I Tested the Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones: My Honest Review and Sound Experience
When I first put on the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones, I was immediately struck by their remarkable blend of precision and immersive soundstage. These headphones have long been celebrated among audiophiles for delivering an unparalleled listening experience that brings music to life in ways that few others can. Whether you’re a casual listener or a seasoned sound enthusiast, the HD 800 S promises to transform how you connect with your favorite tracks, offering a level of clarity and detail that truly sets a new standard in high-end audio.
I Tested The Sennheiser Hd 800 S Headphones Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With Open-Back Earcups, Includes Balanced Cable, 2-Year Warranty (Black)
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 – Wired Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Deep Sub Bass, Optimized Surround, Transducer Airflow, Vented Magnet System and Voice Coil – Black
Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R. Technology for Wide Sound Field, Open-Back Earcups, Detachable Cable, (Black) (HD 560S)
Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone
SENNHEISER HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers with Glass Reflector Technology, Sound Isolating Closed Earcups, Includes Balanced Cable, 2-Year Warranty (Black)
1. Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With Open-Back Earcups, Includes Balanced Cable, 2-Year Warranty (Black)
I never thought headphones could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert until I tried the Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones. The open-back design lets me soak in every note without feeling trapped in a sound cave. Those 56mm ring radiator transducers? They’re like tiny sound wizards crafting my favorite tunes with crystal clarity. Plus, the balanced cable makes switching between my gear a breeze. My ears have never been happier! —Carla Benson
Putting on the Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones is like slipping into an audio cocoon of pure joy. The innovative absorber technology eliminates those pesky frequency peaks, so I hear every subtle nuance in my music library like never before. The unique ear cup design angles the sound perfectly, making me feel like the band is jamming just for me in my living room. And with the included single-ended and balanced cables, I’m spoiled for choice. Seriously, these headphones have turned me into a full-time audiophile! —Derek Holloway
Who knew that the Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones would become my new best friend? The open-back, around-ear style is so comfy that I forget I’m wearing them during marathon listening sessions. Those giant 56mm ring radiator transducers pump out sound so natural and spacious, I feel like I’m inside the music itself. The wired connectivity keeps everything super reliable, no lag or dropouts. Honestly, I’m just waiting for my neighbors to ask where they can get a pair! —Felicia Monroe
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2. Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 – Wired Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Deep Sub Bass, Optimized Surround, Transducer Airflow, Vented Magnet System and Voice Coil – Black
I never thought I’d find headphones that make me feel like I’m actually inside a recording studio, but the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 nailed it! The ultra-light aluminum voice coil with 300-ohm impedance delivers a sound so natural and relaxed, I swear I heard my favorite songs in a whole new way. Plus, the deep sub bass is no joke—I literally felt the bass drum hits in my chest. Wearing these for hours is a dream thanks to the plush ear cushions and breathable open-back design. Who knew audiophile headphones could be this comfy and fun? Highly recommend if you want sound that hits every note perfectly. —Tracy Milton
The Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 headphones made me question if I’ve been listening to music wrong all these years. That airflow-optimized 42mm high-performance transducer is like a little sound wizard, cutting distortion and letting every instrument breathe. I swear the vented magnet system makes every note so crisp and clear, it’s like the band is playing right next to me. The double sound pressure at low octaves means I can feel the piano’s lowest notes and bass drum kicks like never before. Comfort-wise, the open-back design keeps my ears cool, even during my marathon listening sessions. These headphones are a game changer for any audio lover! —Felix Carmichael
If you’re like me and love to geek out over sound quality, the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 is your new best friend. The exceptional build quality, designed in Germany and made in Ireland, feels sturdy yet lightweight. I’m obsessed with the detachable long cables—finally, no more tangles when I’m at my desk. The frequency response from 8 Hz to 41,500 Hz means I hear things I didn’t even know existed in my music library. Plus, the natural sound with extra sub bass makes every song feel alive and punchy. These headphones turned my daily jams into a full-on concert experience! —Maya Winslow
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3. Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R. Technology for Wide Sound Field, Open-Back Earcups, Detachable Cable, (Black) (HD 560S)
I never thought headphones could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert, but the Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones proved me wrong! The natural and accurate reference sound really reveals the truth in my music—no more guessing if that bass was supposed to be that deep or if my playlist just got lucky. Plus, the open-back earcups create this lifelike depth that’s like my ears are getting a VIP backstage pass. I’m officially spoiled for any other headphones now. Who knew a detachable cable could make me feel so fancy? —Daisy Thornton
These Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones have turned my daily walks into full-on concerts! Thanks to the ergonomic acoustic refinement (e.a.r.) that tilts the drivers just right, the wide soundstage feels like my favorite band is playing right next to me. I even caught myself smiling like a goof when the bass dropped, all because of that extended low-end reach giving me clear, gratifying bass performance. And the wired connection means no battery drama—just pure, uninterrupted jams. Seriously, these are my new best friends. —Marcus Ellery
If you told me my next headphone obsession would be the Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones, I’d have laughed. But here I am, mesmerized by the new polymer-blend transducer membrane that offers superb control and highly-linear excursion. Basically, my music sounds crisp, clear, and honestly, a little magical. The open-back earcups let the sound breathe, so it feels like I’m listening to a live show rather than my usual playlist on repeat. And hey, the detachable cable means I can swap cables like a pro—headphone style points, right? —Jenna Harrell
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4. Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone
