Sennheiser HD 800 S

General Information

A modern classic, Sennheiser’s reference class HD 800 headphones deliver sound that is as natural as possible and true in every detail. Improving on a seemingly perfect formula is not a task undertaken lightly, but Sennheiser’s engineers have succeeded in enhancing still further the sound reproduction in the open, circumaural HD 800 S.

The striking industrial design combines form and function seamlessly, the layered metal and plastic headband construction attenuating vibrations to the earcups while the handmade microfiber earpads offer exceptional comfort for even long periods of listening enjoyment.

Crafted for perfection, the HD 800 and the HD 800 S are precision-built in Germany from only the finest materials and components. The transducer is encased by stainless steel, while the headband and headphone mounting utilises 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, a 6.3mm connector and a XLR-4 balanced cable to offer even better quality sound from sources with balanced outputs such as the Sennheiser HDVD 800 headphones amplifier.

Absorber technology of the HD 800 S
The enhanced sound reproduction of the HD 800 S is achieved through the addition of the innovative absorber technology that was pioneered in the Sennheiser IE 800 – a breakthrough that preserved the audibility of very high frequency sounds by eliminating a phenomenon known as the “masking effect”, where the human hear struggles to hear frequencies of sound when lower frequencies of a higher volume occur at the same time. By absorbing the energy of the resonance, Sennheiser’s patented absorber technology prevents any unwanted peaks and allows all frequency components – even the finest nuances – in the music material to become audible. This innovation was a key element in making the IE 800 the world’s best sounding in ear headphone, and in the HD 800 S it helps to bring even greater purity and precision.

Such enhancements build on the formidable achievements of the classic, with the 56mm sound transducer – the largest ever used in dynamic headphones. The unique ear cup design directs sound waves to the ear at a slight angle to create an impressively natural and spatial listening experience.

While much appears the same, the enhanced performance within is revealed by a distinctive new look, with the silver finish of the 2009 classic HD 800 making way for high-class matt black for the HD 800 S.

Features

Further optimised reference class in wired headphones

Open, circum-aural dynamic stereo headphones

Enhanced sound reproduction achieved through absorber technology

Additional cable with balanced XLR4 connector

High-class matt black metal parts

Natural hearing experience - realistic and natural sound field with minimal resonance

Biggest transducers ever used in headphones including new innovative dynamic transducer design

Uncovered earcups for enhanced acoustics

Handcrafted ear pads, made of high-quality microfiber fabric

Metal headband with an inner damping element

Specially tuned balanced, impedance matching cable with low capacitance

Special high precision headphone connectors

2 year warranty

Latest reviews

josephpino07

New Head-Fier
Soundstage king, but there's a lot more to it
Pros: - Soundstage
- clarity
- transparency
- separation
- detail retrieval
- definition
Cons: - A tad lean sounding
- could be too clinical for some people
The first thing that stands out when listening to the HD800S is the expansive soundstage. It’s absolutely breathtaking. These headphones create an open, almost three-dimensional sound that feels more like you’re in the room with the musicians rather than listening through a pair of headphones. The soundstage is incredibly wide and deep, and it’s as if each instrument is placed in its own defined space. The imaging is razor-sharp, with instruments precisely positioned within the soundstage. I can distinctly hear every little nuance in the music, whether it's a slight vocal inflection or the subtle breath of a string instrument. Compared to other headphones I’ve tried, the HD800S' ability to separate instruments in a large, complex track is unparalleled. The clarity and definition across the stereo field are astonishing. The result is a listening experience that doesn’t just immerse you in the music but allows you to really appreciate every element of the performance.

The dynamic range of the HD800S is also exceptional. The headphones are capable of handling both the quietest, most delicate moments in a track and the loudest, most energetic passages without distortion or loss of detail. The contrast between soft and loud sounds is managed so well that it keeps the listening experience engaging throughout, no matter the genre. This is where the Xduoo TA-66 really shines, bringing out the best in the HD800S by providing a smooth, balanced output with plenty of power to drive them comfortably, even at higher volumes. The TA-66 adds a touch of warmth and richness to the sound, which complements the HD800S' transparency and clarity, creating a more cohesive and enjoyable experience overall.

The bass response of the HD800S is tight and controlled, with excellent extension. While they are not known for the “thumping” low-end that some other headphones emphasize, the bass here is exceptionally clean and detailed, with just enough presence to provide a full-bodied sound without overwhelming the midrange or highs. I’ve noticed that bass-heavy tracks still have plenty of depth and presence, but the HD800S excels more in offering clarity rather than sheer punch. Paired with the Xduoo TA-66, the bass feels slightly more textured and defined, with the tubes providing a subtle warmth that enhances the overall experience. The bass may not be the most authoritative I’ve heard, but it’s certainly accurate and precise, making it ideal for genres that prioritize midrange clarity, like classical, jazz, or acoustic music.

The midrange is, in a word, exquisite. Vocals and instruments come across with an incredible sense of realism and texture. Male and female vocals both sound natural and lifelike, with a richness that allows every detail to shine through. I’m particularly impressed with how the HD800S handles the midrange frequencies; there’s no harshness or forwardness, just a beautifully balanced presentation that keeps you engaged for hours. The mids are presented with great transparency, and there’s an organic quality to the sound that makes even the most complex arrangements feel effortless. I find myself rediscovering tracks I thought I knew well, as the HD800S unveils hidden details and subtleties that I hadn’t noticed before. The clarity and tonal accuracy in the midrange make it ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, and orchestral music.

The high frequencies are another area where the HD800S excels. The treble is crisp, detailed, and extended without ever sounding sibilant or fatiguing. Cymbals shimmer with a delicate brilliance, and strings have a natural sheen to them that is difficult to match. The Xduoo TA-66, while offering some natural warmth and smoothing out the sound, doesn’t detract from the crispness and clarity of the highs, making them feel refined but never harsh. The combination of the HD800S’ extended treble and the smoothness of the TA-66 results in a very balanced and engaging top end. The treble is detailed enough to pick up subtle elements like the reverb in a recording, or the fine overtones of a piano, but it never becomes piercing or fatiguing. The overall balance between the highs and the rest of the frequency range is spot on, ensuring a natural and engaging listening experience.

While the HD800S excels in nearly every category, there is a minor downside to consider. The sound signature, while incredibly detailed and immersive, can feel a bit too analytical for some listeners, especially when it comes to genres that benefit from a more colored or energetic sound. If you're after a headphone with a bit more warmth or low-end emphasis, the HD800S may not be your ideal choice. Additionally, while the HD800S has a very large soundstage, it can sometimes feel too wide in certain tracks, slightly diminishing the sense of intimacy in more vocal-centric or small ensemble pieces. This is a very subjective observation, though, and I personally appreciate the open, airy sound.

Overall, the Sennheiser HD800S, driven by the Xduoo TA-66, is an absolute revelation. The level of detail, separation, and imaging that these headphones provide is on another level compared to other high-end models. The dynamics are impeccable, the bass is controlled yet deep, and the midrange and highs are simply glorious. The soundstage is immense, and the imaging is precise, giving you a truly holographic listening experience. The synergy between the HD800S and the TA-66 just takes it to a whole new level, making this setup an absolute joy to listen to. Despite a couple of minor reservations regarding its analytical nature, the HD800S is a standout in the audiophile world, and I’m thoroughly enjoying every moment spent with them. If you’re looking for a headphone that delivers the finest in audiophile-quality sound, the HD800S should be at the top of your list.
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Colin5619

Half Note

New Head-Fier
800S - The headphones to forget about headphones
Pros: Timbre is perfection

Detailed to the high heavens

The lightest headphones short of KPH30i's
Cons: Fatiguing treble without EQ

Heavy cable

Came without the factory measurements, even though bought brand new

Intro/disclaimer :​

- The unit was bought on my own, and long before I met anyone at Sennheiser.

