Sennheiser HD 800 S

A modern classic, Sennheiser’s reference class HD 800 headphones deliver sound that is as natural as possible and true in every detail. Improving on a seemingly perfect formula is not a task undertaken lightly, but Sennheiser’s engineers have succeeded in enhancing still further the sound reproduction in the open, circumaural HD 800 S.

Overview

The striking industrial design combines form and function seamlessly, the layered metal and plastic headband construction attenuating vibrations to the earcups while the handmade microfiber earpads offer exceptional comfort for even long periods of listening enjoyment.

Crafted for perfection, the HD 800 and the HD 800 S are precision-built in Germany from only the finest materials and components. The transducer is encased by stainless steel, while the headband and headphone mounting utilises the most advanced materials developed in the aerospace industry for high strength with minimal weight.

Absorber technology of the HD 800 S

The enhanced sound reproduction of the HD 800 S is achieved through the addition of the innovative absorber technology that was pioneered in the Sennheiser IE 800 – a breakthrough that preserved the audibility of very high frequency sounds by eliminating a phenomenon known as the “masking effect”, where the human hear struggles to hear frequencies of sound when lower frequencies of a higher volume occur at the same time. By absorbing the energy of the resonance, Sennheiser’s patented absorber technology prevents any unwanted peaks and allows all frequency components – even the finest nuances – in the music material to become audible. This innovation was a key element in making the IE 800 the world’s best sounding in ear headphone, and in the HD 800 S it helps to bring even greater purity and precision.

Such enhancements build on the formidable achievements of the classic, with the 56mm sound transducer – the largest ever used in dynamic headphones. The unique ear cup design directs sound waves to the ear at a slight angle to create an impressively natural and spatial listening experience.

While much appears the same, the enhanced performance within is revealed by a distinctive new look, with the silver finish of the 2009 classic HD 800 making way for high-class matt black for the HD 800 S.

Features

  • Further optimised reference class in wired headphones
  • Open, circum-aural dynamic stereo headphones
  • Enhanced sound reproduction achieved through absorber technology
  • High-class matt black metal parts
  • Natural hearing experience - realistic and natural sound field with minimal resonance
  • Biggest transducers ever used in headphones including new innovative dynamic transducer design
  • Uncovered earcups for enhanced acoustics
  • Handcrafted ear pads, made of high-quality microfiber fabric
  • Metal headband with an inner damping element
  • Specially tuned balanced, impedance matching cable with low capacitance
  • Special high precision headphone connectors
  • 2 year warranty

What's in the box?

  • HD 800 S
  • Cable with 6.3mm jack connector
  • Microfibre cleaning cloth
  • Manual
  • USB flash drive

Reviews & Awards

Tweakers Awards 16/17

Winnaar in segment Koptelefoon audio

Review What Hi-Fi? - 5 Sterren

Sennheiser’s latest high-end headphones are a treat, and a clear step up from the standard version.

Review Fwd Magazine - 5 Sterren

De HD 800 is volgens velen de beste hoofdtelefoon ter wereld, een echte referentie. En toch brengt Sennheiser nu een nieuwe versie uit, met een aantal tweaks die veel verder gaan dan de nieuwe zwarte kleur.

Review the Verge - 9.3 Score

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a sterling, wonderful pair of headphones that strikes a near-perfect balance between accuracy and enjoyment.