experience from December 02, 2021
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Excellente sonorité, néanmoins moins de finesse dans les aigus que le Fostex TH909 (qui manque un peu de punch dans les graves en comparaison) et d'équilibre global qu'un Denon AhD9200, pour l'écoute de musique classique, notamment.
Des fuites sonores assez importantes pour un casque de conception fermée. Câbles d'excellente facture, en 4.4 mm symétrique et 6.35 mm asymétrique.
Attention, il faut un engin capable de satisfaire les 300 ohms de ce casque très esthétique et confortable. Mon Astell&Kern Kann Cube ou mon Astell&Kern SP2000T y parviennent très bien, mais attention si vous utilisez des sources moins "costaud".
Bref, un excellent casque (sédentaire), mais qui ne plaira pas nécessairement à toutes les oreilles, selon le style musical que vous privilégiez, surtout si vous ne souhaitez pas que vos voisins de canapé puissent suivre les paroles…
Andre
Magnificent, the best headphones I've had to date. Although the price is high, you can see the quality and work behind them.
Comment from May 26, 2021 — Experience from May 05, 2021
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Magnifique, le meilleur casque que j'ai eu jusqu'à aujourd'hui, bien que le prix soit élevé on voit la qualité et le travail derrière.
Eco-contribution of €0.42 included in the sale price.
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