Sennheiser HD 800 S Audiophile Reference Headphones User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Sennheiser HD 800 S Audiophile Reference Headphones. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Safety Information

Please observe the following safety instructions to prevent damage to the product or injury to yourself:

Do not use the headphones at excessively high volume levels for extended periods to prevent hearing damage.
Keep the headphones and accessories away from liquids and moisture.
Avoid exposing the headphones to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the headphones. Repairs should only be performed by authorized service personnel.
Keep packaging materials, such as plastic bags, out of reach of children.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your product packaging:

Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones
Connecting Cable (6.35 mm / 1/4 inch jack)
Balanced Connecting Cable (4.4 mm Pentaconn)
Cleaning Cloth
User Manual (this document)
USB Flash Drive

Product Overview

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are open-back, over-ear reference headphones designed for critical listening. They feature advanced ring radiator transducers and a unique earcup design for an expansive soundstage.

Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones, front-side view — **Figure 1:** The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones, showcasing their distinctive open-back design and black finish.

Close-up of the Sennheiser HD 800 S earcup and driver — **Figure 2:** A detailed view of the HD 800 S earcup, highlighting the 'High Definition Driver 300 Ω' inscription and the protective mesh over the ring radiator transducer.

Setup

Follow these steps to set up your HD 800 S headphones:

Choose the Correct Cable: The HD 800 S comes with two cables. Select the 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) jack cable for standard headphone amplifiers or the 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced cable for compatible balanced audio outputs.
Connect the Cables to Headphones: Gently insert the connectors into the corresponding sockets on the bottom of each earcup until they click into place. Ensure the left (L) and right (R) connectors match the respective earcups.
Connect to Audio Source: Plug the other end of the chosen cable into your headphone amplifier, DAC, or audio device. For optimal performance, a high-quality headphone amplifier is recommended due to the headphones' 300 Ohm impedance.

Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones connected to an audio amplifier — **Figure 3:** The HD 800 S headphones connected to a Sennheiser headphone amplifier, illustrating a typical setup for audiophile listening.

Operating

To ensure comfortable and optimal listening experience:

Adjust the Headband: Place the headphones on your head and adjust the headband sliders on both sides until the earcups comfortably enclose your ears and the headband rests gently on your head.
Position the Earcups: Ensure the earcups fully cover your ears without excessive pressure. The open-back design allows for natural sound reproduction and ventilation.
Volume Control: Start with a low volume level on your audio source and gradually increase it to a comfortable listening level. Avoid excessively high volumes.

Man wearing Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones — **Figure 4:** A user wearing the HD 800 S headphones, demonstrating the proper fit for comfortable and immersive listening.

Maintenance

Proper care will extend the life and maintain the performance of your headphones:

Cleaning Ear Pads: Use the provided cleaning cloth or a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the ear pads. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Cleaning Headband: Wipe the headband with a soft, slightly damp cloth if necessary. Ensure no moisture enters the internal components.
Cable Care: Avoid sharp bends or excessive pulling on the cables. Store them neatly when not in use.
Storage: When not in use, store the headphones in a clean, dry place, preferably in their original packaging or a dedicated headphone stand, to protect them from dust and physical damage.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your HD 800 S headphones, refer to the following common solutions:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No sound or low volume	Cables not properly connected Audio source volume too low Incorrect input selected on audio source Faulty cable or audio source	Ensure all cables are securely connected to both headphones and audio source. Increase the volume on your audio source. Verify the correct input is selected on your amplifier/DAC. Test with a different cable or audio source if possible.
Distorted or unbalanced sound	Loose cable connection Damaged cable Audio source issues Headphone driver damage	Check all cable connections. Try a different cable. Test with another audio source. If the issue persists, contact customer support.
Discomfort during wear	Improper headband adjustment Earcups not correctly positioned	Adjust the headband sliders to find a comfortable fit. Ensure earcups fully enclose your ears without excessive pressure.

If these solutions do not resolve the issue, please refer to the Warranty and Support section for further assistance.

Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Number	HD 800 S
Brand	Sennheiser
Ear Placement	Over Ear
Form Factor	Over Ear
Impedance	300 Ohm
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Product Dimensions	10.7 x 5.7 x 13.8 inches
Item Weight	11.64 ounces
Manufacturer	Sennheiser

Warranty and Support

Your Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are covered by a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and ensures the product meets its specified performance standards under normal use.

For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact Sennheiser customer support through their official website or the contact information provided in your product documentation. Please have your proof of purchase and product serial number available when contacting support.

Additional resources, including FAQs and updated drivers (if applicable), may be found on the official Sennheiser support portal: Sennheiser Support