In the landscape of high-fidelity audio reproduction, the Sennheiser HD800S stands as a legendary artifact that continues to draw accolades from audiophiles and professionals alike. While the HD800S has been around for some time, revisiting this pair of headphones reveals just how enduring their appeal is. In this article, I will delve into the unboxing, design elements, comfort, soundstage, bass, mids, and treble of the HD800S, providing insights and reflections based on my own listening experiences. 

What’s In The Box

When I opened the box of the HD800S, I was greeted with a curated assortment of items that speak to the product’s high-end nature. Inside, I found:

- The HD800S headphones

- A single ended 6.35 mm cable

- A balanced 4.4 mm cable

- A user manual

- A USB flash drive

Sennheiser has clearly placed emphasis on ensuring that users have a smooth and enjoyable experience right from the start.

Design

One of the standout features of the HD800S is its open-back design, which contributes significantly to the expansive soundstage that these headphones provide. With a sensitivity of 102 dB SPL, the HD800S is more versatile than the HD600. The headphone’s 300-ohm impedance indicates that these are best utilized with a good desktop amplifier or a powerful portable device. I tested them with the iBasso D16, Hifiman EF600, Chord Mojo 2, and Questyle CMA Fifteen. Although the I-Basso and Chord were able to drive these properly, I still thought that the desktop Amps helped push the light bass and expand the soundstage. 

While the included cables are a bit longer than what I would prefer for use with a DAP or a smartphone, they are perfectly suited for desktop and console applications. The impressive frequency response of 4 Hz to 51,000 Hz means these headphones can reproduce a wide spectrum of sounds accurately. Additionally, the ultra-low total harmonic distortion (THD) rating of <0.02% at 1 kHz at 1 Vrms guarantees that what you hear is incredibly clean. For anyone who demands accurate audio reproduction, the HD800S remains one of the best options in its price range.

Comfort and Fit

Despite their somewhat hefty appearance, the HD800S headphones are impressively lightweight, hitting the scale at just 330 grams. The minimal clamping force adds to the comfort of wearing them for extended periods. I tested a demo unit, which likely had a steel headband that had already stretched. Thus, my personal experience showcased a fit that was secure but perhaps a tad too light for my preferences. 

The thin earpads and headband design add to the overall comfort, making extended listening sessions enjoyable. Given that each individual has unique ear and head shapes, the HD800S may or may not be the perfect fit for everyone. While the fit might not be ideal for me, it didn’t drastically impact the overall sound signature.

Soundstage

When it comes to soundstage, the HD800S exhibits ultra-fast transients, making them a joy for various applications. The detailed highs not only provide clarity but also enhance the pinpointing nature of sounds, which contributes to an immersive auditory experience. The soundstage is mesmerizingly wide, allowing trailing sounds to linger and travel accurately. The HD800s still has some of the best staging out of all the headphones in this price category.

I find that listening to music with a pronounced soundstage really brings these headphones to life. For instance, the punchy bass helps to clear out much of the confusion in the soundstage, allowing for an experientially rich listening session. If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll find that the HD800S is one of the ultimate high-end gaming headphones. The controlled bass and expansive soundstage give players a competitive edge, allowing them to accurately locate enemies in first-person shooter games.

In a mixing context, these headphones provide essential tools for panning and adding time-based effects with clear precision. Through various tracks, I appreciate how these headphones thrive in applications that demand detail and accuracy. Listening to *The Cure's "A Short Term Effect,"* I was struck by how the intro guitar dub’s imaging seems to shift seamlessly from left to right, revealing subtleties that would be all but lost on lower-quality headphones. The ethereal reverb sounds wrap around me, making it feel like I’m wandering through a fog-laden landscape.

Conversely, when I listen to "Don’t Worry Bout the Fuck I’m Doing" by Negative Gemini, the vocal harmonies weave together beautifully, as the synth elements contribute to a hauntingly spacious backdrop. The HD800S delivers these intricacies without the overwhelming bass that characterizes many contemporary headphones, making it easy to appreciate the clarity of the reverbed sounds.

