Sennheiser HD800S Review (Headphone)

[Mr Swing King]

DMS doesn’t EQ as far as I’m aware, so it makes sense that he finds the 800 fatiguing. I do as well…but not when it’s properly equalised.
Using either Amir’s or Oratory’s EQ will effectively get rid of the excess energy up top and make the 800 sound completely different to how it is described and reviewed by 99% of reviewers…but it won’t erase all of the stuff you’ve read about the 800 before you actually got it.

 

[Robbo99999]

I think because of my honeymoon period with the headphone I am just listening to volume higher than my usual that is causing the piercing....the % amount of volume differs for this and the IE600..maybe due to the Ohms..and also since I am using EQ. This makes it a bit more complicated since idk the % number exactly to match the volume of the IE600 (just have to use gut feeling)...I am tring lower volumes now, perhaps it's what I like anyway since I usually don't listen loud. This seems to make the piercings less. Playing with EQ as well. Now I am putting 2-2.25 on band 5 and +1 on band 2 (bass), I don't wanna deviate too far from original EQ if possible..

@Mr Swing King I did not even know this headphone was bright...review just say it's slightly bright..so it was never on my mind, which is why I am so surprised...I was considering dt 1990..and yes for DT 1990 everybody says it is "bright af" as you described, but not this one.

Altho there is one new issue..Fatigue.. I never believed it when I read people say they get fatigue due to some headphones..unless the headphone is not comfortable. If it's comfortable and you get fatigue? seems like nonsense to me until I have this 800S.... How can it be comfortable and you get "tired/fatigue" listening to it? Again, feels like nonsense to me..

it seems the dreaded fatigue is there....I think this is the first time I experience it (which is why I never believe it actually exists maybe?). No noticeable fatigue on IE600, but IE600 is not comfortable for my ears sometimes (itchy ears or not comfortable etc), but I still wear them for long time when nothing else is available. These audiophile terms are new to me...but it seems it is there...Even DMS on youtube says he can never listen to 800S more than 2 hours...the fatigue kicks in...I hope it's placebo..

Or is the fatigue because on IE600 I use the creative software profile like boosted bass and crystalizer etc...and not here..here I am using peace EQ only..I am not sure...hmm.

Heard some people say highs is what causes fatigue in headphones..some say mids as well.

On the comfort part it's comfortable and good (which is a very important thing to me).....so yeah feel hesitant to return it (if I even can...tear a bit part of the box..). Comfortable but then this new factor "fatigue" comes in (hard to use it if it really causes me fatigue even if it's comfortable..if it's not placebo that is....Weird, never thought it can be "fatiguing" that so I never paid much attention to it when people say it (some headphones) can cause "fatigue".

Altho maybe lower volume can fix this, that's what some people say (at some point maybe even EQ can help reduce it). I'll see what I can do abt it..or maybe it's just this game I am playing causing audio fatigue...hesitant to return it due to the great comfort mainly (big earcups is good too!). Maybe a part of me still holding on to a headphone this expensive cannot have this flaw of fatigue, at least not too much?. Wish me luck guys!

Just keep trying to find the frequency response area that is causing the problem. Maybe it's Band 5 or maybe it's not Band 5, although you think it probably is. Not everyone likes the same 2kHz values as everyone else, there can be some natural deviation there, which might be why you turned down that area so much. Just be logical about it & try one thing at a time to work out for sure where the piercing & fatigue is coming from.

 

[Razif]

I use lower volumes now (my listening volume is lower than the average person I think, base on readings on the internet, but not 100% sure of course, maybe they have worse AMP than mine or some other factors). Maybe it's my honeymoon period or being conditioned by what I see on the internet to use higher system volume and all, perhaps this is the reason for the piercing and fatigue.

On the EQ,I turned it up again on band 5, I don't want to deviate too much from the original amount whenever possible (as @Chagall advise too)...now use 2.1-2.5 on band 5 (from 3.8) . I also play with the bass a bit (band 2 give it 5.5, +1 from original), and then band 9 I make it 0.3 (-0.7 from original).

With this lower volume and adjusts to EQ, I think the fatigue is gone (need more hours of testings to be 100% sure tho). It seems I got the volume I am comfortable with (35% with the -7.5 preamp), not too loud but not too low as well. Maybe can try testing 38% as well later...but I think that will be the max.

And the comfort...the earcups size and material, clamping force, breathability etc is all very good. Another key thing it fits nicely with my glasses (perhaps since the clamping is great, not hard but not too lose for my liking too). Which is my I am very hesitant to return it. Cause the next headphone I get might not get these good features.

Thank you all of you for your patience. I really feel welcomed here even tho I am new. Thanks again. I think will be happy with this headphone.

 

[staticV3]

I try many times to understand how to do it with normal APO without peace, still can't do it. It's so complex, peace make it simpler.

