Short answer: the Sennheiser HD 800 S. It ranks #46 of 429 over-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $1,799.95 and is still sold new; the Sennheiser HD 8XX ranks #307 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is the better-sounding option. A preference score of 86 with a near neutral tilt and bands from 60 Hz to 10 kHz mostly within about 1.7 dB of target gives a natural, spacious presentation with good tonal balance. The tradeoff: A 6 dB dip near 9.1 kHz followed by a 5.4 dB peak near 11.4 kHz makes the treble uneven.
What the Sennheiser HD 8XX does well: Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. The catch: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 800 S. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Sennheiser HD 8XX is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 800 S | Sennheiser HD 8XX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799.95 | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 429 in Over-Ear Headphones | #307 of 429 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.19 dB standard deviation | 3.59 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.07 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.64 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-7.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 67 Hz (-7.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 56mm dynamic | 2 x 56mm dynamic (ring radiator) |
| Impedance | 300 ohms | 300 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB SPL/V | - |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Frequency Response | 4Hz - 51kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 4Hz - 51kHz |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Sennheiser HD 800 S compares with other leading options:
- Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs HIFIMAN HE6
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs AKG K812
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs HIFIMAN HE1000se
- Focal Clear vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 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.
The Two Headphones In Full
Sennheiser HD 800 S: $1,799.95 Amazon $1,799.95 eBay
Older model: the Sennheiser HD 800 (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5). See every Sennheiser HD 800 generation.
Pros: A preference score of 86 with a near neutral tilt and bands from 60 Hz to 10 kHz mostly within about 1.7 dB of target gives a natural, spacious presentation with good tonal balance. Air above 10 kHz runs about 4 dB above target, adding openness and perceived detail. It rates the same as the HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth.
Cons: A 6 dB dip near 9.1 kHz followed by a 5.4 dB peak near 11.4 kHz makes the treble uneven. Sub-bass is about 5 dB under target, so rumble is limited. The 300 ohm impedance and 102 dB per volt sensitivity call for a dedicated headphone amp, and the open back leaks sound. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.
Full Sennheiser HD 800 S review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.19 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 56mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 4Hz - 51kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 300 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB SPL/V |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-7.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.07 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.2 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 142 Hz | -2.3 dB | 0.30 |
| Peak | 1,959 Hz | +2.5 dB | 0.88 |
| Peak | 5,679 Hz | -4.4 dB | 4.36 |
| Peak | 212 Hz | -0.5 dB | 2.36 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,043 Hz | -1.0 dB | 2.89 |
| Peak | 1,445 Hz | +1.0 dB | 3.43 |
| Peak | 2,640 Hz | -0.9 dB | 4.01 |
| Peak | 3,421 Hz | +1.3 dB | 5.47 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sennheiser HD 8XX Discontinued eBay
Pros: Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. It uses 2 x 56mm dynamic (ring radiator).
Cons: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used. Presence sits about 3.8 dB low with a 10.6 dB dip near 2.0 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite. Sub-bass is 7.6 dB short at 30 Hz, so deep bass lacks rumble. A Harman score of 59 places it in the lower part of the over-ear rankings.
Full Sennheiser HD 8XX review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.59 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 2 x 56mm dynamic (ring radiator) |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 4Hz - 51kHz |
| Harman Preference Score | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 300 ohms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 67 Hz (-7.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.64 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.2 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +5.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 227 Hz | -4.1 dB | 0.46 |
| Peak | 1,511 Hz | +6.6 dB | 1.31 |
| Peak | 792 Hz | -2.6 dB | 0.96 |
| Peak | 2,241 Hz | +3.5 dB | 2.61 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,514 Hz | -1.8 dB | 4.64 |
| Peak | 57 Hz | +1.4 dB | 3.46 |
| Peak | 36 Hz | -0.4 dB | 2.00 |
| Peak | 83 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.52 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons