In the landscape of high-fidelity audio reproduction, Sennheiser’s HD800S stand out as a legendary artifact that continues to receive praise from audiophiles and professionals alike. While the HD800S have been around for some time, re-testing these headphones reveals just how enduring their appeal is. In this article, I’ll take an in-depth look at the unboxing, design elements, comfort, soundstage, bass, mids, and highs of the HD800S, providing insight and reflections based on my own listening experiences.
What's in the box?
When I opened the box of the HD800S, I was greeted with a selection of handpicked items that reflect the high-end nature of the product. Inside, I found:
– The HD800S headphones
– A single-ended 6.35mm cable
– A 4.4mm balanced cable
– A user manual
– A USB flash drive
Sennheiser has clearly put an emphasis on ensuring that users have a smooth and enjoyable experience right from the start.
Design
One of the standout features of the HD800S is their open-back design, which contributes significantly to the wide soundstage these headphones offer. With a sensitivity of 102 dB SPL, the HD800S are more versatile than the HD600. The headphones’ 300-ohm impedance means they’re best used with a good desktop amp or a powerful portable device. I tested them with the iBasso D16, the Hifiman EF600, the Chord Mojo 2, and the Questyle CMA Fifteen. While the iBasso and Chord were able to drive them just fine, I still thought the desktop amps helped boost the soft bass and expand the soundstage.
While the included cables are a bit longer than I'd prefer for use with a DAP or smartphone, they're perfect for desktop and console applications. The impressive 4Hz to 51,000Hz frequency response means these headphones can reproduce a wide spectrum of sounds accurately. Plus, the ultra-low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) rating of
Comfort and fit
Despite their somewhat heavy appearance, the HD800S headphones are impressively light, weighing in at just 330 grams. The minimal clamping force increases comfort when wearing them for extended periods. I tested a demo unit, which probably had a steel headband that had already stretched. My personal experience therefore showed a secure fit, but perhaps a bit too light for my preferences.
The thin ear cushions and headband design add to the overall comfort, allowing for extended listening sessions. Since each person has unique ear and head shapes, the HD800S may or may not be a perfect fit for everyone. While the fit may not be ideal for me, it didn't drastically affect the overall sound signature.
Sound scene
As far as the soundstage goes, the HD800S feature ultra-fast transients, making them a delight for a variety of applications. The detailed highs not only provide clarity but also enhance the precise nature of sounds, contributing to an immersive listening experience. The soundstage is mesmerizingly wide, allowing trailing sounds to linger and travel accurately. The HD800S still have one of the best soundstages of any headphone in this price category.
I think listening to music with clear sound really makes these headphones come to life. For example, the powerful bass helps to clear up a lot of the clutter in the sound, allowing for a very rich listening experience. If you're a competitive gamer, you'll find the HD800S to be one of the best high-end gaming headsets. The controlled bass and spacious sound give gamers a competitive advantage, allowing them to accurately pinpoint enemies in first-person shooters.
In a mixing context, these headphones provide essential tools for panning and adding time-based effects with clear precision. Across various tracks, I appreciate how these headphones thrive in applications that demand detail and accuracy. Listening to The Cure’s “A Short Term Effect,” I was struck by how the intro’s guitar dub image seems to seamlessly shift from left to right, revealing subtleties that would be almost entirely lost on lesser quality headphones. Ethereal reverb sounds envelop me, making me feel like I’m wandering through a fog-laden landscape.
By contrast, when I listen to Negative Gemini’s “Don’t Worry Bout the Fuck I’m Doing,” the vocal harmonies weave together beautifully, while synth elements contribute to a hauntingly spacious backdrop. The HD800S deliver these intricacies without the overwhelming bass that characterizes many contemporary headphones, making it easy to appreciate the clarity of reverberant sounds.
