- Weight (without cable): approx. 330 g
- Sound pressure level at 1 kHz: 102 dB (1 Vrms)
- Nominal impedance: 300 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 6?51,000 Hz (-10 dB); 14?44,100 Hz (-3 dB)
- Contact pressure: approx. 3.4 N ± 0.3 N
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Brand NameSennheiser
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
 |  |  |
| Sennheiser HD 800 | Beyerdynamic T1 | |
| Sound Characteristics | Expressive clarity | Ultimate purity and linearity |
| Application | High end use | High end and home Hi-Fi use |
| Construction | Open | Semi-open |
| Headband | Metal headband with inner-damping element | Spring steel and leather headband |
| Included Carry Case | Hard-sided padded storage box | Aluminum storage box |
| Cable Length | 10 ft / 3 m | 10 ft / 3 m |
| Included Accessories |
|
|
Product Description
There's has always been a debate between electronic reproduction and natural sound. The Sennheiser HD-800 is the headphone that has been specifically engineered in replicating the basic acoustic conditions of natural hearing. This level of performance has yet to be matched by any competitor. The HD-800 is the ultimate headphone to deliver nature. 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. Premium parts have gone into their production - the transducer is encased by a precision material made of stainless steel; ear pads are made of special high-quality Japanese Alcantara; while the headband and headphone mounting utilizes the most advanced development from the aerospace industry. In terms of connectivity, these headphones utilize specially designed, four-wire, high-performance connections with Teflon insulation. These headphones have been developed to provide the closest match to "being there" than any other available headphone. The Sennheiser HD-800 is for the discriminating audiophile seeking the best and most natural sound available. From rich bass lows to definitive highs, the Sennheiser HD-800 headphones deliver the exclusive sound that nature had intended. Special high precision headphone connectors Frequency Response - 14 - 44,100 Hz (- 3 dB) Nominal Impedance - 300 Ohms Contact Pressure - 3.4 N (+- 0.3 N) approx. Transducer Principle - Dynamic, open Thd - =0.02 % (1kHz/1Vrms) Characteristic Spl - 102 dB (1kHz/1Vrms) Cable Length - 9.84 feet (3m) Oxygen Free Cable Adapter - 1/4 (6.3 mm) stereo jack Sennheiser 2 year warranty Each pair of Sennheiser
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
254 of 269 people found the following review helpful
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I am not a golden ear audiophile. I don't know what it means to hear "the air between the strings" and other such audiophile descriptions. More power to those that can -- I am simply not able to do so. I do however know that music is and always has been my greatest entertainment, and that as I have grown older, my ability to pay higher dollar for my equipment has also grown. No way could I have had these headphones in past times. No way could I have justified their cost. Other priorities would have always taken precedence over these. But now that I can afford them, I still debated and agonized over the cost, but in the end decided I would go for them. Am I glad? Absolutely. They are without question the best sounding headphones I have ever heard. I could hear the difference straight out of the box, I did not even do "A to B" comparisons to know how good they sounded. I did do comparisons with my HD600 to HS650 upgrade and was never sure I heard much difference. Not so with the HD800s.
Here is the best way I can describe them. When I was young, I would listen to a lot of music particularly nice in headphones. I am talking Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and many others. I am a child of the 60's/70's so I would often be a bit "altered' while listening. In those days a pair of Koss headphones, a little "substance", and the latest King Crimson album would lend to a headphone experience whereby I would believe I was literally dreaming the music. (A very nice state). But as time went on, the subtances went away, the latest King Crimson album I had in mind (Larks Tounge in Aspic) is almost 40 years old now, and my hearing ain't what it used to be.
All that was said to lead up to this. With these headphones on (no substances), I am dreaming the music again. The above mentioned artists, and now with music such as Chick Corea and Miles Davis thrown in the mix, sounds like they are in and around my head like they have not been in those 40 gone by years.
I would conclude that these headphones are worth the cost if you are in a position to put out that kind of money AND you really love your music. But be warned --- once you hear these, there's no going back to lesser headphones.