I cannot post the pictures the way I used to, integrated int the review as I used to. So, until Head-Fi fixes this issue, here's a Imgur link : https://imgur.com/a/ifXdZXE

# First Impressions :​

- Unboxing : Not as nice as the previous iteration of the 800S, the simple foam and packed cables is kinda sparse for a near two thousand euros product. The product itself is so well made though, it makes up for a big part of the experience. At launch, the box featured a velour pad to hide the foam, which I don't think is superfluous for this type of product.
- Comfort is one of the strongest points of these headphones : the clamp force is never a bother, the weight is so low you're never strained by it, and the pads are the perfect softness to stay put once you've sitted the headphones on your head. The adjustment mechanism for the length of the arms is very finely adjustable, making for a super easy fit. Very well designed through and through.

# Sound :​

- The tuning of the 800S is a reference point for me, and for many others as well. The balance is linear throughout the whole range, with an emphasis in the presence region to stick to the Diffuse Field target. Paired with the outrageously open nature of the headphones (the use of titanium wire mesh feels like there's no material around your head, don't ask it's engineering magic) makes for the best timbre I've heard in headphones to this day, even when comparing with headphones 30x the price. Yes, it's a bold statement. I listened to the HE-1 at Munich during the High End Festival, and yes it was an experience beyeond anything I'd heard previously, I prefer the balance of the venerable 800S.

# Tonality :​


- The bass of the 800S is sometimes refered to as lean, or lacking sub, or else. I totally disagree with these statements. It features a lean**er** amount compared to some other Audezes or Focals, on that we agree. But the Sennheiser approach is one focused on natural replay and accurate timbre. And on that front, it's highly accurate. The extension in the sub bass is brilliant, and I can hear notes as low as my hearing can perceive. If you've ever listened to a studio monitoring setup with multiple small subs, then you know what the 800S bass sounds like. But, substract 2 or 3dB from what you'd assume.

- The midrange. Oh, the midrange. This is by far the best part of these headphones for me. The degree of realism these headphones produce simply astounds me. The intro of the song Golden Age by the band Esprit d'Escalier always gives me goosebumps when I listen to it with the 800S. The replay of the singer's voice, the echoing reverbs, the layers of synth, it all comes together so well. I don't often quote my music choices to justify talking about products, but for this review I simply have to. Another track to seal the deal would be "It happened Quiet - live at The Current" by Aurora. The chills you feel when the vocal harmonies fly up in the register is something not a lot of speakers manage to make me feel, but it never fails to do so with these headphones. The linearity of the frequency response is, I think, the major contributor to this impression because you're solely engaging with the music and never notice and dip or bump in volume throughout the range.

- The treble of the 800S is maybe its most infamous trait, although I think some exaggeration has built up over the years. Without EQ, the presence region can overpower the rest of the mix and I'll agree on that front, given the record features prominent and harsh audio to begin with. I do not, however, agree with the complaints regarding sibilance and artificial timbre in this area. The 800S features exceptional extension in the highs, and never sounds distorted, grainy or artifical when fed quality source files.

It does excel in revealing flaws however, and I suspect that to be the source of all evil. Listening to compressed files such as Spotify music or mp3s is simply not pleasant. The artifacts stand out way too much.

But give it any good lossless material, or uncompressed WAVs, and things smooth out. You gain back the air that was cut off by the mp3 format, and once freed of the artifacts the treble reveals its utmost precision and unforgiving definition.

-> The HD800S will make you love your best recorded albums, and hate your poorly recorded ones. Because once you've enjoyed being part of the audience of a live classical concert, sat among the crowd in a theatre from the comfort of your couch, there's simply no going back.

# Technicalities :​

- Soundstage :
Known for it's spatialization capabilities, I'm happy to say that my unit delivers everything you've read about and more. Take the confines of your skull and expand them way out in every direction, and enjoy the 3D experience. You get to enjoy what feels like limitless soundstage compared to any other headphones, and precise imaging to pair it with. Depth perception is uncanny of realism and verticality very well transcribed.

