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Sennheiser HD 800

$714.10 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (19)

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Sennheiser HD 800

2 community setups

51 wishlisted

79 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$714.10 1 available Used

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Average Price: $714

High-end/Boutique

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Headphones & In-Ear Monitors category, Sennheiser HD 800 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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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.

Videos

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Josh Kerr

Sennheiser HD800 headphones review

Josh Kerr

Sennheiser HD 800 - Testbericht incl. Unboxing

IMAEDIA.DE

Reviews

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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

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Some users experience discomfort due to clamping force, especially with newer models, which can be adjusted by gently stretching the headband.
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The Fiio K11 amp effectively drives the HD 800 S, outputting 250mW at 300 ohms, achieving peaks of 116dB SPL without significant distortion.
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Owners emphasize the importance of pairing with a warm, smooth amp, noting that tube amps are particularly effective for the HD800S.
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Mods and upgrades

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Tube amps are noted for high second and third harmonic distortion, offering warmth and richness, though this effect varies between different setups.
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ZMF Leather HD8XX pads are recommended for added energy and attack, especially during ZMF's November sale for discounted B-Stock pads.
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Dekoni Elite hybrid pads can enhance comfort and subtly shift the sound by reducing highs and boosting bass with a better seal.
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Software and compatibility

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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.
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Value and pricing

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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.
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Features and functionality

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

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

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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.
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The HD800S excels with classical, jazz, and vocal music due to its wide soundstage and detail retrieval, offering a realistic and immersive experience.
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When used for gaming and movies, the HD800S offers a top-notch cinematic experience, especially when paired with a transducer like a buttkicker.
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Comparisons

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

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The HD800S is described as extremely comfortable for long sessions, with some users forgetting they are wearing them due to the lightweight design.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 19 Ratings

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christopherlowlife

109

almost 12 years ago

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.