Just like every dramatic actor "sleeps and sees" himself in the role of Hamlet, any personal audio equipment browser dreams about reviewing the Sennheiser HD 800. In spite of everything, this model still remains one of the flagships in the world of headphones, and everyone should listen to them a connoisseur of quality sound. Are they the best headphones in all respects? Definitely not. But what makes them so popular?
My attitude to Sennheiser is very ambiguous. On the one hand, this company is one of the pioneers in ear-building, and their merits in this area are extensive and they can not be underestimated. On the other hand, the lion's share of the company's modern line is pretty much overvalued, especially budget models. But with all this it is necessary to recognize that the top models of the HD line are unequivocally one of the best modern headphones (even contradictory HD 700).
Presented HD 800 were at CES in the distant already in 2009 and immediately produced a sensation by its price. If now the price tags for flagship models from $ 1000 seem quite commonplace, then the price of $ 1500 was unexpectedly high. First of all, such a cost is determined by the number of man-hours invested in this model of research and actually hand-assembled in Germany (in the case of HD 800, this is not marketing bazvvord).
The main "secret" of these headphones is a specially designed radiator with a ring diffuser. Conventional dynamic drivers often suffer from the problem of parasitic vibrations of the diaphragm at high frequencies, which in turn leads to distortion of the high-frequency range. This problem grows as the size of the radiator increases. To get rid of this, manufacturers use different variants of metallization of diffusers, try composite materials and even nanotechnology coatings. This helps to increase the stiffness of the membrane, but more often also increases its weight, which worsens the speed characteristics of the radiator.
In Sennheiser went another way and in the HD 800 made radiators in the form of a ring, with a diffuser fixed to both the internal and external side. This made it possible to achieve a more rigid fit of the membrane and, as a result, a smaller resonance at a larger size. This, in turn, gives a more elastic and collected bass, since the speaker can "pump" more air. A well-designed system of magnets and coils also makes possible a very high speed and resolution for dynamic drivers.
The second plus of the radiator of such a system is that it allows to achieve sound waves with an almost flat front. The fact is that when we hear a sound coming from some distance, a sound wave that reaches us has an almost flat front. At the same time, traditional headphones with dome-shaped radiators located close to the ears give sound waves with a spherical front, which, due to re-reflections from the auricle, gives an unnatural volume effect. A flat wave is perceived by the brain more naturally, and due to this the imaginary scene in the HD 800 strikes by volume. To enhance this effect, the headphone drivers are placed slightly ahead of the listener's ears and slightly unfolded towards them. In the course of research, Sennheiser engineers have made sure that the sound is almost independent of the headphones on the head, which also contributes to the overall perception of their sound.
Now the price tag for these headphones has dropped noticeably enough, and , which, of course, is also an impressive amount, but the $ 500 savings already look interesting.
Specifications
- Emitter: dynamic, 55.88 mm
- Frequency range: 6 Hz - 51 KHz
- Impedance: 300 Ω
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.02%
- Sensitivity: 102 dB
- Cable: replaceable, symmetrical, 3 m, oxygen-free copper
- Plug: 6.3 mm
- Weight: 330 g (without cable)
Packing and delivery kit
The box at these headphones is not just big, it's huge. All forces in Sennheiser tried to emphasize the flagship status of the model (and spit on saving natural resources and the place of the buyer at home). It looks like boxing, of course, excellent. Stylish polygraphy, the inner box on the hinges, it's all great and very expensive looks.
Inside the headphones themselves, a complete cable and a large album-instruction, which tells how the company overcame various engineering difficulties during the development of this model.
Of course, the bundle of premium headphones wants more. For example, the stand would not greatly increase the cost of the model, but it definitely pleased the buyer of such an expensive model. But what is not, that is not.
Design and Convenience
Appearance HD 800 can be safely considered an icon of style in the world of headphones. Nothing like that, very futuristic design - bewitching. In Sennheiser deliberately decided to emphasize the innovative nature of the model and did not use in the design of wood, leather and other materials traditionally associated with the premium segment in audio technology. Designed from the ground up, the exterior uses predominantly special plastic of black and silvery colors.
These headphones use a special plastic "Leona", developed by the chemical division of Asahi Kasei. Reinforcement of plastic with fiberglass made it possible to create a strong and lightweight construction of cups that contained practically nothing superfluous, except for the emitters themselves. Inside the radiators are protected by two layers of material: first comes a removable washable protection against dirt and grease, then a second layer, protecting from dust and hair. Outside, the speakers are protected by a thin, but strong metal mesh with thick holes. Thus, Sennheiser engineers have achieved an incredible openness of the model, providing free air movement.
Headphones are very comfortable, ear cushions and headband pillows are made of soft, velvety material, but they are not so inclined to collect rubbish and dirt, as is often the case with cheap pseudobarhat. Dimensions of the ear cups and cups allow the headphones to easily cover the ear, and proper selection of the headband pressure ensures a correct fit of the HD 800 on the head, but at the same time avoids fatigue. Cups are attached to the headband on hinges, which allows them to rotate around two axes, ensuring the most tight fit. The headers of the headband are plastic, which, personally, confuses me in such an expensive model, but on the other hand - I did not see any mass complaints about the breakdown of this node, apparently, the plastic from Asahi Kasei really justifies itself. In addition, Sennheiser's service centers are almost everywhere, so repairs will not be a problem.
The headband itself is based on a spring-loaded metal plate, on which the serial number of this specimen is applied.
In general, the build quality is as close to the ideal as possible. No squeaks, loopholes, loose fitting - everything is fine.
As I wrote above - the model is completely open, so you can use it only in a quiet home environment, otherwise you will interfere with your music to others, and external sounds from the outside will not allow you to focus on the music.
