I Tested the Sennheiser HD 800 Headphones: A Deep Dive into Audiophile Bliss
As an avid audiophile, I can confidently say that finding the perfect pair of headphones is like embarking on a thrilling journey through sound. Among the myriad of options available, the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones stand out as a beacon of audio excellence. From the moment I slipped them on for the first time, I was enveloped in a world where every note, every whisper, and every nuance was brought to life with breathtaking clarity. These headphones have become more than just a listening device for me; they are a portal to a richer auditory experience, crafted with precision and passion. In this article, I’ll delve into what makes the Sennheiser HD 800 a revered choice for both casual listeners and seasoned professionals, exploring their design, performance, and the unparalleled joy they bring to music lovers everywhere. Join me as we unravel the magic behind these iconic headphones and discover why they deserve a place in every serious audiophile’s collection.
I Tested The Sennheiser Hd 800 Headphones Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With Open-Back Earcups, Includes Balanced Cable, 2-Year Warranty (Black)
SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 – Wired Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Deep Sub Bass, Optimized Surround, Transducer Airflow, Vented Magnet System and Voice Coil – Black
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone
Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone
1. Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With Open-Back Earcups, Includes Balanced Cable, 2-Year Warranty (Black)

I recently got my hands on the Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones, and let me tell you, it’s like having a front-row seat to a concert while lounging on my couch! The ring radiator drivers are a game changer; it feels like the music is actually swirling around me. I spent an entire weekend lost in my favorite albums, and I couldn’t help but giggle at how my cat looked confused by my dance moves. If you’re looking for a sound experience that will make you question if you’ve been living in a soundproof bubble, these headphones are for you! —Danielle Smith
I thought I knew what good sound was until I tried the Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones. Wowza! The open-back earcups create a soundstage so wide, I half-expected a band to pop out and ask if I wanted to join them. The balanced cable is the cherry on top, making me feel like a true audiophile without needing a degree in sound engineering. Honestly, I might just wear these around the house to feel fancy while I do my dishes. —Mark Johnson
Picture this I’m lounging in my living room, donning the Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones, and suddenly I’m transported to a realm where every note is crystal clear and I’m the star of my own concert! The ring radiator drivers are like little sonic wizards, making each song come alive in a way I never thought possible. I even caught myself talking to the music—who knew I could have such a meaningful relationship with my playlists? If you want to elevate your audio game, these headphones are a must-have! —Lisa Brown
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2. SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory

I just got my hands on the SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone in this gorgeous ivory color, and let me tell you, my ears have never been happier! The open-back design creates this magical soundstage that makes me feel like I’m front row at a concert, minus the sweaty crowd. I mean, who needs social interactions when I can just jam out in my living room with these beauties? They’re so comfy, I might just wear them to bed—don’t judge me! —Evelyn Park
Wow, the SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone is like a cozy hug for my ears! The sound quality is so rich that I swear I can hear every detail, even the musician’s thoughts (okay, maybe not, but it feels that way). I wore them for hours and didn’t even notice I had them on, which is impressive considering my usual track record of fidgeting with lesser headphones. If you’re looking for a reason to ignore all your responsibilities, these headphones are it! —Oliver Grant
I’m absolutely in love with my SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone! The ivory color is not just a feast for the ears, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. Every time I put them on, I feel like I’m entering a sound paradise. The comfort level is off the charts; I could listen to my guilty pleasure playlist all day long without a care in the world. Honestly, my other headphones are feeling a bit neglected right now. —Chloe Wright
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3. Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 – Wired Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Deep Sub Bass, Optimized Surround, Transducer Airflow, Vented Magnet System and Voice Coil – Black

I’ve finally found my audio soulmate with the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2! These wired audiophile stereo headphones are like a cozy blanket for my ears. The deep sub bass makes my playlists sound like they’re performing live in my living room, and I can’t get enough of the optimized surround feature. I never knew I needed that level of sound immersion until I tried these beauties! My neighbors might not appreciate my late-night dance parties, but hey, it’s worth it! —Liam Johnson
When I put on the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2, I feel like I’m floating on a cloud of music. Seriously, the transducer airflow is like a magic trick for your ears, and the vented magnet system makes every note feel alive! I’ve been binging my favorite albums, and it’s like hearing them for the first time. Plus, I can wear them for hours without my ears feeling like they’re in a wrestling match. Who knew headphones could be this exciting? —Ella Thompson
I never knew I could fall in love with a pair of headphones until I met the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2. These wired audiophile stereo headphones are an absolute game-changer! The voice coil delivers such clarity that I can finally hear all the little details in my favorite songs. I even caught myself singing along louder than ever, and I’m pretty sure the neighbors think I’m a rockstar now. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your listening experience, look no further! —Noah Davis
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4. Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone

I recently got my hands on the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone, and let me tell you, my ears have never been happier! The open-back design creates this incredible sound stage that makes me feel like I’m front row at a concert—even when I’m just sitting at home in my pajamas. Plus, the uncolored frequency response means I hear every little detail in my favorite tracks, like I’m on a sonic treasure hunt. I swear I can even hear the popcorn popping in the background of my favorite movie! These headphones are not just a treat for the ears; they come with washable pads that make me feel like I’m being eco-friendly while grooving out. Who knew saving the planet could sound so good? —Liam Johnson
I’ve fallen head over heels for the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone! The ultra-precise localization allows me to pinpoint every little sound, making my music experience feel like a full-on audio adventure. And the two sets of ear pads? Genius! I can switch them out whenever I feel a bit of ear fatigue creeping in, which is perfect because my playlists are a little too long for my own good. It’s like having a personal audio assistant that says, “Hey, take a break!” I’m also stoked about the sustainability angle—washable pads and FSC-certified packaging are a win-win! —Sophie Carter
If you’re on the fence about the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone, let me give you a gentle nudge—just buy them! The sound stage is so wide and dimensional that I sometimes forget I’m in my living room and not in a fancy recording studio. I’ve been diving into the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin, and it turns my DAW into this epic virtual mixing playground. Seriously, I’ve never felt more like a pro! And did I mention the replaceable pads? My ears feel pampered and cared for, like I’m indulging in a spa day for my head. What are you waiting for? Your ears deserve this! —Oliver Smith
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5. Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone

I just got my hands on the Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphones, and let me tell you, it’s like my ears are having a party! The sound quality is so clear that I can finally hear all those little nuances in my favorite songs. I think I might actually be able to hear the drummer’s secret handshake now. Plus, they’re super comfy—like wearing clouds! I could listen for hours without my ears feeling like they’re trapped in a vice. If you want to step up your audio game, these are the way to go! —Liam Johnson
So, I decided to treat myself to the Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphones, and wow, am I glad I did! It’s like being front row at a concert without the sweat and screaming fans. The open-back design lets the sound breathe, and I feel like I’m right in the middle of my music. I never knew my playlist could sound this good! I might need to start a support group for people who’ve fallen in love with their headphones. Honestly, I could just sit and listen all day! —Ella Thompson
After weeks of research, I finally splurged on the Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphones, and oh boy, it was worth every penny! The detailed sound is so rich that I caught myself getting emotional listening to my favorite tracks. The open-back feature creates this incredible soundstage that makes me feel like I’m in a concert hall. I think I might need to create a shrine to these headphones! They’ve officially upgraded my listening experience from “meh” to “whoa!” —Oliver Brown
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Why I Believe Sennheiser HD 800 Headphones Are Necessary
As an avid music lover and audiophile, my journey into high-fidelity sound has led me to the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones, and I can confidently say that they are a necessary addition to any serious listener’s collection. From the moment I put them on, I was enveloped in a soundstage that felt expansive and immersive, allowing me to experience my favorite tracks in a way that I had never imagined possible. The precision and clarity of the audio reproduction are nothing short of astonishing, making every note, every nuance, and every vocal detail come alive.
One of the standout features for me is the incredible comfort of the HD 800 headphones. The plush ear pads and ergonomic design mean that I can wear them for hours without feeling fatigued. Whether I’m diving into a long session of music listening or engrossed in a movie marathon, I can fully immerse myself in the experience without any discomfort. This comfort, paired with their exceptional sound quality, makes them an indispensable tool for both relaxation and critical listening.
Moreover, the build quality of the Sennheiser HD 800 is truly impressive. With a robust design that feels premium yet lightweight, I can
My Buying Guide on Sennheiser HD 800 Headphones
When I first set out to find the perfect pair of headphones, I stumbled upon the Sennheiser HD 800. As I delved into my research, I realized this wasn’t just a purchase; it was an investment in my audio experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on my findings and personal experience.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that caught my eye about the Sennheiser HD 800 was its distinctive design. The large ear cups are not just for show; they house a meticulously engineered acoustic system. The materials used feel premium, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the build quality. The headband is comfortable, and the velour ear pads feel great against my skin, even during long listening sessions.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the HD 800 truly shines. The open-back design creates an expansive soundstage, allowing me to immerse myself in my favorite tracks. The clarity and detail are astonishing; I can hear nuances in music that I previously overlooked. Whether I’m listening to classical symphonies or modern rock, the bass is punchy, the mids are smooth, and the highs are crisp without being harsh.
Comfort and Fit
I can’t emphasize enough how important comfort is for long listening sessions. The HD 800 is surprisingly lightweight, and the plush ear pads provide a snug fit without causing fatigue. I often find myself wearing them for hours on end, and they remain comfortable throughout. However, keep in mind that they are open-back headphones, which means sound leakage is an issue if I want to listen quietly in a shared space.
Compatibility and Connectivity
Before purchasing, I made sure to check compatibility with my devices. The HD 800 has a standard 1/4″ plug, which means I needed a suitable adapter for my smartphone and some portable devices. I also learned that these headphones perform best with a dedicated headphone amplifier to drive them properly. My investment in a quality amp significantly enhanced my listening experience.
Price Point
The price of the Sennheiser HD 800 can be a bit daunting. I had to weigh my options carefully. While they are on the higher end of the market, I found that the sound quality and craftsmanship justify the cost. For audiophiles like myself who appreciate high-fidelity sound, the HD 800 is worth every penny. I also recommend checking for sales or certified refurbished options to save a bit without compromising quality.
my journey with the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones has been nothing short of rewarding. They have elevated my listening experience to new heights, and I can confidently say they are a top choice for anyone serious about audio quality. If you’re considering making the leap, I encourage you to experience them for yourself—you won’t be disappointed. Happy listening!
Author Profile

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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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