MERE days after Sennheiser hinted at a new pair of headphones set to be released on Feb 18, Drop (formerly known as Massdrop) unveiled the Drop + Sennheiser HD8XX, which is the fifth collaboration between the two companies after the HD6XX, HD58X Jubilee, PC37X, and PC38X.
Drop’s hint was thinly veiled at best as it took no time for enthusiasts to guess from the silhouette of the headphones that it would be based on the HD800’s form factor.
Yes, the HD8XX is based on the Sennheiser HD800S, an updated version of the flagship HD800 headphones. While the HD8XX uses the same ring-radiator driver, Drop claims the frequency response has been improved… this can be seen from the graph comparing the frequency response and total harmonic distortion (THD) between the HD8XX and HD800S.
The improvement “further balances the midrange and extends the bass response on the HD8XX.”
“With a new resonator system and driver materials, the HD8XX has a balanced upper midrange and sub-bass that extends to 10Hz,” Drop adds.
The other technical specifications mirror the HD800S on paper – 300 ohms impedance, a frequency response of 4Hz-51kHz, 0.02% THD, and weight of 330g.
Seeing how they all share the same ergonomics, the HD8XX is expected to be just as comfortable as the HD800S with its large circumaural earcups and ample clamping force.
Shipping date is estimated to be Nov 25. The HD8XX will set you back a cool US$1,100 a pair, but with every purchase, members are eligible to earn 20,000 Drop Reward Points worth US$200.
The HD8XX comes in a black and silver combination with Drop’s deep midnight blue accent. Only 3,000 units will be available so be quick if you’re interested.
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