At Technowant.com, our headphone reviewer team recently had the opportunity to test the highly acclaimed Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones. Known for their exceptional sound quality and advanced engineering, these headphones have become a staple in the audiophile community. In this review, we will explore every aspect of the HD 800 S, including performance, design, comfort, sound quality, appearance, pricing, and user feedback. Our goal is to provide a thorough analysis that will help potential buyers make an informed decision. Also, this headphone has earned the title of Best Money Can Buy in our list of the best headphones for mixing.
Performance and Sound Quality
The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are engineered for critical listening, featuring cutting-edge technology that delivers outstanding audio performance.
- Drivers: At the heart of the HD 800 S are the 56mm Ring Radiator transducers. These large drivers provide impressive air displacement without compromising rigidity, resulting in accurate sound reproduction across a wide frequency range. With a frequency response of 4 Hz to 51 kHz, these headphones can reproduce even the subtlest nuances in music.
- Sound Signature: The sound signature of the HD 800 S is characterized by a slightly bright profile with an emphasis on clarity and detail. The mid-range is rich and well-defined, while the bass response is present but not overpowering. This balance makes them ideal for genres like classical music and jazz but may leave bass enthusiasts wanting more.
- Imaging and Soundstage: One of the standout features of the HD 800 S is its expansive soundstage. The open-back design allows for an immersive listening experience where sounds appear to come from all directions rather than just from within the headphones. This quality makes them particularly suitable for orchestral music and live recordings, where spatial representation is crucial.
- Technical Performance: The patented frequency absorber technology minimizes unwanted resonances and frequency peaks, ensuring that listeners hear every detail without distortion. However, due to their high impedance (300 ohms), these headphones require a quality amplifier to reach their full potential.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the HD 800 S is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Materials: Constructed from premium materials like stainless steel and high-quality plastics, the build quality is robust yet lightweight (weighing approximately 11.64 ounces). The headband features an inert damping insert that enhances stability during use.
- Ear Cups: The ear cups are designed with dual-axis articulation to ensure a comfortable fit on various head shapes. They are lined with ultra-soft microfiber padding that enhances comfort during extended listening sessions.
- Cables: The HD 800 S comes with two detachable cables—one single-ended (1/4 inch) and one balanced (4.4 mm Pentacon). While this offers flexibility in connectivity options, some users have noted that disconnecting the cables can be cumbersome due to their secure fit.
Comfort
Comfort is paramount for any headphone designed for long listening sessions, and the HD 800 S excels in this area.
- Weight Distribution: Weighing just over 11 ounces, these headphones are remarkably light for their size. The ergonomic design helps distribute weight evenly across the head, reducing fatigue during extended use.
- Padding: The ear cups are generously padded with soft materials that conform to the ears without causing pressure points. However, some users have reported that prolonged use can lead to discomfort at the top of the head due to insufficient padding in that area.
Appearance
The aesthetic appeal of the HD 800 S is undeniable.
- Color Scheme: Featuring a sleek black finish with silver accents, these headphones have a modern look that fits well in both casual and professional environments.
- Open-Back Design: The open-back ear cups not only contribute to sound quality but also provide an elegant visual element with their distinctive mesh design.
Price Point
The HD 800 S is positioned at a premium price point, typically around $1,500. This investment reflects its status as a reference-class headphone designed for serious audiophiles.
- Value Proposition: While some may balk at the price tag, many users argue that the sound quality justifies the cost. For those who prioritize audio fidelity and are willing to invest in high-quality equipment, the HD 800 S represents excellent value over time.
User Feedback
Customer reviews highlight various aspects of the HD 800 S experience:
- Sound Quality: Users consistently praise the clarity and detail offered by these headphones. Many describe it as “revolutionary” for their music enjoyment at home. However, opinions vary on bass performance; while some appreciate its accuracy and definition, others feel it could be more pronounced.
- Comfort: Feedback on comfort is generally positive. Many users note that they can wear them for hours without discomfort. However, some have mentioned issues with pressure on the top of the head during long sessions.
- Build Quality: While most users commend the build quality as being “German-engineered,” there are occasional reports of inconsistencies in packaging or minor quality control issues upon delivery.
Specification Table
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Sennheiser |
Model Name | HD 800 S |
Color | Black |
Ear Placement | Over Ear |
Driver Type | Dynamic, Open-Back |
Driver Size | 56mm Ring Radiator |
Impedance | 300 Ohm |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz – 51 kHz |
Weight | Approx. 330g (without cable) |
Cable Type | Detachable, includes both balanced and unbalanced cables (1/4″ and balanced Pentacon) |
Special Features | Open-back design for natural soundstage, innovative absorber technology to reduce unwanted frequency peaks |
Conclusion
In conclusion, after thoroughly testing the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones at Technowant.com, we can confidently say they stand out as one of the premier choices for audiophiles seeking unparalleled sound quality and technical performance. Their strengths lie in their expansive soundstage, precise imaging capabilities, and overall build quality. However, potential buyers should be aware of their limitations regarding bass response and comfort during prolonged use.
For those who appreciate classical music or require exceptional spatial awareness for gaming or critical listening tasks, investing in the HD 800 S will likely prove rewarding. While they may not be suitable as an everyday headphone for all genres due to their unique sound signature, they certainly deserve a place in any serious audio collection.
Ultimately, if you are searching for headphones that deliver on technicality while providing a luxurious listening experience, consider adding the Sennheiser HD 800 S to your audio arsenal—it may just redefine your listening experience.