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Description

More than 60 years of ingenious headphone engineering has been applied into the new HD 800. Incorporating Sennheiser’s most advanced driver technology, these open, circum-aural dynamic stereo headphones redefine what reference-level audio is all about. You will form an altogether new height of sonic perspective as you experience a high-fidelity natural hearing experience. Do take note that presently, no other manufacturer has been able to come up as close as the HD 800 in replicating the basic acoustic conditions of natural hearing.

Product specs

Brand Sennheiser
Model HD 800 Headphones
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Over-ear Headphones

FAQs

What type of sound signature can I expect from the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones?

The Sennheiser HD 800 headphones are known for their neutral and detailed sound signature, offering excellent clarity and a wide soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and professional audio work.

Are the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?

Yes, the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones feature large ear cups with soft fabric pads and a lightweight design, providing comfort for extended listening sessions without causing fatigue.

Do the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones require an amplifier for optimal performance?

While the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones can be used without an amplifier, they typically benefit from being paired with a high-quality headphone amplifier to fully realize their potential in terms of sound quality and detail.

Are the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones suitable for mixing and mastering?

The Sennheiser HD 800 headphones are highly regarded for their accuracy and transparency, making them an excellent choice for mixing and mastering applications where precise sound reproduction is crucial.

How durable are the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones?

The Sennheiser HD 800 headphones are well-built and designed to last, provided they are treated with care. With proper handling, they can offer years of reliable performance.

Josh Kerr

Josh Kerr

Sennheiser HD800 headphones review

Video thumbnail for Sennheiser HD800 headphones review by Josh Kerr

Sennheiser HD800 headphones review

Josh Kerr

Josh Kerr

Video thumbnail for Sennheiser HD 800 - Testbericht incl. Unboxing by IMAEDIA.DE

Sennheiser HD 800 - Testbericht incl. Unboxing

IMAEDIA.DE

IMAEDIA.DE

Reviews

PROS

  • Unparalleled sound stage and imaging, perfect for mastering music or video editing

  • Exceptional detail retrieval, offering a highly accurate and detailed listening experience

  • Timbre quality unmatched, revealing the true nature of music

  • Ideal for analytical listening, revealing every nuance in recordings

  • Amplifies the experience of well-recorded music, highlighting production quality

  • Excellent for gaming due to vast soundstage and clarity

  • Scales well with high-quality amplifiers, enhancing performance further

  • Can be found at competitive prices on the used market

CONS

  • Not suitable for passive or background listening; designed for active engagement

  • May not be ideal for bass lovers without EQ adjustments

  • Requires a significant investment in a quality amp and DAC for optimal performance

  • Reveals flaws in poorly recorded tracks, making them sound worse

  • Not for those who prefer a consistently fun or ecstatic listening experience

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sennheiser HD 800.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users experience discomfort due to clamping force, especially with newer models, which can be adjusted by gently stretching the headband.

    Source
  • The Fiio K11 amp effectively drives the HD 800 S, outputting 250mW at 300 ohms, achieving peaks of 116dB SPL without significant distortion.

    Source
  • Owners emphasize the importance of pairing with a warm, smooth amp, noting that tube amps are particularly effective for the HD800S.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Tube amps are noted for high second and third harmonic distortion, offering warmth and richness, though this effect varies between different setups.

    Source
  • ZMF Leather HD8XX pads are recommended for added energy and attack, especially during ZMF's November sale for discounted B-Stock pads.

    Source
  • Dekoni Elite hybrid pads can enhance comfort and subtly shift the sound by reducing highs and boosting bass with a better seal.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users report no issues with the Fiio K11 when using it for applications like Discord, though some have experienced static noise, suggesting variability in unit performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An owner acquired the HD 800 S for $300 through an Amazon liquidation auction, highlighting potential opportunities for significant savings on high-end audio gear.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Chord Mojo 2 amp can drive the HD 800 S to loud volumes with its 80mW at 300 ohms, though additional power might be desired if EQ is applied.

    Source
  • The headphones are highly revealing, necessitating high-quality sources to avoid exposing flaws in poorly recorded tracks.

    Source

Other

  • A bass actuator, like a Buttkicker, can enhance bass impact without altering the HD800S's intrinsic sound, offering a clean bass experience when paired.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite general perceptions, the HD800S can handle drum and bass music exceptionally well with the right EQ and amp settings, such as the iFi Zen Can 3.

    Source
  • The HD800S excels with classical, jazz, and vocal music due to its wide soundstage and detail retrieval, offering a realistic and immersive experience.

