[fapman]

  I received my HD-800S, but I don't see any sealing unlike IE800. Is it normal? Is there any way for me to check whether it is not opened by a seller or not a returned item? Given this price tag, I thought it should come with a package with pristine sealing...

This has bothered me as well. Maybe someone can explain why they don't put factory-seal outside of the box? 

Also, can you tell us do you have black or silver coating in the end of the amp-side? Also serial number would be helpfull aswell.

 

[franz12]

Mine is 2300ish. All of them are black.

 

[potkettleblack]

sn 2016 all black.

If you are genuinely bothered by the box not being sealed, you've got problems.

 

[fapman]

If I drop 1600$ In a pair of headphones, I would asume it becomes "luxury" - item. And with that i would expect that before I reseive them the last person touching them would be at the Sennheiser factory when they put it inside the box. If you buy luxury watch (say like rolex) the dealer doesnt wear the watch couple of days before selling it to you. There might be good reason why they dont seal it, I would like to know the reason

 

[swspiers]

If I drop 1600$ In a pair of headphones, I would asume it becomes "luxury" - item. And with that i would expect that before I reseive them the last person touching them would be at the Sennheiser factory when they put it inside the box. If you buy luxury watch (say like rolex) the dealer doesnt wear the watch couple of days before selling it to you. There might be good reason why they dont seal it, I would like to know the reason

Oh heck to the no!

For me, I fully expect my 800S's to have been taken out of the box, inspected, and tested at the shop before they are shipped to me. It is a luxury item, and I expect full and complete services. True, I don't want the watch dealer to get his sweaty arms on my Rolex, but I expect him to inspect every millimeter of the watch for scratches and imperfections. I also don't expect them to kick out the jams with my Senns. But I expect them to be tested.

Which is exactly what my dealer did, and they will be here Wednesday

But that's just me...

 

[Topspin70]

If I drop 1600$ In a pair of headphones, I would asume it becomes "luxury" - item. And with that i would expect that before I reseive them the last person touching them would be at the Sennheiser factory when they put it inside the box. If you buy luxury watch (say like rolex) the dealer doesnt wear the watch couple of days before selling it to you. There might be good reason why they dont seal it, I would like to know the reason

Of the hifi gear I owned I never came across any that comes in a factory sealed box. In fact most come in cheap ugly cardboard boxes with at most a sticker or the company logo printed on it. And many of these gear cost significantly more than the HD800S. Checkout this recent post (not mine) of a B&W 803 D3 being unboxed:
https://www.facebook.com/TONEPUB2/posts/1128547630518379

Feel better?

 

[Topspin70]

FYI, the B&W 803 D3 costs $17000.

 

[jibzilla]

Headphones could use some improvement packaging wise but yeah speakers are really packaged horribly to the point that I highly recommend getting your speakers from a brick and mortar.

 

[franz12]

FYI, the B&W 803 D3 costs $17000.

In fact, I don't care at this point because I am returning this. I found a much better deal and already reordered it from a different dealer. Now, I am curious whether my returned item will be sold as refurbished or a brand NEW item. I am pretty much sure that one cannot distinguish it from brand new one. And I do see a non-negligible chance that perverse incentive comes into play.

 

[GearMe]

In fact, I don't care at this point because I am returning this. I found a much better deal and already reordered it from a different dealer. Now, I am curious whether my returned item will be sold as refurbished or a brand NEW item. I am pretty much sure that one cannot distinguish it from brand new one. And I do see a non-negligible chance that perverse incentive comes into play.

Ohhhh...that 15% restocking fee will hurt!

 

[Khragon]

I don't remember having any seal on mine, so I doubt your second one will come sealed.

 

[franz12]

Ohhhh...that 15% restocking fee will hurt!

Already ensured that there will be no stocking fee 

 

[franz12]

  I don't remember having any seal on mine, so I doubt your second one will come sealed.

It has nothing to do with seal now. Price does matter.

 

[suponaudio]

I can empathize with the desire to want such an item to be factory sealed in a way where you know this wasn't a returned or tampered item.
 
It's a lot of dough for a lot of people, myself included, being a financially independent 24 year old it was one of the bigger "luxury" purchases I've made and took a lot of budgeting to make a reality.

 

[marts30]

Feels like these are a bit cheaper in NZ. I paid $2199 NZD which is about $1515 USD, not the $1699 listed. Should arrive tomorrow