headphone | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:40:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png headphone | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Sennheiser HD 800 S & HDV 820 – a £3500 combo https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-reviews/dominic-moass/sennheiser-hd-800-s-hdv-820-a-3500-combo/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-reviews/dominic-moass/sennheiser-hd-800-s-hdv-820-a-3500-combo/#respond Wed, 06 Jun 2018 16:02:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=375788 Got a lot of cash to spend on some new audio gear? We look at the HD 800 S and HDV 820

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You may remember in August of last year, we published an article looking at three ‘entry level audiophile' headphones – all around the £150 mark. Well, today we are at the opposite end of the spectrum, as I have upgraded my audio setup with the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphone and the HDV 820 amplifier – a combination that will set you back just under £3500.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

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Specification:

  • Color: black
  • Wearing style: Headband
  • Impedance: 300 Ω
  • Audio-XLR connector: XLR4
  • Frequency response: 4 – 51,000 Hz (-10 dB)
  • THD, total harmonic distortion: 0.02 % (1 kHz 1 Vrms)
  • Contact pressure: ~ 3,4 N (± 0,3 N)
  • Ear coupling: Circumaural
  • Jack plug: 6.3mm/ XLR4
  • Cable length: 3m
  • Transducer principle: Dynamic Open
  • Weight w/o cable: 330 g

We first looked at the HD 800 S headphone in April 2016, when we published a full review of Sennheiser's flagship model. It is a beautifully crisp and clear headphone, with an incredible amount of detail to the treble that is still presented in a smooth, non-fatiguing manner. I even reckon it is great for gaming thanks to the immense soundstage which translates really well in PUBG, for instance.

You can buy it for £1399.99 directly from Sennheiser.

Pros

  • Beautifully detailed treble that is not at all sharp or sibilant.
  • Clear, transparent mid-range.
  • Sub-bass extension is excellent.
  • Huge soundstage.
  • 4-pin XLR and 1/4in cables included.

Cons

  • It is £1399.99.

Sennheiser HDV 820

Specification:

  • Dimensions: Approx. 224 x 44 x 306 mm
  • Frequency response: < 10 Hz to > 100 kHz
  • THD, total harmonic distortion: < 0.001 %
  • Weight: Approx. 2.25 kg
  • Power consumption: Nominal 12 W (2 x 300 Ω headphones connected to the 4.4 mm outputs)
  • Gain: UNBAL input/XLR-4 output:  Adjustable 14 dB, 22 dB, 30 dB, 38 dB, 46 dB. BAL input/XLR-4 output: 16 dB
  • Operating voltage (mains): 100 – 240 V ~, 50 – 60 Hz
  • Dynamic range: > 115 dB @ 600 Ω load (A-weighted)

Sennheiser's top-end amplifier, the HDV 820 is nothing short of a beast. It is very well made thanks to its anodised aluminium panels, while it sports a total of four headphone outputs. There is also a huge range of input options, including USB, optical, coaxial, balanced XLR and RCA. With a very clean and refined sound, it makes for a fabulous partner to the HD 800 S as the headphone's natural detail is only enhanced by the HDV 820.

You can buy it for £2099.99 directly from Sennheiser.

Pros

  • Clean, neutral sound presentation.
  • Four headphone outputs.
  • More inputs than you could possibly need.
  • Very well built.
  • Looks very sleek and minimalistic.

Cons

  • It is £2099.99.

KitGuru says: It is not a cheap headphone/amp combo by any means – but the HD 800 S paired with the HDV 820 makes for an absolutely incredible sonic experience.

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Grado PS2000e Headphones giveaway winner announced! https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/announcements/matthew-wilson/grado-ps2000e-headphones-giveaway-winner-announced/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/announcements/matthew-wilson/grado-ps2000e-headphones-giveaway-winner-announced/#comments Mon, 02 Oct 2017 08:44:51 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=348460 We capped off our recent string of high-end audio giveaways last week with the Grado PS2000e. We put these £2,700 headphones up for grabs to readers worldwide. Thousands of you entered and now that we've had a chance to go through the entries, today we will be announcing the winner! The Grado PS2000e is the …

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We capped off our recent string of high-end audio giveaways last week with the Grado PS2000e. We put these £2,700 headphones up for grabs to readers worldwide. Thousands of you entered and now that we've had a chance to go through the entries, today we will be announcing the winner!

