Review of the Senheiser HD800S

Rat Fur
After market earpads are readily available. Leather can crack over time.
 
Let us jump into its' forte.
Percussion
Transient attack
Dynamics
Decay
While it is not music it is a demanding test for a hp. The HD800s can exactly locate the door knock. The sound explodes with no overshoot
The decay is perfect with no ringing.
These characteristic translate in drum solos. When the drum stick smacks the drum it is strikingly realistic. The bell is clear as well you know, a bell. There is no smearing. This alone is worth the price of admission

There is little or no fatigue. That depends on the quality of the music. It does not mask faults.
You want to search out your favorite recordings. I tapped my foot along with the music. I wanted to dance. Where appropriate the music started low and built to a cresendo.
The hp head no problem deciphering instruments and voices. They were kept separate and were easily located in space.
I am impressed.
 
Thanks for sharing! I want to know if you have any recommendations for wireless headphones?Like Jlba, JBL, Naenka.
 
Thanks for sharing! I want to know if you have any recommendations for wireless headphones?Like Jlba, JBL, Naenka.
No, thank you. It is a refreshing change of pace to have someone adamantly request a recommendation. A more common experience is a request for silence because I am ignorant. Smile.
I am not an expert. However I am not alone in my belief that the best noise cancelling, bluetooth zheadphone is the SONY WH XM1OOOM4.MSRP $350 USD(Discounts available). It is widely reviewed on you tube. I own it. Enjoy
 
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Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on the 800s with the Diablo.

I was particularly interested in the transients. Very helpful.

May I ask - did you listen to a variety of musical genres - or stick to one predominantly?
 
I have a number of headphones - two sets of STAX electrostatics, Ultrasone Signature Pro ( mainly for tracking whilst recording ), the older Sennheiser HD800 and recently acquired Sony WH XM1000M4. I use the truly excellent SPL PHONITOR 2 with the HD800 and this is my preferred sound overall.

I fully endorse all the positive comments \ attributes assigned to these phones by Gregadd.

Cheers, Kostas.
 
Let us jump into its' forte.
Percussion
Transient attack
Dynamics
Decay
While it is not music it is a demanding test for a hp. The HD800s can exactly locate the door knock. The sound explodes with no overshoot
The decay is perfect with no ringing.
These characteristic translate in drum solos. When the drum stick smacks the drum it is strikingly realistic. The bell is clear as well you know, a bell. There is no smearing. This alone is worth the price of admission

There is little or no fatigue. That depends on the quality of the music. It does not mask faults.
You want to search out your favorite recordings. I tapped my foot along with the music. I wanted to dance. Where appropriate the music started low and built to a cresendo.
The hp head no problem deciphering instruments and voices. They were kept separate and were easily located in space.
I am impressed.
Amazing insights and listening notes! Thanks for taking the time...very interested and actively looking into the HD800S plus the EAR Yoshino HP4 which has been around for many years and potentially available demo/second hand.
 
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Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on the 800s with the Diablo.

I was particularly interested in the transients. Very helpful.

May I ask - did you listen to a variety of musical genres - or stick to one predominantly?
While I am a music omnivore I do have my favorites.
 
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Imaging
The trend seems to a triangular image pattern for hp. Not so much for the 800S. While location of instruments is specific, the sound is diffuse giving it a natural quality. The imaging in binaural can be spooky if the recording calls for it.
Resolution
Detail
Dynamics
It does not resemble a close mic recording, nor is it laid back. On a scale of rows 1-10, it is a row 6 presentation.
There is plenty low level resolution. You can hear guitar players drag their fingers along the strings but not to annoying levels.
Symphony orchestral music is handled well.
Dynamic contrasts are good and it has no trouble when the music gets loud.
Overall performance
You can make your own decision about the price. I think it is good value. The Diablo increases its value making it portable and mobile. Clearly the mkkers did not anticipate that.
The HD800S is both musically enjoyable and reference quality. Distinguishing the quality of recordings is relatively easy.
The HD 800S is what a flagship should be. It is an easy choice if it meets your needs.
Highly recommend.
Oh. I should say a closed back version is available. If you want the signature version you will probably have to go used
 
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Great review! I have read the 820S (closed back version) is only 'ok' in a number of extensive reviews. I myself have compared the 800S to the 820 instore very briefly and was underwhelmed by the 820. In comparison I felt the signal felt 'weaker' than with the 800S which had life, vibrancy. I was quite disappointed actually as I was excited about the 820 being an 800S which no one else could hear but the listener. Based on my 30 minutes, not to be.

That said, I was very enthused by the little time I had with the 800S and am contemplating EAR Yoshino HP4 with it...both 2nd hand as both have been around a long time.

Have you heard any other headphones 'in this league'? And was curious as to how you feel they compare even if not direct side-by-side shoot out...impressions are appreciated!
 
Although at least one reviewer claims the Stax has been bested, they remain my standard. To my knowledge there are two $50k hp systems available. I doubt if I will ever get my hands on one.
The 800s does "bleed"some sound. Most headphones do when played loud. I don't it will annoy the person sitting next to you. The open back design does contribute to the overall ambience.
 
The detachable cables are not marked L & R. I suggest you mark it with a pieces of tape.
 
Although at least one reviewer claims the Stax has been bested, they remain my standard. To my knowledge there are two $50k hp systems available. I doubt if I will ever get my hands on one.
The 800s does "bleed"some sound. Most headphones do when played loud. I don't it will annoy the person sitting next to you. The open back design does contribute to the overall ambience.
Awesome! Thank you very much. Presume you mean the Stax 009?
 
Awesome! Thank you very much. Presume you mean the Stax 009?
Yes. They on my wish list.
Shhhh. Keep it quiet.
 
Your secret is safe with me...and about 2,000 other people reading this! No worries! BTW, if you come across a 2nd hand EAR Yoshino HP4...please let me know!
 
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BTW all is well with Amazon.
 
Thanks.
 
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Imaging
The trend seems to a triangular image pattern for hp. Not so much for the 800S. While location of instruments is specific, the sound is diffuse giving it a natural quality. The imaging in binaural can be spooky if the recording calls for it.
Resolution
Detail
Dynamics
It does not resemble a close mic recording, nor is it laid back. On a scale of rows 1-10, it is a row 6 presentation.
There is plenty low level resolution. You can hear guitar players drag their fingers along the strings but not to annoying levels.
Symphony orchestral music is handled well.
Dynamic contrasts are good and it has no trouble when the music gets loud.
Overall performance
You can make your own decision about the price. I think it is good value. The Diablo increases its value making it portable and mobile. Clearly the mkkers did not anticipate that.
The HD800S is both musically enjoyable and reference quality. Distinguishing the quality of recordings is relatively easy.
The HD 800S is what a flagship should be. It is an easy choice if it meets your needs.
Highly recommend.
Oh. I should say a closed back version is available. If you want the signature version you will probably have to go used
Thank you very much for posting your thoughts. Gives me a great idea. Unfortunately where i live audition is not possible. So its a case of buying secondhand, trying and if they don't work out, on selling. Knowing the Diablo works well with them assists greatly.

I'm also intrigued by the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition.
 
Stay tuned...tube headamp is pending.
 

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