Sennheiser HDVD 800 Review

Sennheiser HDVD 800 Review – Final words

Sennheiser HDVD 800 review: This is indeed an impressive and wonderful sounding unit. It will simply make you feel comfortable because it is manufactured to meet product standards. The HDVD 800 features balanced symmetrical signal processing from input to output delivering extremely high resolution and ultra-low harmonic distortion. High-end audiophiles don’t miss.


Sennheiser HDVD 800

Sennheiser HDVD 800

Headphones Amplifier with DAC, symmetrical signal processing, versatile unit, a digital amplifier for audiophile headphones, D/A converter for all common formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz (CD/DVD), Sockets for 4 sets of headphones (2 of which are symmetrical)

 

Sennheiser is considered as one of the leading companies to have successfully released a lot of impressive products that include HD600/HD650, HD700, HD800, and Orpheus. With all these products comes the newest Sennheiser HDVD 800 that remarkably highlights an advanced technology for headphones. This is known to perform well to specific headphones which also go well with its impedance synergy. Sennheiser HDVD800’s balanced output can provide an even more powerful and better overall presentation.

Sennheiser HDVD 800

Build Quality

Sennheiser HDVD 800 is built with high-quality material for its main body and also includes a metal. Glass is also found right exactly on top which will allow users to see the component inside. Prior to the glass of Sennheiser HDVD 800, it is as well manufactured and applied with a shock resistance feature making it a good quality product. As compared to its rivals, it just is simply the best because of a bonus that is also given.

Right through its front-most part, 2 balanced and 2 single-ended outputs, a power button, a switch to choose outputs/inputs, and a volume pot can be found. The manufacturing materials that have been utilized are far more superior as compared to other products.

In the side and in the back part of the unit, there are coax inputs, optic, EBU/AES, USB that can easily be found. There are also completely balanced outputs intended for the DAC section. There are balanced inputs designed for the amp board. So far, there’s nothing bad that can be said about the outputs/inputs of Sennheiser HDVD 800.

Specification

  • Frequency Response: 0.3 Hz – 100 kHz
  • Input Impedance at 1kHz (ohms): 20 kΩ
  • Inputs: XLR-3, RCA, S/PDIF RCA, TosLink, AES/EBU, USB
  • Output Impedance: 16 Ohms
  • Outputs: 1/4″ & XLR-4
  • Dimensions: 8.8 x 1.7 x 12 in.
  • Weight: 5 lbs.
  • THD at 1V output: less than -110 dB (1 kHz / maximum gain)

Product Features

  • Digital amplifier for audiophile headphones
  • Symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analog inputs; AES/EBU, S/PDIF and USB digital inputs
  • Sophisticated metal housing protects against signal scatter and vibration; controls made from solid metal for long-term stability
  • D/A converter for all common formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz; can be used for CD and DVD players
  • Symmetrical output
  • Sockets for 4 sets of headphones (2 of which are symmetrical)

Sennheiser HDVD 800 review the Sound

Low Frequency

The Sennheiser HDVD 800 presents such a non-fatiguing and natural low frequency. Even though this may not promise an excellent bass depth, it still brings out a nicer and better performance.

It is also easily connected to tracks and it has consisted of a bass depth that complements well to a quantity documented in tracks.  It does not actually tighten the stage but it still somehow affects the space involving the instruments. Its mid-bass presentation is situated slightly next to the stage in order that it does not outperform other frequency ranges.

Sennheiser HDVD 800 review

Sennheiser HDVD 800 promises a resolved, well-positioned, and natural low-frequency presentation. This is not suggested for all bass heads but it sounds so smooth and musical. One more impressive thing about this product is that its low frequency is easy and convenient to follow.

Mid Frequency

It has its balanced and neutral midrange frequency in the stage. It is also not that too forward and not too recessed. Its musicality and tonality in mid-presentation are the best. It is not just natural but it really promises a higher level of emotional notes and resolution. There’s no such thing as sacrificing transparency and details, so far.