- Detail retrieval :
For me this is the aspect that should stand out the most and not the soundstage when talking about the 800S. Since its release in 2009, the 800 series has met competition that has tried to rival with its psychoacoustic feats. But the detail retrieval you get with the 800S is almost never matched, and it baffles me why I don't see more people talking about it. Even with busy genres of music, the separation and detail given to each sound cue is of perfect accuracy.

- Transient response is a topic common to most if not all my reviews, because I value it to the same degree as tonality or spatialization. In a sense, it encapsulates dynamics and details, timbre and realism all at once. The perception of "speed" as is often referred to in the hobby comes from how close to real life these recorded transients can be reproduced. I've been a drummer for 17 years now, so I'm going to be bold and assume that I know what drums sound like in real life. I can discern a blunted snare hit from an accurately displayed one. Yes, I know, mixing & mastering engineers have acces to transient shaping tools, but I've been there and mixed too, used those tools as well and have acces to raw recordings of myself.

When I say that I hear exactly my drums, my mics and my preamps **and nothing more** when I listen through these headphones, I really mean it. The cymbal characteristics, the decay and harmonic clashes, nothing's left behind. So far I've only encountered one set of speakers that have the same abilities, even after High End Munich 2023 and the myriad of stands I've been to. So yes, I'm really impressed.

# Conclusion :​

- Final impressions : I've been using these headphones for a full year before writing this review. I may not be the fastest reviewer around, but I take pride in knowing full well what I'm talking about. I've been a musician for almost two decades, have mixed and produced songs, toured many a times and played many a great gigs, and listened to audiophile systems for even longer than that.

So I know the weight of my words when I write that these headphones are a perfect tool for hearing music the way I hear music in real life.
A human voice through an Aston Spirit microphone will come out to you as if the person is speaking directly to you, as if you were standing in front of him/her. It's as simple as that, the headphones are transparent. So, just like in real life, if the instrument is unpleasant to listen to (try standing next to a saxophonist playing full blast, or a bagpipes band without earplugs) then it'll be equally as unpleasant throught these headphones. Which is exactly what I look for, and maybe you don't.
If you prefer your bass louder than the original mix, if you want the harshness of the instruments taken away for you so it's never fatiguing to listen to, you're free to do so with any other headphones. Because the 800S will only do one thing, and whatever's been recorded. And perfectly faithfully so.
Rob49
Rob49
Your review has almost convinced me to buy, to pair with my Sony DMP-Z1 player, although, i wasn’t looking to buy open back headphone’s.
H
Half Note
@Rob49 I wouldn't take these on a plane, but they sure are an incredible pair to have around ! They really reveal everything about your setup too, so if you like your player these could be a great addition.

Precogvision

Reviewer at Headphones.com
Sennheiser HD800S Review: The Critical Take
Pros: - top-tier detail retrieval
- excellent soundstage width
- reasonably balanced tonality
Cons: - slight cut at around 1-2kHz skews note-weight thin
- fatiguing, bright treble response
- general lack of dynamics
This review was originally published here on Headphones.com, but I am re-publishing it for readers on Head-Fi.

Introduction

My history with the HD800S stretches back to roughly a year ago when I first heard it at the Sennheiser SF storefront. Even though the star of the show should have been Sennheiser’s HE1 (you know, just the world’s most expensive headphone) which I also got to demo, I still recall myself being attracted to the HD800S like no other headphone in the store. It had detail, clarity, and staging in spades, pretty much all my wholly inexperienced ears cared for. Still, I found myself wishing to evaluate it in a more quiet listening environment, so courtesy of Headphones.com, I’ve had the Sennheiser HD800S sitting on my desk for the last six months or so.

Yeah. It’s taken a while for me to get around to this review. That’s mainly because I’ve found my taste in headphones has skewed elsewhere and, frankly, I struggled to find the motivation to write it at times. Nonetheless, I’ll be sharing why that is the case; hopefully, my review can lend a more critical perspective to what is one of the most acclaimed headphones in the game.

This unit was provided for review by Headphones.com. It will be returned at the end of the review period. As usual, what follows are my honest thoughts and opinions to the best of my ability.