Here is the best way I can describe them. When I was young, I would listen to a lot of music particularly nice in headphones. I am talking Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and many others. I am a child of the 60's/70's so I would often be a bit "altered' while listening. In those days a pair of Koss headphones, a little "substance", and the latest King Crimson album would lend to a headphone experience whereby I would believe I was literally dreaming the music. (A very nice state). But as time went on, the subtances went away, the latest King Crimson album I had in mind (Larks Tounge in Aspic) is almost 40 years old now, and my hearing ain't what it used to be.
All that was said to lead up to this. With these headphones on (no substances), I am dreaming the music again. The above mentioned artists, and now with music such as Chick Corea and Miles Davis thrown in the mix, sounds like they are in and around my head like they have not been in those 40 gone by years.
I would conclude that these headphones are worth the cost if you are in a position to put out that kind of money AND you really love your music. But be warned --- once you hear these, there's no going back to lesser headphones.
212 of 246 people found the following review helpful
SHORT VERSION:
The Sennheiser HD800 sets a new metric against which every other serious headphone or transducer must be judged. I've heard too many "breakthroughs" that just couldn't deliver the goods. This product is different.
It's hard to describe a piece of gear which, upon first listen, sounds different than anything you've heard, yet sounds so completely effortless and musical that you're left with the singular impression that the previous way you've listened to music is somehow incomplete, a wrong path if you will, and that this is clearly a better way.
I can't imagine anyone buying these and not being thrilled. They are a rare product indeed -- one that adds a significant new dimension to recordings you may have owned for years and thought you knew.
LONG-WINDED VERSION:
First some background. Music is very important to me; I played the cello for many years, currently sing in a gospel choir, and now do my own audio recordings of choirs and other groups. I spend a lot of time with these tracks, during both the editing process and for my own personal benefit. I often pore over recordings to try and learn the nuance and details of each part.
In this regard my playback system is crucial. I record using a Sony PCM-D50 with a variety of microphones, my favorite being a RODE NT4. I edit these on my Mac and use a Grace m902 for D/A conversion and to drive my headphones. I switch back and forth between AKG K701 headphones (now replaced by the HD800) and a pair of GURU QM10 nearfield studio monitors. With that out of the way let's get to the heart of the matter...
The HD800 is beautifully designed and artfully executed in regard to materials and construction; these headphones are beautiful to look at and handle and are supremely comfortable to wear.
As to performance? The Sennheiser HD800 sets a new metric against which every other serious headphone or transducer must be judged. I'm sorry if that sounds like so much hot air, but I honestly didn't expect to be so impressed -- especially out of the box with no break-in. I've heard too many "breakthroughs" that just couldn't deliver the goods. This product is different.
It's hard to describe a piece of gear which, upon first listen, sounds different than anything you've heard, yet sounds so completely effortless and musical that you're left with the singular impression that the previous way you've listened to music is somehow incomplete, a wrong path if you will, and that this is clearly a better way.
I won't get into the finer points of tonal balance, sound-staging, imaging, or brightness/darkness. All I can say that these headphones are very natural in regards to spatial presentation, in a way that I find entrancing. Their response is smooth and well-balanced at both extremes. I don't know what else to add, besides the fact that they are reproducing music more naturally and effortlessly than any one piece of gear I've added to my system over the past decade.
A great example of what the Sennheisers contribute to my system comes when listening to recordings of the human voice:
ARETHA - LIVE AT FILLMORE WEST on MFSL:
Track 9 "Spirit in the Dark" with Ray Charles
Aretha is in such total control of her voice that she (rather infamously) never sings a song the same way twice -- she is completely improvisational depending on how the spirit moves her.
Listening through the Sennheiser HD800 gave me a far greater sense of what this recording actually sounds like. Previously, I'd been disappointed by the quality of this recording. After hearing it anew via the HD800 I am ready to admit that, despite the blemishes, this recording now has a sound that matches what must have been one massively impressive musical experience. The performance was always there, it's just that now I can hear a new level of detail that was lost.
On this particular song the patter between Aretha and Ray Charles is very cleanly revealed and every nuance is easily distinguished. Each microphone buzz, every shout-out from the crowd, and every detail is now very clearly revealed. However, none of this is to the detriment of the music; to the contrary, it makes the performance that much more complete. It's not as though these things are exposed or laid bare; the fact they are rendered so accurately just seems to add to the fullness and emotional impact of the event.
