Audio T Verdict
The Sennheiser HDV 820 is much more than a headphone amplifier with the right sockets for Sennheiser's flagship headphones. It is a complete high-end headphone hub, combining an ESS SABRE DAC, serious analogue amplification and enough digital and analogue connectivity to become the centre of a dedicated headphone system.
Its natural partners are models such as the HD 800 S and HD 820, where the quality of the amplifier and DAC becomes increasingly important, but it is by no means restricted to them. The HDV 820 supports dynamic headphones generally, while its mixture of 6.35mm, XLR and 4.4mm connections makes it unusually easy to compare conventional and balanced cables or several pairs of headphones.
It is also considerably more versatile than it first appears. USB, optical and coaxial digital sources can use the internal ES9028PRO DAC, while balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs allow an existing DAC, streamer or other analogue source to use the HDV 820 purely as a headphone amplifier. Balanced XLR outputs mean it can even sit at the heart of a desktop system feeding suitable active loudspeakers. If you own genuinely revealing headphones and want one box to bring several sources together, the HDV 820 remains a very convincing solution.
Sennheiser HDV 820 Headphone Amplifier and DAC
The Sennheiser HDV 820 is a reference-grade headphone amplifier and digital-to-analogue converter designed for serious home listening and critical audio applications.
At its heart is an ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC capable of handling PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, while the dedicated analogue amplifier stage is designed to provide a low-noise, low-distortion signal for high-performance dynamic headphones.
A wide choice of digital and analogue inputs allows the HDV 820 to work with computers, streamers, CD transports, DACs and traditional hi-fi sources, while both balanced and conventional headphone outputs provide excellent flexibility when building or upgrading a headphone system.
- Reference headphone amplifier and DAC
- ESS SABRE ES9028PRO digital-to-analogue converter
- PCM playback up to 32-bit/384kHz
- DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 support
- USB digital input
- Optical S/PDIF digital input
- Coaxial S/PDIF digital input
- Balanced XLR analogue inputs
- Unbalanced RCA analogue inputs
- Adjustable input gain for RCA sources
- 6.35mm conventional headphone output
- XLR-3 conventional headphone connection
- XLR-4 balanced headphone output
- Two 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn outputs
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Frequency response from 10Hz to 100kHz
- Less than 0.001% THD
- More than 115dB dynamic range at 600 ohms
- Five selectable gain settings for unbalanced analogue input
- Supports dynamic headphones
- Front-panel source selection
- DSD playback indicator
- Universal 100-240V mains operation
Built Around the ESS SABRE ES9028PRO
Digital sources are converted to analogue by the ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC.
The role of the DAC is to convert the digital information contained in a music file or digital audio stream into the analogue electrical signal required by the headphone amplifier.
That means a computer, streamer or CD transport can connect directly to the HDV 820 without requiring a separate external DAC.
Up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM
USB playback supports PCM audio at resolutions up to 32-bit/384kHz.
This comfortably covers conventional CD-quality audio as well as the higher sample rates used by many downloadable and locally stored high-resolution recordings.
The HDV 820 does not require music to be high resolution to benefit from its DAC. Ordinary 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality material is handled by exactly the same conversion and analogue circuitry.
DSD256 Support
The HDV 820 also supports DSD playback up to DSD256.
Sennheiser specifies a maximum DSD data rate of approximately 12.3MHz, giving listeners with suitable DSD libraries the option of reproducing those files directly through the internal DAC.
USB for Computer Audio
A rear USB Type-B connection allows a suitable computer to use the HDV 820 as its external audio device.
This is particularly useful for:
- Locally stored digital music
- High-resolution downloads
- Streaming services
- Desktop headphone systems
- Audio editing and critical listening
Sennheiser provides a dedicated Windows USB audio software package where required for advanced playback support, including DSD.
Optical Digital Input
The optical S/PDIF input provides a convenient connection for compatible digital sources without requiring an electrical connection between the two components.
Suitable sources can include:
- CD transports
- Network streamers
- Televisions with suitable PCM output
- Digital audio players
- Other hi-fi components with optical digital outputs
Coaxial Digital Input
A coaxial S/PDIF connection provides another option for conventional digital hi-fi equipment.
This is particularly useful when partnering the HDV 820 with a dedicated CD transport or streamer and allows the internal ESS DAC to handle the digital-to-analogue conversion.
