Sennheiser is an audio stalwart and remains one of the most reputable audio companies around. Sure, many debate over which of its headphones sounds better, but the HD 820 dominates the hi-fi conversation, and it far exceeds our top-end budget of $1,000. The large, closed-back design is a departure from the beloved HD 800, but the Sennheiser HD 820 retains the unique aesthetic Sennheiser fans have grown familiar with.
Although listeners may be concerned by the transition from open-back to closed-back between the high-end models, Sennheiser claims that this design is able to achieve the same open soundstage that we’ve come to expect. What’s more, it’s also able to insulate listeners from external noise better as a result of the closed build.
For better or worse, these 300Ω audiophile headphones require the use of an external amplifier, which will set you back quite a bit more. We understand that many people are simply in search of reliable studio headphones and aren’t looking to consider a payday loan to cover their next set of cans. Regardless, we felt it appropriate to tip our hats to the Sennheiser HD 820 and feature more financially viable options below.