Bass lines are also very clearly revealed when listening through the Sennheisers; in this respect the AKG K701 is simply out of its' league. The HD800's bass is in NO way emphasized, but it is clear, fast, and a constant force that propels the music.
It's wonderful to hear Aretha's soulful sense of time, of which she is the undisputed master -- she can delay a beat, twist a phrase and bend time, yet once you think she's lost she always brings it back (often at the last instant) in perfect sync. Her rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is an amazing example of this. This particular song has particularly complex vocals on her part, where time gets compressed and she squeezes a lot of syllables in very quickly, to catch the beat at the end of a line or phrase. On most every system I've listened to this recording on, you simply have a difficult time distinguishing every nuance of her phrasing and modulation. Listening through the HD800, you wonder how you never caught these details before.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN by THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA:
Track 1, "Last Month of the Year"
If you sing this type of music you spend a lot of time trying to clearly hear each vocal part; this is part of a tradition in Gospel music where learning is often by hearing, rote, and repetition. The HD800 has tremendous resolving power in this regard; never before have I been able to distinguish each of the seven members' voices so clearly.
Additionally, at the very end of this track there is some interesting modulation from the electronic organ on the last 18 seconds of the cut; I've never heard this so clearly rendered from beginning to end.
CHILL OUT by JOHN LEE HOOKER:
Track 6, "Tupelo"
Track 6, "Tupelo"
On this track you can clearly hear John's toe-tapping and how it resonates and decays in the studio space. His guitar is beautifully rendered, yet his more aggressive playing never sounds as edgy as with most systems. His humming is clear whether he is doing it loudly or softly. He talks a lot of this song, and I've never heard his voice sound as clear and full.
Track 8, "Annie Mae"
The piano on this track is conveyed better than I've ever heard it before. Listen for John's brief conversation with the pianist at the end of the track; it gives you a great sense of the resonance of the studio and, through the HD800, it's easy to believe you are right there with them.
MY OWN RECORDINGS:
I've also been astonished to hear things on my own recordings (mostly of choirs and vocal groups) that were buried just beneath the surface, things that I didn't fully grasp were there. Subtle sounds from the crowd, a soft whoosh from a ventilation system, the rustle of papers or sound of remote footfalls -- it's all there. Since I have spent many hours editing and polishing these tracks, this struck me as a significant surprise. To hear something on one of your own recordings that you'd never heard clearly before -- that says it all to me. The HD800 is the Hubble Telescope of the audio world when it comes to clarity and resolving power.
One thing is important in this regard. Many products are ruthless when it comes to how they lay bare whatever is on a recording. Many times this leads to the "garbage in, garbage out" conclusion, where we assume that a poor recording alone must be the obvious reason that something sounds the way it does.
Somehow the Sennheisers have both superb resolution, excellent and extended response, AND a wonderful sense of sweetness and "rightness" that isn't explained by charts and specifications. Do terrible recordings still sound that way on HD800? Yes, to a degree, but here's what distinguishes the sound of these headphones. I believe the Sennheisers are pulling more details and artifacts out of bad recordings, and that this adds a depth that makes these recordings more pleasing to listen to. It's not because of any euphonic colorations or something the HD800 is adding to the music.
One more thing anyone considering these headphones should know; it is critical to have a great headphone amp if you are going to get the best out of this product. Comparing the Sennheisers to my AKG K701s (with each driven by my Grace m902), the HD800 requires roughly 20% more gain on the volume pot to reach the same level. The Grace m902 never runs out of steam or sounds as though it's not up to the task, but I can't say anything regarding how these headphones might sound on lesser equipment.
So, with that one caveat, I can't imagine anyone buying these and not being thrilled. They are a rare product indeed -- one that adds a significant new dimension to recordings you may have owned for years and thought you knew. I can't find anything to complain about yet. I have a big head and rather large ears and can't wear my AKG K701 for more than an hour without feeling some discomfort. While writing this I've been listening to the HD800 for nearly four hours, with only a brief break in the middle (a guy has to eat, after all). There is no trace of pain or fatigue; these are, without a doubt, the most comfortable cans I've ever worn. Read more ›
The Sennheiser HD800 sets a new metric against which every other serious headphone or transducer must be judged. I've heard too many "breakthroughs" that just couldn't deliver the goods. This product is different.
