Chat
Contact us
Close contact box
Connect ID #
050 166 387 4
Connect ID #
050 166 387 4
Don't wait on hold. We'll call you back when it's your turn to talk with the next available .
Please enter your name  
Please enter your phone number  
Please enter a message  

Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes.

We are located in Virginia USA.

Thank you. We will be calling you .
We're sorry. We have encountered a problem.

Sennheiser HDV 820 Digital headphone amplifier/DAC

Item # 143HDV820

How do you make some of the best headphones on the market even better? If you're Sennheiser, you build the HDV 820...

How do you make some of the best headphones on the market even better? If you're Sennheiser, you build the HDV 820...

California customers:
Please click here for your Proposition 65 warning.

4 questions - 7 answers

Item # 143HDV820

Low stock
$2,499.99 -$500.04 Instant savings
$1,999.95

About the Sennheiser HDV 820

Jeff Miller

Rich sound gets richer

How do you make some of the best headphones on the market even better? If you're Sennheiser, you build the HDV 820 headphone amp to play up all the strengths of your flagship HD 800 S open-back 'phones and new closed-back HD 820 headphones. The most obvious matches between the two are in the cosmetics and the connectivity — this is one of the few amps we offer that can accept a balanced 4.4mm headphone cable. But this powerful desktop amp also drives Sennheiser's best headphones to perform at their top potential.
Sennheiser HDV 820 headphone amp

A sophisticated metal housing protects the precious vitals inside the Sennheiser HDV 820 headphone amp.

Rich sound gets richer

How do you make some of the best headphones on the market even better? If you're Sennheiser, you build the HDV 820 headphone amp to play up all the strengths of your flagship HD 800 S open-back 'phones and new closed-back HD 820 headphones. The most obvious matches between the two are in the cosmetics and the connectivity — this is one of the few amps we offer that can accept a balanced 4.4mm headphone cable. But this powerful desktop amp also drives Sennheiser's best headphones to perform at their top potential.

Sennheiser designed this amp to accentuate the sonic advantages of the HD 800 S and HD 820. The HDV 820 spreads out the headphones' large soundstage even wider. And together, the pair delivers airy, musical highs along with taut, detailed mids and a sweet helping of bass precision.

Crystal-clear, low-distortion sound for all

Of course, you can use the HDV 820 with any set of wired headphones that would benefit from clean, controlled power. Which I think covers most of them! Sennheiser uses a symmetrical circuitry design to keep the left and right channel signals completely independent of each other. This practically eliminates interference, so your headphones will better handle large sonic peaks in your music — without distorting.

Sennheiser also includes a 5-stage gain switch to properly match up the power output with your headphones' impedance. That means this amp plays nice with all types of headphone models.

The ins...

A headphone amp can only be as versatile as its connections — and the HDV 820 is ready for all types of music sources. You'll find balanced and unbalanced analog inputs along with optical, coaxial, XLR, and USB inputs for your digital gear. A premium ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converter effortlessly handles high-res music files up to 32-bit/384kHz.

...and outs

This amp will power up to four pairs of headphones simultaneously — a helpful feature here at Crutchfield where we often compare different headphones. There is a four-pin XLR output, along with a Neutrik combination socket standard that will accept a 3-pin XLR or a 1/4" headphone plug.

The HDV 820 also has a stereo pair of 3-pin XLR outputs on the back. So you can use it as a standalone preamp/DAC if you have compatible audio gear.

What's the deal with those new 4.4mm headphone jacks?

On the front, there are also two balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs.This heavy-duty connection is actually the new industry standard for balanced headphone operation. This makes the amp work even better with the HD 800S and HD 820 — both include a cable with this balanced plug.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • high-performance desktop headphone amp
  • sophisticated metal housing protects against signal interference and vibration
    • volume and input controls machined from solid metal for long-term reliability
  • designed in Germany, made at Sennheiser's "audiophile center of excellence" facility in Ireland
Audio Features:
  • symmetrical (balanced) circuitry throughout reduces noise and distortion for maximum sound quality
  • premium ESS Sabre32 digital-to-analog converter for detailed, dynamic sound
    • plays PCM digital audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD files up to 12.3 MHz
  • rear-panel 5-stage gain switch for optimized use of low impedance headphones
Inputs:
  • digital audio inputs: one optical (Toslink) and one coaxial
  • USB (Type B) input for connecting a computer
  • 1 pair symmetrical (balanced 3-pin XLR) line-level inputs
  • 1 pair asymmetrical (unbalanced RCA) inputs
Outputs:
  • 1 symmetrical (balanced) 4-pin XLR headphone output
  • combination headphone output
    • 1 balanced 3-pin XLR output
    • 1 unbalanced 1/4" headphone jack
  • 2 balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs
  • 1 pair symmetrical (balanced 3-pin XLR) preamp outputs for connection to a compatible audio component
  • plays up to four pairs of headphone simultaneously
Other Info and Specs:
  • dedicated Sennheiser USB Windows driver required for playback on a PC (available for free on Sennheiser's website)
  • no driver required for MacOS (latest version recommended)
  • detachable AC power cord
  • THD: less than 0.001%
  • frequency response: 10Hz to 100,000 Hz
  • 8-1/2"W x 2-3/16"H x 14-1/2"D
  • weight: 5 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 507444

