Sennheiser HD800S Review – Is the legend still worth it in 2024?

Sennheiser’s HD800 line dates back to 2009, when the original set was first released. In 2015, they got updated to the HD800S. This improved the treble response quite a bit and made for a more neutral and cohesive sound. Since then? Well, there haven’t been any further updates. Sennheiser has been more than happy to keep the HD800S the way it is because, well, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But that doesn’t mean more headphones haven’t come out since then that put the HD800S to the test. So today, we’re going to take another look at the mighty Sennheiser high end headphones and see if they still hold up in today’s market. 

What’s in the Box:

• HD 800 S
• Cable with 6.35 mm jack plug
• Cable with balanced 4.4 mm jack plug
• Manual
• USB flash drive

Build:

The HD800S is one of the most distinct and easily-recognized headphones out there. Yes, this due in part to their legendary status, but also because of a beautiful and unique design.  Fully open, and built from a mix of high quality materials, the center of the build is also right at the heart of what makes these sound so great: its 56mm Ring Radiator transducer. This not only helps make the headphone more structurally sound, but increases audio fidelity as well (more on that later).

The headphone’s chassis is constructed with vibration damping materials and features an inert headband insert, which together provide exceptional stability and eliminate unwanted resonances. Even the steel mesh baffle is carefully matched for consistency, contributing to the overall precision of the sound. This attention to detail is a Sennheiser hallmark. But not only does it 

Design:

We already talked about the 56mm Ring Radiator transducer, but to dig a little deeper, this design allows for a wide frequency response and precise transient response. The voice coil, a custom-wound 40mm component, ensures consistency and optimal performance. Each transducer is carefully measured and matched, all in an effort to make sure that every headphone sounds the same. 

The HD800S also incorporates a patented frequency absorber designed to manage resonances and mitigate masking effects, revealing subtle musical details that might otherwise be obscured. The headphone’s vibration damping chassis, constructed from aerospace-grade materials, plays a crucial role in controlling lower frequency energy peaks, enhancing the overall clarity of the sound. Additionally, the advanced design of the ear cup and headband system ensures a secure fit and minimizes external noise interference.

So like I was saying, every piece of the build and design works together to make for a better performing headphone. Sennheiser takes comfort and ergonomics as seriously as acoustic treatment and fidelity. The HD800S is a testament to their engineering prowess that they deliver both. 

Sound Impressions:

The HD800s is touted as a reference-tuned headphone. I tend to agree with that summation: everything is in line and nothing really peaks or leaks. But as always, let’s jump into a more detailed breakdown of the frequency response, starting with the low end.

Low End:

The bass on the HD800S is subtle but incredibly detailed. While there isn’t necessarily a lot of bass quantity, there is plenty of quality. Every beat and transient is quick and precise. Moreover, the midbass is coherent and well-separated. Personally, I like headphones with a little bit more substance, particularly in the midbass. But that would make these headphones lean warm, and that’s not their goal. Instead, they’re completely linear. 

What I find most unique about the low end here is that it manages to have impact and dynamics even without the bass quantity. There’s tact in every kick drum hit and precision in every note. But most impressive, it does all of that without coloring the sound in any way. 

Mid Range:

The mids on this headphone are pristine. Vocals are clear and present without being forward. Instrument separation is in peak form, offering great layering. Detail is rich and mid range instruments have character. And again, it does this without coloring the sound. 

I was particularly impressed with how the mid range had plenty of room to it. Listening to classical pieces, like Tchaickovsky’s Fifth Symphony, I could really feel the space. Instruments had resonance and room to shine. 

Treble:

The top end of the headphone is what received the most improvement over the original generation. In the 800S, the top end is perfectly in line with the rest of the frequency response. There’s plenty of sparkle with adequate headroom. Detail retrieval is phenomenal and its ability to resolve those details is top notch. And it’s just as dynamic as the rest of the headphone, with hi-hats and other high-frequency instruments still having a physicality that compliments the headphone’s ability to shimmer. 

Soundstage: 

The HD800S is a soundstage machine. Even when a song sounds mixed to the center, you can hear the blank space created by the soundstage presentation. The headphones feel extremely open, and that’s in part to their physical design that leaves the driver completely open to the outside world. Again, Sennheiser’s meticulous design practices work to make a cool-looking headphone, but also one that sounds excellent.

Comparisons:

Vs. Focal Clear Mg:

The Focal Clear Mg is a significant competitor to Sennheiser’s HD800S. But they’re actually quite different headphones. The Clear Mg is also a reference-tuned headphone but it goes for a more forward sound. There are stronger dynamics and the sound has a thicker timbre. That said, I think the HD800S is better at resolving details as has a wider soundstage. The Clear Mg’s are better suited for someone who wants a more aggressive approach while the HD800S is best for a listener who prefers a more spacious and refined approach. 

Vs. Hifiman HE1000se

The HE1000se is another strong competitor to the HD800s. To be completely honest, they are quite similar in some regards. Both have a sparkly top end paired with a clear and present midrange. The HE1000se is a bit more colored in its bass and mids, though. This makes for a more lush sound that some may find more enjoyable than the HD800S. But don’t count the HD800S out. The German headphone has a more robust and trustworthy build, and will please those looking for a strictly reference tuned headphone. And again, that soundstage… 

Vs. Audeze MM-500

The Audeze MM-500 is a newer headphone that targets music and media production professionals. It, like the HD800S, takes its linearity seriously. Also like the HD800S, it has a great transient response, making for strong dynamics. The Audezes, however, are a bit less precise than the HD800S. Meanwhile, the HD800S feels a little bit analytical compared to the more musical (but only by a little) MM-500. Here, I’d recommend the MM-500 for someone who wants a little more slam to their music, while the HD800S would be more for the classic audiophile who wants a rich but ultimately more relaxed sound. 

Vs. Fostex TH-909

Finally, the TH-909. This one is much different than the HD800S. First of all, the TH909 boasts an impressive bass response that some say rivals none. It’s a more fun and bombastic headphone. Soundstage is still good and its detail retrieval is quite good given the nature of the headphone. But the HD800S is a bit more graceful and patient in its delivery. If you want bassy headphones that are punchy and fun, then Fostex may have the headphone for you. But if you like a more even keeled approach, then I would recommend the HD800S. 

Final Thoughts:

There are a lot of great headphones out there that have come out since the HD800S was released. But I can’t say they’ve trounced the HD800S in any way. The Sennheiser headphone is a legend because it can stand the test of time. While there may be options that better suit some listeners, I think the HD800S is still worth the consideration of audiophiles who want a world class headphone. 

The Sennheiser HD800S is available at Audio46.