In Depth Sennheiser update the bar a notch with the outstanding technology HD 800 S

The original Sennheiser HD800 released in 2009 was considered the worlds best headphone by many audiophiles. Since its release, numerous manufacturers have tried to knock the HD 800 down from the throne to claim the title of worlds best headphone. Music lovers now have plenty of options to consider. Flagship headphones are now available from most well respected audio brands.

Listeners who have criticized the HD 800 for being a tad bright and wanting a bit more low bass extension have plenty to look forward to. Using absorber technology originally used in the IE 800, Sennheiser has updated the HD800 and given it a new paint job in our favorite color, black. The new Sennheiser HD800S reduces unwanted peaks in the headphones frequency response making the listening experience more immersive. In addition to the standard headphone cable with the original HD 800, the new HD 800 S includes a “symmetrical” 4-pin XLR cable to be used with headphone amps sporting balanced outputs such as the Sennheiser HDVD 800.

new Sennheiser HD800S

The Sennheiser HD 800 S began shipping February 2016 in small quantities.

The Sennheiser HD 800 is cherished by music lovers throughout the world for its brilliant sound image and impressive spatiality. With the HD 800S, the audio specialist now presents a new version, which even surpasses the listening experience of its predecessor: Acoustically, the proven transducer technology and the innovative earcup design of the HD 800 are still being employed, while the sound image has once again been further optimized in the medium and low frequency range. Sennheiser has also enhanced the equipment level of the HD 800 S with the addition of a symmetrical XLR4 cable. The color was also slightly changed: the earcups of the new model are resplendent in a premium matte-black finish.

Ever since its launch, the HD 800 has been a firm favorite among music lovers and audiophiles. Brilliant trebles, precise bass reproduction and a particularly clear sound image combined with a frequency response from 4 to 51,000 Hz – these are the outstanding qualities of the multi-award-winning HD 800.

With the HD 800 S, sound reproduction has been optimized even beyond the high benchmark set by the HD 800. This is made possible through the innovative absorber technology that was first introduced in the IE 800. This patented technology ensures that the so-called “masking effect” is neutralized. This acoustic phenomenon, that diminishes sound quality, arises as the human ear is unable to perceive higher-pitched sounds, that have low-volumes, at the same time that significantly louder sounds in a lower frequency range occur. Through the application of the absorber technology, the energy of the resonances is absorbed, thus preventing any unwanted peaks in the frequency response and ensuring that even the finest nuances in the music remain audible over the entire frequency range.

new Sennheiser HD800S

Impressive sound experience – outstanding technology

The improved audio quality of the HD 800 S is based on the high-end technology of its legendary predecessor. As before, the core of the new model is a unique transducer system which, as in the HD 800, is the source and guarantee of an exceptionally detailed sound image. Measuring 56 millimeters, it is the largest transducer currently to be found in a set of dynamic headphones. In spite of the size of the transducer, the patented diaphragm with its innovative ring design minimizes any distortion that might occur especially at higher frequencies – keeping total harmonic distortion to less than 0.02 percent. Meticulous attention was also paid to the design of the earcups. These are designed in such a way that the sound waves are directed to the ear at a slight angle. This ensures a particularly natural and spatial sound perception. In order to achieve even better audio quality in the reproduction of audio sources with a symmetrical output, such as the Sennheiser HDVD 800, the HD 800 S comes with a symmetrical XLR4 cable.

Luxurious materials for luxury headphones

“The HD 800 is in a class of its own. During its development, we took time to focus on every single detail,” explained Maurice Quarré, Director Business Segment Select & Audiophile at Sennheiser. And that is also true for the new HD 800 S. Like their predecessor, these high-end headphones from the audio specialist 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. For the headband, the audio specialist has chosen a design consisting of 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, high-attenuation plastic, which is used in aviation engineering as a substitute for metal. It is precisely these components on the HD 800 S that feature a matte-black, silk-gloss finish, providing the new high-end headphones with a unique, silky luxurious look. In this way, the outer appearance of the HD 800 S is in perfect harmony with the exceptional quality of the sound image.

Audio specialist Sennheiser is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of headphones, microphones and wireless transmission systems. Based in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, Sennheiser operates its own production facilities in Germany, Ireland and the USA and is active in more than 50 countries. With 18 sales subsidiaries and long-established trading partners, the company supplies innovative products and cutting-edge audio solutions that are optimally tailored to its customers’ needs. Sennheiser is a family-owned company that was founded in 1945 and which today has 2,700 employees around the world that share a passion for audio technology.

In Depth iPhone 7 May Ship With New Lightning-Connected EarPods

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 7 is rumored to feature a thinner body with no headphone jack, with Apple instead planning to rely on the Lightning port and Bluetooth as ways to connect headphones to the device.  It was not clear if Apple would continue to ship EarPods along with the iPhone 7, and whether those EarPods would use Lightning or Bluetooth, but a new report from 9to5Mac suggests Apple will indeed ship Lightning-connected EarPods with the iPhone 7. Apple is also working on a new set of wireless Bluetooth earphones that would be sold alongside the iPhone 7 as a premium accessory and alternative to the Lightning-connected EarPods.

While traditional Bluetooth headphones, including Apple’s own PowerBeats, have a wire that connects the left and right ear pieces to each other, Apple is said to be designing earphones that do not include a connective cord. These earphones would be similar in design to the Bragi Dash, an upcoming set of earphones that features individual ear pieces for each ear. Charging would be done through a battery case.

Apple EarPods

The latest version of the new wireless Apple/Beats headphones in development do not include any ports for charging, in contrast to the mini-USB port on the current wireless Beats. Instead, the new headphones are likely to come with a carrying case that doubles as a rechargeable battery to juice up the headphones when they are not in use.

