SENNHEISER HD 800 S HEADPHONES

Sennheiser’s HD 800 headphones not only have the world’s largest transducers, they’ve also been upgraded for 2016. According to Maurice Quarré, of Sennheiser, the company has improved both the bass and midrange reproduction of the new HD 800S headphones over the previous model by incorporating absorber technology developed for the IE 800 model. ‘ The Sennheiser HD 800 was cherished by music-lovers throughout the world for its brilliant sound image and impressive spatiality,’ said Quarre. ‘ The HD 800 S surpasses the listening experience of its predecessor, and we’ve enhanced the equipment level by adding a symmetrical XLR4 cable. The new model also looks slightly different, with the colour of the earcups now finished in a premium matteblack finish.’ Sennheiser says the HD 800 S’s frequency response extends from 4Hz to 51kHz with less than 0.02% THD. The diaphragm diameter of 56mm is the largest currently found in any dynamic headphones, and it uses an innovative ring design to minimise distortion. The earcups are designed so that the sound waves from the diaphragm are directed to the ear at a slight angle, which Quarre says: ‘ ensures a particularly natural and spatial sound perception.’

‘ During the development process we took time to focus on every single detail,’ said Quarré, ‘ The new HD 800 S use only the highest quality materials, not least to optimally support the outstanding sound properties. For example, the transducer is embedded in a specially manufactured stainless steel gauze and the headband comprises several layers of sound-attenuating plastic and stainless steel, while the connector contacts are gold-plated to ensure optimum contact. The earcups are made of high-quality, highattenuation plastic, which is used in aviation engineering as a substitute for metal.’ As with the previous model, the new HD 800 S headphones are built by hand at Sennheiser’s headquarters in Wedemark, Germany, and sell for $2,499.95. For further information, please contact Sennheiser Australia on 1800 648 628 or visit the website at en-au.sennheiser.com