It's hard to describe a piece of gear which, upon first listen, sounds different than anything you've heard, yet sounds so completely effortless and musical that you're left with the singular impression that the previous way you've listened to music is somehow incomplete, a wrong path if you will, and that this is clearly a better way.
I can't imagine anyone buying these and not being thrilled. They are a rare product indeed -- one that adds a significant new dimension to recordings you may have owned for years and thought you knew.
LONG-WINDED VERSION:
First some background. Music is very important to me; I played the cello for many years, currently sing in a gospel choir, and now do my own audio recordings of choirs and other groups. I spend a lot of time with these tracks, during both the editing process and for my own personal benefit. I often pore over recordings to try and learn the nuance and details of each part.
In this regard my playback system is crucial. I record using a Sony PCM-D50 with a variety of microphones, my favorite being a RODE NT4. I edit these on my Mac and use a Grace m902 for D/A conversion and to drive my headphones. I switch back and forth between AKG K701 headphones (now replaced by the HD800) and a pair of GURU QM10 nearfield studio monitors. With that out of the way let's get to the heart of the matter...
The HD800 is beautifully designed and artfully executed in regard to materials and construction; these headphones are beautiful to look at and handle and are supremely comfortable to wear.
As to performance? The Sennheiser HD800 sets a new metric against which every other serious headphone or transducer must be judged. I'm sorry if that sounds like so much hot air, but I honestly didn't expect to be so impressed -- especially out of the box with no break-in. I've heard too many "breakthroughs" that just couldn't deliver the goods. This product is different.
It's hard to describe a piece of gear which, upon first listen, sounds different than anything you've heard, yet sounds so completely effortless and musical that you're left with the singular impression that the previous way you've listened to music is somehow incomplete, a wrong path if you will, and that this is clearly a better way.
I won't get into the finer points of tonal balance, sound-staging, imaging, or brightness/darkness. All I can say that these headphones are very natural in regards to spatial presentation, in a way that I find entrancing. Their response is smooth and well-balanced at both extremes. I don't know what else to add, besides the fact that they are reproducing music more naturally and effortlessly than any one piece of gear I've added to my system over the past decade.
A great example of what the Sennheisers contribute to my system comes when listening to recordings of the human voice:
ARETHA - LIVE AT FILLMORE WEST on MFSL:
Track 9 "Spirit in the Dark" with Ray Charles
Aretha is in such total control of her voice that she (rather infamously) never sings a song the same way twice -- she is completely improvisational depending on how the spirit moves her.
Listening through the Sennheiser HD800 gave me a far greater sense of what this recording actually sounds like. Previously, I'd been disappointed by the quality of this recording. After hearing it anew via the HD800 I am ready to admit that, despite the blemishes, this recording now has a sound that matches what must have been one massively impressive musical experience. The performance was always there, it's just that now I can hear a new level of detail that was lost.
On this particular song the patter between Aretha and Ray Charles is very cleanly revealed and every nuance is easily distinguished. Each microphone buzz, every shout-out from the crowd, and every detail is now very clearly revealed. However, none of this is to the detriment of the music; to the contrary, it makes the performance that much more complete. It's not as though these things are exposed or laid bare; the fact they are rendered so accurately just seems to add to the fullness and emotional impact of the event.
Bass lines are also very clearly revealed when listening through the Sennheisers; in this respect the AKG K701 is simply out of its' league. The HD800's bass is in NO way emphasized, but it is clear, fast, and a constant force that propels the music.
It's wonderful to hear Aretha's soulful sense of time, of which she is the undisputed master -- she can delay a beat, twist a phrase and bend time, yet once you think she's lost she always brings it back (often at the last instant) in perfect sync. Her rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is an amazing example of this. This particular song has particularly complex vocals on her part, where time gets compressed and she squeezes a lot of syllables in very quickly, to catch the beat at the end of a line or phrase. On most every system I've listened to this recording on, you simply have a difficult time distinguishing every nuance of her phrasing and modulation. Listening through the HD800, you wonder how you never caught these details before.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN by THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA:
Track 1, "Last Month of the Year"
If you sing this type of music you spend a lot of time trying to clearly hear each vocal part; this is part of a tradition in Gospel music where learning is often by hearing, rote, and repetition. The HD800 has tremendous resolving power in this regard; never before have I been able to distinguish each of the seven members' voices so clearly.
