Sennheiser HD 800S Dynamic Open-Back Stereo Headphones (2G)

HD 800 S
The audiophile headphones all others are measured against.

• Reference class open-back audiophile headphones
• Open-back design
• 56mm ring radiator transducers
• German craftsmanship
• Detachable cable

Smashes the ceiling for critical listening

Combining the care devoted to a handcrafted instrument and the precision of modern manufacturing, the HD 800 S lets you explore your entire music collection from the inside out.

The Exploration of Sound

The HD 800 S demonstrates over 75 years of audio expertise, redefining the critical listening experience.

After launching its predecessor—the HD 800—we accepted a self-imposed challenge to completely disappear from the last link in the audio chain. Our goal was to provide acoustics so immersive that your awareness dissolves into the creator’s perspective. On their own, each component of the HD 800 S is world-class. The signature sound of the HD 800 S is possible not because of any one of them, but through the synergy of all of them. Let’s explore.

It Has a Ring to It

The heart of the HD 800 S and its striking sound is the 56mm Ring Radiator transducer.

It leverages the key benefit of a large diaphragm transducer—air displacement—without losing the rigidity that favorably impacts rest and response times. Instead of a single attachment on the outer circumference of the transducer, both outer and inner edges of the “ring” are secured to the drive unit. The voice coil excites the diaphragm, connected to the v-shaped groove found near the center of the ring. A feat in itself, the voice coil is 40mm and wound in-house to ensure the shape and consistency is held to the highest standard.

Solid as a Rock

The headphones’ vibration damping chassis and inert headband insert provide complete stability—what you put into the HD 800 S is precisely what you will get out of it.

Each transducer is manufactured, tested, and measured to the tightest tolerance to ensure the most dependable performance out of the box. Even the steel mesh found in the baffle is matched and integrated with consistency in mind, as it contributes to ultra-low variance in the management of travelling sound waves. Each HD 800 S includes the frequency response plot unique to those perfectly matched transducers, sparing no resource to help you retrieve the most critical details from every corner of your music collection.

All the World’s a Stage

The HD 800 S features a mesmerizing soundstage that seemingly transports the listener into the recording environment.

This is the result of several key features. The drivers are mounted at a precise angle, guiding the sound directly to the listener’s ears at their natural inflection point. Instead of hearing a sound that forms between your ears, you experience a vivid wash of frequencies and sensory-stimulating transients. When finally combined, the vibration damping chassis, perfectly matched transducer systems and wide-open construction work in concert to provide the most striking soundstage yet. This orientation rivals or exceeds loudspeaker setups costing exponentially more—especially when room acoustics are factored in. The HD 800 S offers you a personal concert hall on-demand—without waking the neighbours.

Advanced sound reproduction system

Delivered by the high-performance transducer with incredible extension.

Achieving acoustics that are true to the source also requires management of compounding frequency clusters that produce undesirable masking effects. We integrated a patented frequency absorber—a principle similar to that found in our breakthrough IE 800S—to reduce resonances that hide extraordinary musical details in plain sight. Further, the transducer system is mounted in a vibration damping chassis using aerospace-grade materials. In concert with the previously mentioned headband, the problematic energy peaks of lower frequencies are controlled to unveil the purity your hi-fi setup is capable of.

Behind the Mask

Using a high-performance transducer with incredible extension is just one element of the HD 800 S and its advanced sound reproduction system.

Achieving acoustics that are true to the source also requires management of compounding frequency clusters that produce undesirable masking effects. We integrated a patented frequency absorber—a principle similar to that found in our breakthrough IE 800S—to reduce resonances that hide extraordinary musical details in plain sight. Further, the transducer system is mounted in a vibration damping chassis using aerospace-grade materials. In concert with the previously mentioned headband, the problematic energy peaks of lower frequencies are controlled to unveil the purity your hi-fi setup is capable of.

An Ergonomic Treat

The HD 800 S delivers on long-term wearing comfort too, providing a listening experience as luxurious as it is immersive.

Every contact point utilizes ultra-soft microfiber padding, while purpose-built composites reduce weight and unwanted pressure. Each earcup provides dual-axis articulation—as soon as you put them on the HD 800 S will instantly and effortlessly conform to your unique structure. The result is a remarkable listening session that never stands in the way of your passion for hi-fidelity sound reproduction.

Features

• Reference class open-back audiophile headphones
• 56mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducer system
• Impressively natural and spatial listening experience
• Acoustic absorber system prevents frequency masking for unheralded detail
• Ultra-ergonomic adjustable metal headband with inner damping element
• Luxuriously comfortable microfiber ear and headband padding on key contact points
• Premium matte black metal components
• Developed in Germany and precision-built at Sennheiser’s state-of-the-art Ireland plant
• Impedance: 300 ohms
• Frequency Response: 4 - 51,000 Hz (-10 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.02 % (1 kHz 1 Vrms)

Specifications

• Frequency response (speaker) 4 Hz - 51,000 Hz
• Sound pressure level (SPL) 102 dB (1 V)
• Impedance 300 Ω
• Total harmonic distortion (THD) < 0.02 % (1 kHz 1 Vrms)
• Cable length 3 m
• Cables
• stereo jack plug: 1/4" (6.35 mm), unbalanced, 3-pin
• 4.4 mm, balanced, 5-pin
• Transducer principle dynamic, open
• Weight 330 g
• Ear coupling circumaural
• Magnetic field 10.5 mT

What's included

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

What the Press is Saying

"The Sennheiser HD 800 S are excellent sounding headphones for critical listening. They're comfortable and have a sturdy, durable build quality but like most open back critical listening models, they're not very versatile. They're not designed for outdoors or to use casually, but plugged into an amp, they deliver an exceptional listening experience."

"The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a sterling, wonderful pair of headphones that strikes a near-perfect balance between accuracy and enjoyment."

"If sensational sound quality is your priority, these high-end headphones are worth an audition"