Sennheiser - HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones - Ring Radiator Drivers, Open-Back Earcups, with Balanced Cable - Black

Let me start by saying that if you are looking at these for your next headphone purchase, this probably is not the first review you’ve looked at. So, I’ll start things off with the negative things I’ve heard other reviewers mention. The spike in the mid highs regarding specifically the “s” vocals and the lack of solid bass response. To my ears, the HD800S is very bright. But, in my case not in a way that is fatiguing to listen to but rather in a way that lets the incredible resolution that they offer shine through. The instrument separation has me rediscovering tracks I’ve been listening to for decades and hearing sounds within the music that I didn’t even know was there. If there is any negative to that, it’s that it creates a very analytical listening experience where I’m not really just letting the song take me away but more so focusing in on the track and paying attention. I’m sure after the honeymoon phase I’ll go back to the escape of the music but for now, it’s exciting to discover. The bass response without boosting it slightly for my taste was a little lacking. In most audiophile circles, I know what I’m about to say is considered sacrilege. However, I’m not so pretentious as to admit that with an EQ bump this was solved and didn’t “muddy” the experience in the least. It only required a few hours of tuning to find the sweet spot for me and I didn’t look at it again. As a side note, I use these as my main audio source for gaming as well and in that regard there really isn’t any comparison. The soundstage is so wide that you can point to the direction sound is coming from and how far away that sound is. If you play games, I don’t have to emphasize the importance of this but more importantly to me that having a competitive advantage it immerses you in that world more than I can put into words. It just needs to be experienced to understand. In short form, if you have been searching for headphones that can do it all I can’t suggest you look elsewhere. They’re expensive and you will need a good amplifier to boot, but they’re worth the price of admission. List of headphones I’ve used before for gaming: Astro A50, Arctis Pro, Cloud X, Razer Nari, and a bunch of older ones not worth mentioning. Music headphones used prior were the Sennheiser HD560 and HD660. Both amazing… I just didn’t decided to go all the way.

You hear all the music with these phones. You need the equipment to go with them of course. Yes they are expensive, but I don’t regret it.

Not the cheapest, but definitely a product made for audiophiles. If your amplifier isn't powerful enough, and you don't have a quality headphone amplifier, you won't get all of the benefits, clarity and power.

Ultra high quality bass, extremely fast and punchy. Very large sound stage, everything sounds big/wide and epic. I have never heard imaging so precise. Best headphone you can buy under $4,000. Keep in mind, if you don't have a world class dad/amp and a high quality source. Those headphone will bring out every flaws in the recordings, its like watching VHS on a TOTL 4k OLED.

Great headphones, super comfortable and light. I hear details that honestly I can't replicate with other headphones even in this brand. It was open box and missing a usb stick that doesn't really matter and the box was a mess in shipping, and high priced for open box. On the fence whether to return and wait for a new one but they're impossible to find right now and my unit looks perfect if but a little loose on the right side of head band. I do love them though.