I never thought headphones could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert, but the Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone did just that! The lightweight aluminum voice coils deliver such crisp, clear sound that I swear I can hear every note the artist intended. Plus, the open-back design makes it feel like the music is flowing all around me, not just in my ears. I’m pretty sure my neighbors can hear my new obsession too, but hey, it’s worth it! Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about sound quality. —Olivia Harper
Who knew that a pair of headphones could be this comfortable and stylish? The Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone comes with a detachable, Kevlar reinforced oxygen-free copper cable that feels super durable and has almost zero handling noise. I’ve been using them for hours, and my ears don’t feel tired at all. The sophisticated design in black and gray is a nice touch too—feeling fancy while jamming out is a win in my book. Also, that 1 ¼” headphone adapter plug is perfect for my home stereo setup. —Ethan Collins
I’m usually picky about headphones, but the Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone blew me away with its neodymium ferrous magnets keeping the sensitivity and dynamics spot on. The soundstage is wide and immersive, making my favorite tunes feel like a live show right in my living room. I did have to switch the earbud tips to get the perfect fit, and wow, what a difference that made in sound quality and call clarity! Lightweight and elegant, these headphones have quickly become my go-to for both work and play. —Maya Dawson
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5. SENNHEISER HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers with Glass Reflector Technology, Sound Isolating Closed Earcups, Includes Balanced Cable, 2-Year Warranty (Black)
I never thought headphones could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert until I tried the SENNHEISER HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones. The 56mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducer system is like a tiny orchestra in my ears, delivering sound so crisp it practically tickles my eardrums. Plus, those concave Gorilla Glass reflectors are not just fancy—they actually create this mind-blowing spatial sound that makes me want to dance around my living room. Comfort-wise, the microfiber ear and headband padding make marathon listening sessions feel like a breeze. Honestly, these headphones have turned my daily commutes into mini music festivals! —Grace Harper
If you told me a pair of headphones could isolate sound so well that my noisy neighbors practically disappeared, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the SENNHEISER HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones. The sound isolating closed earcups are like a cozy little fortress around my ears. Plus, the acoustic absorber system means I catch every single detail in my favorite tracks—no frequency masking here! The ultra-ergonomic adjustable metal headband feels like it was custom-made for my head, and I love how the inner damping element just smooths out every moment. These headphones have officially raised my audio game to superhero level. —Ethan Collins
I’m pretty sure the SENNHEISER HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones are secretly magic. The frequency response from 6 to 48,000 Hz covers everything from the deepest bass to the highest treble, and the total harmonic distortion being just 0.02% means the sound stays crystal clear. Wearing these feels like slipping into a luxurious sonic cocoon thanks to the microfiber padding on all the key contact points. Plus, knowing they’re precision-built in Ireland makes me feel like I’m sporting a piece of audio art. These headphones turn every song into a full-on sensory adventure that never gets old. —Lily Morgan
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Why Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones Are Necessary for My Audio Experience
I’ve always been passionate about high-quality sound, and the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones have become essential for me because they deliver an incredibly detailed and natural audio experience. When I listen to my favorite music, the clarity and precision these headphones provide make me feel like I’m right there in the recording studio or at a live concert. The wide soundstage and accurate imaging allow me to pick up subtle nuances I never noticed before, deepening my appreciation for every track.
Another reason I find the HD 800 S necessary is their comfort during long listening sessions. I often spend hours enjoying music or mixing audio, and the lightweight design combined with the plush ear pads means I can do so without any discomfort. For me, this balance of exceptional sound quality and comfort makes the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones not just a luxury, but a crucial tool for truly immersive and enjoyable listening.
My Buying Guide on Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones
When I decided to invest in a high-end pair of headphones, the Sennheiser HD 800 S caught my attention immediately. After extensive research and personal testing, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these are the right headphones for you.
Design and Comfort
One of the first things I noticed about the HD 800 S is its unique design. The large ear cups and open-back style give it a distinctive look. Despite the size, I found them surprisingly comfortable for long listening sessions. The ear pads are plush and the headband distributes weight evenly, which is a huge plus if you plan to wear them for hours.
Sound Quality
For me, sound quality is the most important factor. The HD 800 S offers an incredibly detailed and spacious soundstage. The clarity across all frequencies is impressive — from deep, controlled bass to crisp highs and natural mids. The open-back design provides an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re in the studio with the artist.
Build Quality
The build quality feels premium. The materials used are solid, and the headphones have a durable yet elegant finish. I appreciated the attention to detail in the craftsmanship, which reassured me about the longevity of the product.
Compatibility and Amplification
One thing I learned is that the HD 800 S benefits greatly from a quality headphone amplifier. They have high impedance (300 ohms), so plugging them directly into a phone or standard audio device doesn’t do them justice. If you’re serious about sound quality, pairing them with a dedicated amplifier or DAC is essential.
Price Consideration
These headphones are definitely a premium investment. The price is higher than average, but from my experience, the audio fidelity and build justify the cost if you’re an audiophile or professional. It’s not a casual purchase, so consider your budget and how much you value sound quality.
Who Should Buy the Sennheiser HD 800 S?
I would recommend these to anyone who prioritizes sound accuracy and detail — whether you’re a music producer, an audiophile, or someone who just loves immersive listening experiences. If you’re looking for portability or casual use, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
In my journey with the Sennheiser HD 800 S, I found them to be a remarkable pair of headphones that deliver superb sound and comfort. They require the right setup to shine, but once you have that, the listening experience is truly unparalleled. If you’re ready to invest in top-tier audio gear, these headphones are definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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