    Source
  • When used for gaming and movies, the HD800S offers a top-notch cinematic experience, especially when paired with a transducer like a buttkicker.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note the HD800S excels in detail and soundstage but lacks the bass impact of Audeze LCD series or Focal Clears, which offer a more pronounced bass presence.

    Source
  • Compared to ZMF Atrium Closed, the HD800S offers a wider soundstage and more realistic symphony presentation despite less bass presence.

    Source

User experience

  • The HD800S is described as extremely comfortable for long sessions, with some users forgetting they are wearing them due to the lightweight design.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 19 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
C

HONESTY

You know when you get arrested for hooligan activity and you go to court and you place your hand over the bible and promise to speak the truth and nothing but the truth?

No need for that with these cans. They will speak the truth to you on every occasion. I recommend the cardas audiophile cable with this headphone. Helps with ear fatigue on long sessions due to tamed highs and more defined lows.

gchiaren

Whoa the CARDAS Audiophile Cable you mentioned is like $700. Does it really make that discernible of a difference?

liam_mandiaro

very good bass work headphones

working with this headphones & veryyyyyyy

alexsabatino

Headphones I use.

I use theese headphones whenever I need to use headphones they are great!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Sennheiser HD 800

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram posted by deadmau5 Dec 2015, the box of his Sennheiser HD 800 Headphones can be seen in the background. He captions the photo, "LMFAO!! my assistant also knows how to gift! epic. RIP Driveway 2015. you'll be missed Lil fella!"

See how Avicii uses Sennheiser HD 800

Avicii

Music Producer

Jovicii

...
Verified via Twitter

Avicii tweeted "Just got my Sennheiser HD 800 headphones, wow the sound is INSANE!"

He seems to have since switched to V-Moda headphones.

See how Calvin Harris uses Sennheiser HD 800

Calvin Harris

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video on the production of the song "Slide", Calvin Harris is shown in the Studio, and while he is playing the electric guitar, a pair of Sennheiser HD800 can be seen in the background.

See how David Guetta uses Sennheiser HD 800

David Guetta

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via Photo

David Guetta can be seen using Sennheiser HD 800 S in Sennheiser Instagram photo

See how Sebastian Ingrosso uses Sennheiser HD 800

Sebastian Ingrosso

Music Producer

Swedish House Mafia

...
Verified via Instagram

In this photo posted to Instagram, Sebastian Ingrosso can be spotted wearing the Sennheiser HD 800 Headphones in the studio.

See how Eric Prydz uses Sennheiser HD 800

Eric Prydz

Music Producer

Eric Prydz & Steve Angello

...
Verified via Twitter

Prydz tweets about buying a set of the awesome Sennheiser HD 800 headphones.

See how Headhunterz uses Sennheiser HD 800

Headhunterz

Music Producer, DJ

Project One

...
Verified via Twitter

"Sennheiser HD800. What a beast."

See how JHope uses Sennheiser HD 800

JHope

Singer, Rapper

BTS

...
Verified via YouTube

at 18:53 in the video, you can see J hope using Sennheiser 800/800s headphones and the audio leak a little later in the video, justifies its open back nature of the headphones

See how Fehrplay uses Sennheiser HD 800

Fehrplay

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

In a photo showing a minimal Fehrplay producing setup, we spotted the Sennheiser HD800 Headphones.

See how Angerfist uses Sennheiser HD 800

Angerfist

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Google

"My favorite plugins are Z3ta+, Sylenth1, Drumazon, Microtronic and the UAD DSP-Card. The only real hardware I use is a Virus TI Snow for those nasty screech sounds. I have a pair of Mackie monitors, but I do my mixing and mastering mostly on my Sennheiser HD800 headphone. That headphone is absolutely my favorite piece of equipment!"

See how Lemaitre uses Sennheiser HD 800

Lemaitre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In the Instagram photo "summer studio setup," Lemaitre's Sennheiser HD 800 Headphones can be seen on the table. Lemaitre confirm this when an Instagram user asks them "Looks gorgeous! What headphones you using?" and they answer "@raynberndale Sennheiser HD800!"

See how Emancipator uses Sennheiser HD 800

Emancipator

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Thank you #sennheiser for the HD800's! These cans are on some next level of clarity. Rest assured all the ambient sounds like prairie wind and baby orcas will be laced in nice and proper on my next album.

Album Usage

The Sennheiser HD 800 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sennheiser HD 800, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
simonleonmusic

simonleonmusic

Gear IQ 118

simonleonmusic

simonleonmusic

Gear IQ 118

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