Sennheiser CX 80U & HD 400U: USB-C Headphones with Hi-Res Audio

Sennheiser Launches USB-C Headphones, Delivering High-Resolution Audio to Smartphone Users

Sennheiser is expanding its headphone lineup with the release of the CX 80U in-ear and HD 400U over-ear models, designed specifically for smartphone users seeking a premium wired audio experience. Both new headphones utilize a USB-C connection, offering support for high-resolution audio streams up to 24-bit, 96kHz – a important upgrade over standard Bluetooth audio quality.

bypassing Bluetooth Compression for Superior Sound

The increasing popularity of digital music streaming has created a demand for higher fidelity audio. Traditional wireless connections, while convenient, often rely on SBC or AAC codecs that compress audio files, resulting in a loss of detail. According to a company release, the CX 80U and HD 400U circumvent this issue by delivering uncompressed digital audio directly from the smartphone, preserving the full nuance of the original recording. This is a key differentiator for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality.

Did you know? – Many modern smartphones are removing the 3.5mm headphone jack, making USB-C headphones a practical solution for high-quality audio without adapters.

Design and Tuning: Familiar foundations with Refined Performance

These new models build upon the foundations of Sennheiser’s existing 3.5mm headphone range, the CX 80S and HD 400S. Both the CX 80U and HD 400U feature a frequency response tuned with a U-curve, which emphasizes bass frequencies for a more impactful listening experience. Though, Sennheiser notes that the HD 400U offers a “warmer timbre,” while the CX 80U presents a slightly more “neutral” sound signature, catering to different listener preferences.

Technical Specifications: A Closer Look

The HD 400U boasts a frequency response spanning 18 Hz to 20 kHz, a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 120 dB SPL, and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.5%. The CX 80U delivers a slightly narrower frequency response of 17 Hz to 20 kHz, with a maximum SPL of 119 dB SPL and harmonic distortion also remaining below 0.5%. Both models incorporate an in-line MEMS microphone for clear call quality, capable of capturing audio within a frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz with a 24-bit, 48 kHz output.

Pro tip – A MEMS microphone is a micro-electro-mechanical system, known for its small size and high performance in capturing clear voice audio for calls.

Pricing and Availability

the CX 80U is available for a suggested retail price of $39.95, while the HD 400U retails for $99.95. Both headphones are available for purchase starting today through authorized dealers, Sennheiser’s official website at sennheiser-hearing.com, and the Sennheiser store on Amazon.This release provides consumers with accessible options for experiencing high-resolution audio on their smartphones without relying on wireless technology.

Why: Sennheiser launched the CX 80U and HD 400U headphones to address the growing demand for high-resolution audio on smartphones, bypassing the limitations of Bluetooth compression.
Who: Sennheiser is the company releasing the headphones, targeting smartphone users, audiophiles, and music enthusiasts.
What: the CX 80U (in-ear) and HD 400U (over-ear) are USB-C headphones supporting up to 24-bit, 96kHz audio.
How did it end?: The headphones are available for purchase promptly through authorized dealers, Sennheiser’s website, and Amazon, offering consumers accessible high-resolution audio options.