Sennheiser launches in-ear CX 80U and over-ear HD 400U headphones with USB-C support for 24-bit, 96 kHz playback

Sennheiser has launched the in-ear CX 80U and over-ear HD 400U headphones for smartphone users who wish to connect their headphones using a wired USB-C cable.

The two models are similar to the 3.5 mm versions they are based on—the CX 80S and HD 400S. Both include built-in support for digital music streams up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. This eliminates the audio compression that typically occurs when music is streamed over wireless Bluetooth connections using the SBC or AAC codecs.

Both headphones are tuned with a U-shaped curve in their frequency response, emphasizing the bass. The HD 400U has a warmer timbre, while the CX 80U is slightly more neutral, says Sennheiser.

The HD 400U has a frequency response of 18 Hz to 20 kHz, with a maximum SPL of 120 dB SPL and THD under 0.5%. The CX 80U has a frequency response of 17 Hz to 20 kHz, with a maximum SPL of 119 dB SPL and THD under 0.5%.

Both include an in-line MEMS microphone for calls with a frequency response of 100 Hz to 10 kHz and a 24-bit, 48 kHz output.

The CX 80U has an MSRP of $39.95 and the HD 400U has an MSRP of $99.95. Both are available from authorized dealers and sennheiser-hearing.com today. Readers can look for them in the Sennheiser store on Amazon.