HDV 820 Digital headphone amplifier Instruction manual HDV 820 | 1
Contents Contents Important safety instructions .......................................................... 3 The HVE 820 headphone amplifier .................................................. 6 Package contents .............................................................................. 7 Product overview ............................................................................... 8 Overview of the front panel ............................................................ 8 Overview of the rear panel ..
Important safety instructions Important safety instructions 1. Read these safety instructions. 2. Keep these safety instructions. Always include these safety instructions when passing the product on to third parties. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use the product near water. 6. Only clean the product when it is not connected to the power supply system. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Ensure circulating ventilation.
Important safety instructions Hazard warnings on the bottom of the product The label shown on the left is attached to the bottom of the product. The symbols on this label have the following meaning: Presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of fire or electric shock. Read and follow the safety and operating instructions contained in this instruction manual. Never open the product.
Important safety instructions Notes on driver and firmware updates HDV 820 UPDATE We recommend using the latest DAC (digital-to-analog converter) firmware for your headphone amplifier and the latest driver for your operating system (MacOS), Windows). DAC firmware and driver updates can be downloaded free of charge from the Internet at www.sennheiser.com/download or can be obtained from your Sennheiser partner.
The HVE 820 headphone amplifier The HVE 820 headphone amplifier The HDV 820 headphone amplifier is the result of Sennheiser's many years of audio expertise and the perfect complement to its high-end audiophile headphone range for the ultimate in sound quality and performance. The HDV 820 offers consistently symmetrical signal processing and extremely low harmonic distortion to ensure unadulterated and perfect music enjoyment.
Package contents Package contents HVE 820 headphone amplifier Power supply cable (depending on region; EU, UK, US, CN, KR) Quick guide Quick guide Safety guide Safety guide Microfiber cloth USB flash drive (SD-U16L version) with instruction manual (as PDF file) and driver software for Microsoft Windows operating systems A list of accessories can be found on the HDV 820 product page at www.sennheiser.com. Contact your local Sennheiser partner: www.sennheiser.com > “Sales Partner”.
Product overview Product overview Overview of the front panel 1 2 4 3 5 7 6 8 9 1 On/off button with LED 5 DSD reproduction LED 2 Headphone output, XLR-3/¼" (6.35 mm) jack combo socket, unbalanced 6 Input selection LED 7 Input selection rotary switch 3 Headphone output, XLR-4 socket, balanced 8 Volume control 9 Type plate (bottom) 4 Headphone outputs, 4.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation Putting the HDV 820 into operation Setting up the headphone amplifier CAUTION Risk of staining of furniture surfaces! Varnish or furniture polish may degrade the feet of the product, which could stain your furniture. ▷ Do not place the product on delicate surfaces; if necessary, use a non-slip pad under the product. ▷ Place the headphone amplifier on a flat, horizontal surface. ▷ Ensure circulating ventilation.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation A Connection possibility of the audio source: digital, USB connection USB UNBAL OPT USB BAL ~100-240 VAC 50/60Hz BAL R L R COAX R L - GAIN + ANALOG IN DIGITAL IN ANALOG OUT Connection cable: USB 2.0 certified cable with Type B connector for connection to the headphone amplifier ▷ More information on using the headphone amplifier connected to a Mac or PC can be found on page 12.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation B Connection possibility of the audio source: digital, coaxial connection COAX UNBAL OPT USB BAL ~100-240 VAC 50/60Hz BAL R L R COAX R L - GAIN + ANALOG IN ANALOG OUT DIGITAL IN Connection cable: coaxial cable (75 Ω) C Connection possibility of the audio source: digital, optical connection OPT UNBAL OPT USB BAL ~100-240 VAC 50/60Hz BAL R L COAX R R L - GAIN + ANALOG IN ANALOG OUT DIGITAL IN Connection cable: optical cable Connection poss
Putting the HDV 820 into operation E Connection possibility of the audio source: analog, XLR-3, balanced BAL UNBAL OPT USB BAL ~100-240 VAC 50/60Hz BAL R L R COAX R L - GAIN + ANALOG IN R DIGITAL IN ANALOG OUT L L R Connection cables: 2 balanced XLR-3 cables Using the headphone amplifier connected to a Mac/PC You can connect the HDV 820 via USB (see page 10) directly to your Mac or PC and use it as an audio output device.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation Apple OS X operating system For an Apple Mac OS X operating system from version 10.6 onwards, you do not have to install a driver. The HDV 820 is recognized automatically. ▷ From the System Preferences, select “Sound” and then select “Sennheiser HDV 820” as the default audio output device. SENNHEISER HDV820 Audio Out 2 1 ▷ Open the “Audio Midi Setup” utility program and select “Sennheiser HDV 820” from the left-side column.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation The software package contains the following components: • WDM USB audio driver • ASIO USB audio driver • Control Panel • HDV 820 Updater Notes on the USB audio modes If you use standard software (e.g. Windows Media Player or Apple iTunes), the best possible transmission mode is limited by the operating system (the played music file is mixed with System Sounds and adapted to the sample rate and bit depth set for the WDM driver).