What's in the box:

  • Headphone amplifier
  • 6' AC power cord (IEC 3-prong)
  • Instruction Manual and driver software on USB Flash Drive
  • Microfiber cleaning cloth
  • Quick Guide
  • Safety Guide

Customer reviews for Sennheiser HDV 820

Loading reviews...

Average review:

5.0 out of 5 stars
4 reviews

Thanks for submitting your review

Filter by rating

Customer photos

Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.

Sort reviews

Sort by:
Items per page:
View page:

Verified customer (What's this?)
Verified employee review (What's this?)

Reviewed on Samsung.com

This review was collected as part of a promotion

Pros:

Cons:

Crutchfield response
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
<< >>

More details on the Sennheiser HDV 820

Research Team

Features & specs

Design
Type Desktop/Component
Built-in Rechargable Battery No
Built-in DAC Yes
Amplifier Output Specs
Output Power 480mW (1 kHz)
Output Impedance (Unbalanced) Not given
Output Impedance (Balanced) 600 ohms
Audio Specs
Bit Depth (USB) 32
Max Sampling Rate (USB) 384 kHz
Bit Depth (S/PDIF) 24
Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF 192 kHz
S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB) 0
S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB) 0
THD (Unbalanced) Not given
THD (Balanced) 0.001%
Supported File Types
PCM Up to 384kHz
DSD DSD 256
DXD N/A
MQA N/A
Inputs
Total Inputs 5
USB Type B
Optical Digital 1
Coaxial Digital 1
3.5mm Digital None
Stereo RCA Analog 1
Stereo 3.5mm Analog None
Stereo XLR Analog 1
Headphone Outputs
3.5mm Unbalanced None
1/4-inch Unbalanced 1
4.4mm Balanced 2
XLR4 Balanced 1
Other Headphone Outs XLR-3 combo
Line Level & Digital Outs
RCA Line Out None
3.5mm Line Out None
XLR Line Out 1
Subwoofer Out None
Optical Digital Out None
Coaxial Digital Out None
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi No
Apple-compatible No
Android-compatible No
General Info
Width (inches) 8-1/2
Height (inches) 2-3/16
Depth (inches) 14-1/2
Weight 4.96 lbs.
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years
The Sennheiser HDV 820 replaces these items:

Product Research

Features

Overview: The HDV 820 Digital Headphone Amplifier (507444) is the perfect complement to Sennheiser's high-end headphones. It has a sleek black anodized aluminum housing with white LEDs to match the flagship HD 800 S headphone. The amplifier lets you connect up to four pairs of dynamic headphones at one time, and includes an XLR-3 / 1/4" combo jack, an XLR-4 jack, and two 4.4mm Pentaconn jacks. There are both balanced and unbalanced analog input jacks for connecting source units, as well as optical and coaxial digital, and USB (Type B) inputs. The HDV 820 is engineered in Germany, and manufactured in Ireland.

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): The HDV 820 features a high quality ESS Sabre32 digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which delivers wide dynamic range, low distortion, and crystal clear audio. The DAC is capable of 32-bit resolution with a sampling rate of up to 384 kHz. It can also play DSD256 files with a frequency of up to 12.3 MHz.

Symmetrical Signal Processing: The HDV 820's symmetrical signal processing provides exact signal transmission over the entire frequency spectrum with very low harmonic distortion. Very short signal paths are used, resulting in a wide dynamic range, wide bandwidth, and high transient response. The use of high quality components gives you the pure musical enjoyment from any source.