High Frequency

Sennheiser HDVD 800 presents its slightly sharp, forward, and thin presentation. Its forwardness or sharpness is not quite disturbing. It is also impressive to see the positioning of the treble presentation. You will notice a better feel of the detail right through the treble section. So far, there’s nothing bad that can be said about its good performance. This is especially true to its tonality and resolution.

Soundstage and Separation

The product has its better width despite the fact that it maintains a deeper stage. Its stage depth supports the amp for having clearer layers resulting to good separation. Treble notes are also horizontally situated right next to its thin-stage structure. The problem of thinning treble notes has already been resolved by Sennheiser through this product. So far, the product is great for its easy and convenient to follow the presentation and nice imaging.

Pairing

In this Sennheiser HDVD 800 review, the product is specifically manufactured and designed for headphones manufactured by Sennheiser. These headphones have actually consisted of HD800S and HD800. This way, it will have its better and more improved synergy with completely-sized cans.

But, it is suggested that HDVD800 should not be utilized for low impedance because of its structure and output specifications.

The DAC Board of Sennheiser HDVD 800

This product is impressive because of its completely-enhanced DAC board. This also proudly presents its great amplification performance. However, users will not be able to completely get satisfying DAC and stellar lamp until they already have a better source.

Sennheiser HDVD 800 Main Highlight


Sennheiser HDVD800 is great because of its more distant sound which is specifically one of its highlights. The sound that it has is clearer and closer. When it comes to in-depth layering, this one’s a lot better than any other products. Its highlights include a sharp and non-fatiguing treble and a stage structure that can be so easy for you to follow.

Another highlighted fact about the Sennheiser HDVD 800 is that it promises better tonality and more natural notes on both female and male vocals. 

It is highly regarded for its more control and it is great in reducing the space that surrounds the vocals.

Compare Sennheiser HDVD-800 to other Hi-End DAC Headphones Amplifier

Sennheiser HDVD 800 Vs Sennheiser HDV 820 Vs iFi Pro iCAN Studio-Grade Vs Teac UD-503 USB DAC Vs Monolith 124459

Sennheiser HDVD 800Sennheiser HDVD 800

Spec: Frequency Response: 0.3 Hz – 100 kHz,  Input Impedance at 1kHz (ohms): 20 kΩ,  Inputs: XLR-3, RCA, S/PDIF RCA, TosLink, AES/EBU, USB, Output Impedance: 16 Ohms, Outputs: 1/4″ & XLR-4, Dimensions: 8.8 x 1.7 x 12 in., Weight: 5 lbs., THD at 1V output: less than -110 dB (1 kHz / maximum gain)

Features: Digital amplifier for audiophile headphones, Symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analog inputs; AES/EBU, S/PDIF and USB digital inputs, Sophisticated metal housing protects against signal scatter and vibration; controls made from solid metal for long-term stability, D/A converter for all common formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz; can be used for CD and DVD players, Symmetrical output, Sockets for 4 sets of headphones (2 of which are symmetrical)

 


Sennheiser HDV 820 Reference Headphones Amplifier DC - Specs

Sennheiser HDV 820 Reference Headphones Amplifier DAC

Specs: dimension: 8.82″ x 17.32″ x 12.05″, weight: 5 pounds, frequency response: <10 and >100 kHz, sensitivity: 103 dB at 1 kHz, 1V, total harmonic distortion: <0.001%, dynamic range: >115 dB @ 600 Ohms, input:  USB (USB-B type)/optical/S|PDIF coaxial/balanced XLR/unbalanced RCA, analog outputs: XLR3, XLR4, 6.3mm (1/4 inch)/dual 4.4mm Pentaconn/XLR pass-through, supported file formats: PCM up to 32-bit|384 kHz/DSD up to DSD256|12.3 MHz, connectivity: wired
Features: Convert to analog from USB, S/PDIF coaxial and Optical sources, reference-grade digital audio conversion and headphone amplification, supports all common digital and analog hi-fi connections, DSD compatible (can stream up to DSD256 at 12.3 MHz on a Mac or Windows-based source), analog pass-through for dependable connection to other components, support warranty: 2-years