The Grado PS2000e is the company's first new flagship headphone in a decade, incorporating a brand new proprietary driver design to enhance the overall experience. We came away very impressed during our review, praising these headphones for their impactful sub bass and sound staging. Now, it is time to pass these headphones on to one lucky reader and hear their thoughts.

Without further ado, our winner is… Tarik Forren from Norway! We will be in touch with you shortly, so keep an eye on your email inbox. If you didn't win this time, then keep an eye out as we tend to run giveaways fairly often.

KitGuru Says: Congrats to Tarik! We hope you enjoy your prize.

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Tesoro Kuven Pro 5.1 Gaming Headset Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/henry-butt/tesoro-kuven-pro-5-1-gaming-headset-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/henry-butt/tesoro-kuven-pro-5-1-gaming-headset-review/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2015 08:56:36 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=247150 Today we are going to take a look at one of the latest headsets from Tesoro, the Kuven Pro. It seeks to differentiate itself from the competition through a ‘real 5.1 surround sound' offering which features a series of four separate driver units within each earcup to mimic a surround sound speaker set up.  While …

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Today we are going to take a look at one of the latest headsets from Tesoro, the Kuven Pro. It seeks to differentiate itself from the competition through a ‘real 5.1 surround sound' offering which features a series of four separate driver units within each earcup to mimic a surround sound speaker set up.  While we have seen a few similar headsets in the past, they have proved less popular than more compact virtual surround sound models.

While you may not have heard of Tesoro previously, they have been producing gaming peripherals since 2011.  We tested their Durandal mechanical gaming keyboard a few months back and were fairly impressed with what it had to offer, despite slightly disappointing build quality.  We are excited to see what Tesoro has to offer with the Kuven Pro and if its build quality meets our expectations from a high-end gaming peripheral.

IMG_9705

Specification

  • Drivers: 4 in each cup
  • True 5.1 sound
  • Channels: Center, Front, Rear, Low Frequency
  • Circumaural headset with improved noise isolation
  • Memory foam leather covered cushions
  • Tabletop controller
  • Adjustable headband
  • Stylish decorative metal plates
  • LED illumination
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Silverstone Ensemble EB01-E DAC, EB03 Amplifier Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/henry-butt/silverstone-ensemble-eb01-e-dac-eb03-amplifier-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/henry-butt/silverstone-ensemble-eb01-e-dac-eb03-amplifier-review/#respond Wed, 09 Jul 2014 08:54:02 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=201768 Today we are going to take a look at two new products from Silverstone which are quite a departure from the cases, power supplies and storage accessories we have seen from them in the past. The Silverstone Ensemble EB01-E is a USB DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) which promises excellent reproduction of audio from digital …

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Today we are going to take a look at two new products from Silverstone which are quite a departure from the cases, power supplies and storage accessories we have seen from them in the past.

The Silverstone Ensemble EB01-E is a USB DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) which promises excellent reproduction of audio from digital signals. It is essentially an improved version of the EB01 which was released back in 2006.

IMG_6800

The Ensemble EB03 is a headphone amplifier which has been designed to work in conjunction with (or independently from) the EB01-E, delivering more than adequate power and quality for high-end headphones.

IMG_6767

Silverstone EB01-E Features:

  • High quality DAC with improved performance
  • Classic SilverStone Ensemble exterior design
  • Easy one touch button for USB, optical or coaxial input
  • Support highest format of up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • Utilizes premium XMOS XS1 TQ128 USB decoder for accurate sound reproduction
  • Includes TI PCM1798 D/A converter for producing high quality analogue signal
  • Includes TI NE5532 OP amp for optimal analogue output