Source & Drivability

Critical listening was done off of an iFi Micro iDSD Black Label > Macbook Air > Audirvana using lossless FLAC files. I used a variety of other portable sources to drive the HD800S without issue, and I have also heard it off of the Sennheiser HDV 820 at the Sennheiser SF store before. Unfortunately, I did not have access to a dedicated, desktop amp for listening at the time of this publication.

Sennheiser HD 800 S Review | Headphones.com


The Tangibles

The HD800S arrives in a gigantic black, hard-cardboard box. Inside you’ll find the HD800S nested in foam and with the following accessories:
  • 4.4mm 10ft cable
  • 6.35mm 10ft cable
  • Microfiber cleaning cloth
  • Microfiber baggy
  • USB Flash Drive
Sennheiser HD 800 S Review | Headphones.com


The HD800S sports a sleek, refined build with a silver and black, dichromatic aesthetic. It is largely constructed of plastic to cut down on weight, but does have metal hardware interspersed throughout. The build quality is excellent without creaking and inspires a sense of confidence. The included cables are shrouded in a cloth-like material with good tactility and plenty of length if you’re planning to move around your listening area.

Now honestly, I’ve never been much of a headphone guy. I’ve just never been able to get around the weight and discomfort that characterizes most headphones I’ve worn. But the HD800S is making me rethink that - if only a little. The largely plastic construction is predicated on making the headphone as lightweight and easy-on-the-ears as possible, which results in a lightweight 330 grams. Stack on cups that sink over my ears with ample breathing room and plush, microfiber contact points, and the HD800S is one of the few headphones that I don’t mind wearing for a couple of hours. For isolation, although it might seem obvious, there is zero isolation because this is an open-back headphone. No really, I state this just because of how many, ah, let’s just say interesting Amazon reviews I’ve seen of open-back headphones.

Sound Analysis

To my ears, the HD800S presents an analytical, reference-oriented sound. It is a highly technical headphone that has won no shortage of praise for its exceptionally open staging, clarity, and detail retrieval. That being said, it is a headphone far from being devoid of flaw; I’ll explore this further in-depth below.

So let’s just get this out of the way: the HD800S’s bass is where the headphone really pulls the short end of the stick. As is characteristic of Sennheiser’s headphones, it sounds linear until you go down shy of sub-100hZ; at which point, it sounds like the bass drops off a cliff. You’re not buying this headphone for rumble or slam. But it’s not just a matter of quantity, something that can be mitigated with EQ if one chooses, so much as it is the HD800S’s technical performance on this front. There is a distinct lack of tactility and “oomph” to the bass; I would go so far as to say that bass detail sounds like it’s being smeared over. I hear this against not just something like the Focal Clear, but even some IEMs that I have on hand. In short? I’m not too impressed - okay, more like not impressed at all - with the HD800S’s bass.

Sennheiser HD 800 S Review | Headphones.com


Conversely, the midrange of the HD800S is the most solid part of the tuning in my opinion. It is leaner, emphasizes a high degree of vocal intelligibility and, within the context of audio, invokes transparency in the truest sense of the word. Even on some of the questionably mastered K-Pop tracks I listen to (yes, I listen to a lot of what most audiophiles would call “garbage,” fight me) like Loona’s “Eclipse,” vocals cut through the extraneous synth-sounds with decided ease. But the HD800’s midrange is not without its drawbacks; to this end, it achieves this uber-clarity thanks to a couple of tuning tricks. First, of course, it’s aided by the aforementioned lack of bass which will inherently boost one’s perception of later frequencies. Second, there is a relative lack of energy from roughly 1-2kHz which cuts a good deal of body out of male vocals. Finally, I notice a certain straining effect - perhaps edginess - when high notes are hit with female vocals. I can’t help but wonder if this is a product of the frequencies infringing upon the HD800S’s 6kHz peak, similar to what I hear on the Focal Clear if not nearly to the same degree, thankfully.

