Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones Review
This might be one of the most recognizable headphones of all time. Today, we’re going to talk about the HD 800 S from Sennheiser. It is so recognizable that you have probably seen it many times before, and it is not a new headphone. This is a bit of a blast from the audiophile world of the past, so let’s jump right into the build and comfort.
The HD 800 S is a reasonably comfortable headphone. It is lightweight, the earcups are plenty large on the inside, and there is some padding on top. After about an hour or so, the top of the headband does start to put pressure in places. The headphone can become uncomfortable when compared with many other headphones.
The connections are used for the detachable cable. They can be a bit tough to plug and unplug. If you catch the cable on something and expect a quick-release cable, this isn’t going to do that. It can pull your headphones right off the desk. A nicer connector is preferred, but it is what it is.
What Are the Pros of Sennheiser HD 800 S?
- Great build quality
- High durability
- Comfortable
- Feels very hard to touch
What Are the Cons of Sennheiser HD 800 S?
- Heavy design
- Due to the design, the noise from the surroundings cannot be blocked and sound leaks out.
Comfort of Headphones
Although the Sennheiser HD 800 S is an over-ear headphone with a bulky design, it doesn’t feel tight on the head. The comfort zone is also fabulous due to the large-sized and padded earcups.
These headphones can also be worn for long listening sessions without any problem.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Sennheiser HD 800 S is overall premium and great. These headphones are made up of a combination of metal and high-duty plastic.
This combination and the padded earcups make them sturdy, dense, and durable headphones. The hinges of these headphones are not as durable because the stability pins that are used for keeping the earcup joints settled can become loose over time.
Portability
As they are over-ear headphones, the design of these headphones is also heavy, so they cannot be considered portable headphones. They also occupy a lot of space where they are placed.
However, like many other headphones, they cannot be converted into small or compact sizes by folding.
Breathability
Due to the open-back design, these headphones allow the flow of air through the earcups, so you can feel comfortable while using these headphones for long listening sessions.
Style
Sennheiser HD 800 S are over-ear headphones for audiophiles with an open-back design. The overall headphones are made up of a mixture of metal and high-duty plastic framework.
To avoid damage to the drivers, the earcups of these headphones also have metal grills.
Availability of Colors
Sennheiser HD 800 S is available only in one color, which is black. However, other colors can also come, but there is no surety.
Case
The case for these headphones is not available. A pouch inside the box is present, but you cannot use it for the cables because it is only for the cables.
However, you can also use the box for putting the headphones, but the size of the box is two times the size of the headphones.
Noise Isolation
The design of these headphones is open-back. As we all know, open-back headphones don’t block out the noise of the surroundings to give immersive listening to the listener.
If you want those headphones that block out ambient noise, you can go with closed-back headphones.
Leakage of Sound
As mentioned above, they are not closed-back headphones, so leakage of audio occurs with these headphones. This causes the production of immersive sound for you because of interaction with the sound of the environment.
Cables
Inside the box, a pouch is present in which two types of cables are present. These two cables are 3 meters in length.
One is a Pentaconn cable and the other is a TRS cable. Along with these cables, some printed documents are also present for instructions.
Sennheiser HD 800 S for Gaming
The Sennheiser HD 800 S can be used for gaming because of its open-back design and spacious soundstage. The soundstage can help you hear sounds from different directions while gaming.
However, outside noise can also be heard because of the open-back design, and sound leakage can be noticeable.
Sennheiser HD 800 S Specs
- Over-ear headphones
- Open-back design
- Metal and high-duty plastic construction
- Large padded earcups
- Replaceable pads
- Detachable cables
- Two 3-meter cables included
- Pentaconn cable
- TRS cable
Sennheiser HD 800 S Frequency Response
The Sennheiser HD 800 S has noticeable bass roll-off. Its soundstage, technicalities, and imaging are some of the main characteristics of these headphones.
The bass roll-off can be noticeable for listeners who prefer strong bass, while the soundstage and imaging can be useful for audiophile listening and gaming.
Sennheiser HD 800 S vs 820
The Sennheiser HD 800 S and HD 820 have different designs. The HD 800 S has an open-back design, while the HD 820 has a closed-back design.
The open-back design of the HD 800 S allows surrounding sounds to reach the ears and also causes sound leakage. The closed-back design of the HD 820 provides more isolation from the surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sennheiser HD 800 S good for gaming?
Yes. The open-back design and soundstage can be useful for gaming, especially when you need to hear sounds from different directions. However, outside noise can also reach your ears.
Is the Sennheiser HD 800 S comfortable?
Yes. The large padded earcups and lightweight design make the headphones comfortable. The headband can start putting pressure on the top of the head after about an hour.
Does the Sennheiser HD 800 S block outside noise?
No. The open-back design allows surrounding sounds to reach your ears, so these headphones do not provide the same noise isolation as closed-back headphones.
Does the Sennheiser HD 800 S leak sound?
Yes. The open-back design allows audio to leak from the earcups, so people nearby may be able to hear what you are listening to.
Is the Sennheiser HD 800 S portable?
No. The headphones have a large over-ear design and cannot be folded into a compact size. They also occupy a lot of space.
Does the Sennheiser HD 800 S come with cables?
Yes. Two 3-meter cables are included in the box. One is a Pentaconn cable and the other is a TRS cable.
Does the Sennheiser HD 800 S have an open-back design?
Yes. The HD 800 S is an open-back over-ear headphone.
Is the Sennheiser HD 800 S good for long listening sessions?
Yes. The large padded earcups, lightweight construction, and open-back design make it comfortable for long listening sessions. However, the headband can start putting pressure on the head after some time.
Who Should Choose the Sennheiser HD 800 S?
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a good choice for people who want an open-back headphone with great build quality, large padded earcups, a spacious soundstage, and good imaging.
These headphones are better for quiet listening because the open-back design does not block outside noise and also allows sound to leak out.
If portability, noise isolation, or strong bass is more important, these headphones may not be the right option. For home listening and audiophile use, the HD 800 S has the build quality, comfort, soundstage, and imaging to make it a strong part of a headphone collection.
On This Page
- Comfort of Headphones
- Build Quality
- Portability
- Breathability
- Style
- Availability of Colors
- Case
- Noise Isolation
- Leakage of Sound
- Cables
- Sennheiser HD 800 S for Gaming
- Sennheiser HD 800 S Specs
- Sennheiser HD 800 S Frequency Response
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs 820
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Should Choose the Sennheiser HD 800 S?