Low
While I'm tempted to label the bass as the HD800S's weak point, it's important to understand its role. The bass here primarily supports the headphones' clarity and definition. Inherently attenuated across the frequency spectrum, the bass can sometimes seem less impactful than on bass-heavy headphones. However, for those who appreciate the clarity and control found in a more balanced approach, these headphones can come out on top.
If you're inclined to use an EQ, you can easily reduce the bass (0-250 Hz) by about 6 dB for a flatter response or even boost it by 8 dB for a deeper sound. The bass is still powerful with fast transients, which presents a dynamic quality that is distinctly similar to that of a dynamic driver.
One such track that displays these characteristics is Selofan’s “Sto Skotadi,” where controlled synth bass skillfully presents dynamic vocal rhythms in a way that remains clear and precise. Overall, the sound remains balanced, tending toward a bright presentation rather than a warm one. For gaming or monitoring tasks, the muted bass becomes an advantage rather than a limitation, allowing for clarity that enhances these contexts.
In contrast, when listening to Gucci Mane's “TakeDat,” I noticed that while the 808s resonate with fantastic focus, the kick drum doesn't hit as hard as it would with a pair of bassier headphones. Nonetheless, the HD800S manage to produce a pleasant listen, taming the heavy low-end sounds while retaining clarity. If you're a rap lover looking for a bass-heavy experience, there are definitely better options on the market.
Media
The mids are undoubtedly the star of the HD800S’s frequency spectrum, barely outshone by the highs. It’s here that the headphones create a truly engaging and textured listening experience, capable of showcasing the beauty of guitars, vocals, pianos, synths and drums.
Take Morpheus Descends' “Oozing From the Urn” for example. The drum articulation crunches loudly, imparting an impressive heaviness. The guitars and vocals sit comfortably between the bass and cymbals, allowing for a sonic balance. The natural boost in the low-mids adds character without introducing muddiness, which is often a problem in bass-heavy performances.
Listening to McCoy Tyner’s “Ebony Queen,” the interplay between the piano and bombastic drums reveals the headphones’ impressive ability to maintain clarity and produce a full-bodied sound. Tyner’s heavy playing finds its perfect partner here, with intricately tuned highs adding nuance to every note.
The midrange is particularly important for vocal enthusiasts. The unique character that the HD800S bring to vocal performance makes them a worthy choice for critical listening, and it’s no wonder these headphones are adored by audio enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Triple
The HD800S’s treble performance completes the trifecta of an exceptional sound signature. Detailed and revealing, but not overly sharp, I find sibilance to be virtually non-existent.
The headphones feature a natural mass in the 1-4kHz range, allowing cymbals and intricacies to shine through without veering into harsh territory. This focus on tonal balance gives my listening experience an added dimension.
When I listen to Schubert's “Ländler” performed by Pierre-Laurent Aimard, I immediately notice the clarity that permeates the recording. Every note sounds authentic, revealing the nuances of the composition effortlessly. This clear but not brittle sound does wonders for the analytical qualities these headphones possess.
Furthermore, the performance of the Aranjuez Concerto, played by Xuefei Yang alongside the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, further corroborates the HD800S’s strengths. The distinctive character of the nylon strings comes through brilliantly, with minute details such as fret buzz and the tactile attack of fingers on the strings becoming perceptible. This analytical recreation of sound cements my belief that the HD800S occupies a unique place for classical and jazz listeners within the sub-$2000 price range.
Conclusion
Re-testing the Sennheiser HD800S, I find that these headphones continue to hold their place as a high-end solution for audio enthusiasts. With a carefully selected design, exceptional soundstage, and an ability to accurately reproduce sound in low, mid, and high tones, the HD800S remain an ideal choice for both critical listening and professional applications.
While they may not satisfy every listener’s bass-heavy cravings, the precision, detail, and clarity they deliver speak volumes for their craftsmanship. Whether I’m diving into a classical masterpiece or an intense gaming session, the HD800S reaffirm their status as the benchmark in high-fidelity audio. For anyone serious about audio reproduction, Sennheiser’s HD800S are a timeless choice that stands the test of time.
