Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (19)
$1,999.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$1,999.95
Amazon
4.4 (526)
$1,999.95
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$1,999.95 New
$999.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$1,999.95
B&H
4.9 (16)
$1,999.95
Vintage King
$1,999.95

Average Price: $1,875

High-end/Boutique

$100

$301+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones, a new dimension in high-fidelity sound. Handcrafted in Germany, these premium reference headphones are designed to transport you into the heart of your favorite music, providing an unparalleled listening experience.

At the core of the HD 800 S is the groundbreaking 56mm ring radiator transducer, the largest driver ever used in dynamic headphones. Encased in stainless steel and precisely angled, this innovative transducer delivers sound with breathtaking realism and spaciousness as if you're in a recording studio or concert hall. The ring radiator design and open-back ear cups allow for an expansive frequency response, making every subtle detail audible.

Prioritizing comfort as much as sound quality, the HD 800 S features a lightweight yet durable construction. An adjustable metal headband with inner damping elements reduces vibrations, while plush microfiber earpads envelop your ears, ensuring hours of continuous listening without fatigue.

Complementing its reference-class sound, the HD 800 S includes a high-performance cable with balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn connectivity for optimal signal transfer. The balanced connection eliminates interference and crosstalk, allowing the full capabilities of the advanced transducer design to shine through.

Key Features:

  • Groundbreaking 56mm ring radiator transducer for realistic sound
  • Encased in stainless steel and precisely angled for a natural listening experience
  • Open-back ear cups for an expansive frequency response
  • Lightweight, durable construction with an adjustable metal headband
  • Plush microfiber earpads for maximum comfort
  • High-performance cable with balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn connectivity
  • Eliminates interference and crosstalk for optimal signal transfer
  • Handcrafted in Germany with the utmost care and highest quality components

Owner's manual

Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones User Manual

Product specs

Type Wired
Open/Closed Open
Fit Style Circumaural
Driver Size 56mm
Frequency Response 4Hz-51kHz (-10 dB)
Impedance 300 ohms
Connectivity 1/4" plug, 4.4mm plug
Cable Type Straight
Cable Length 9.8 ft.
Detachable Cable Yes
Material Microfiber Earpads
Weight 0.73 lbs.

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones?

The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are designed for audiophiles and professionals seeking high-fidelity sound for critical listening, mixing, and mastering in a studio environment.

How comfortable are the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones for long listening sessions?

The Sennheiser HD 800 S features circumaural design with microfiber earpads, providing comfort for extended use without causing fatigue.

Do the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones require an amplifier?

With an impedance of 300 ohms, the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones perform best when paired with a high-quality headphone amplifier to achieve optimal sound quality.

What type of sound signature does the Sennheiser HD 800 S offer?

The Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a neutral and detailed sound signature, making it ideal for critical listening and revealing subtle nuances in music.

Are the cables on the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones detachable?

Yes, the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones come with detachable cables, including a 1/4" plug and a 4.4mm balanced plug for versatile connectivity options.

Joshua Valour

Joshua Valour

Fascinating! | Sennheiser HD800S Review

Video thumbnail for Fascinating! | Sennheiser HD800S Review by Joshua Valour

Fascinating! | Sennheiser HD800S Review

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Joshua Valour

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Is the HD800S STILL worth it in 2022???

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Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones are they still the King of Soundstage for the money in 2023?

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This Headphone Ages Like Wine. The Sennheiser HD800S!

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Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound clarity and resolution

  • Wide, well-defined soundstage

  • Comfortable for long listening sessions

  • High-quality construction and durable design

  • Comes with a large padded case for protection

  • Enhanced listening experience with high-end audio systems

  • Minimal coloration of sound, providing a true audio representation

  • Analytical yet enjoyable sound signature

  • Effective at reducing the 6kHz spike for a more pleasant listening experience

  • Flat bass and mids, offering an accurate audio response

CONS

  • Pricey, might be considered an investment

  • Lacks the low-end punch compared to other models

  • Requires a quality amp for optimal performance

  • Large size may take time to get used to

  • 6kHz still slightly boosted for some preferences

  • Sub bass considered too lean by some users

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Users note that the rubber shielding on HD800S cables tends to disintegrate after a couple of years, requiring replacements to maintain performance.

    Source
  • HD800S headphones require significant power, necessitating a high-quality amp to perform optimally.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • HD800S is frequently found at reduced prices as used or open-box units, making them more accessible for audiophiles seeking value.

    Source
  • Refurbished HD800S headphones are available at significantly reduced prices from sources like Sennheiser Ireland, offering excellent value for high-end audio enthusiasts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • HD800S is highly sensitive to power supply noise, with improvements noted when using an isolation transformer before the amplifier.

    Source
  • Multiple users report that the HD800S excels when paired with tube amps, enhancing the overall sound quality and listening experience.

    Source
  • When paired with a transducer like a buttkicker, these headphones provide an enhanced cinematic experience.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners with small heads report that HD800S can slip off easily, affecting comfort and usability.

    Source
  • Owners with larger heads have reported excessive clamping force with newer HD800S models, leading to discomfort during prolonged use.

    Source
  • Owners report that the HD800S can sound unnatural after experiencing high-end IEMs like Thieaudio Clairvoyance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • HD800S excels in classical and jazz, offering smooth performance for technically complex rock/metal without harshness.