A recent rumor suggested Apple would use new audio technology in the iPhone 7 to improve noise-cancelation techniques for better sounding music and phone calls, and this appears to be technology that may also extend to Apple’s prospective wireless earphones.

In October, trademark filings for an audio accessory by the name of “AirPods” were linked to Apple, so it’s possible Apple’s rumored wireless earphones will eventually be named “AirPods” and sold alongside the existing EarPods.  According to 9to5Mac, while the earphones are currently under development in preparation for a fall launch, there’s a possibility the technology could be delayed due to battery life concerns. The earphones are said to have a battery life under four hours. Today’s report also suggests Apple is finalizing the design for the iPhone 7, testing three designs that range from a thinner model to a device that looks much like the iPhone 6s.

Introduce What Kind Of Styles Are The Best Headphones?

What are the best headphones? Easy, your favorites. Too simplistic? Yeah, you’re probably right. The real trick is finding that favorite. As a headphone reviewer, audiophile, and notorious cheapskate, I feel like I can offer some tips and tricks to help you find what the best headphones are for you, no matter what your budget.

Since there are so many headphones on the market right now, it’s impossible to make firm declarations about specific brands or headphones. Instead, the goal of this article is to give you a rough guideline for all aspects of headphone shopping, from type and brands to trying them out, and even a bit of buying advice.

Headphones

1) Type

There are three main types of headphones: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear.

In-ear Headphones

Pros: Portable, convenient, can be comfortable, can be inexpensive

Cons: Fit. If they don’t fit, that model is not for you, no matter what other people say.

In-ear headphones, also called “earbuds” or the odd sounding “earphones” are simply the near-ubiquitous little nodules of plastic and metal that stick in your ears. We’ll cover it in more detail later in the article, but the number one concern with picking out in-ear headphones is fit. If they don’t fit right, you’re not going to get good sound. In-ear headphones can offer incredible fidelity, fantastic noise isolation, and usually have the best cost-performance ratio. I list a few in my 5 Great In-Ear Headphones article.

On-ear Headphones

Pros: Less bulky than over-ears, can be comfortable.

Cons: Lack the noise isolation of the other types, can be uncomfortable.

On-ear headphones, as the name implies, sit on top of your ears. They don’t go around your ears (that’s over-ear). Because they sit on top, some models can have more pressure on your lobes than over-ears (or in-ears, obviously).

On the other hand, they typically let in more ambient sound than other types. As in, you can hear the world around you more. Some of you reading this are likely going “yeah, that’s what I want!” while others are thinking “eww, I wan’t to be isolated from the noise. That’s the beauty of headphones, there’s something for everyone.

Headphones

Over-ear Headphones

Pros: Potentially excellent noise isolation, can be very comfortable.

Cons: Bulky, potentially heavy.

Big over-ear headphones have had quite a resurgence lately, thanks largely to the marketing push of one specific brand. I’ve reviewed over-ears that felt like little pillows on my head. I’ve reviewed others that felt like I’d duct taped a boom box to my skull, 8 D cells and all. Over-ears can seal out the outside world really well, so if that’s what you’re going for, definitely these instead of on-ears.

There’s a sub-section of over- and on-ear headphones called “open-back.” Most headphones have a “closed” back, effectively focusing the sound towards your ears. Other models have an open design that lets sound out. This can create a pleasing, more “open” and “airy” sound, but it also means everyone around you can hear what you’re listening to.

The open-back sound is liked by some, hated by others. You may like open-back headphones, and then again, you may not. There’s a little bit of the LED LCD vs Plasma debate here, where each side finds the other’s opinion inconceivable. To each their own.

Top 5 Best Earphones Of 2016

If you love to listen to music, you must want to have a high quality and fashion design earphone. They often sound pretty dismal. Some devices don’t come with any earphone at all, but even the models that do include them tend not to offer a high-quality listening experience.

Let us help out with that. Here’s a roundup of the best in-ear models we’ve seen recently, out of hundreds of pairs of stereo earphones we’ve tested. To clarify, earphones sit inside your ear canal and form a seal. Earphone like the stock Apple earphone are usually inexpensive and sit just outside your canal; people traditionally associate this type with the term earphone, hence the title of this article. None of the pairs listed here are earphone, or for that matter, headphones or cans, which are much larger and sit on or over your ears complete with a headband. Many earphone pairs now include phone controls and a built-in mic so you can use them as a headset to handle calls as well; some models even come in two versions, one with and one without these controls.

Whichever model you choose, use the included pouch or case as often as possible in order to preserve the longevity of your earphones. Balling them up, shoving them into a pocket, and then untangling them each time you want to listen does more to wear them out prematurely than just about anything else.

If you prefer to avoid that problem entirely, our Best Wireless Headphones roundup includes a number of top-performing models without wires. If you place a priority on blocking out external sounds around you so that you can enjoy your favorite music in peace and quiet, be sure to check out the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones.

1.The Bose QuietComfort 20i is a giant leap forward for noise cancellation earphones, and easily the most effective pair we have tested thus far.
The Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2
2.The Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 earphone pair has upgraded drivers and a fantastic sound signature with deep bass response and clear highs, just like its predecessor.
The Bose QuietComfort 20i
3.There are few in-canal earphones available that offer the stellar sonic experience of the high-end Shure SE846.
The AKG K391 NC
4.Bass lovers will find plenty to love about the exercise-friendly, budget-priced Skullcandy Method earphones.
Skullcandy Method earphones
5.The AKG K391 NC is a powerful pair of noise canceling in-canal earphones with enough upsides to compensate for its merely average noise cancellation.

Shure SE846