Sennheiser HD 800 S

"Sennheiser signature sound for a natural spatial listening experience with minimal resonance. Reference class open-back design for a spacious soundstage"

The 800 S sound truly natural and is the best reference class headphone I have personally listened to, complete a simply huge soundstage.

"Premium materials with matte black metal components provide a sleek modern aesthetic."

Absolutely no complaints about the build quality. I think these headphones look incredible and material selection is excellent.

"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."

The level of detail and precision these headphones provide is stunning, with an ability to reproduce even the most complex recordings.

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

The soundstage is absolutely massive and incredibly immersive. It feels like you’re right there in the room with the musicians—the standout feature of the HD 800 S.

"Luxurious comfort from the microfiber ear and headband padding. The HD 800 S delivers on long-term wearing comfort too, providing a listening experience as luxurious as it is immersive."

The earpads are excellent, the headphone is incredibly light, but the headband could use a little extra cushioning for all-day wear to prevent the hotspot that forms at the top of your head. An aftermarket solution will improvie long-term comfort.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a stunning headphone in many ways. It’s lightweight and the oversized cups provide a comfortable fit that will fully encompass anyone's ears. I recommend swapping the headband pad for something better, perhaps add some Dekoni Audio Nuggets, as overtime the default padding causes a hotspot at the top of my head.

Gaming on the 800 S is amazing. I understand why it is often recommended as the best gaming headphone. Explosions don't have the impact I would like in my main games of Battlefield and War Thunder, but open-world games like the Witcher 3 on these are just incredible. In general, RPGs with expansive, detailed audio environments sound better on this headphone than any other I have tried. Metro, Red Dead, Stalker—In Skyrim, when you're walking the road to Whiterun and Jeremy Soule's soundtrack fades in, it is so immersive. The soundstage might actually be a little too wide for competitive shooters. Unless it is a very quiet match, enemies have to get a little closer to you than normal for their footsteps to be noticeable. In Tarkov, for example, I found enemies were often a little closer than I expected them to be after getting used to the soundstage and volume level of footsteps on my DT 1990.

Soundstage is where the HD 800 S shines brightest. It is massive. Music has an incredible sense of space and depth that I imagine few headphones can match, certainly none I have tried. The Edition XS followed by the AKG K712 come the closest but are a solid step below the 800. Combined with its pinpoint imaging, it’s easy to pick out the smallest details in even the busiest tracks or game setting. The mids are a delight, delivering a natural warmth and clarity that make vocals and instruments sound lifelike. The highs are crisp and detailed, sibilant sound such as cymbals are bright but never piercing or harsh. The HD 800 S responds well to EQ, allowing you to shape the sound to your preference... As long as your preference isn't rumble and slam.

The bass, while extremely clear and detailed, just doesn’t have the impact you might expect from a headphone in this price range. Sub-bass is particularly lacking, which can leave certain genres feeling less engaging. That said, this isn’t a deal-breaker for everyone—the HD 800 S is clearly tuned for accuracy and detail rather than mainstream fun.

Overall, the HD 800 S is a headphone that impresses with its technical ability. It’s not the most versatile option—for bassy music I honestly prefer my Focal Clears and possibly even the Edition XS—but for calm, orchestral, classic music it’s going to be hard and even more expensive to find something better. 

Yes.

If you prefer delightful mids over rumble and punch, and you’re looking for a headphone that delivers exceptional detail, imaging, and soundstage, the HD 800 S is worth it. While the low-end isn’t its strong point, it’s an outstanding choice for audio enthusiasts and professionals seeking a balanced, reference-level performance. 

Just keep in mind that high-end audio is all about diminishing returns and for most people the AKG K712 or Hifiman Edition XS will be almost as enjoyable for a fraction the price.