Sennheiser HD 800From real comments

Verdict distilled from 74 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment59%
PROS 59%
CONS 41%

Rank based on 74 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You prioritize soundstage and imaging above all else
  • You're willing to invest in a tube or Class A amp and possibly mods
  • You listen mainly to classical, jazz, or well-recorded acoustic/electronic music

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're sensitive to treble brightness or sibilance and won't EQ or mod
  • You want strong out-of-the-box bass without tweaking
  • You lack a suitable high-quality amp and don't want to pair-match

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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9Budget
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You are here
31Premium
Sennheiser HD 800
Exceptional soundstage and imagingResponds well to EQ and modsGreat for gamingBright, fatiguing treble peakWeak or lacking bass out of the boxDemanding amp requirements
Sennheiser HD 800
Exceptional soundstage and imaging
Responds well to EQ and mods
Great for gaming
Bright, fatiguing treble peak
Weak or lacking bass out of the box
Demanding amp requirements

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

An unrivaled, holographic soundstage that owners say still hasn't been beaten. Multiple long-term owners describe the HD 800's soundstage and imaging as the best they've heard, with sound seeming to extend beyond the headphone itself and no clear boundaries. It's praised as a reference tool for spatial cues in gaming, mixing, and critical listening, with some calling it worth far more than its price given how little has surpassed it since release.

The 6kHz treble peak and light bass split opinion sharply. Many commenters find the HD 800 bright, sibilant, or fatiguing due to a resonance around 5-6kHz, particularly on solid-state amps, and note bass is shy or lacking without EQ. Others say they never noticed the peak and enjoy it thoroughly stock. Fixes like the SDR/Super Dupont mod, lambswool felt, or EQ are widely recommended to tame treble and add sub-bass.

Amp pairing and mods are essential to unlocking its full potential. Owners consistently report the HD 800 needs power and benefits enormously from tube or Class A amplification, sounding harsh or thin on weaker solid-state gear. Comfort experiences vary widely, with some wearing it 5+ hours without issue and others struggling with the headband, but most agree it rewards investment in the right amp, cable, and pad combination.

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