Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800 S High Resolution Headphones
Best reference headphones for audiophiles seeking an immersive, studio-grade soundstage.
Immerse yourself in pure audio with the Sennheiser HD 800 S High Resolution Headphones. These open-back, reference-class headphones deliver an incredibly realistic soundstage, placing you directly in the recording studio. Engineered with a large 56mm Ring Radiator transducer and advanced absorber technology, they reveal extraordinary musical details by minimizing unwanted resonances. Designed for extended listening, the lightweight build and ultra-soft microfiber ear pads ensure exceptional comfort. Versatile connectivity is provided with included standard and balanced XLR4 cables for a premium, high-resolution experience.
$1999.95
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Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
352
/ 5463
#352 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+240%
Above average
Color
Black
/ Black
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a realistic, speaker-like spatial experience
- Critical listeners demanding absolute clarity and micro-detail
- Dedicated enthusiasts enjoying marathon listening sessions
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a budget
- Users without a dedicated high-end amplifier setup
- Bass lovers craving impactful, warm sound signatures
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Width
Unrivaled spatial imaging creates a vast, studio-like listening environment.
Detail Retrieval
Absorber technology uncovers subtle nuances often lost in standard headphones.
Ergonomic Comfort
Lightweight frame and plush pads allow for hours of fatigue-free listening.
Build Quality
Premium materials ensure durability, though the open-back design requires careful handling.
Amplification Demand
High 300-ohm impedance necessitates a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance.
Acoustic Isolation
Open-back design leaks sound, making these unsuitable for noisy environments.
Key Specs
Color
Black
Style
Over-Ear Open Back
Connectivity
Wired
Impedance
300 Ohms
Driver Size
56 mm
Weight
330 grams
Frequency Response
4Hz - 51,000Hz (-10 dB)
Connectors
6.3mm, XLR4
Features
- Reference class wired headphones for critical listening
- Open, circum-aural design for superior acoustics
- Enhanced sound clarity with absorber technology
- Mesmerizing, natural soundstage reproduction
- Large 56mm dynamic transducer for rich detail
- Includes balanced XLR4 cable for high-resolution audio
- Ultra-soft microfiber ear pads for lasting comfort
- Lightweight construction for extended wear
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional comfort and refined sound quality of the Sennheiser HD 800 S. Users highlight the vast precise soundstage, effortless instrument separation, and world class detail retrieval. The tuning offers a warmer natural presentation, resulting in a significantly less fatiguing experience while maintaining clarity. Outstanding comfort stems from the lightweight build and large earcups, perfect for extended listening sessions. The consensus confirms that this reference level performance fully justifies the investment for serious audio enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
Yes, with an impedance of 300 Ohms, these headphones require a high-quality dedicated headphone amplifier to reach their full potential. Plugging them directly into a standard laptop or phone jack will not provide sufficient power for optimal sound quality.
The open-back design allows air to pass through the earcups, which creates a wider, more natural soundstage that feels like listening to speakers in a room. However, this means sound will leak out, and you will be able to hear your surroundings, making them unsuitable for noisy environments.
Absolutely. The HD 800 S features a lightweight construction and ultra-soft microfiber ear pads designed specifically for comfort during extended use, preventing the pressure buildup often found in heavier, closed-back models.
The balanced XLR4 cable reduces electrical interference and crosstalk between channels, which can result in a cleaner, more precise audio signal. It is an ideal choice if your amplifier supports balanced outputs to maximize the resolution of your music.
While the expansive soundstage is excellent for immersive gaming, please note that these headphones do not have a built-in microphone. You would need to purchase a separate external microphone if you intend to use them for voice chat or calls.
The integrated absorber technology helps eliminate the 'masking effect,' where lower-frequency sounds can obscure subtle high-frequency details. By minimizing these unwanted resonances, the headphones deliver significantly clearer, more accurate audio reproduction.
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$2000