Combining the care of a handcrafted instrument and the precision of modern manufacturing, the HD 800 S allows you to explore your entire music collection from the inside out.

The HD 800 S offers a hypnotic sound spectrum, seemingly transporting the listener into the recording studio.
This is no accident: it's the result of numerous key features. The drivers are mounted at a precise angle, directing the sound to the listener's ears directly at their natural pivot point. Instead of hearing sound that forms between the ears, one perceives a vivid flow of frequencies and transients that stimulate the senses. Ultimately, the anti-vibration frame, perfectly matched transducer systems, and open structure collaborate to provide the most impressive sound spectrum ever. This setup can match or even surpass speaker systems that cost exponentially more, especially considering room acoustics. With the HD 800 S, you have a personal concert hall at your fingertips, without waking the neighbors.

Thanks to a high-performance transducer with incredible extension.
Achieving source-accurate acoustics also requires managing complex frequency clusters that produce unwanted masking effects. We have therefore integrated a patented frequency absorber, based on a principle similar to that of our revolutionary IE 800S, to reduce resonances that obscure exceptional musical details. Additionally, the transducer system is mounted in an anti-vibration frame that uses aerospace-grade materials. With the help of the aforementioned headband, problematic energy peaks in the lower frequencies are controlled to enhance the hidden purity of your hi-fi system.
Using a high-performance transducer with incredible extension is just one element of the HD 800 S and their advanced sound reproduction system.
Achieving source-accurate acoustics also requires managing complex frequency clusters that produce unwanted masking effects. We have therefore integrated a patented frequency absorber, based on a principle similar to that of our revolutionary IE 800S, to reduce resonances that obscure exceptional musical details. Additionally, the transducer system is mounted in an anti-vibration frame that uses aerospace-grade materials. With the help of the aforementioned headband, problematic energy peaks in the lower frequencies are controlled to enhance the hidden purity of your hi-fi system.
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The HD 800 S also offers long-term comfort, ensuring a listening experience that is as comfortable as it is engaging.
Every contact point features incredibly soft microfiber padding, while specially designed materials reduce weight and unwanted pressure. Each ear cup has a double-axis articulation: as soon as you put them on, the HD 800 S headphones instantly and effortlessly adapt to your specific structure. The result is an extraordinary listening session that does not hinder your passion for high-fidelity sound reproduction.
| Frequency response (speaker) | 4 Hz - 51,000 Hz |
| Sound pressure level (SPL) | 102 dB (1 V) |
| Impedance | 300 Ω |
| Total harmonic distortion (THD) | < 0.02 % (1 kHz 1 Vrms) |
| Cable length | 3 m |
| Adapter | stereo jack plug: 1/4" (6.35 mm), unbalanced, 3-pin 4.4 mm, balanced, 5-pin |
| Transducer principle | dynamic, open |
| Weight | 330 g |
| Ear coupling | circumaural |
| Magnetic field | 10.5 mT |
| Article number (SKU) | 506911 |

The dashed black line represents the Harman target, a reference frequency response developed based on consumer preferences. The red line represents the measurement of the HD800S. In practice, it shows how much the headphone's frequency response deviates from the target. However, note that the target is highly smoothed, and it is not necessary to strictly adhere to the Harman target for a headphone to sound good.
Bass
The bass quality is what you would expect from a reference headphone. It is clean, tight, well-defined, and responsive. Transient response is sharp but not overly sharp. Decay is fast, and notes do not linger excessively.
Mids
Both male and female vocals perform equally well, and there’s an exceptional sense of clarity in the midrange that effortlessly tackles any instrument it comes across.
Treble
The original HD800 is infamous for its treble peak around 6 kHz, and an ingenious member of the community found a way to tame it (SDR mod). Sennheiser took note of this mod's reception and developed the HD800S to address the treble issue. This can be seen in the frequency response graph: around 6 kHz, there is a slight bump, but it's not a sharp peak. Finally, the treble extension provides an airy and spacious sound.
Harman Research:
The Perception and Measurement of Headphone Sound Quality- What Do Listeners Prefer?