Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Sennheiser HD 558 is the better pick: it ranks #87 of 523 over-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #195 (rated 3.8/5) for the Sennheiser HD 800. If you want one new, the Sennheiser HD 800 S replaces the Sennheiser HD 800 and is rated 4.2/5 at $1,799.95.
The Sennheiser HD 558 is the better-sounding option. An open back over-ear with a high preference score of 86 and a light 0.6 lbs (260 g) frame. The tradeoff: Sub bass rolls off early, falling 6 dB below target at 38 Hz, a 5.2 dB peak near 3.1 kHz adds glare, and dips near 10 kHz and 11.5 kHz dull the top treble.
What the Sennheiser HD 800 does well: The median of 6 hobbyist measurements gives it a very good Harman preference score of 78 with a 2.76 dB spread. The tradeoff: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 558 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Sennheiser HD 800 S, which replaces the Sennheiser HD 800.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
An open back over-ear with a high preference score of 86 and a light 260 g frame.
eBay
The median of 6 hobbyist measurements gives it a very good Harman preference score of 78 with a 2.76 dB spread.
eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 20, 2026 at 10:35 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 558 | Sennheiser HD 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 Discontinued | $1,400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #87 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones | #195 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (1 squig.link measurement, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 78 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.38 dB standard deviation | 2.76 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.13 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 38 Hz (-8.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 36 Hz (-6.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 300 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB | 102 dB/Vrms |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 14Hz - 44.1kHz (-3 dB) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 56mm dynamic |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve combines the independent measurements credited below, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the Sennheiser HD 558 from auricularesargentina; the Sennheiser HD 800 from aden, cammyfi, kuulokenurkka, listener, sai and therollo9, all via squig.link.
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Sennheiser HD 558: