FAQ

• How do I get Frequency Response Certificate for my HD 800 headphones?

  „The HD 800 headphones are hand assembles in Germany and hence each headphone has a unique frequency response.

  The frequency response certificate for a specific HD 800 S can be found in the USB stick which is on contained in the product package.”

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• What does "Circumaural" mean?

  CIRCUMAURAL headphones (sometimes referred to as "Around Ear" headphones) encircle the ear creating a seal thereby effectively reducing ambient noise from getting to the ear. This is known as passive noise reduction.
  This type of headphone is most effective in a high noise environment where it's necessary to eliminate as much of the environmental noise as possible for effective communication.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• Transducer

  A transducer is device that converts energy from one form to another.
  For example a microphone converts sound waves into electrical energy and headphones convert that electrical energy into sound waves.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• What do I do if the headband of my headphones is too loose?

  Headphones are designed to fit the widest percentage of the general population however every person is different and some wearers may feel the headband of the headphones is initially too loose.

  A common trick to make the headband of headphones tighter is to place the headphones over something (like a stack of books) that is slightly smaller than the headphones currently are and then wrap the headphones with a cord or elastic band to squeeze the headphones inwards to make them tighter. The purpose of the object between the headphones is to ensure that the headphones are not squeezed too tightly as you don't want the headband to crack. NOTE: The headphones may need to be left in this position for a day or two or the process may need to be repeated a few times until the desired headband tightness is reached.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• What do I do if the headband of my headphones is too tight?

  Headphones are designed to fit the widest percentage of the general population however every person is different and some wearers may feel the headband of the headphones is initially too tight upon the head.

  While most headphones will break-in as they are used sometimes this process needs to be helped along and hence a common trick to stretch the headphones is to place the headphones on something (a stack of books, the arm of a couch, etc) to give a little stretch to the headband. When left there for a day or so the tension in the headphone will loosen up and will help to get a proper fit without any discomfort. It is important to remember though to go little by little because too much stretch in a short time could cause a break or crack in the headband if it is stretched too much.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• What amplifiers are recommended for Sennheiser headphones?

  Other than recommending the Sennheiser HDVD 800 and HDVA 600 amplifiers for our high end audiophile headphones we do not provide amplifier recommendations because there are simply too many factors (including cost, features, etc) that need to be accounted for when choosing an amplifier.

  For amplifier recommendations Sennheiser suggests that our customers check out this headphone forum (www.head-fi.org) where the moderators and member test a variety of different amplifiers of varying costs and features and can provide feedback on how the different amplifiers perform under different circumstances.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• What is Sennheiser's stance on "Burn In" Theory?

  At Sennheiser we do not have an official stance regarding the theory that headphones need a "burn in" period. Sennheiser headphones are designed to sound great from the first moment they are plugged in.

  Some argue that over period of time a user will become more accustomed to the particular headphones.  With this, they will start to notice more of the frequency response range and nuances that the headphones are capable of producing. This argument suggests that over time a user will develop a greater appreciation of the headphones and what they are capable of.

  For additional information regarding the theory of "burn in" there is plenty of discussion at Head-Fi.org (http://www.head-fi.org).

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• What is the difference between "open" and "closed" ear cups on headphones?

  With Sennheiser headphones the audio will always be accurate and responsive and is sure to please no matter what situation you need it for.

  An open (sometimes referred to as "open aire" headphone is one that uses some external airspace to reproduce life-like audio within the ear-cup. Think of it as having premium speakers next to your ears that you can control the volume for with extreme precision. The trade-off is that at extreme volumes some sound will leak out. Some of our "open aire" models include the HD 800, HD 700, HD 650, HD 600, HD 598, HD 558 and HD 518.  

  A closed headphone isolates you from your environment and vice-versa (ie: the sound is contained within the headphones). This is perfect for critical listening or a situation where you do not want to disturb/be disturbed. Some of our "closed" models include the MOMENTUM, Urbanite XL, HD 380 PRO, HD 280 PRO, HD 449 and HD 439.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• What should I do if I only get sound in one side of the headphones or have general sound quality issues?

  If the headphones have sound in only one ear or differing sound levels in each ear or the sound in general is not what you expected then it needs to be determined where the issue lies - with the headphones or with the audio source.

  NOTE: If your headphones feature a removable cable ensure that the cable is securely in place in the headphones. Many of the removable cables feature a twist to lock function and if the cable is not securely in place there will connectivity issues. In instances where there are two cables available (ie: a plain audio cable and an Apple compatible cable) try the alternate cable to ensure the issue is not cable specific. 

  The first thing to do is ensure that you have the audio plug of the headphones connected securely into the audio device. A properly connected cable should not wiggle. If the plug wiggles that could indicate a loose connection. NOTE: This could be a result of the cable not being plugged all the way in or it could be a faulty input or sometimes if the device you are connecting to has a case on it the case will prevent the cable plugging in correctly.

  The next thing to do is to check and make sure that there is no debris (ie: no dust or lint) in the headphone jack of the audio source that may be inhibiting connectivity and causing sound issues.

  The next thing to do is to check that the connecting jack is clean. If oils from the hands gets builds up on the plug or sweat evaporates on the plug the salts and grime may prevent proper contact from occurring. The connecting jacks can be cleaned using a basic alcohol wipe.

  The next thing to do is to try the headphones on a different audio source to check that it is not the original audio source (or a setting on the audio source) that is creating the issue. If you connect to an alternate audio source and the issue is not there then you know the headphones are fine and the original audio source is the issue. NOTE: Many modern audio devices have audio limit pre-set at the factory and these limit need to be changed to get the full audio signal out of the device and to the headphones.

  If it is determined that the headphones are the issue please contact Sennheiser directly for steps on how to proceed forward.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )
• Why do the speakers shut off when I connect my headphones to the headphone port?

  A connection to the headphone jack of any audio component (ie: TV, A/V receiver, computer, etc) will automatically disable the speakers.

  If you need the speakers active so others can be enjoying the same audio we recommend connecting your headphones to the audio outputs (ie: RCA outputs, digital optical audio output, digital coaxial audio out, etc) of the audio component rather than the headphone output.

  
  
  HD 800 S ( #506911 )