Putting the HDV 820 into operation Example: Microsoft Windows 10 To install the “HDV 820 USB Audio Software Package” and to set the HDV 820 as the default audio output device: ▷ Install the “HDV 820 USB Audio Software Package” from the USB flash drive (supplied). The software package can also be downloaded from the Internet at www.sennheiser.com/download or be obtained from your Sennheiser partner. You need administrator rights for installation. ▷ Open the Control Panel and select “Sound”.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation Using the Sennheiser Control Panel The Control Panel allows you to configure the HDV 820 for the reproduction of high-resolution music files and to monitor the current operating state. Tab Control Panel view Display/Setting option Client information Buffer settings Status USB Audio device Currently connected and used device. If several devices devices are connected simultaneously, you can select the desired device here.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation Connecting the headphone amplifier to a power amplifier or to active loudspeakers You can use the headphone amplifier as a preamplifier and connect it to a power amplifier or to active loudspeakers using analog XLR-3 cables. The output level can be adjusted via the Volume control. ▷ Switch your audio devices off before connecting the headphone amplifier.
Putting the HDV 820 into operation Connecting the headphone amplifier to the power supply system CAUTION Danger of damage to the product! If you connect to an unsuitable power supply, the product can be damaged. ▷ Use a suitable power cable (supplied) to connect the product to the power supply system (100 to 240 V AC, 50 or 60 Hz). ▷ Connect a suitable power cable (supplied) to the IEC mains socket and a wall socket.
Using the HDV 820 Using the HDV 820 Switching the HDV 820 on/off WARNING Danger of hearing damage! Listening at high volume levels for long periods of time can lead to permanent hearing defects. ▷ Before putting your headphones on, adjust the volume to a low level (see page 22). ▷ Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume levels. ON To switch the HDV 820 on: ▷ Press the on/off button. When the headphone amplifier is switched on, the on/off button is backlit in white.
Using the HDV 820 Connecting headphones The HDV 820 features a total of 4 headphone sockets for dynamic headphones: • 1 unbalanced XLR-3/¼" (6.35 mm) jack combo socket • 1 balanced XLR-4 socket • 2 balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn jack sockets The volume setting and the settings of the audio source apply to all headphones. For an optimal listening experience, Sennheiser recommends using high-impedance headphones and cables with a length of 3 m. 20 | HDV 820 4.4 mm 4.4 mm XLR-4 XLR-3 6.
Using the HDV 820 Selecting the audio source WARNING Danger of hearing damage! Before switching to a different audio source, first set the volume on the headphone amplifier to a low level. Different audio sources and different listening material (e.g. different pieces of music on different CDs/sound carriers) can have widely varying signal levels.
Using the HDV 820 Adjusting the signal level of the RCA input (UNBAL) In order to optimally set the gain of the headphone amplifier, you can use the input gain rotary switch to adjust the signal level of the RCA input (UNBAL). ▷ Turn the input gain rotary switch (– GAIN +) towards the + sign: if the signal is too low or – sign: if the signal is overmodulated.
Cleaning and maintaining the HDV 820 Cleaning and maintaining the HDV 820 CAUTION Liquids can damage the electronics of the product! Liquids entering the housing of the product can cause a short-circuit and damage the electronics. ▷ Keep all liquids far away from the product. ▷ Do not use any solvents or cleansing agents. ▷ Disconnect the product from the power supply system before cleaning. ▷ Clean the product with a soft, dry cloth (supplied).
If a problem occurs ... If a problem occurs ... Problem No audio signal Possible cause Corrective action Page The HDV 820 is switched off Switch the HDV 820 on. 19 The Input selection rotary switch is set to a different audio source Set the Input selection rotary switch to the desired audio source. 21 The Input selection rotary switch is between two positions Set the Input selection rotary switch to one of the two inputs. The volume is adjusted to low Increase the volume.
Specifications Specifications Dimensions (W x H x D) approx. 224 x 44 x 306 mm Weight approx. 2.25 kg Max. output power approx. 480 mW @ 1 kHz and 600 Ω load at the XLR-4 output Frequency response < 10 Hz to > 100 kHz Crosstalk attenuation min. 93 dB @ 1 kHz THD + N < 0.
Specifications Supported sample rates coaxial/optical: 44.1; 48; 88.2; 96 kHz coaxial: 176.4; 192 kHz Digital input USB (USB Type B) USB standard min. USB 2.0 USB audio class USB Audio Class 2 Supported file formats PCM: 32 bits, 44.1; 48; 88.2; 96; 176.4; 192; 352.8; 384 kHz DSD: 64 (2,822,400 Hz), 128 (5,644,800 Hz), 256 (11,289,600 Hz), Analog output BAL (XLR-3) Pin assignment 1 2 1 2 3 3 L R Max. output level 20 dBV Output impedance 270 Ω 1: GND 2: + 3: − Headphone output (¼" (6.
Manufacturer Declarations Manufacturer Declarations Warranty Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months on this product. For the current warranty conditions, please visit our website at www.sennheiser.com or contact your Sennheiser partner. FOR AUSTRALIA ONLY Sennheiser’s goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.
Manufacturer Declarations Statements regarding FCC and Industry Canada Déclaration requise par la FCC et l'Industrie Canada FCC Declaration of Conformity (DoC) SENNHEISER Model No: HDV 820, SD-U16L We, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation One Enterprise Drive • Old Lyme • CT 06371 • USA Tel: +1 (860) 434 9190 Fax: +1 (860) 434 1759 declare the above device comply with the requirements of Federal Communications Commission. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG Am Labor 1, 30900 Wedemark, Germany www.sennheiser.com Publ.