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Made Good Even Better – Sennheiser HD 800 S

Made Good Even Better – Sennheiser HD 800 S
Made Good Even Better – Sennheiser HD 800 S

With the HD 800, Sennheiser has had what is probably the best dynamic headphone in the world in its lineup for several years. For a long time, it was believed that its sonic precision, clarity, and resolution were the standard by which all others would be measured and not easily surpassed. It certainly wasn't easy, but the developers in Wedemark near Hanover have actually managed a significant improvement with the new HD 800 S.    

Sennheiser HD 800 S - Good from experience

The original 800 already benefited greatly from the more than 60 years of experience that Sennheiser can draw on in headphone development. The materials used, the shape of its ear cups, the mechanics and wearing comfort of the headband, and of course, the 56-millimeter drivers – the largest ever used in a dynamic headphone – every single detail of the HD 800 is optimized and technically refined. So where did the engineers find an approach for further improvements?  

Sennheiser HD 800 headphones showcasing premium German audio engineering for discerning listeners.
Sennheiser HD 800: Perfection from Germany. High-quality audio technology for discerning listeners.
Even the ‘regular’ HD 800 stands out with its premium materials and comfortable wear.  

Patented absorber technology

The answer in this case, so to speak, came from a little brother of the large over-ear headphone. The in-ear IE 800 may seem tiny compared to the HD 800 at first glance, but technically, it's at least as sophisticated as the big one. With the IE 800, Sennheiser pursued the simply stated but hard-to-achieve goal of creating the best-sounding in-ear headphone in the world. According to general opinion, they absolutely succeeded, thanks in part to the special absorber technology developed for it.  

Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones with 300 Ohm drivers, delivering high-resolution sound and exceptional listening experience.
Sennheiser HD 800 S: High-resolution sound with 300 Ohm driver for an unparalleled listening experience. Perfection in every note.
The absorber technology developed for the IE 800 reduces the acoustic ‘masking effect’   This now-patented technology ensures that the so-called "masking effect" is neutralized. This sound-diminishing acoustic phenomenon means that the human ear's ability to perceive higher tones decreases when louder low tones are played at the same time. Through Sennheiser's innovative absorber technology, resonance energy is absorbed so that no peaks arise in the frequency response and all nuances of the music remain audible across the entire frequency range. And now, this technology benefits the HD 800 S as well.  
Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones with high definition drivers designed for enhanced audio quality and audiophile listeners.
Sennheiser HD 800 S: Enhanced sound experience with high definition drivers. Perfect for audiophile listeners.
The housing of the HD 800 S comes in an elegant matte black  

Best connections

Moreover, the 800 S comes with a high-quality XLR4 cable as standard, so this premium headphone can be connected directly to high-end analog sources with balanced outputs. Preferably, of course, to the proven HDVD 800, which already supplies the ‘regular’ HD 800 with excellent signals as a preamplifier.  

Sennheiser HDVD 800 headphone amplifier designed for superior sound quality, ideal pairing with HD 800 S headphones.
The Sennheiser HDVD 800 is a high-quality headphone amplifier that delivers exceptional sound quality. Perfectly matched to the HD 800 S, it elevates the listening experience to a new level.
Sennheiser HDVD 800 – with numerous analog and digital inputs, balanced outputs, and superb sound, the perfect partner for the HD 800 S  

Nothing different, but everything better

All in all, the sound of the HD 800 S can best be described as a further refinement of the excellent sound of the 800. The fundamental character remains, but the musical definition is a bit better, the detail resolution is finer, the spatial imaging is somewhat more precise, and vocal reproduction is even more natural. Subjectively, the biggest differences seem to manifest in the bass range. Both the technical specifications and attentive listening confirm that the HD 800 S does not play deeper (which would hardly be possible). Rather, it seems to descend into the bass range a bit softer and more harmoniously, giving the rest of the music noticeably more space without stepping into the background itself.  

Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones with premium cable design for superior sound quality and audiophile performance.
Sennheiser HD 800 S: High-quality cable design for outstanding sound enjoyment. Perfect connection for audiophile demands.
Included with the HD 800 S: High-quality XLR4 cable for a fully balanced connection 

Good offer

Usually, further development of something already very good comes at a price. However, considering that the XLR-4 cable CH-800S included with the HD 800 S normally costs 299.00 euros, the price difference (1,299.00 vs. 1,598.00 euros) is put into perspective, making the improved 800 S almost a real bargain. For more information, please refer to the manufacturer’s website.

Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones known for their perfect sound and design, ideal for audiophiles.
Sennheiser HD 800 S: Perfection in sound and design. A masterpiece for audiophile connoisseurs.