John Buchanan
1000+ Head-Fier
The Phonitor XE is a low impedance output (0.36 ohms) - the original Phonitor 2730 had a 9 ohm output impedance and was too noisy with low impedance headphones, but absolutely loved high impedance headphones.
Sennheiser HD820
- Thread starter Dulalala
- Start date
bertwaffles
New Head-Fier
I am moving to Europe so wanted to hold off on anything tube. I assume it is similar to guitar amps and I would have to put on a transformer. Has anyone used the Woo Mini Tube amp with the HD820?
dapost
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2010
- Posts
- 15
- Likes
- 39
Tried the 820 and missed the days I owned and enjoyed the 800. There is something special about these cans.
onawing
New Head-Fier
Even with the A16? So I should go source -> A16 -> Valhalla 2 -> Hd 820 -> me ?
Figjam
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2007
- Posts
- 58
- Likes
- 27
USB drive just contains test results specific to the pair you purchased, along with the manual.The soundstage is noticeably bigger but the difference isn't huge. Maybe like 20-30% bigger? The overall listening experience for content that does not need a large soundstage is only marginally better on the HD 820 and I might actually prefer the more cozy feel of the T5p 3rd gen for audiobooks and some types of music. Imaging is much better on the HD 820 though and its easy to listen at unsafe volumes caus every time I increase the volume I hear something new in the audio. For what I was looking for (large soundstage) I got what I wanted so I wont be returning it. Though I do wonder if I should have just skipped it and put that money towards the A16.
I replaced the cable with a shorter one from Hart (the stock one is unwieldy). Comfort is better than the T5p (which is already a very comfortable headphone). I use the Dakoni fenestrated sheepskin on both, I havent really tried the stock ones. I'd say I can wear the T5p for about a movie's length without any comfort issues and the 820 for about twice as long. Its really big on my head though so it looks silly on video calls. I also own the AKG K702 and at least it doesn't give you the martian silhouette that the K702 does which is honestly peak clownish. The silhoeutte of the T5p is fine
They also included a usb drive. I dont have a sacrificial device handy where I can plug in random usb drives so I dont know whats in it. Apparently they've decided to unload some extra stress on their customers
Apologies I cant be more technical in my descriptions. I only bought these so I can watch movies more immersively so I cant speak to the shape of the sound curves and other hifi stuff that other people talk about
Overall if I had to do it over I'd think very carefully about whether I care about anything as much as I care about soundstage but for me I know the answer is no so I would make the same decision I think
Last edited:
I was wondering about the passive isolation of the HD820 with Dekoni pads.
Even with a proper seal, the HD820 with stock pads doesn't filter outside noise a lot... it's slightly reduced, but not by much compared to many other closed backs.
Do the Dekoni pads improve this?
I'd guess it also varies with the pad type (velour, hybrid, sheepskin, fenestrated sheepskin)... In particular, how do the Dekoni velour isolate?
Even with a proper seal, the HD820 with stock pads doesn't filter outside noise a lot... it's slightly reduced, but not by much compared to many other closed backs.
Do the Dekoni pads improve this?
I'd guess it also varies with the pad type (velour, hybrid, sheepskin, fenestrated sheepskin)... In particular, how do the Dekoni velour isolate?
Rob80b
Headphoneus Supremus
I tried some all leather pads but they did not improve the isolation, cannot see any of the Dekoni fairing any better,
lauthoerer
100+ Head-Fier
For me, the Elite Hybrid Pads improve comfort and seal and, in turn, I’d say they also improve isolation, but I wasn’t that particular about the HD820 isolation to begin with, so while it’s not shutting you off completely, I can focus easily on the music without outside distractions.
Isolation towards the outside, however, is pretty poor. You can still hear the music standing 2m apart.
Isolation towards the outside, however, is pretty poor. You can still hear the music standing 2m apart.
Last edited:
Hi there, I just came across this article which mentions durability issues with the HD820. I have never heard of any? Here is the statement in a nutshell, please let me know if anybody experienced this 
...
On the downside, despite its high price and quality performance, the HD 820 lacks longevity. While it’s disheartening, these headphones seem to fail after about two years. The cables may come apart first, and after replacing the cables, the headphones themselves may begin to give in with crackling sounds or loss of audio in one ear.
