HD 800 S

Released January 2016

The HD 800 S are Sennheiser's flagship open-back dynamic headphones, an update of the HD 800 with a revised sound and a balanced cable, suited to critical home listening with a good amplifier.

Model history · 2 models, 2009–2016

2009HD 800 Compare
2016HD 800 S

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Battery: –
With case: –
Best codec: Wired
Weight: 330 g

Over-ear

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the sound is detailed, balanced and refined, with an unusually spacious presentation, and that the headphones stay comfortable over long sessions. What Hi-Fi? and RTINGS said a good source and amplifier are needed to get the most from them, RTINGS noted little emphasis in the deep bass, and SoundGuys found the price high and the pads unfriendly to glasses.

From whathifi.com, soundguys.com and rtings.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Driver size: 56 mm
Back: Open
Impedance: 300 ohms
Bluetooth codecs: None (wired)
Drivers: 56 mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducer with 40 mm voice coil and acoustic absorber; 10 – 44,100 Hz (–3 dB), 4 – 51,000 Hz (–10 dB); 102 dB SPL at 1 kHz (1 Vrms); THD ≤ 0.02% (1 kHz, 1 Vrms); diffuse-field equalised; max. 500 mW long-term input power

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): No battery (wired)

Design

Weight: 330 g
Headphone cable: Yes
Fit and ear tips: Over-ear (circumaural), open-back; contact pressure approx. 3.4 N; microfibre ear and headband padding; metal headband and dual-axis earcups
Works with: 3 m silver-plated OFC cables, para-aramid reinforced, with 6.35 mm unbalanced or 4.4 mm balanced plugs
In the box: HD 800 S headphones, cable with 6.35 mm plug, cable with balanced 4.4 mm plug, instruction manual, storage box