And speaking of that 6kHz peak, let’s talk about the HD800S’s treble. The selling point of the HD800S - at least relative to the original HD800 - is the implementation of an absorber that serves to attenuate what could have otherwise been a quite peaky and bright treble response. The principle is (likely) similar to the SDR mod that many owners have taken to implementing on their HD800s over the years. I still have a love-hate relationship with the HD800S’s treble response. The 6kHz peak lends to backdrop percussive hits sounding like raindrops splattering on a tin roof, while more forward hits have a “clanky-ness” to them that can sound somewhat harsh on first listen. But hours of listening, brain burn-in or not, have me not minding as much as I did originally. It certainly does wonders for the HD800S’s perception of detail, and the quality - textural nuance - of the treble itself is exemplary.

Sennheiser HD 800 S Review | Headphones.com


Technical Performance

Who could deny the HD800S’s killer imaging and soundstage? Well...nobody except me. Where the HD800S stumbles - stumbles hard, I might add - is the center image. And I am a big stickler for center image. For those who might not be familiar with this term, it is a psychoacoustic illusion for headphones and IEMs; the product of having two channels in conjunction. When a transducer is able to also project the center image, it results in what I perceive as soundstage depth. Very few transducers I have heard make this distinction, and hours of listening have forced me to conclude that the HD800S doesn’t merit entry to those exclusive ranks - not by a long shot. Like so, there is the strong perception of vocalists being trapped inside one’s head, and the contrast to what is an otherwise extremely open presentation results in what I have heard best described as a “reverse cardioid” (yeah, just Google it, the image will explain way better than I can) soundstage.

Indeed, the HD800S has an incredibly wide soundstage, and for layering ability - the perceived sense of space between instruments - I have heard no other headphone with such stellar distinction. And the detail, can we talk about the sheer detail? The HD800S is incredibly resolving with notes in the midrange and treble fleshed out with terrifically defined transient attack. For microdetail - consonances, reverb trails, and the like - again, I’ve heard no peer to the HD800S, and it is a detail lover’s dream headphone. But it’s not all sunshine and daisies. I do not think that its microdynamic engagement - decibel fluctuations to said microdetail - is on the same level. Likewise, A/B-ing with the Focal Clear suggests that, while by no means compressed in the way it scales dynamics swings, the HD800S lacks the same level of visceral macrodynamic punch. This culminates in a decidedly more sterile technical showing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S Review | Headphones.com

The Verdict

To my ears, there is a general sense of the HD800S being a superstar in some respects, and in others, being more middling or simply falling flat altogether. Consequently, my relationship with the HD800S has been a fickle one. From being a possible endgame headphone to being a headphone that I see as far from perfect these days, listeners like myself who want a more natural, organic sound would be best suited by steering away or by only owning the HD800S as a reference headphone. But beyond the scope of subjective preference, I have no problem respecting the HD800S for what it is. It has top-tier technical ability and maintains a reasonably balanced sound signature. For the discerning listener who desires a tool to analyze musical nuance at the highest level, the HD800S is definitely a headphone that should be on the list - scratch that, at the top of the list. It certainly doesn’t hurt that, as a testament to its relevance and staying power, it remains the benchmark with which top headphones are compared to today.

Reference Tracks

  • Aimer - Hakuchuumu
  • David Nail - Let It Rain
  • Everglow - DUN DUN
  • Girls’ Generation - Galaxy Supernova
  • Illenium - Broken Ones
  • Joe Nichols - Sunny and 75
  • Keith Urban - Defying Gravity (2009)
  • Keiichi Okabe - Weight of the World (NieR:Automata Original Soundtrack)
  • Sabai - Million Days
  • Sawano Hiroyuki - Best of Vocal Works Remastered (2020)
  • Taeyeon - My Voice (2017)
  • Tiffany - I Just Wanna Dance
N
Necplur
You mention soundstage DEPTH. I'm interesting in this distinction. What other headphones do well for that, in this price range or lower?

Comments

diggygun

100+ Head-Fier
I auditioned a pair of these, but didn’t end up getting them. The two things that I didn’t like, were:
- they seemed bright and lacking in bass.
- every time I took them off my fingers kept touching the silver part, part of the speaker? behind the plastic spars on the cups and found this very annoying.
 
Back
Top