Additionally, at the very end of this track there is some interesting modulation from the electronic organ on the last 18 seconds of the cut; I've never heard this so clearly rendered from beginning to end.
CHILL OUT by JOHN LEE HOOKER:
Track 6, "Tupelo"
Track 6, "Tupelo"
On this track you can clearly hear John's toe-tapping and how it resonates and decays in the studio space. His guitar is beautifully rendered, yet his more aggressive playing never sounds as edgy as with most systems. His humming is clear whether he is doing it loudly or softly. He talks a lot of this song, and I've never heard his voice sound as clear and full.
Track 8, "Annie Mae"
The piano on this track is conveyed better than I've ever heard it before. Listen for John's brief conversation with the pianist at the end of the track; it gives you a great sense of the resonance of the studio and, through the HD800, it's easy to believe you are right there with them.
MY OWN RECORDINGS:
I've also been astonished to hear things on my own recordings (mostly of choirs and vocal groups) that were buried just beneath the surface, things that I didn't fully grasp were there. Subtle sounds from the crowd, a soft whoosh from a ventilation system, the rustle of papers or sound of remote footfalls -- it's all there. Since I have spent many hours editing and polishing these tracks, this struck me as a significant surprise. To hear something on one of your own recordings that you'd never heard clearly before -- that says it all to me. The HD800 is the Hubble Telescope of the audio world when it comes to clarity and resolving power.
One thing is important in this regard. Many products are ruthless when it comes to how they lay bare whatever is on a recording. Many times this leads to the "garbage in, garbage out" conclusion, where we assume that a poor recording alone must be the obvious reason that something sounds the way it does.
Somehow the Sennheisers have both superb resolution, excellent and extended response, AND a wonderful sense of sweetness and "rightness" that isn't explained by charts and specifications. Do terrible recordings still sound that way on HD800? Yes, to a degree, but here's what distinguishes the sound of these headphones. I believe the Sennheisers are pulling more details and artifacts out of bad recordings, and that this adds a depth that makes these recordings more pleasing to listen to. It's not because of any euphonic colorations or something the HD800 is adding to the music.
One more thing anyone considering these headphones should know; it is critical to have a great headphone amp if you are going to get the best out of this product. Comparing the Sennheisers to my AKG K701s (with each driven by my Grace m902), the HD800 requires roughly 20% more gain on the volume pot to reach the same level. The Grace m902 never runs out of steam or sounds as though it's not up to the task, but I can't say anything regarding how these headphones might sound on lesser equipment.
So, with that one caveat, I can't imagine anyone buying these and not being thrilled. They are a rare product indeed -- one that adds a significant new dimension to recordings you may have owned for years and thought you knew. I can't find anything to complain about yet. I have a big head and rather large ears and can't wear my AKG K701 for more than an hour without feeling some discomfort. While writing this I've been listening to the HD800 for nearly four hours, with only a brief break in the middle (a guy has to eat, after all). There is no trace of pain or fatigue; these are, without a doubt, the most comfortable cans I've ever worn. Read more ›
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Melomaniac !
For a number of years the standard among many in the price vs performance was the HD 600's, edged out slightly by the 650's. Even today a pair of these high quality headphones represent some of the best money one can spend compared to the return in performance.
Currently there are a number of great headphones out there in the $300 range (Shure SE530's, Beyerdynamic DT 880's, AKG 701/702's, Dennons AH-D2000) which all offer a similar level of performance that the above mentioned models deliver. So now the choice on most counts comes down to a matter of taste and want each individual cares to have with their primary headphones. With all these great choices out there why would anyone in the right mind spend over $1300 on a pair of cans, is what most regular people are going to say?
1) Ability to produce a sound stage. These headphones have this in spades.
