
$2400 Headphones? Sennheiser HD 820!
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Promos
The most expensive headphones I've ever tried. No regrets. Sennheiser HD 820: goo.gl MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Video Gear I use: kit.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: Ongoing Thing by 20syl, Oddisee ~ twitter.com snapchat.com google.com @MKBHD @MKBHD Headphones provided by Sennheiser for review.
The Sennheiser HD 820 is presented as a behemoth of headphone design, combining a closed-back enclosure with open-back-inspired sound characteristics. The reviewer highlights the bold size and luxury build, noting the 56 mm drivers and a frequency range stretching from 12 Hz to 43 kHz, capped by a 300 ohm impedance. A distinctive feature is the concave Gorilla Glass cup behind the drivers, which serves to minimize external interference and create a more exclusive listening environment. The design aims to deliver the best of both worlds: the immersion and imaging of an open-back setup with the isolation of a closed-back pair, enabling a wide soundstage while reducing bleed into surrounding space. The video stresses that these headphones are optimized for stationary listening rather than casual, on-the-go use, underscoring their suitability for studio desks or dedicated listening sessions. In explaining the package, the reviewer comments on the substantial, premium aesthetic and materials, including a three-meter high-quality braided detachable cable and gold-plated connectors, all of which reinforce the hype around owning a high-end audio product. The $2,400 price tag is acknowledged upfront, but the emphasis remains on the engineering choices that allegedly justify the cost, such as the reduced ambient noise and the sense of larger-than-life soundstage. The overall verdict in the early portions centers on the HD 820 as a serious, purpose-built listening tool rather than a casual consumer gadget, designed for enthusiasts who crave a high-fidelity studio-like experience at home.
Topics · audio · review · technology · headphones
Questions answered
- What makes the Sennheiser HD 820 different from typical open back headphones?
- The HD 820 combines a closed back design with an open back-like soundstage, achieved through a concave Gorilla Glass cup behind the drivers that reduces external interference and bleed while preserving a wide, airy imaging.
- Is the HD 820 suitable for portable use or is it intended for a stationary setup?
- It is intended for stationary listening at a desk or in a dedicated setup due to its size, weight, and 300 ohm impedance, which require a capable amp and a controlled environment to realize full performance.