Input Selector: You can connect several types of audio sources to the headphone amp, and switch between them using the rotary Input Selector switch. There are 5 positions to choose from:

  • USB: This Type B USB input allows you to connect your Mac (OS X ver 10.6 and later) or PC (Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, 32 or 64 bits) directly to the amplifier. You should use a USB 2.0 certified cable with Type B and Type A connections. The USB input supports:
    • PCM Audio up to 32-bit resolution with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, or 384 kHz
    • DSD 64 (2,822,400 Hz), DSD 128 (5,644,800 Hz), or DSD 256 (11,289,600 Hz) files
  • Optical Digital: This TosLink input can receive digital audio signals in PCM format at sampling rates up to 96 kHz from an optical cable.
  • Coaxial Digital: This Coaxial digital (RCA) input will accept digital audio signals in PCM format at sampling rates of up to 192 kHz from a 75Ω coaxial cable.
  • Unbalanced: The Unbalanced input has left and right RCA jacks, and will accept unbalanced analog audio signals through a stereo RCA cable. The Unbalanced Input features an adjustable input gain control for obtaining the optimum signal level. There are 5 positions to choose from: 14dB, 22dB, 30dB, 38dB, and 46dB.
  • Balanced: The Balanced input features 2 balanced female XLR-3 jacks, and will accept balanced analog signals. The gain of the Balanced input signal is set to 16dB, and is not adjustable.

Headphone Connections: The Sennheiser HDV 820 offers a total of 4 connections to drive dynamic headphones:

  • Combo Jack: A Neutrik combination socket that will accept XLR-3 or 1/4" (6.3mm) unbalanced plugs.
  • XLR-4: A Neutrik XLR-4 socket for balanced headphone connection.
  • Pentaconn: Two 4.4mm Pentaconn connectors with lower contact resistance, minimal distortion, and more transparent sound.

Balanced Output: The HDV 820 has left and right male XLR-3 balanced outputs for connecting the unit to a power amplifier or to powered speakers. The output level can be adjusted using the front panel volume control.

Specifications:

  • Frequency Response: <10 Hz to >100 kHz
  • Crosstalk Attenuation: min. 93dB @ 1 kHz
  • THD+N: <0.001%
  • Gain:
    • Unbalanced Input/XLR-4 Output: adjustable 14dB, 22dB, 30dB, 38dB, 46dB
    • Balanced Input/XLR-4 Output: 16dB
  • Dynamic Range: >115dB @ 600Ω load (A-weighted)
  • Temperature Range (operation): 41°F to 113°F (5°C to 45°C)
  • Max. Input Level:
    • Balanced: 18dBV
    • Unbalanced: 20dBV
  • Input Impedance:
    • Balanced: 20kΩ
    • Unbalanced: 10kΩ
  • Headphone Outputs:
    • Impedance: min. 16Ω (1/4", XLR-3, XLR-4, 4.4mm)
  • Dimensions: Width 8.5", Height 2.177" Depth 14.5 (including cables)
  • Weight: 4.96 pounds

Loading accessories...

Customer Q&A

4 questions already asked

Q
Can I connect a seperate outboard DAC to HDV 820 (using HDV 820 as a headphone amp only) or can I bypass HDV 820's DAC function ?
youngki  May 01, 2023
2 answers
A
Are you connecting your digital source to your out board DAC and the audio out of the our board DAC to the balanced input of the HDV820? I have a AK200 music player with 2 different DAC's. I connect the audio out to the audio in of my HDV820. Moon audio built a cable for me to connect the balanced out of my AK200 to the balanced input of the HDV820 using the internal DAC on the AK200.It works good for me.
kerry  Nov 07, 2023
A
Greetings Youngki, and thank you for your question. The HDV 820 does not have digital outputs, so you cannot bypass the built in DAC.
hogan  May 02, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Can an IPad Air or IPhone be connected to this amp? If so, with which port?
windham  Jan 04, 2022
1 answer
A
Yes. I use a lightning to two RCA male jacks and it works beautifully. Found it on Amazon, not sure if Crutchfield sells it.
mark  Jan 04, 2022
Q
can Sennheiser HDV 820 be used as a preamp for a stereo system?
dr john  Oct 27, 2019
2 answers
A
Hi John, thank you for your question. The Sennheiser HDV 820 does have a stereo pair of 3-pin XLR outputs on the back, that will allow you to use this as a preamp/DAC, as long as your audio gear is compatible. Please chat with an Advisor online or by phone at 1-800-324-9695. They will be happy to go over your setup, and help you find the best option for your application.
jessica  Nov 05, 2019 (Staff)
A
Not recommended by me, just someone who has this product. It's not really a pre amp. The ideal set up is USB to computer and used as a DAC/AMP for headphones.
andrew  Nov 05, 2019
Q
Can you plug the iPhone X into this unit with the lighting to usb cord? Or with the camera to USB adapter?
jeffrey  Jan 14, 2018
2 answers
A
Actually, you can. I connected my iPhone/iPad via the CCK and the correct USB cable and it worked fine. Even DSD (with the right iOS app, like the Onkyo Hifi Player).
nigel  Feb 17, 2018
A
No. The Sennheiser HDV 820 does not support the direct connection of an iPhone.
ryan  Jan 18, 2018 (Staff)

Loading articles...

Compare the sound