This has to be one of the best strengths that I have encountered with these headphones. One of the main dis-tractors of headphone use for many is the 'in your head' issue and listener fatigue that comes with this, not to mention being further exacerbated by low quality headphones. These cans continually carry me outside of my head. There are many tracks that I have been listening to and it is like I am hearing the sound coming from outside and not from the phones. Open and Wide are good descriptions for these headphones. Listening is a pleasure mainly due to the fact that the music is so open, with a large sound stage before me and much less of the 'in your head' feeling.
2) Neutral. You only hear what is there.
All headphones have a character of their own, not to mention all associated equipment that goes with it. Some will be better for people who want to hear a lot of bass while others will care for something else. These cans are fantastic in giving you what is on your CD/Vinyl/Hard drive. Studio quality comes to mind. Want to hear want the artist/mixer/engineer of your music wanted you hear ? Get these headphones.
3) Quiet. Hear me out on this one, no pun intended.
One of the indicators of the quality of equipment related to music is how well it does quiet. Yes, quiet. Timing is also related to this. The space between your music, the gaps, the different instruments and the sound around them. How those instruments sound when they start and when they end, all make up the music you love. These headphones get out of the way and just let you hear the music. Deep and quiet.
4) Clarity. At 1400 bucks they better be clear.
You ever heard a song and could not make out what was being said by the artist ? A particular line or chorus ? It will not happen here. At least not if you are listening with a high quality headphone amplifier and source component. Yes, everything is crystal clear. No further explanation on this needed.
I must state that to truly realize what these headphones can do, it is mandatory to have them paired with a headphone amp of high caliber. Without, you will be wasting your money.
5) Comfort. Sennheiser headphones have always been the king when it comes to comfort with their top of line phones. No expense was spared on these in this department also. They are comfortable.
Making this type of purchase should not be made lightly no matter how flush with cash you might be. Something at this level should be thought of as a long term investment which will give you continued pleasure for many years to come, not some new flavor of the month. My old HD 600's have gone on to another via eBay after many years of enjoyment and I now have a new set of cans that will provide me with many great new listening experiences.
My headphone listening has gone up a lot since my purchase which is another indicator of how much I am enjoying them. I have had several 'high end' headphones in the past but I have not listened to half as much, in as little time as I have with these headphones.
These headphones do all of these things mentioned above remarkably, extraordinarily, well. Leading you to a wonderful musical experience with your favorite music and a greater understanding of the artists you love and the music they make. I love music. These headphones have been getting me closer to, enjoying my music more and on a deeper level than I ever have before.
If you want a better performance from headphones you will have to spend thousands more on a pair of Stax headphones perhaps. Yes the cost may be considered steep by many but the price vs performance is high, making them a great value.
Thank you Sennheiser and all the remarkable engineers who helped in developing these fantastic cans. A First Class Product.
Sennheiser have set a new standard to which other headphone manufactures will have to meet.
Currently there are a number of great headphones out there in the $300 range (Shure SE530's, Beyerdynamic DT 880's, AKG 701/702's, Dennons AH-D2000) which all offer a similar level of performance that the above mentioned models deliver. So now the choice on most counts comes down to a matter of taste and want each individual cares to have with their primary headphones. With all these great choices out there why would anyone in the right mind spend over $1300 on a pair of cans, is what most regular people are going to say?
1) Ability to produce a sound stage. These headphones have this in spades.
This has to be one of the best strengths that I have encountered with these headphones. One of the main dis-tractors of headphone use for many is the 'in your head' issue and listener fatigue that comes with this, not to mention being further exacerbated by low quality headphones. These cans continually carry me outside of my head. There are many tracks that I have been listening to and it is like I am hearing the sound coming from outside and not from the phones. Open and Wide are good descriptions for these headphones. Listening is a pleasure mainly due to the fact that the music is so open, with a large sound stage before me and much less of the 'in your head' feeling.
2) Neutral. You only hear what is there.
All headphones have a character of their own, not to mention all associated equipment that goes with it. Some will be better for people who want to hear a lot of bass while others will care for something else. These cans are fantastic in giving you what is on your CD/Vinyl/Hard drive. Studio quality comes to mind. Want to hear want the artist/mixer/engineer of your music wanted you hear ? Get these headphones.
