Meze POET Vs Sennheiser HD 800s Comparison Review

When it comes to high-end open-back headphones, few models generate as much excitement as the Sennheiser HD 800S and the Meze POET. Both offer exceptional sound quality, but they take vastly different approaches to design, tuning, and overall listening experience. Whether you prioritize the spacious and analytical precision of the HD 800S or the intimate and engaging warmth of the POET, choosing between these two flagship models depends on what you value most in a headphone. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down their build quality, comfort, soundstage, bass response, midrange, and treble, helping you determine which one best suits your preferences.

What You Get

Look & Feel

These are two very different headphones in terms of design. It’s all about weightlessness with the HD 800S, but its design is a lot more industrial. The POET is a more refined build in comparison, and it’s constructed like a work of art just as much as it is a headphone. That is what will impress you the most about the POET in terms of build, but it’s the opposite for the HD 800S, where the surprise comes from putting them on your head for the first time. Both headphones are very comfortable, but different in how they provide a fit. The HD 800S is extremely light, and while it seals on your head well enough, the POET will give you a much more snug feel.

Design

This is a planar headphone vs a dynamic headphone. The POET uses its unique hybrid array design with its MZ6 magnets, while the HD 800S uses its angled transducer to achieve its ideal tuning standard. In effect, the high impedance of the HD 800S makes it hard to drive compared to the POET, but a good headphone amp is recommended for both models anyway. You don’t need to further break the bank to invest in an amp that can drive these headphones, but if you’re in this price bracket you’re probably aware of that. I used a Fiio K19 to run both headphones for this comparison.

Soundstage

While the POET makes a valiant effort to bring immersive soundstage and imaging properties, it’s hard to find any headphone that can match the HD 800S. In terms of width and separation, the HD 800S is hard to beat, and the POET doesn’t really try. The POET may as well be a great closed-back headphone when matched up against the HD 800S. I would still consider both headphones non-linear in their imaging, and the POET does have a nice holographic headspace that makes the sound elements fun to play in. However, the HD 800S is extremely surgical with its spatial positioning, and its incredible wingspan gives the soundstage a very lively exterior presentation. If you prefer something more intimate, the POET will give that to you, but those looking for maximum spaciousness and precision, look no further than the HD 800S.

Low End

This is one of the only areas where people find faults from the HD 800S, which gives the POET a perfect opportunity to capitalize on. It’s no secret that the HD 800S lack significant impact in its bass, which the POET takes advantage of with its thick punchy response. However, you might actually prefer the HD 800S for its realism and tactility. The POET has a greater tone, but also doesn’t come across as eloquently as the 800S.

Mids

It’s hard to find a midrange as clean as the HD 800S, but if you like a bit of warmth in your mids, you might prefer the POET. The pristine flavor of the HD 800S is a very raw sound compared to the low-mid extension of the POET, bringing two distinct tuning methods that might help make your decision more clear.

Highs

The highs go much easier on the ears than the HD 800S. If you prefer your highs to be crisper and sizzly, then you will probably want the HD 800S. With the POET, the highs are similarly clicky, but it doesn’t quite get to the resolution that the HD 800S have. There’s a more defined tail on the HD 800S, but it’s also prone to more brightness than the POET, which could be a strong dealbreaker for you.

Summary

Ultimately, the Sennheiser HD 800S and POET Isodynamic Headphones cater to different listening styles. The HD 800S excels in soundstage, spatial accuracy, and treble detail, making it the perfect choice for those who crave an expansive and highly resolving sound. Meanwhile, the POET offers a richer low end, a more intimate soundstage, and a smoother high-frequency response, making it ideal for listeners who prefer a warmer, more immersive experience. Regardless of your choice, both models deliver exceptional audio performance—it all comes down to your personal preference.

The Sennheiser HD 800s and the Meze POET are available at Audio46.