An insight in to the Sennheiser HD800 and HDVD800
Headphone systems have gained huge popularity over the last few years, many reasons could be cited for this, an increase in angrier neighbours maybe? There are many different products on the market each with there own merit but if you are looking for an absolute reference then I am sure you will have come across the HD800 in your travels – this headphone is famed for its crystal clear representation and fantastic soundstaging. Up until now there has been no dedicated amplifier for these headphones – one specifically designed to partner them without compromise, in 2013 we now have this: The Sennheiser HDVD800.
The complete package can be seen to be more than the sum of its parts, this is to say the combination gives something magical to the HD800 something you would not expect, lets firstly take a look at the headphones:
The HD800:
Design and quality, as you would expect is sublime, no detail has been left unconsidered. Featuring one of the largest transducers fitted to any headphone means exceptional frequency response and clarity. The Circumaural fit means they comfortably sit over the ears and are very easy to wear for long periods of time without fatigue. When it comes to reference headphones these are used by many individuals for both pro and home use, testament to how good these really perform. Rated at 300Ohms though they do require adequate driving, this brings us neatly onto the HDVD 800.
HDVD 800:
Headphone amplifiers are just as important as your headphones, ensuring you get the most from your headset is key for musical enjoyment and integration. There are many available, some good some not so good but not many manufactures or end users can say “This amp is a direct match for our/my headphones” I am pleased to say that Sennheiser can – you may think this limits certain users, and in some respects you may be correct however this amp is a great place to go if you are looking for a reference point and if you own the HD800 it is a “no brainer.” Finished in brushed Aluminium the development of this amp has been a lengthy process, lengthy but a thoroughly entertaining one!
When Sennheiser come to develop a headphone – amplifers are needed (obviously!) knowing that the amplifiers are the very best you can acquire is of the upmost importance, in reaching this optimum Sennheiser modify all of these amplifies and this experience has in no doubt given them the ability to a build two fantastic amplifiers: The HDVD 800 and the Dacless version: The HDVA 600. As you would expect the DAC contains a very high spec chip from Burr Brown – a name synonymous for high quality DAC’s, throw into this a jitter reduction circuit that affectively reduces issues with the data stream and 24bit decoding and you will be enjoying your digitalised music collection in absolute reference quality. It is important to mention that the digital inputs can be used to connect your existing CD player (or other devices with digital output) and take advantage of the on board DAC. You also get symmetrical outputs for you headphones – including balanced: we got the opportunity to try the balanced cable, not yet available (very soon!) this made a great improvement, noise floor was raised, vocals seemed to float perfectly and instruments hang decaying with realism this improved level is just not obtainable from an unbalanced connection!
Listening tests
I am pleased to say I got the opportunity to take home this system and integrate it into my own. At home I play mainly vinyl but was really interested in trying out this DAC.
Probably best to run through my system first, my turntable is Pro-Ject debut, modified with VDH cables and fitted with Ortofon 2m Black. For phonostage I have the Puresound P10 with the valves upgraded to cyro spec ones, cable used was Back Rhodium Illusion DIVA DCT. After the necessary warm up period of my phonostage (half an hour!) I dropped the needle onto Queen: On fire at the Bowl – typical 80’s live stadium recording – not great, probably recorded in a van around the corner and although remastered not the best live recording I have in my collection – the reason I picked this to begin with is I know how it should sound, the harmony vocals become lost on some systems, the kick drum has some weight but also a really nice snap (again can get lost) and I was looking for these two things most of all, along with a enjoyable listening experience. In our world you can become two obsessed with looking out for every subtle nuance and listening almost becomes an academic exercise above an enjoyable one, I always try to enjoy the music first and foremost, this said you of course need a good quality and well thought out system to do this.
My first impression of the HD800 and HDVD: I am used to listening to loudspeakers so headphones at this level completely surprised me, don’t get me wrong I have listened to the HD800 before but never on my own system I know well. I was blown away by their poise and recreation of the record. The snap in the kick drum was clearly evident and the vocal harmonies on Fat Bottomed Girls shone through organically without force! I felt as if I was not loosing the definition and soundstaging I get with my loudspeakers and for a headphone and amplifier combination this is a difficult area to tread – the HDVD 800 did what all great amplifiers do offer the cleanest possible signal to the amplifier without the impression that there is an amplifier, the best components in the world sound like they are not there and merely just aid the recreation of a performance, these two certainly do this. Before moving onto this amp with a digital source I would like to mention one final record, a newly released Eva Cassidy greatest hits, her version of John Lennon’s Imagine is breathtakingly beautiful, I just had to give this a listen, I am pleased to say I was not disappointed, the recording is so life like you would be forgiven for thinking you were present at the time the it was recorded.
As for a digital source, I do have a CD player but having all my music ripped onto HDD I decided to go straight in from my PC via USB. As afore mentioned I am big vinyl fan and really appreciated the analogue and natural sound created by the DAC. Starting with Norah Jones’s Come away with me, track 2 – Seven Years, this is one of my favourite demo tracks and I really enjoy the natural way IT is recorded the instrument solo is sublime. Nothing was lost with the Sennheiser’s, everything was there – analytical yes, but in a good way – the key here is musicality, the HD800 and HDVD handled this impeccably. I also had the opportunity to try Spotify, Audiophiles may well be shaking there head this point but I think it is important to mention as I know I lot of our customers use this, I use this personally and I am always impressed by the quality available, the HDVD 800 took the digital stream and turned it into something special: Spotify, it is not the last word in quality and I much prefer vinyl but for ease of use, fantastic!
Conclusion
I think it is important to say that after years of testing different head amp and phones, this is one of the best combinations I have the pleasure of listening too to date– I have always admired the HD800 and it is finally nice to get a “popper” dedicated amp – well done those folks at Sennheiser! I am pleased to say that both the HD 800 and HDVD 800 are in stock and available now from us, with a wide range of payment options to suit everyone now is perfect time to get involved – you will not be disappointed!