Sound + Image

Closing time

Excepting only the HE 1 Orpheus successor, the HD 800 has since 2009 represented Sennheiser’s top-of-the-line headphone, “reference class” they call them, “crafted for perfection”. In 2016 a new version arrived, the HD 800 S, with variations including the support of balanced symmetrical cables, along with the release of dedicated Sennheiser headphone amplifiers suitable for driving them to their best advantage.

Both the HD 800 and HD 800 S headphones are open designs — their drivers spill their sound outward as well as inward to your ears. And while open headphones are still considered to rule the roost for the ultimate in unrestrained performance, they have clear limitations on use. You need to be alone.

Enter the HD 820. At first glance the move here seems obvious enough — Sennheiser has sealed the earcups behind a cover of tough Gorilla glass. What was open is now closed. , a closed version of the

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