Sennheiser HD 800 S Dynamic Open-Back Stereo Headphones

I picked these up after a friend had nothing but good things to say about them for a year. They have changed my listening experience for the better. Every time I listen to a track I swear I am hearing something new. If you're in the market for some great headphones and have a decent amp, then you can't go wrong.

Though I'd had the HD 800S headphones in my wishlist for a couple of years, I always balked at the price. I already own several high tier headphones from AKG and other Sennheiser models, and I figured the difference would be modest in an upgrade to the HD 800S set. I was wrong. The difference in spatial perception of the sound field is immediate and pronounced. Doing an A/B comparison with my other headphones, you don't have to listen too carefully in order to hear the dramatic difference. In addition to the outstandingly realistic sound field, they are extremely comfortable, yet solidly built. Outstanding on every level. My only regret is that I didn't order them a couple of years ago.

A month ago I was in love with my new Grado GS3000e. A week into my bliss purchase, this brand new set's left ear stopped working. I sent it back to for an exchange, I ended up with a refund because they couldn't get me another set at the sale price. Frustrated with awesome parties to my ears were taken from me. So I looked for a replacement at similar price. I took a chance and ordered this HD 800S also on sale. On the first day, I tried them on my Marantz HD-DAC1... frankly they sounded bland. Even though I noticed the soundstage was present where I could sense where the singer and each instruments were located. The upper sound was crystal clear, but the bass was missing of the vibration of the guitar strings strummed or the drum surfaces thumbing. I read somewhere high impedance headphones might sound better with high gain, but I feared of distortion! I tried it anyway and this set came to live like GS3000e and no distortion at all. The treble was pleasant, but the bass was still too mild. I switched over to the AstellKern Kann with high gain and increasing bass through the equalizer (60-200Hz). Now it can compete with GS3000e with even better soundstage. In short, due to high impedance I must use a DAC headphone amplifier and an equalizer to reach its full potential. As for quality of these headphones, they are well built with mostly plastic material. The drivers are huge at 56mm therefore having the headphones on is like wearing Prince Leia's cinnamon hair buns. But they are light and very comfortable to wear. I had them on for over an hour and I wasn't tired. I love the feel of the 2 cables came with the headphones but I would prefer if they include the XLR 4 connector instead of the Sony 4.4mmm proprietary. In conclusion, the Grado GS3000e is low maintenance it will work great even with a phone. It has wonderful sounds in the Cocobolo wood. But with my current setup of amplifier/MP3 device and downloaded the software equalizer for my PC, I'm glad I got the Sennheiser HD800S over then the GS3000e. Is this my end game headphones? Yes! But I'll wait for Grado to come out with something exciting like the GS3000e as my low gain impedance headphones (or if GS3000e is on sale again and work properly), I'll pick up another set again then I'll stop.

These headphones were an upgrade from my HD650 headphones and I can safely say the upgrade was worth it. If you are looking for the best premium HIFI headphones on the market for less than 2000, these are it.

No doubt these are very good headphones. But, are they worth the hefty price? I don't think so. I tried a direct plug into my Marantz 8802A preamp, and was not impressed. But, the reviews were clear that these cans needed an amp, so I was not surprised. So, I got a top of the line Schiit Moj and tried again. They sound good, but the bass is a bit lacking. Again, not a surprise. My advise: Find somewhere where you can listen to a variety of headphones. Put on a blindfold and have someone else put the options on your ears. Have each sample driven by the same music, amp, etc. Rate each and buy the best value.

Amazing. Just amazing. Takes me back to my dedicated hi-fi days. Not hyped, just awesome, clear, detailed, and spatially enveloping. Unlike some other reviews I've seen online about these (and yes, I looked into a lot of boutique cans reviews and discussions) I do not find a lack of low frequency. But then I was looking for a proper reference. Another reviewer here mentioned Schiit Mjolnir 2 ... I had no idea about that, and ended up going that route as well. Definitely worth it. I will say I was a little let down with the lack of significant obvious difference between the unbalanced headphone outputs of the two interfaces I use (from computer, an Akai EIE Pro and a MOTU UltraLite mk3) ... but when I switch the included cable to balanced and listened with the Mjolnir 2, I started to get it ... seemed that the depth and detail increased. To be honest, it had better ... I WANT it to make a difference. And of course it's a little harder to A/B since one has to switch the cable out. For what it's worth, I listen for general use and reference with the LISST cans in the Mjolnir, and when I want pure enjoyment and exploration, I put the tubes in. Between the LISST cans and the tubes, it is more apparent in the HD 800S than in my other cans, which sound midrangey and hollow by comparison ... also, I find it MUCH more easy to hear overcompression and small distortions that I would not have heard otherwise, so just that, by itself, is a case for the Sennheisers with or without fancy amp. I am happy to say that things are less disturbing or surprising when I listen on speakers after working on stuff using the HD 800 S ... so, for what it's worth, as reference cans, I find them very satisfactory.