3) Quiet. Hear me out on this one, no pun intended.
One of the indicators of the quality of equipment related to music is how well it does quiet. Yes, quiet. Timing is also related to this. The space between your music, the gaps, the different instruments and the sound around them. How those instruments sound when they start and when they end, all make up the music you love. These headphones get out of the way and just let you hear the music. Deep and quiet.
4) Clarity. At 1400 bucks they better be clear.
You ever heard a song and could not make out what was being said by the artist ? A particular line or chorus ? It will not happen here. At least not if you are listening with a high quality headphone amplifier and source component. Yes, everything is crystal clear. No further explanation on this needed.
I must state that to truly realize what these headphones can do, it is mandatory to have them paired with a headphone amp of high caliber. Without, you will be wasting your money.
5) Comfort. Sennheiser headphones have always been the king when it comes to comfort with their top of line phones. No expense was spared on these in this department also. They are comfortable.
Making this type of purchase should not be made lightly no matter how flush with cash you might be. Something at this level should be thought of as a long term investment which will give you continued pleasure for many years to come, not some new flavor of the month. My old HD 600's have gone on to another via eBay after many years of enjoyment and I now have a new set of cans that will provide me with many great new listening experiences.
My headphone listening has gone up a lot since my purchase which is another indicator of how much I am enjoying them. I have had several 'high end' headphones in the past but I have not listened to half as much, in as little time as I have with these headphones.
These headphones do all of these things mentioned above remarkably, extraordinarily, well. Leading you to a wonderful musical experience with your favorite music and a greater understanding of the artists you love and the music they make. I love music. These headphones have been getting me closer to, enjoying my music more and on a deeper level than I ever have before.
If you want a better performance from headphones you will have to spend thousands more on a pair of Stax headphones perhaps. Yes the cost may be considered steep by many but the price vs performance is high, making them a great value.
Thank you Sennheiser and all the remarkable engineers who helped in developing these fantastic cans. A First Class Product.
Sennheiser have set a new standard to which other headphone manufactures will have to meet.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awsome headphones
These are extremely comfortable, have huge soundstage, and very crisp response. They scale well to the amp you are using, however to get the best out of them amp selection is... Read more
Published 1 month ago by bear[FNF]
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faultless but to be considered selectively (musically) !
I bought the HD 800 after enjoying (and still enjoying) the "rival" HE 6 from Hifiman, with small differences in price points (HE-6 cheaper). Read more
Published 1 month ago by D.N.Wijewardane
5.0 out of 5 stars
hd800
picky about source and amplification. one of the best headphones ever. Too expensive and lousy too long chord.Ill buy when price is reduced.
Published 1 month ago by michael Avin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Audio perfection at a price
I've been a Sennheiser fan for over four years ever since a pair of HD555s changed my life and got me into headphones. Read more
Published 2 months ago by David Pitchford
5.0 out of 5 stars
after 6 months these have had every chance to shine
I have owned the HD800s and have taken, along with them, an immense journey - one where I made incredible discoveries about these phones and they too came out of their shell in... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mr Me
5.0 out of 5 stars
Applause and hands clapping
I have owned the HD 650s for about a year. As with any system over time you start only noticing the flaws. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Herbert York
5.0 out of 5 stars
not too bright, not harsh
To start, I'm listening mostly only to classical or pre-60's jazz or 1930's movie musical soundtracks -- classical from Europe, India, Japan, Javanese classical music -- analog, a... Read more
Published 4 months ago by mikemike
2.0 out of 5 stars
Mixed Bag, for the money its a joke..
My first problem with these is variance in production. I have personally owned multiple pairs of these headphones and read about others who have, who have noticed that there seem... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mark Twain
2.0 out of 5 stars
broken after 9 months
Good sound but I expected more for the price, headband started popping off occasionally after 3 months not a big deal just annoying then cable broke after 9 months right where the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mnivivi
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best headphones under $1500 ever made... yes EVER
I spent 2 hours listening to a pair of my friends HD800s and ... omg. I own the HD 650s and these are on another levels.
First off, disclaimers:
1. Read more
First off, disclaimers:
1. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Brian
