Sennheiser HD 800 S User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
HD 800
HD 800 S

HD 800 | HD 800 S | 1
The Ultimate Headphones
A modern classic, Sennheiser’s reference class HD 800 headphones deliver
sound that is as natural as possible and true in every detail. Improving
on a seemingly perfect formula is not a task undertaken lightly, but
Sennheiser’s engineers have succeeded in enhancing still further the sound
reproduction in the open, circum-aural HD 800 S.
The striking industrial design combines form and function seamlessly, the
layered metal and plastic headband construction attenuating vibrations to
the ear cups while the handmade microfiber ear pads offer exceptional com-
fort for even long periods of listening enjoyment.
Crafted for perfection, the HD 800 and the HD 800 S are precision-built in
Germany from only the finest materials and components. The transducer is
encased by stainless steel, while the headband and headphone mounting
utilizes the most advanced materials developed in the aerospace industry
for high strength with minimal weight.
The new HD 800 S offers even better high precision connectivity options
and is now supplied with two connection leads, a 6.3 mm connector and
a XLR-4 balanced cable to offer even better quality sound from sources with
balanced outputs such as the Sennheiser HDVD 800 headphones amplifier.
Absorber technology of the HD 800 S
The enhanced sound reproduction of the HD 800 S is achieved through
the addition of the innovative absorber technology that was pioneered in
the Sennheiser IE 800 – a breakthrough that preserved the audibility of
very high frequency sounds by eliminating a phenomenon known as the
“masking effect”, where the human hear struggles to hear frequencies of
sound when lower frequencies of a higher volume occur at the same time.
By absorbing the energy of the resonance, Sennheiser’s patented absorber
technology prevents any unwanted peaks and allows all frequency compo-
nents – even the finest nuances – in the music material to become audible.
This innovation was a key element in making the IE 800 the world’s best
sounding in ear headphone, and in the HD 800 S it helps to bring even gre-
ater purity and precision.
Such enhancements build on the formidable achievements of the classic,
with the 56-mm sound transducer – the largest ever used in dynamic head-
phones. The unique ear cup design directs sound waves to the ear at a slight
angle to create an impressively natural and spatial listening experience.
The Ultimate Headphones

2 | HD 800 | HD 800 S
The Ultimate Headphones
While much appears the same, the enhanced performance within is revealed
by a distinctive new look, with the silver finish of the 2009 classic HD 800
making way for high-class matt black for the HD 800 S.
Features HD 800 and HD 800 S
• Reference class in wired headphones
• Open, circum-aural dynamic stereo headphones
• Natural hearing experience – realistic and natural sound field with
minimal resonance
• Biggest transducers ever used in headphones up to today – new
innovative dynamic transducer design
• Uncovered ear cups for acoustic and stylistic reasons
• Handcrafted ear pads, made of high-quality microfiber fabric
• Metal headband with inner damping element
• Specially tuned symmetrical, impedance matching cable with low
capacitance
• Special high precision headphone connectors
• 2 year warranty
Features HD 800 S
• Further optimized reference class in wired headphones
• Absorber technology
• Additional balanced cable with XLR4 connector
• High-class matt black metal parts

HD 800 | HD 800 S | 3
Safety instructions
Safety instructions
XRead this instruction manual carefully and completely before using the
product.
XAlways include this instruction manual when passing the product on to
third parties.
XDo not use an obviously defective product.
Preventing damage to health and accidents
XProtect your hearing from high volume levels. Permanent hearing damage
may occur when headphones are used at high volume levels for long
periods of time. Sennheiser headphones sound exceptionally good at low
and medium volume levels.
XAlways maintain a distance of at least 10 cm/3.94" between the head-
phone cap and cardiac pacemakers or implanted defibrillators (ICDs) since
the product generates permanent magnetic fields.
XKeep the product, accessories and packaging parts out of reach of children
and pets to prevent accidents and choking hazards.
XDo not use the product in situations which require special attention
(e.g. in traffic or when performing skilled jobs).
Preventing damage to the product and malfunctions
XAlways keep the product dry and do not expose it to extreme tempera-
tures (hairdryer, heater, extended exposure to sunlight, etc.) to avoid
corrosion or deformation.
XDo not place your headphones on a glass dummy head, chair armrest
or similar objects for long periods as this can widen the headband and
reduce the contact pressure of the headphones.
XUse only attachments/accessories/spare parts supplied or recommended
by Sennheiser.
XClean the product only with a soft, dry cloth.
XUse the product with care and store it in a clean, dust-free environment.
Package includes
HD 800/HD 800 S
Connection cable with 1/4" (6.3 mm) stereo jack plug
CH 800 S balanced connection cable with XLR-4 connector
(HD 800 S only)
Microfiber cloth
USB flash drive
Storage box
Instruction manual
Manual
Intended use/Liability
These headphones have been designed for home use with high-quality audio
systems.
It is considered improper use when the product is used for any application
not named in the corresponding product documentation.
Sennheiser does not accept liability for damage arising from improper use or
misuse of this product and its attachments/accessories.

