Sennheiser
HD 800 S
The HD 800 S delivers exceptional detail, spacious imaging, and long-session comfort, but its price, leakage, and amplification demands make it a specialist home-listening choice.
Summed up from 8 published reviews
Affiliate link · we may earn a commission

What reviewers like
- Exceptional detail, clarity, and precise instrument separation. 2358
- Expansive, immersive soundstage with excellent imaging. 1234
- Balanced, articulate presentation with strong dynamic nuance. 2356
- Comfortable for extended listening with well-padded construction. 1234
- Transparent, analytical sound suits critical listening. 2356
Best for
Audiophiles with a dedicated home setup and capable amplification
Skip it if
Budget-conscious buyers needing portability, isolation, or effortless casual listening
Where it fits
- use
- MusicStudio
- fit
- Over-ear
- connection
- Wired
- noise cancelling
- Not needed
Specs
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Open-back
Also worth a look
BeyerdynamicDT 770 Pro 80 OhmThe DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm is a durable, comfortable monitoring headphone with detailed imaging, strong bass, and…
BeyerdynamicDT 990 Pro 250 OhmA spacious, comfortable open-back headphone that excels in gaming and critical listening, but its bright…
Audio-TechnicaATH-M50xThe Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a versatile, well-made wired headphone offering strong value, but bass tuning…
Questions
Is the Sennheiser HD 800 S worth it?
The HD 800 S delivers exceptional detail, spacious imaging, and long-session comfort, but its price, leakage, and amplification demands make it a specialist home-listening choice.
What do reviewers like about the Sennheiser HD 800 S?
Exceptional detail, clarity, and precise instrument separation. Expansive, immersive soundstage with excellent imaging. Balanced, articulate presentation with strong dynamic nuance. Comfortable for extended listening with well-padded construction. Transparent, analytical sound suits critical listening.
What are the downsides of the Sennheiser HD 800 S?
Expensive price limits appeal for budget-conscious buyers. Open-back design leaks sound and provides little isolation. Performance depends on a capable source and amplifier. Bright tuning and limited bass impact deter some listeners.
Who should buy the Sennheiser HD 800 S?
Audiophiles with a dedicated home setup and capable amplification. Skip it if budget-conscious buyers needing portability, isolation, or effortless casual listening.
Sources
We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 8 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.
- soundguys.com Sennheiser HD 800 S review - SoundGuys
- whathifi.com Sennheiser HD800S review
- rtings.com Sennheiser HD 800 S Review - RTINGS.com
- pragmaticaudio.com Sennheiser HD800 S
- theverge.com Sennheiser HD 800 S review: pleasure meets precision | The Verge
- headphoneer.com SENNHEISER HD800S REVIEW – 2024
- sonarworks.com Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphone Review
- headphones.com Sennheiser HD 800 S Review - The Critical Take