The Sennheiser HD 820 has been hailed as the epitome of headphone perfection, promising an unparalleled audio experience. With its closed-back design and impressive features, it has garnered much attention from music enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.
However, does it truly live up to the hype? Is it truly the ultimate headphone? Well, let’s explore the intricacies, strengths, and weaknesses of the HD 820 to uncover the ultimate verdict.
Key Takeaways
- Mediocre-at-best for mixed usage
- More versatile than the HD 800 S due to closed-back design
- Excellent build quality and design
- Disappointing value to sound quality ratio
Summary
In summary, the Sennheiser HD 820 headphones offer a mixed experience, with an excellent build quality and design, but disappointing value to sound quality ratio. The headphones are well-built and designed, providing a sturdy and comfortable fit for extended periods of wear.
However, when it comes to sound quality, the HD 820 falls short, especially considering its high price point. The bass response can vary significantly from user to user, and while the treble delivery remains consistent, there’s a slight dip in detail and articulation in certain frequencies. Additionally, the mid-range has a hole in audio reproduction, making vocals and lead instruments sound thin.
Deailed featured and specification
The detailed features and specifications of the Sennheiser HD 820 headphones showcase their high-quality build and design. These closed-back headphones are known for their excellent sound quality and performance, making them suitable for neutral listening. They offer a well-balanced sound with slightly emphasized bass compared to the HD 800 S model. The frequency response consistency is generally good, with the bass response varying among different users. The headphones have a wide frequency range, with excellent low-bass accuracy and a slight overemphasis on high-bass. The mid-range accuracy is decent, with a dip in the low-mid range and a bump in the mid-mid and high-mid ranges. The treble response is well-balanced, with a slight dip around 3.5KHz and a significant dip in high-treble. The imaging performance is also great, ensuring accurate placement and localization of sounds.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed-back |
| Weight | 360g |
| Impedance | 300 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz – 43.8kHz |
| THD at 1kHz | <0.05% |
| Driver Size | 56mm |
| Cable Length | 3m |
| Connector | 6.3mm |
Comparision with other Headphones
Comparing the Sennheiser HD 820 headphones to other models reveals their unique features and performance. In terms of sound quality, the HD 820 offers a well-balanced sound with more bass compared to the HD 800 S. However, the bass delivery can vary significantly from user to user.
The mid-range of the HD 820 is decent overall, with a dip in the low-mid range that can make vocals and lead instruments sound thin. The treble response is good and well-balanced, although there’s a dip around 3.5KHz that slightly affects detail and articulation.
When it comes to imaging, the HD 820 performs well, ensuring accurate placement and localization of objects in the stereo field. However, the closed-back design affects the natural and open soundstage compared to open-back headphones like the HD 800 S.
Pros and Cons
One advantage of the Sennheiser HD 820 headphones is their excellent build quality and design. These headphones are well-crafted and durable, ensuring that they can withstand the test of time. The closed-back design not only enhances the overall sound quality but also helps to isolate external noise, providing a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, the HD 820 headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their ergonomic design and cushioned ear cups. However, one drawback is the disappointing value to sound quality ratio. While the headphones deliver a decent sound performance, the price tag may not be justified for some users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent build quality | Disappointing value to sound quality ratio |
| Closed-back design for better sound isolation | |
| Comfortable for long periods of wear | |
| Durable and well-crafted |
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Concluding Thoughts
In summary, the Sennheiser HD 820 headphones offer excellent build quality and a closed-back design for enhanced sound isolation, making them a comfortable and durable option for long periods of wear. They provide a versatile listening experience with good sound quality, particularly for neutral listening.
The headphones have a well-balanced sound with a slightly emphasized bass compared to the HD 800 S model. However, the bass response can vary between different users. The mid-range reproduction is decent, with a dip in the low-mid frequencies but a forward boost in the mid-mid and high-mid ranges. The treble response is well-balanced, although there’s a dip around 3.5KHz.
The imaging performance is great, ensuring accurate placement and localization of sound objects. Overall, the Sennheiser HD 820 headphones offer a solid option for those seeking high-quality build and sound isolation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Sennheiser HD 820 offers a closed-back design and impressive build quality, its value to sound quality ratio falls short. The headphones provide a decently balanced sound with emphasis on bass, but the mid-range lacks depth. The closed-back design hampers portability and lacks mobile device compatibility.
Ultimately, the HD 820 may not live up to its reputation as the ultimate headphone, leaving audiophiles wanting more. It’s like a beautiful shell that lacks the pearl within.