...On the downside, despite its high price and quality performance, the HD 820 lacks longevity. While it’s disheartening, these headphones seem to fail after about two years. The cables may come apart first, and after replacing the cables, the headphones themselves may begin to give in with crackling sounds or loss of audio in one ear.
https://www.hifispecs.com/sennheise...gevity issues make it less appealing for some.
Rob80b
Headphoneus Supremus
Build quality is essentially equal to the HD800/S so no real issues there IMHO, so not too sure where the reviewer got this information, personally I have not read or heard of any failing HD820s.Hi there, I just came across this article which mentions durability issues with the HD820. I have never heard of any? Here is the statement in a nutshell, please let me know if anybody experienced this
On the downside, despite its high price and quality performance, the HD 820 lacks longevity. While it’s disheartening, these headphones seem to fail after about two years. The cables may come apart first, and after replacing the cables, the headphones themselves may begin to give in with crackling sounds or loss of audio in one ear.
https://www.hifispecs.com/sennheiser-hd-820-review/#:~:text=In summary, the Sennheiser HD 820 offers an,longevity issues make it less appealing for some.
Cable though, depending on certain body oils may cause the rubber section to deteriorate, I've experienced this 3 times with my HD800S, all of which Sennheiser replaced free of charge, but the majority, maybe 99% of HD800/S/820 owners have had zero issues with their cables, some going on ten years or more.
Bottom line the HD820 is a solid headphone and if treated properly should offer a lifetime of reliability.
fidgeraldo
Headphoneus Supremus
The funny part is: "The headphones themselves may begin to give in with crackling sounds or loss of audio in one ear."
Loss of audio in one ear?? Not the cup or driver, but in one ear. Whose ear??
I bought HD820 one and a half years ago...everything is as new.
BTW...they are splendid headphones!
Another...By the way, folks write about seal issues. I experimented with pressing cups and didn't like the sound that way.
The sound loses air, and it's not clean anymore.
The bass does hit a bit harder, but the sound is not good. The whole design is not coincidentally made as it is.
Cheers!
Loss of audio in one ear?? Not the cup or driver, but in one ear. Whose ear??
I bought HD820 one and a half years ago...everything is as new.
BTW...they are splendid headphones!
Another...By the way, folks write about seal issues. I experimented with pressing cups and didn't like the sound that way.
The sound loses air, and it's not clean anymore.
The bass does hit a bit harder, but the sound is not good. The whole design is not coincidentally made as it is.
Cheers!
Rob80b
Headphoneus Supremus
The reviewer's impressions overall were positive ...
"I waited for three years to save up for these headphones, eager to see if they lived up to the hype. And truth be told, I was not at all disappointed.........
...may have needed just a slight bit of venting.
"I must, however, warn potential buyers about ordering these headphones through Amazon. I ended up receiving two separate pairs that were in poor condition. The first set was broken, and the second arrived in a box that looked like it had been used as a rugby ball.
Sadly I was able to reproduce a similar review just by asking ChatGPT to write a balanced review with negatives and positives, just saying : (
The reviewer, Maxim Assaraf is a real person though.
https://www.youtube.com/@maximassaraf6717
"I waited for three years to save up for these headphones, eager to see if they lived up to the hype. And truth be told, I was not at all disappointed.........
...may have needed just a slight bit of venting.
"I must, however, warn potential buyers about ordering these headphones through Amazon. I ended up receiving two separate pairs that were in poor condition. The first set was broken, and the second arrived in a box that looked like it had been used as a rugby ball.
Sadly I was able to reproduce a similar review just by asking ChatGPT to write a balanced review with negatives and positives, just saying : (
The reviewer, Maxim Assaraf is a real person though.
https://www.youtube.com/@maximassaraf6717
I have the HD800 - the cable did deteriorate over time, disintegrating rubber... didn't know Sennheiser would replace the cable (even out of warranty?).
The headband also deteriorates.
The sound, however, remains unaffected.
Any other testimonies with Dekoni pads and isolation improvements?
Rob80b
Headphoneus Supremus
Neither did I and I bought my HD800S in 2016, the 1st was replaced at the end of the 2 year warranty period, the last they replaced just last year, so including the original that's 4 cables in 7 years.
That goes for all pads or at least the majority, the HD820 pads are quite different from the HD800/S so the jury is still out on that one.
Users who are viewing this thread