 


iFi Pro iCAN Studio Grade Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier - specs

iFi Pro iCAN Studio-Grade Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier

Specs: weight: 2.2 pounds, frequency response: 0.5Hz to 500kHz(-3dB), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR, Balanced/Single-Ended, S-BAL): >147dB(A) / > 137dB(A), HP output impedance: balanced < 2 OhmSingle-Ended/ S-BAL < 1 Ohm, Output Power (16Ω, Balanced/Single-Ended, S-BAL): >14,000mW / >4,800mW, Output Voltage (600Ω, Balanced/Single-Ended, S-BAL): >23V / >11.5V, Input Voltage (Pro iCAN): DC 9V/6.7A – 18V/3.35A, Input Voltage (iPower Plus): AC 85 – 265V, 50/60Hz, Power Consumption: ≤ 22W idle, 50W max
Features: 3D holographic dual-analog matrices for headphones and speakers, Super-powerful 14,000mW headphone output power, delivers the maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike, lower distortion and reduced crosstalk on headphones, true differential balanced, can drive anything and everything, XBass correction system, class A solid-state

 


Teac UD-503B review

Teac UD-503 USB DAC

Specs: dimension: 11.4″ (W) x 3.2″ (H) x 9.8″ (D), weight: 9.3 pounds, 10MHz external clock input supported, frequency response: 5 – 80 kHz (+1dB/–3dB), output impedance: balanced – 188 ohms/unbalanced – 150 ohms, input impedance: 51 kOhms, connectors: balanced – XLR 3-32 x 1 pair/ unbalanced – RCA jack x 1 pair, signal-to-noise ratio: balanced – 112dB (A-weighted, 1kHz)/unbalanced – 110dB (A-weighted, 1kHz) , THD: 0.0015% (1kHz, LHF: 20Hz to 20kHz)
Features:  supports 11.2MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM, Dual-monaural circuit structure, high-end AK4490  DACs (both of left & right channels), compliant with RoHS, 4 types of PCM digital filter, 2 types of DSD filter, VELVET SOUND architecture, remote control (RC-1319)

 


Monolith 124459 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC - specs

Monolith 124459 – Desktop Headphones Amplifier & DAC

Specs: dimension: 7.8″ x 2.0″ x 8.7″ ,weight: 5.2 ounces, amplifier: 2x THX AAA 788, DAC: 2x AKM AK4493, Analog Inputs: 1x unbalanced RCA, 1x unbalanced XLR, Digital Inputs: 1x Optical, 1x Coaxial, 1x AES/EBU, 1x USB, playable frequency response: 1Hz ~ 40kHz ±0.5dB (96kHz input), signal-to-noise ratio: (A-Weighted): > 120dB, dynamic range: >120dB
Features: balanced & single-ended Headphone output (compatible with all headphones & IEMs), true balanced operation: dual amp/dual DAC/true balanced output,  powerful digital tools

 

Sennheiser HDVD 800 Review – Pros & Cons

In my own verdict for this Sennheiser HDVD 800 review, it is indeed an impressive and wonderful sounding unit. It will simply make you feel comfortable because it is manufactured to meet product standards. Below are some of the positive points and negative points of the product.

Pros

  • The Sennheiser HDVD800 Looks so nice and has lots of impressive outputs and inputs
  • Perfect for audiophile headphones
  • Takes Advantage of its Stage Depth
  • Very Simple to Use
  • Beautiful sound and fantastic quality

Cons

  • It’s a bit quieter
  • Requires a balanced XLR cable that really shines

Sennheiser HDVD 800 Review – Final Verdicts

Sennheiser HDVD 800 is impressive because it is one of the excellent headphone amplifiers with DAC.

It highlights its positive and strong points of versatility, studio sound, and excellent pairing capability. Its quality is something that any user can be proud of. It is highly engineered and beautifully constructed to meet the standards of the simplest or even the most meticulous users out there.

Truly, this is a high-quality product that is worth your money. There’s nothing that can beat it when it comes to quality, construction, and more.

Where to buy Sennheiser HDVD 800

>> Sennheiser HDVD 800

More Sennheiser Products >>>