[IkSak]

Hi all,

I'm trying to decide between the HD800S and the HD800. Currently, a Sennheiser representative here in Colombia is in a stock liquidation and is offering the headphones at aprox. US$1000 and US$900, both new.

I listen mostly to classical and latin music and I'm considering purchasing one, but I'm unsure which one to choose.

From what I've read in the forums, the HD800S is less amp picky and has more bass (although at the expense of a bit of distorsion). On the other hand, the HD800 has less distorsion and the 6 khz peak (not sure how much this matters for clasical). I have two questions for you:

1) Which one may suit my needs better? For amps, I have a Lyr2, a Vali 2 and a Magni 3 which I use with a Bifrost.
2) Among my headphones I have an HD700 (modded) and an Massdrop AKG K7XX, which I use for classical. Are the HD800/S a good upgrade over these?

BTW, the seller has three of each to sale, so if anyone's interested, just let me know

 

[Me x3]

I've owned both HD800 and HD800S. Sold HD800 and kept HD800S.
HD800S has a slightly improved tonal balance and that's pretty much all you get.
Coming from HD700 and K7XX (both have more bass than HD800 and HD800S) I think you'll much prefer the HD800S.
Differences between HD800 and HD800S are not huge, just subtle, but easy to hear.
Both are still the same headphone in the big scheme of things.
Both have the big, almost distant soundstage, extremely good microdetail and relatively dry character.

 

[IkSak]

Thanks!

Do you think that with my current amps they'll be a noticeable upgrade over the hd700?

I've owned both HD800 and HD800S. Sold HD800 and kept HD800S.
HD800S has a slightly improved tonal balance and that's pretty much all you get.
Coming from HD700 and K7XX (both have more bass than HD800 and HD800S) I think you'll much prefer the HD800S.
Differences between HD800 and HD800S are not huge, just subtle, but easy to hear.
Both are still the same headphone in the big scheme of things.
Both have the big, almost distant soundstage, extremely good microdetail and relatively dry character.

 

[Me x3]

Thanks!

Do you think that with my current amps they'll be a noticeable upgrade over the hd700?

Yes, sure.
HD800 and HD800S are pretty easy to drive.
They need similar voltage to your AKG K7XX but drain 5 times less power from the amplifier.
Then preferences play the bigger role.

 

[buke9]

Myself I prefer the 800 over the 800S .

 

[Rhamnetin]

I think most people would probably slightly prefer the HD 800 S, so I'd call it a safer pick. As for amps, personally I'd sell all of those and get something like a Bottlehead S.E.X. Not for power but for refinement.

 

[Me x3]

Myself I prefer the 800 over the 800S .

Can you share why you prefer the HD800?

 

[mlaa78]

Hi, I’m a newcomer here. I’m also going to upgrade my HD650 to 800 or 800S. I have learned that many people prefer HD800 over HD800S if driving them on tube amp, and HD800S is more preferred for solid state owners. If I look frequency curves there are some slight differences between those two. I have a tube amp as well and I think HD800 with more treble could be better choice for me.. I’m interested to hear opinions especially from tube amp owners about those. At the moment I’m going to HD800 way over HD800S.

 

[Me x3]

In the big scheme of things both a are VERY different from HD650. If you want something that's closer to an upgraded HD650 check the Focal Clear.
HD800 and HD800S are quite similar, but HD800 is drier and has more of a steely tonality due to the considerably higher 6kHz peak.

 

[mlaa78]

Yeah, I know there is a BIG difference in frequency response between 5-8kHz compared to HD650, which lacks a bit too much of those frequencies IMO. That’s why I’m actually upgrading. Maybe it’s better to do a proper demo listening somewhere before buying, hopefully with (my own) tube amp.. Btw, Thanks for the Focal recommendation! I’ll also keep that option in my mind.

 

[PETEBULL]

800S is way much more valuable. Could be sold higher if you decide to abandon them.
New 800S cost $1460 in Russia. 800 cost $940.

 

[buke9]

Have yet to hear the 800S from a tube amp but I to would probably prefer the 800’s over the S’s from a tube amp or a warmer solid state. I’m not real sensitive to the highs on the 800’s but most of my gear is on the warm side though. They are a very good headphone.

 

[tomb]

After many years in this business, once tonality and reasonable frequency response is achieved, I prefer lower distortion over anything else in headphones. So, if you have to make a choice, I would personally select the HD800. It's ridiculously easy to apply equalization to correct the low bass and tone down the treble peak. Or, as buke9 says, buy a properly matched amp. The lower distortion in the headphone will win out over the long haul. JMHO ...

 

[PETEBULL]

I prefer lower distortion over anything else in headphones.

Distortion in $1500 headphone? You must be joking, right?

 

[tomb]

Distortion in $1500 headphone? You must be joking, right?

This one retails for only $1499 right now on Amazon: