Customer Ratings & Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

Purchased as an upgrade to HD6XX. Comparatively, HD800S has a wider and deeper soundstage and greater clarity, making better use of HD/high res files. Without EQ, bass is light and highs are much too loud; any hiss/sibilance will be brought forward to the point of annoyance relative to the HD6XX. I ultimately returned the HD800s as they are much less comfortable than the HD6XX with marginal gains/compromises in sound quality. Much like the HD820s, which I also returned, these things slide all over your head, with noticable sound quality changes in the process. These are probably end-game if you have excess cash and listen while sitting still to eq'd HD digital sources. If not, I do not think these are worth the price difference compared to your preferred HD600 variety. I recommend the HD6XX over these for most listeners, especially if one does not already have an amp/dac.

While I have only owned / listened to the Sennheiser HD 800 S for a short period of time I can say that they are the best headphones I have ever heard. The detail is stunning, low level resolution is amazing. I am hearing things on discs I know well that I have never heard before. Jane Monheit's Taking A Chance On Love album is a prime example. The HD 800 S is very light and comfortable too.

Hands down best audio quality I’ve ever heard in pc games and music. Definitely expensive, but top tier quality if you have the money to burn. If you are in the market for an end game pair of headphones that you should never need to replace, these are the ones. Super comfortable and I’d say the build quality is decent, but the sound is on another level. If you have the money and are looking for a pair of headphones that are great for listening to music and gaming, definitely check these out.

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.

Amazing and clean sound signature. I was in the market for a high-end daily driver that wouldn't fatigue my neck and ears. This absolutely did the job that my Audeze's couldn't (I still love them, just not for long sessions!) Anyone in the market for some clean sounding, open back headphones will not be disappointing with this offering from Sennheiser!

After much hemming & hawing for years, I finally pulled the trigger and bought the Sennhesier HD800s. I am not disappointed at all! Beautiful detail and widely subtle soundstage. At first listen, It didn't sound too much different from my HD600. But after auditioning them for a few weeks (thanks to Best Buy's generous return policy) These are going to be my 'end game' headphones. Depending on your personal listening musical tastes, it really doesn't need EQing. I use a moderate bass increase, and top off the 6k treble range, and it's is about perfect now. And these sound really awesome with movies and TV shows! Imho, definitely worth the investment.

Ladies, gentlemen, NB's don't let them fool you. It's as good as they say. The resolution and soundstage simply doesn't compare. Their technical performance is sublime. If you're used to the HD650 you might find them a bit bright at first, but then you hear details you have never heard before. Every sound is placed exactly where it should be, and reproduce as precisely as it was intended. Axel Grell crated one of the finest resolving headphones in the world. The tonality might not be as warm as you'd like, but with amp that eases off any harshness left in the treble the headphones come alive and close to perfect. You'd have to spend well above this price to gain any more meaningful performance. That's your $4000+ Hifimans and the legendary Sennheiser HE-1 which costs $59k.

I wish I can find something bad to say but I cannot think of one excellent sound quality very very comfortable you will forget you have it in your head if you looking for Supremes sound quality this is your stop

I've read a few reviews that report that these headphones are too strong in the higher frequencies and can be too strident with digital material. Gamers seem to like them. I, on the other hand, am only using them to listen to vinyl, and find them perfect for the chore. Very balanced, nice detail with excellent soundstage and depth. I'm exceedingly happy with this purchase. Pairs well with my Rega P6/Sony AN1000 to create beautiful sound.

These headphones are the best I've ever own. The built quality is amazing and the sound quality makes you feel like you are at the studio with the artist or at the concert in the front seats. If you enjoy music these are a must buy. I know the price is pretty high but worth every penny. I also game with these headphones and you can heard every single detail of the environment.

[Employee of bestbuy] ive never experienced such clarity and soundstage in my life. Games feel insane especially helldivers 2 the range and separation between sounds is unbeatable. I dont regret this purchase one bit theres nothing that quite does it like the hd 800s.

I have tested various audiophile headphones and these are the best sounding headphones I have ever heard. The clarity and soundstage is unmatched.

Must have headphones but need amp Dac and or Tube amp to make everything sound better. No amp would ruin this headphone, it enough horse power to drive this headphone. 300 om,does require a lot to drive.

Yes it’s very pricey but you won’t regret it. My best headset I’ve ever owned. I use it in balanced 4.4mm connection and sounds amazing.

[Employee of bestbuy] Almost perfect. If you are deciding between these and a 600/650/6xx, get those for all around headphones these are better gaming or specific genres of music

One of the best open headphones out there, but it will still depend on your music choice and sound preference