Use the HDV 820 as a DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Connect digitally through USB, optical or coaxial and the HDV 820 performs both jobs.
The signal passes through the internal ESS DAC before entering the analogue headphone amplification stage.
This creates a particularly neat dedicated headphone system because the complete digital source, DAC and amplifier chain can consist of little more than:
- Your digital source
- The HDV 820
- Your headphones
Balanced XLR Analogue Inputs
The HDV 820 can also operate as a purely analogue headphone amplifier.
A pair of balanced XLR inputs allows a compatible external DAC, streamer, preamplifier or other balanced source to feed the amplifier stage directly.
This is useful if you already own a DAC whose presentation you particularly enjoy or want to compare an external converter against the HDV 820's built-in ESS solution.
Unbalanced RCA Inputs
Conventional stereo RCA inputs provide compatibility with a huge range of hi-fi equipment.
Suitable sources can include:
- Streamers
- External DACs
- CD players
- Phono stages
- Preamplifiers
- Other line-level analogue sources
Use It With a Turntable
A turntable can form part of an HDV 820 system, but the amplifier does not contain a phono stage.
The cartridge signal must first pass through a suitable phono preamplifier, whose line-level output can then connect to the HDV 820's RCA or balanced analogue input where applicable.
No Built-In Phono Stage
A turntable cannot normally be connected directly to the HDV 820. You will need a suitable MM or MC phono stage between the turntable and the headphone amplifier unless your turntable already provides a line-level output.
Adjustable RCA Input Gain
A rear gain adjustment allows the level of the unbalanced RCA input to be matched more appropriately to the connected source.
Sennheiser provides five gain settings when using the unbalanced input with the XLR-4 output:
This flexibility can be useful because analogue components do not all produce exactly the same output voltage.
Gain Is Not a Sound-Quality Mode
The gain adjustment is there to help match the amplifier to the incoming signal level and provide a useful range on the volume control. More gain is not automatically better. Use a setting that provides the required listening level without forcing the volume control into an unnecessarily restricted part of its travel.
Four Headphone Connection Positions
The front panel provides an unusually broad selection of headphone connections.
You can connect headphones using:
- 6.35mm conventional stereo jack
- XLR-3 conventional connection
- XLR-4 balanced connection
- 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn
Two 4.4mm Pentaconn sockets are provided, giving the amplifier four physical headphone connection positions in total.
6.35mm Conventional Headphone Output
The traditional full-sized headphone connection makes the HDV 820 compatible with conventional wired hi-fi headphones without requiring a balanced cable.
This is useful for comparing headphones or simply retaining the manufacturer's standard cable where balanced operation is not required.
XLR-4 Balanced Headphone Output
A four-pin XLR connection provides a traditional balanced headphone interface for compatible cables.
This type of connection has been widely used on high-end headphone amplifiers and remains useful if your existing balanced cable is terminated in XLR-4.
Two 4.4mm Pentaconn Outputs
The two 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn connections make the HDV 820 particularly well suited to Sennheiser's current audiophile headphones.
Models such as the HD 800 S, HD 820 and HD 660S2 are available with 4.4mm balanced connectivity, with the HD 800 S and HD 820 currently supplied with suitable 4.4mm cables as standard.
Does Balanced Automatically Sound Better?
No. A balanced headphone connection describes the electrical arrangement between the amplifier and headphones rather than guaranteeing a particular level of sound quality.
Its usefulness depends on the design of the amplifier and the headphones connected to it.
The HDV 820 gives you both conventional and balanced connections, making it possible to use whichever interface best suits the headphones and cable you own.
Comparing Balanced and Conventional Connections
If you own compatible cables, Audio T can help you compare the available connections rather than assuming one must automatically sound better. Remember that differences in output level can easily be mistaken for differences in quality, so meaningful comparisons should be carried out at closely matched listening levels.
Designed for Dynamic Headphones
Sennheiser states that the HDV 820 supports dynamic headphones generally rather than being locked to a small number of Sennheiser models.
That makes it useful if your collection contains headphones from several manufacturers or you regularly compare different designs.
A Natural Partner for the HD 800 S
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are one of the most obvious partners for the HDV 820.
Their 300-ohm Ring Radiator transducers and extremely revealing presentation make amplifier quality particularly important, while the current HD 800 S package includes both conventional and 4.4mm balanced cables.
The HDV 820 therefore provides both the power and connection options required to build a complete Sennheiser reference headphone system.
A Natural Partner for the HD 820
The Sennheiser HD 820 provide the closed-back alternative.
They retain Sennheiser's flagship Ring Radiator concept but add Gorilla Glass acoustic reflectors and considerably greater passive isolation.
As with the HD 800 S, the current package provides both 6.35mm and 4.4mm cable options, making the HDV 820 a straightforward system partner.
HD 660S2 Compatibility
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 also use a 300-ohm design and include a 4.4mm balanced cable.
They offer a warmer and more intimate presentation than the HD 800 S, providing another useful option if you want a serious 600-series headphone without the enormous spatial scale of the flagship model.
HDV 820 With the HD 800 S or HD 660S2?
HD 800 S
- 300-ohm open-back headphone
- 56mm Ring Radiator transducers
- Exceptionally broad soundstage
- Extremely revealing
- 4.4mm balanced cable included
- Ideal for spatial detail and reference listening
HD 660S2
- 300-ohm open-back headphone
- 38mm dynamic transducers
- More intimate presentation
- Extended sub-bass response
- 4.4mm balanced cable included
- Ideal for a warmer 600-series presentation
Balanced XLR Analogue Outputs
A pair of rear balanced XLR outputs allows the HDV 820 to feed another analogue component.
Sennheiser specifically suggests applications including active loudspeakers and studio monitors, which means the HDV 820 can become more than a headphone-only component in a desktop or compact listening system.
Use It With Active Loudspeakers
Connect suitable active loudspeakers to the balanced analogue outputs and the HDV 820 can act as the source and DAC hub for both speakers and headphones.
This can create a particularly neat desktop system:
- Computer or streamer into the HDV 820
- Headphones connected at the front
- Active speakers connected to the rear XLR outputs
Headphones Do Not Automatically Mute the Rear Outputs
The HDV 820 keeps its outputs active when headphones are connected. If you also use active loudspeakers or monitors from the rear analogue outputs, switch or mute the speakers separately when you want private headphone listening.
Useful for A/B Comparisons
The number of headphone outputs also makes the HDV 820 useful for comparing headphones.
Several pairs can be connected, although the same selected source and volume setting are shared rather than each headphone receiving its own independent volume control.
That makes careful level matching particularly important when comparing different headphone models with different sensitivities.
Useful for Critical Listening
Sennheiser positions the HDV 820 as a reference-grade solution for critical listening.
Its very low distortion and wide dynamic range make it particularly suitable when you want to investigate:
- Differences between recordings
- Original releases and remasters
- Digital formats
- Different headphones
- Balanced and conventional connections
- External and internal DACs
- Source components
Less Than 0.001% THD
Sennheiser specifies total harmonic distortion below 0.001%.
In a reference headphone amplifier, the objective is for the electronics to add as little unwanted harmonic information as practical so that differences in the recording and headphones remain clearly audible.
More Than 115dB Dynamic Range
The HDV 820 is specified with a dynamic range greater than 115dB with a 600-ohm load and A-weighting.
This contributes to a very low perceived noise floor and allows quiet musical information to remain clearly separated from louder passages.
10Hz to 100kHz Frequency Response
Sennheiser specifies the analogue amplifier frequency response from 10Hz to 100kHz.
The upper figure extends far beyond human hearing, but the broad bandwidth means the amplifier is not operating close to the edge of its specified range throughout ordinary audio reproduction.
Substantial Power Supply
The HDV 820 connects directly to mains power rather than relying on USB power or an external low-voltage adapter.
Universal 100-240V operation allows the same core design to be supplied across different regions using the appropriate mains cable.
12 to 18W Power Consumption
Sennheiser specifies power consumption between approximately 12 and 18 watts depending on operating conditions and connected headphones.
The metal chassis dissipates the heat generated during normal operation, so the amplifier should be positioned with suitable ventilation rather than buried underneath other equipment.
Simple Front-Panel Operation
Despite the amount happening inside, day-to-day operation remains deliberately straightforward.
The front panel provides:
- Power switch
- Headphone connections
- Input selector
- Input indicators
- DSD indicator
- Large volume control
There is no app or touchscreen required to change source or listening level.
No Network Streaming Built In
The HDV 820 is a DAC and headphone amplifier rather than a network streamer.
If you use Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify or locally stored network music, playback is provided by the computer, streamer or other source connected to it.
This separates the rapidly changing streaming platform from the core DAC and analogue amplifier electronics.
No Bluetooth
The HDV 820 does not contain Bluetooth.
Its emphasis is on direct wired digital and analogue connections rather than wireless convenience.
No Remote Control
The volume and input controls are operated directly from the front panel.
That suits a desktop or dedicated listening position particularly well, but should be considered if the amplifier will sit a long distance away from your chair.
Current Package Contents
Sennheiser's current product specification includes the HDV 820, appropriate regional mains cable, Quick Guide, Safety Guide and microfiber cloth.
Windows software and current documentation are available digitally from Sennheiser rather than relying on an old software package remaining useful indefinitely.
Who Is the Sennheiser HDV 820 For?
- Owners of high-performance wired headphones
- Sennheiser HD 800 S owners
- Sennheiser HD 820 owners
- Sennheiser HD 660S2 owners
- Listeners building a dedicated headphone system
- People wanting DAC and headphone amplification in one component
- Listeners using 300-ohm headphones
- Owners of balanced 4.4mm headphones
- Owners of XLR-4 balanced headphone cables
- Computer-audio listeners
- High-resolution PCM and DSD listeners
- People comparing several headphones
- Listeners wanting both digital and analogue sources connected
- Desktop systems using balanced active speakers
- Critical and analytical listening
Who Is It Not For?
- Listeners wanting a network streamer built in
- People wanting Bluetooth
- Customers wanting app control
- Listeners needing a phono stage built in
- People wanting a speaker power amplifier
- Customers looking for a portable or battery-powered headphone amplifier
- Listeners whose headphones are already adequately served by a much simpler source
Key Features
- Sennheiser HDV 820
- UK article number 507443
- Reference headphone amplifier
- Integrated high-resolution DAC
- ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC
- PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
- DSD64 support
- DSD128 support
- DSD256 support
- USB digital input
- Optical S/PDIF input
- Coaxial S/PDIF input
- Balanced XLR analogue inputs
- Unbalanced RCA analogue inputs
- Adjustable RCA input gain
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs
- 6.35mm headphone connection
- XLR-3 headphone connection
- XLR-4 balanced headphone output
- Two 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn outputs
- Supports dynamic headphones
- 10Hz to 100kHz frequency response
- Less than 0.001% THD
- Greater than 115dB dynamic range at 600 ohms
- 93dB attenuation
- Five adjustable unbalanced-input gain settings
- 16dB gain from balanced input to XLR-4 output
- Front-panel input selector
- DSD indicator
- Large analogue volume control
- Universal 100-240V mains supply
- 12 to 18W power consumption
- 224 x 44 x 306mm dimensions
- Approximately 2.39kg current UK specified weight
- 24-month manufacturer's warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sennheiser HDV 820 still current?
Yes. The HDV 820 remains part of Sennheiser's current audiophile amplifier range.
Is the HDV 820 just a headphone amplifier?
No. It combines a high-performance headphone amplifier with an ESS SABRE ES9028PRO digital-to-analogue converter.
What is the UK article number?
507443.
Which DAC does the HDV 820 use?
An ESS SABRE ES9028PRO.
What is the maximum PCM resolution?
Up to 32-bit/384kHz through compatible USB playback.
Does it support DSD?
Yes. Sennheiser supports DSD up to DSD256.
Does it have USB?
Yes. A USB digital input allows compatible computers to use the HDV 820 as an external DAC and headphone amplifier.
Does it have an optical input?
Yes.
Does it have coaxial digital input?
Yes.
Does it have analogue inputs?
Yes. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue inputs are provided.
Can I use my existing DAC?
Yes. Connect its analogue output to the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs and use the HDV 820 as the headphone amplifier.
Can I compare my external DAC with the built-in DAC?
Yes, provided the source and connections are configured appropriately. The mixture of digital and analogue inputs makes this a useful application for the HDV 820.
Can I connect a CD transport?
Yes. A compatible transport can connect digitally using optical or coaxial S/PDIF.
Can I connect a CD player?
