[PhilW]

Well today really has been one for some great and exciting news from Sennheiser. I opened some discussion on the IE800 so thought I would open some discussion on the latest and first headphone amp to breach the Sennheiser camp the HDVD800. Again this to me looks like a stunning piece of kit and would fit perfectly alongside their HD800 or HD700 headphones.

 

[Maxvla]

http://www.slashgear.com/sennheiser-outs-ie-800-earphones-and-hdvd-800-headphone-amp-13222759/

It's a DAC/amp supporting 24/192 and appears to be balanced (2 4 pin outputs) with 2 unbalanced outputs in a relatively compact package. Price is €1,499 with availability in September.

 

[LFF]

Very interesting!
 
I hope they get it right....

 

[n3rdling]

First foray into headphone amps?  What about the HEV70/90?

 

[Raptor34]

Oh no, my poor wallet.  

  

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

First foray into headphone amps?  What about the HEV70/90?

Exactly.  If Senn's memory is that bad I guess hoping for a HE90 replacement is a waste of time.
 
If anyone can find the output impedance I'd be curious to know if one of those plugs is IEC spec.
 

 

[elrod-tom]

Looks interesting...So it has an on-board DAC and apparently dual balanced outs?  Why dual? 
 
I'll be very interested in hearing this one when it comes out.  I wonder if Jude has any other information about this?
 

 

[fabio-fi]

Looks pretty cool, it has a clear top (part of it) so we can see the internals. 
We'll see how it stands against similar priced amps. 

 

[sridhar3]

Quote:

So it has an on-board DAC and apparently dual balanced outs?  Why dual?

 
x2.  Wondering the same thing.  Color me intrigued, though.

 

[olor1n]

Add to cart.

 

[shuttleboi]

Why announce it in April with availability in September? 
 
Why not plan for a major electronics show where you can announce the product and then ship it in volume within a couple of weeks? 

 

[Maxvla]

To build the hype machine.

 

[olor1n]

Quote:

Why announce it in April with availability in September? 
 
Why not plan for a major electronics show where you can announce the product and then ship it in volume within a couple of weeks? 

To save me from buying and selling the Mjolnir and Gungnir.

 

[Maxvla]

Depends on what you think will work better. The Sennheiser amp will probably be more similar to the Bryston amp in that it will likely go from balanced to single to balanced, whereas the Mjolnir will be completely balanced. We also have no idea of the specs for the Sennheiser. Anyone else wonder if the Sennheiser amp is OEM by Lehmann? Design is reminiscent of their amps.

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

Quote:
 
x2.  Wondering the same thing.  Color me intrigued, though.

Looks like the amp is designed to share the love.  Must be a balanced design in the strictest sense, not the bridged or parallel sense.