Silverstone EB03 Features

  • Premium amplifier designed to deliver full sound to headphones
  • Classic SilverStone Ensemble exterior design
  • Extra RCA bypass connection included for easy pairing with additional device
  • Studio-quality IC with THAT 1646W16-U & 1512S14-U
  • Independent volume control knob
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Tt eSPORTS Chao Dracco Signature Headphones Review https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-announcement/henry-butt/tt-esports-chao-dracco-signature-headphones-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-announcement/henry-butt/tt-esports-chao-dracco-signature-headphones-review/#respond Mon, 24 Dec 2012 09:33:56 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=119530 Today we are going to look at a pair of Tt eSPORTS Chao Dracco Signature Headphones. They represent a slight departure from the gaming orientated nature of the Tt eSPORTS brand and the products we've seen from them previously.  The Dracco Signature is more of a lifestyle product which isn't designed specifically for gamers. Thermaltake …

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Today we are going to look at a pair of Tt eSPORTS Chao Dracco Signature Headphones. They represent a slight departure from the gaming orientated nature of the Tt eSPORTS brand and the products we've seen from them previously.  The Dracco Signature is more of a lifestyle product which isn't designed specifically for gamers.

Thermaltake launched the Tt eSPORTS brand a couple of years back.  Since then their range of products has been steadily growing and now features a wide array of gaming keyboards, mice and headsets.  We have tested a number of these products in the past and have been generally impressed with what they had to offer.

Features

  • Aureate gold finished for all DRACCO Signature series ,180 degrees rotating-design for DJ-monitoring purpose.
  • DRACCO Signature series featuring changeable Signal-side cable design.
  • Aviation adapter for those who enjoy more music on the air.
  • Professional coiled wire for monitoring using.
  • High performance Gold plated 3.5mm to 6.5mm plug to avoid sound distortion and to maintain the superb authentic sound transmission.
  • Exquisite hand-sewing texture on DRACCO Signature series, providing an additional luxury to your music.
  • Multi-layer breathable fabrics on the headband offers both comfort and individual characteristics to the headphone, relaxing you music-listening for few more hours.
  • Solid Tt-DRACCO structural design for you to adjust to the most enjoyable angle when accessorizing a DRACCO Signature with passion.
  • Velvet-storage bag to preserve your DRACCO Signature headphone, ensuring the quality is continuously fresh and amazing each time you dress with it.

Specifications

  • Driver Unit: 50 mm
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz ~ 22K Hz
  • Sensitivity: 98dB at 1K Hz
  • Cable length: 1.5 m
  • Connector: 3.5 mm
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CM Storm Sonuz Gaming Headset Review https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/simon-telford/cm-storm-sonuz-gaming-headset-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/simon-telford/cm-storm-sonuz-gaming-headset-review/#comments Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:21:32 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=104362 Headsets are an integral part of any gamers arsenal, and the competition has been fierce in 2012. CM Storm have already produced an impressive gaming headset the CM Storm Sirus 5.1. It even seems the company have improved on a few things we didn't like, as the new CM Storm Sonuz is said to be …

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Headsets are an integral part of any gamers arsenal, and the competition has been fierce in 2012. CM Storm have already produced an impressive gaming headset the CM Storm Sirus 5.1. It even seems the company have improved on a few things we didn't like, as the new CM Storm Sonuz is said to be lightweight and features larger ear pads.

Unfortunately, the CM Storm Sonuz doesn't support native surround sound and several of the Sirus key features, but it does boast larger 53mm drivers, which could improve sound quality. Additionally, the Sonuz is targeted at a much wider audience, being half the price of the Sirus.

Model Number
  • SGH-4010-KGTA1
Headphone
  • Driver diameter: φ53mm
  • Frequency range: 10 – 20,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 45 Ω
  • Sensitivities(@1kHz): 98 dB ± 3 dB
  • Connector: 3.5 mm gold-plated headphone jack
  • Inner Ear Cup Diameter: 97.0 mm
  • Cable Length: 2.0m
  • Max Output: 200mW
Microphone
  • Frequency range: 100–10,000 Hz
  • Sensitivities(@1kHz): -47 dB ± 3 dB
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 58dB
  • Pick Up pattern: Omni-Directional
  • Diameter: 4×1.5mm
Hardware Requirements
  • Audio Usage: Devices with 3.5mm audio jack and microphone jack
  • Audio + Microphone Usage: Devices with 3.5mm audio + microphone combined jack(Compatible with Apple iPhone®, HTC®, BlackBerry)
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