    Source
  • The HD800S excels in a VR-like experience for classical music due to its wide soundstage and imaging.

    Source
  • HD800S headphones are praised for their performance in drum and bass music, particularly when combined with specific EQ settings and iFi Zen Can 3's xBass feature.

    Source
  • These headphones are frequently favored for acapella due to their ability to separate vocals distinctly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note Hifiman Arya Stealth offers better bass extension and natural soundstage, while HD800S is described as ethereal and lacking impact.

    Source
  • Some users find the Focal Clear MG provides more bass slam compared to the HD800S, making it a preferred choice for genres requiring stronger bass presence.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • ZMF Leather HD8XX pads can add energy and attack, improving bass texture while maintaining comfort, especially during ZMF's discounted B-Stock sales.

    Source
  • Dekoni Elite hybrid pads are recommended for improving comfort and subtly boosting bass by enhancing seal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sennheiser HD 800 S Review - The Critical Take – Headphones.com

headphones.com

Sennheiser's HD 800 S impresses with its stellar detail retrieval, expansive soundstage, and high-end technical prowess, making it a darling for analytical listeners. However, its bass falls short, lacking depth and impact, while the treble can come across as harsh. Midrange clarity is solid, yet not without some tuning tricks that might not satisfy those seeking a more organic sound. Despite its flaws, it remains a benchmark for reference headphones, appealing to those who prioritize precision over warmth. Not the perfect all-rounder, but a strong contender for those seeking top-tier analysis capability.

Sennheiser HD 800 S Review - RTINGS.com

rtings.com

The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are a triumph for audiophiles, offering a remarkably balanced and neutral sound profile with an expansive soundstage that immerses listeners in their music. Comfortable for long wear, these open-back headphones shine in delivering consistent audio quality. However, their bulkiness, lack of noise isolation, and significant audio leakage make them less suited for travel or office use. Additionally, they require a quality amp to fully unlock their potential, which, together with their high price tag, may deter some potential buyers. Yet, for those seeking top-tier audio fidelity, they're hard to beat.

positive

Sennheiser HD 800 S review - SoundGuys

soundguys.com

The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are a top contender for best-in-class sound quality, offering an exceptional audio experience with stellar comfort and a spacious illusion of sound. Aimed at audiophiles, these headphones are ideal for those ready to invest significantly in their listening setup. While the price is steep, and the pad material may not suit glasses wearers, the removable cable and ease of equalization make them versatile. Perfect for home use, if you're seeking your "endgame" headphones and have the budget, the HD 800 S is a commendable choice.

positive

Sennheiser HD 800 S: Tweaked and Delightful...and a French DIY Response | Stereophile.com

stereophile.com

The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones deliver an improved listening experience over their predecessor, the HD 800, by addressing the notorious 6kHz spike with a clever resonator and adding warmth to the sound. The treble is now articulate and responsive, while the bass is more present, albeit slightly less precise. Despite some minor congestion in the lower frequencies, the overall tonality is more inviting. Sennheiser's adjustments make the HD 800 S a preferred choice for non-EQ users and a significant upgrade for those seeking a balanced, musical experience.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
davidpicarsic

Best set of cans for mixing!

Out of all my headphones, I use the HD 800 S 80% of the time in mixing. These cans are truly well worth the $$$$. I highly recommend the HD 800 S for next purchase of headphones.

From Gear Setup
thatlkjguy

Best phase coherency ever

These guys are analytical but still crazy fun to listen through (the better the amp, the more you'll get out of them). It does take a while to get used to how big they are, but that's what happens when you try to stick 56mm drivers inside a headphone.

The people who call it warm are nitpicking (which is warranted given the price point but risky because they're not actually warm at the end of the day).

Pros:

  • Huge yet defined soundstage (a credit to its amazing phase coherency & also what makes the HD 800 S such a fun listen)
  • Super flat bass & mids (pretty much ruler flat between 100Hz & 1kHz)
  • Helmholtz resonator to target the 6kHz spike that made the previous iteration (HD 800) so unbearable for a number of listeners

Cons:

  • 6kHz is still a bit too boosted for me
  • Super lean sub bass (too lean imo compared to the upper bass frequencies)

My workaround for the 6kHz boost (without messing up the amazing phase coherency of the HD 800 S) is a passive filter cable that further attenuates 6kHz by 4dB (https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/passive-filters). As for the sub bass, I cross reference with my studio monitors (HR824mk2) & closed-back headphones (DT 770 Pro X)

I wish there was a way to give these headphones a 4.5/5 since a 4/5 seems too harsh & a 5/5 seems too generous.

From Gear Setup
jon_arve_ovesen

Nice

A flat response curve for critical listening.

liam_mandiaro

No words

Best sound I ever had! can really recommend them!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Guetta uses Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones

David Guetta

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via Photo

David is literally showing a picture of him producing on the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones. Might be sponsored, but still he IS using them. The proof is a picture from his Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/davidguetta/) on August 30th 2019.

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 S Headphones, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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davidpicarsic

davidpicarsic

Gear IQ 220

thatlkjguy

thatlkjguy

Gear IQ 4735

1 alternative for Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones, curated by the Equipboard community.

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