Yes. You can use either a suitable digital output to use the HDV 820's DAC or the CD player's analogue output to use its own internal DAC.
Can I connect a streamer?
Yes. A streamer can connect digitally or through its analogue outputs depending on which DAC you want to use.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, but normally through a separate phono stage. The HDV 820 does not include an MM or MC phono preamplifier.
Does the HDV 820 have Bluetooth?
No.
Does it have network streaming built in?
No. Streaming is provided by the external computer, network streamer or other source connected to the HDV 820.
Does it have a remote control?
No. Input selection and volume adjustment are performed from the front panel.
What headphone connections does it have?
The front panel supports conventional 6.35mm / XLR-3, balanced XLR-4 and two balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn connections.
How many headphone sockets are there?
There are four physical headphone connection positions: one XLR-3 / 6.35mm combination socket, one XLR-4 socket and two 4.4mm balanced sockets.
Does it support balanced headphones?
Yes. Balanced XLR-4 and 4.4mm Pentaconn outputs are provided.
Does balanced automatically sound better?
No. Performance depends on the amplifier, headphones and cable arrangement. Balanced connectivity is useful, but the connector alone does not guarantee superior sound.
Can more than one pair of headphones be connected?
Yes. Multiple headphone sockets are provided, although the selected source and volume setting are shared rather than individually controlled for each pair.
Is the HDV 820 only for Sennheiser headphones?
No. Sennheiser states that dynamic headphones generally are supported.
Is the HDV 820 suitable for the HD 800 S?
Yes. The HD 800 S are one of the most natural system partners and their current package includes both conventional and balanced 4.4mm cabling.
Is it suitable for the HD 820?
Yes. The HD 820 are another flagship 300-ohm model designed to work particularly well within a high-quality headphone system.
Is it suitable for the HD 660S2?
Yes. The HD 660S2 have a 300-ohm impedance and include a 4.4mm balanced cable.
Does it have analogue outputs?
Yes. Balanced XLR analogue outputs are provided for connection to suitable downstream equipment such as active speakers or studio monitors.
Do the rear outputs switch off when headphones are connected?
No. Sennheiser states that all outputs remain active, so connected active loudspeakers should be muted or switched off separately when private headphone listening is required.
Can the HDV 820 be used with active speakers?
Yes. The balanced rear analogue outputs can feed suitable active speakers or studio monitors.
What is the frequency response?
10Hz to 100kHz.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Less than 0.001%.
What is the dynamic range?
Greater than 115dB with a 600-ohm load and A-weighting.
What gain settings are available?
When using the unbalanced analogue input with the XLR-4 output, Sennheiser specifies adjustable gain settings of 14dB, 22dB, 30dB, 38dB and 46dB. The balanced-input specification is 16dB.
How large is the HDV 820?
Approximately 224mm wide, 44mm high and 306mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
Sennheiser's current UK product specification lists approximately 2.39kg.
How much power does it consume?
Sennheiser specifies approximately 12 to 18 watts depending on operating conditions.
What is included?
The current package includes the HDV 820 headphone amplifier, appropriate regional mains cable, Quick Guide, Safety Guide and microfiber cloth.
How long is the manufacturer's warranty?
The HDV 820 currently falls within Sennheiser's 24-month consumer warranty category, subject to the applicable terms and proof of purchase.
Related Sennheiser Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the Sennheiser HDV 820 From Audio T?
The HDV 820 is the sort of component where system matching really matters. The headphones, source, connection type and even whether you use the internal or an external DAC can all influence the final result.
Audio T can help you compare the HDV 820 with other headphone amplifiers, partner it with models such as the HD 800 S, HD 820 and HD 660S2 and decide whether conventional or balanced connectivity makes most sense for your particular system.
- Friendly specialist headphone advice
- Headphone amplifier demonstrations where available
- HDV 820 and HD 800 S system matching
- HDV 820 and HD 820 system matching
- HDV 820 and HD 660S2 system matching
- 300-ohm headphone guidance
- Balanced and conventional connection advice
- 4.4mm Pentaconn guidance
- XLR headphone connection advice
- Digital source setup
- External DAC integration advice
- Computer audio guidance
- Active speaker integration advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to arrange a demonstration or discuss the best headphones and source equipment to partner with the Sennheiser HDV 820.