The HD 800 cable is replaceable, using proprietary proprietary connectors that securely fix the cable. The complete cord has a length of 3 meters, judging by its shape it is made up of several cables and is covered with a cloth screen from the outside. The cable is very comfortable, not noisy, soft enough for comfortable use. The HD 800 uses a 6.3 mm plug, Sennheiser clearly wanted to emphasize that this is not a mobile headset.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Yulong DA8 as DAC
- Yulong A28 and HiFiMan EF-100 as an amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia as a player
- High Definition Records in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening to the headphones were warmed for 96 hours.
Numerous measurements, which were conducted by enthusiasts around the world, show that Sennheiser managed to create really best-in-class headphones with a dynamic radiator. Did they manage to create the best in sound headphones? The answer is yes and no. The HD 800 also has strengths, where they have no equal, but there were some shortcomings that could be closed if they were cheaper. But with a price tag that exceeds $ 1000, there will be no descent.
So, what about these headphones in the asset? First, incredible linearity, both on LF, and on HF. I rarely cite the frequency response in the reviews, but in the case of the HD 800, I will change the habit, here's a comparison chart of several versions of the HD 800 with some of the standards of flat sound HiFiMan HE-6:
Unusual cups, open acoustic design, strange radiators and their strange arrangement, all this is unconventional, but the result shows that this is the result of a long and painstaking work. Virtually not lowered low frequencies, leaving deep, perfectly smooth MF, HF, devoid of the majority of possible problems, very low harmonic distortion, controlled resonances at all frequencies, in general, HD 800 is really a masterpiece of thought. To emphasize the level of their work, Sennheiser conducts measurements of each specific pair of HD 800, you can register headphones on their site and get the real frequency response of your specimen.
One of the main problems of these headphones - they are extremely critical to the amplifier and DAC. With them you will hear the real sound of your path and the quality of the records, and they may not suit you. I tried almost everything that was near at hand, but I settled on my usual bundle of Yulongs (DA8 and A28), and I also want to mention the Chinese Violectric clone from Accurate Audio. They, maybe, and not the best variant among all amplifiers existing in the world for these ear-phones, but with them the sound turns out more than is good.
The sound of the HD 800 is very neutral, and is neutralized not by the analytical coolness of the monitor headphones, dissolving the music into individual sounds, no, the HD 800 retains the musicality and the integrity of the presentation, just you hear more nuances of music.
The bass of this model is deep and perfectly controlled. Strangely enough, it is because of this and there is a major drawback of the model - because of the high resolution of the bass sometimes just lacks physicalness and power. If you want to listen, for example, a double bass - HD 800 will give it in all the smallest nuances, it sounds like a big wooden instrument with strings. You will hear the sound of the string, the resonances of the case, the acoustics of the room where the recording is going ... But for a rock concert where the bass guitar and percussion "roll", delivering a crushing wall of sound, the HD 800 bass simply will not be enough. You will hear every beat, every note, but there will be no immersion in the atmosphere of the concert. In general, these headphones are not for heavy genres. In other cases, the LF of this model is extremely good. On many live recordings, you simply dissolve in the sound of bass (from examples you want to bring Japanese drummers from Ondekoza).
The average frequencies are expected to be excellent. Permission, emotions, separation of plans - all this is at the highest level. The imaginary scene is perfectly constructed both in width (one of the widest among the headphones) and in the depths, the instruments are clearly positioned, closing their eyes can easily be arranged on the stage, and they do not sound punctual, but have their own width. Needless to say, the nuances of the vocals are meticulously accurately, the typical performers such as Sting, Nina Simon or Knopfler sound as if you are standing side by side.
The upper frequencies are also expected to please, although their supply depends on the amplifier used. On amplifiers that do not have enough power to open the headphones, the sound of the HD 800 turns out to be unnecessarily bright and prone to sibilants. If the amplifier cope with its task, the HF surprises with its length, resolution and level of detail. This additionally plays on the volume of the sound and the transfer of nuances.
Compatibility
With an impedance of 300 Ω, these headphones clearly require an amplifier, and given their prohibitive resolution level, they are also good DACs. To listen to them with a mobile source is practically unthinkable both from the point of view of "swing" and from the point of view of expediency. Disputes about what kind of amplifier for the HD 800 is better, are conducted on the Internet since the very moment of release of this model. For me, the test of these headphones, among other things, made it possible to make sure that Yulong products are very good and do not even pass with recognized flagships.
Genre headphones are quite versatile, with a correction for light sound. They are not very suitable for metal or those styles where you need a "kachovy" bass, but in most other genres disclose music with incredible power, immersing it in a melody so much that the very sensation of using headphones is lost. Teal-rich instruments, chamber music, vocals, classics, live recordings - this is not a complete list of those kinds of music on which HD 800 will show itself in full splendor. For example, I discovered the joy of listening to solo parts of various instruments, from piano concerts to Ukrainian bandura.
To the quality of recording headphones, of course, extremely critical. With top flagship models it can not be otherwise, so you almost certainly will have to reconsider your collection with the purchase of "eight hundred", look for other remasters and re-releases of albums. But, judging by myself, I can say that this process will almost certainly bring pleasure, re-discover familiar music - it is always pleasant.
conclusions
If the world of headphones and there are expensive sports cars, the Sennheiser HD-800 is a local analog Lamborgini Gallardo. Like the car, these earphones are quite expensive, incredibly stylish looking, pleasing comfort and not expensive to maintain (require a good amplifier, DAC, etc.). Like the expensive sports car, these headphones are not without some disadvantages, although it will be more accurate to say that they are simply not universal, and some applications are just not for them. But in their field they really have no equal.
I traditionally want to thank my friends For the opportunity to see this masterpiece of the world of headphones.
The article is based on materials .
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