Lows

Although I’m tempted to label the bass as the weak point of the HD800S, it’s important to understand its role. The bass here primarily supports the clarity and definition of the headphones. Inherently ducked down across the frequency spectrum, the bass can sometimes feel less impactful than on bass-heavy headphones. However, for those who appreciate the clarity and control found in a more balanced approach, these headphones can shine.

If you’re inclined to use an EQ, you could easily shelf the bass (0-250 Hz) up by around 6dB to achieve a flatter response or even increase it by 8+dB for a bassier sound. Regardless, the bass remains punchy with fast transients, presenting a dynamic quality that is distinctly dynamic driver-like.

One such track that showcases these characteristics is "Sto Skotadi" by Selofan, where the controlled synth bass deftly presents driving vocal rhythms in a way that remains clear and accurate. Overall, the sound remains balanced, leaning towards a bright rather than warm presentation. For gaming or monitoring tasks, the subdued bass becomes an asset rather than a limitation, allowing for clarity that enhances these contexts.

Conversely, when listening to "TakeDat" by Gucci Mane, I noticed that while the 808s crack with fantastic focus, the kick drum doesn’t hit as hard as it would with a more bass-forward headphone. Nonetheless, the HD800S manages to produce a pleasant listen, reigning in bass-heavy sounds and retaining clarity. If you’re a dedicated Rap-head looking for a loud low-end experience, there are definitely better options in the field.

Mids

The mids are, without a doubt, the shining star of the HD800S frequency spectrum, just slightly edged out by the highs. It is here that the headphones create a truly appealing and textured listening experience, capable of showcasing the beauty in guitars, vocals, pianos, synths, and drums.

Take, for instance, "Oozing From the Urn" by Morpheus Descends. The articulation of the drums cracks with force, imparting an impressive heaviness. Guitars and vocals sit comfortably between the bass and cymbals, allowing for a sonorous balance. The naturally occurring low mid-boost adds character without introducing muddiness, which is often a concern in bass-heavy presentations.

Listening to "Ebony Queen" by McCoy Tyner, the interplay between the piano and the bombastic drums reveals the headphones' impressive ability to maintain clarity while producing a full-bodied sound. Tyner’s heavy-handed playing finds its perfect partner here, with the intricately tuned treble adding nuance to every note.

The mid-range is particularly important for vocal enthusiasts. The unique character that the HD800S brings to vocal performance makes them a worthy choice for critical listening, and it’s no wonder that these headphones are beloved by both audio enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Treble

The treble performance of the HD800S completes the trifecta of an exceptional sound signature. Detailed and revealing yet not overly sharp, I find sibilance to be virtually non-existent. 

The headphones boast a natural dough in the 1-4 kHz range, allowing cymbals and intricacies to shine without veering into harsh territory. This focus on tonal balance gives my listening experience an extra dimension. 

When I listen to Schubert's "Ländler," performed by Pierre-Laurent Aimard, I immediately notice the clarity that pervades the recording. Every note rings true, revealing the nuances of the composition effortlessly. This clear yet not brittle sound does wonders to the analytical qualities that these headphones possess.

Additionally, the performance of Concierto de Aranjuez, played by Xuefei Yang alongside the Orquestra Simfonica de Barcelona, further corroborates the HD800S' strengths. The distinct character of the nylon strings comes through brilliantly, with minute details like fret buzz and the tactile attack of fingers on strings becoming perceptible. This analytical recreation of sound solidifies my belief that the HD800S holds a unique place for classical and jazz listeners within the under $2000 price range. 

Conclusion

In revisiting the Sennheiser HD800S, I find that these headphones continue to hold their place as a high-end solution for audio enthusiasts. With a carefully curated design, exceptional soundstage, and an ability to reproduce sound accurately across lows, mids, and highs, the HD800S remains a go-to option for both critical listening and professional applications. 

While they may not cater to every listener's bass-heavy cravings, the precision, detail, and clarity they offer speak volumes of their craftsmanship. Whether I'm diving into a classical masterpiece or engaged in an intense gaming session, the HD800S reaffirms its status as a benchmark in high-fidelity audio. For anyone serious about audio reproduction, Sennheiser's HD800S is a timeless choice that stands the test of time.