4 | HD 800 | HD 800 S
Your HD 800/HD 800 S
Your HD 800/HD 800 S
Connecting the headphones
XConnect the headphones to a 1/4" (6.3 mm) stereo jack socket or use
a standard adapter to connect them to a 3.5 mm stereo jack socket.
CH 800 S balanced connection cable with XLR-4 connector (supplied with the
HD 800 S or available as optional accessory):
XChange the connection cable as described below.
XConnect the headphones to a source with a balanced XLR-4 socket, e.g. to
the Sennheiser HDVD 800 headphone amplifier.
Putting on the headphones and using them
XPut on your headphones and then pull the ear cups down until they rest
comfortably over the ears. Make sure you have them the right way round
by observing the “R” (right) and “L” (left) markings on the ear cups.
XTake the headphones off and use the slide scale on the headband to
ensure they sit symmetrically.
XAfter use, place the headphones into the storage box. Hang the cable up
unwound for the first few days after use. After that, you can store the
cable wound up loosely.
Changing the connection cable
To detach the connection cable:
XHold the ear cup firmly and pull the connector straight out of the socket
by overcoming a slight resistance. Make sure to not damage the metal
gauze of the ear cups.
To connect the connection cable:
XMake sure the “R” (right) and “L” (left) markings on the connectors
match the markings on the ear cups.
XAlign the latch of the connector with the socket and insert the connector
until it snaps into place with an audible click.
6.3 mm XLR-4
L
R

HD 800 | HD 800 S | 5
Care and maintenance
Care and maintenance
For reasons of hygiene, you should replace the ear pads, the inside dust
covers and the headband from time to time. Spare parts are available from
your Sennheiser partner. To find a Sennheiser partner in your country, search
at www.sennheiser.com.
XClean the product only with a dry and soft microfiber cloth (supplied).
XStore the product in a clean, dust-free place, e.g. in its storage box.
Cleaning and replacing the dust covers made from 3D Mesh
XPull the dust covers away from the ear cups without touching the trans-
ducers underneath if possible.
XRinse the dust covers under running lukewarm water and let them air dry.
XPut the dust covers back in place and carefully tuck the edges underneath
the ear pads.
Replacing the ear pads
XGrasp behind the ear pads and pull them up and away from the ear cups.
Make sure to not damage the metal gauze and the transducers on the
inside of the ear cups.
XPlace the new ear pads onto the ear cups and attach the ear pads by
pressing firmly around them.
Replacing the headband
XHold the headband firmly in the middle and detach the headband pad-
ding from one side to the other.
XPlace the new headband padding onto the headband and attach it to the
headband’s latches, starting from the middle and moving outwards.

6 | HD 800 | HD 800 S
Specifications
Specifications
Frequency response HD 800: 14 - 44,100 Hz (-3 dB)
6 - 51,000 Hz (-10 dB)
HD 800 S: 10 - 44,100 Hz (-3 dB)
4 - 51,000 Hz (-10 dB)
Frequency response diffuse field equalized
Nominal impedance 300 
Sound pressure level at 1 kHz 102 dB (1 Vrms)
Long-term input power max. 500 mW as per EN 60-268-7
THD ≤ 0.02 % (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
Contact pressure approx. 3.4 N ± 0.3 N
Ear coupling circum-aural
Weight approx. 330 g (without connection cable)
Connector HD 800: 6.3 mm stereo jack plug
HD 800 S: XLR-4 connector or 6.3 mm stereo
jack plug, depending on the
connection cable used
Connection cable silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cable (OFC),
balanced, shielded, para-aramid reinforced, 3 m
Operating temperature -10°C to +55°C
Reference diffuse field frequency response
dB
Hz
HD 800
HD 800 S
Manufacturer declarations
Warranty
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 2 years on this product.
For the current warranty conditions, please visit our website at www.sennheiser.com or contact
your Sennheiser partner.
FOR AUSTRALIA ONLY
Sennheiser’s goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Con-
sumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation
for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods
repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount
to a major failure. This warranty is in addition to other rights or remedies under law. Nothing in
this warranty excludes, limits or modifies any liability of Sennheiser which is imposed by law, or
limits or modifies any remedy available to the consumer which is granted by law. To make a claim
under this warranty, contact Sennheiser Australia Pty Ltd, Unit 3, 31 Gibbes Street, Chatswood
NSW 2067, Australia; Phone: [phone], email: [email protected].
All expenses of claiming the warranty will be borne by the person making the claim.
The Sennheiser International Warranty is provided by Sennheiser Australia Pty Ltd
(ABN 68 165 388 312), Unit 3, 31 Gibbes Street, Chatswood NSW 2067, Australia.
In compliance with the following requirements
• WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)
Please dispose of this product by taking it to your local collection point or recycling
center for such equipment. This will help to protect the environment in which we all
live.
CE Declaration of Conformity
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
The declaration is available at www.sennheiser.com.
The individual diffuse field frequency response of your headphones can be found on the enclosed
USB flash drive.

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Am Labor 1, 30900 Wedemark, Germany
www.sennheiser.com
Publ. 01/16, 566665/A02