Will this plug into a Macbook Pro without an adapter?
This is the second cheapest it’s ever been… wonder how the deal hasn’t sold out yet!
If it’s an older one with a 3.5 mm jack, then yes. If it’s usbc, than no. This probably needs an amplifier anyways so it wouldn’t make sense to plug it in directly. The ohms ratings on these type of headphones is generally really high.
You can connect high-impedance headphones directly to compatible Mac computers introduced in 2021 or later.
The 3.5 mm headphone jack on compatible Mac computers features DC load detection and adaptive voltage output. Your Mac can detect the impedance of the connected device and will adapt its output for low- and high-impedance headphones, as well as for line-level audio devices.
When you connect headphones with an impedance of less than 150 ohms, the headphone jack provides up to 1.25 volts RMS. For headphones with an impedance of 150 to 1k ohms, the headphone jack delivers 3 volts RMS. This may remove the need for an external headphone amplifier.
That’s good to know, though I am not an iMac person. (iPad yes…). A basic portable headphone amp can be under $100, but you can go higher-end audiophile and easily spend as much as these phones on a quality headphone amp.
I see these come with a balanced input cord also (sometimes it is extra). You really want an amp with balanced output to complement it (better signal; less noise). I don’t see photos of the cords, so not sure what you get. Many amps have dual XLR (look like 3-pin microphone jacks). You can adapt and add aftermarket cables. Some people spends hundreds just on the custom cables. Handmade by elves, out of mythril. Welcome to audiophile land.
Oh, man, a rabbit hole I did not need. I see from the info that these are conventional “Dynamic” drivers, (though very fancy). I.e. they are not electrostatic, which almost always calls for a high-power amp. From our friend the A.I.: Overview
[image]
Dynamic headphones use a traditional voice coil and magnet to move a physical cone, resulting in punchy bass and deep impact. Electrostatic headphones use an ultra-thin, charged membrane suspended between metal plates. They require specialized, high-voltage amplifiers but deliver unmatched speed, detail, and acoustic
These seem to be current and are on Sennheiser website for $2000, but seems to say you get $100 off if you sign up for email.
This is of course a much better price and says it includes 2yr manufacturer warranty.
Technically yes, especially with the right adapter. Emotionally, they’re already judging your dongle. It’s not that the MacBook can’t drive them, it’s that headphones like these expect to be courted first.
Got them a year back for 1299 here on woot and they have been amazing. I use them with the balanced cable and questyle sigma pro dac with my iphone 17 pro max. They are the best sounding headphones ever. Nothing beats them
Think he asked whether he needs an adapter, and the answer is yes, he does need an adapter
Oh wow. These are sort of ultimate headphones by reputation, but I’ve never heard them. They’re ‘boy that’d be nice but no way on the price’, but $1400 is a heck of a discount, but that much sight unseen?
What are “The new HD 800 S”? HD 800 S was released in 2016.
New, as in not refurbished.
No, that’s not the context of ‘new’. Here’s the fuller statement:
“The transducer is encased by stainless steel, while the headband and headphone mounting utilizes the most advanced materials developed in the aerospace industry for high strength with minimal weight. The new HD 800 S offers even better high precision connectivity options and is now supplied with two connection leads…”
That’s referring to the HD 800 S being a new model - it was released in 2016…
Descriptions online say these come with two cables but this sale suggests they only have one.