Here's how to load a PEQ preset into Equalizer APO:

 

[gilency]

So I went to CanJam today and listened to to a ton of phones including Calderas, HE 1k Stealth and 1000 unveiled ( found both very fatiguing), LCDX and 5, Abyss, Heddphone and Focal Utopia and kept going back to the HD800S. Other than the DCA Stealth and E3 I loved the HD 800S and that is without equalization. I must be nuts. Now I’m looking into getting me a pair.

 

[gorman]

So I went to CanJam today and listened to to a ton of phones including Calderas, HE 1k Stealth and 1000 unveiled ( found both very fatiguing), LCDX and 5, Abyss, Heddphone and Focal Utopia and kept going back to the HD800S. Other than the DCA Stealth and E3 I loved the HD 800S and that is without equalization. I must be nuts. Now I’m looking into getting me a pair.

Considering the second hand market, for both HD800 and HD800S, I think noting touches these, on the high end side, as far as money for value is concerned.
Apart from HD800, I use Focal Clear MG.

 

[Mort]

Considering the second hand market, for both HD800 and HD800S, I think noting touches these, on the high end side, as far as money for value is concerned.
Apart from HD800, I use Focal Clear MG.

Just got a pair of used 800s for $750. Hope they are in good shape. Eager to try them.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Just got a pair of used 800s for $750. Hope they are in good shape. Eager to try them.

They will amaze you

 

[Mort]

I have Philharmonic Audio speakers that feature wide directivity. One of the benefits is a potentially more detailed soundstage.

The 800s also features a detailed soundstage. How does it do that? Do we talk about 'directivity' with headphones?

 

[Pearljam5000]

I have Philharmonic Audio speakers that feature wide directivity. One of the benefits is a potentially more detailed soundstage.

The 800s also features a detailed soundstage. How does it do that? Do we talk about 'directivity' with headphones?

From what I understand it's because of the angled drivers
But not sure

 

[A Surfer]

I loved the HD800S. I had the joy of driving them with very nice solid state and tube amps. I would have wanted more bass to be fair, but despite that I would gladly buy this headphone again, however, I just don't use headphones any longer.

 

[Robbo99999]

So I went to CanJam today and listened to to a ton of phones including Calderas, HE 1k Stealth and 1000 unveiled ( found both very fatiguing), LCDX and 5, Abyss, Heddphone and Focal Utopia and kept going back to the HD800S. Other than the DCA Stealth and E3 I loved the HD 800S and that is without equalization. I must be nuts. Now I’m looking into getting me a pair.

Ha, if you're talking about "fatiguing" and you liked the stock HD800s that is pretty insane! Ha, although I typed that a tad too fast, I'm going on my experience with HD800 which has a bigger treble peak than HD800s (but still).

 

[gilency]

I really wanted to like the HE1000 stealth but had a hard time with the highs. Surprisingly the highs with the 800S were not bad for me. Btw I found the 660s very boring. I have listened to the 600 and 650 before and never liked them. I will definitely look for a used 800S.

 

[Robbo99999]

I really wanted to like the HE1000 stealth but had a hard time with the highs. Surprisingly the highs with the 800S were not bad for me. Btw I found the 660s very boring. I have listened to the 600 and 650 before and never liked them. I will definitely look for a used 800S.

HE1000 Stealth is a little bit peaky too according to Oratory's measurement. It's worth experimenting with EQ though if you've not tried it, as stock frequency response in headphones is pretty limiting. I've got HD800 which I use with EQ, it's good once you've got the EQ sorted out, but expensive for what it offers, and the bass will never be totally optimal vs some other headphones that don't cost anywhere near as much.

 

[gilency]

Which of the two do you prefer

 

[Robbo99999]

Which of the two do you prefer

I don't have the HE1000 Stealth. At the moment I'm finding HE400SE with an EQ I did to Harman Curve from an Oratory measurement as the most balanced/accurate headphone experience I've had thus far. I own a fair few headphones though. HD600 was good at stock or with a 3dB bass boost under 75Hz, although soundstage and imaging was poor I found. HD560s is a very good experience with the correct EQ, good imaging & good soundstage as well as good bass performance. K702 is very good experience with right EQ, good imaging & very good soundstage, bass is OK. NAD HP50 closed back is difficult to wear & get sitting correctly but is good on all fronts with Oratory EQ, but probably lacks some treble sparkle from what I remember. HE4XX was very good with Oratory EQ, especially bass, but seemed to lack detail & nuance in the music, probably some treble variations. HD800 with HD800s pads (with my custom "Harman EQ") is good in the treble and good at providing that detail & nuance in the music, along with soundstage & imaging, but bass lacks definition and presence, and overall tonality doesn't seem totally balanced or spot on - part of this is I think because that pads have changed on HD800 and now only HD800s pads are available (which are indeed the ones that Sennheiser now advertise as replacement HD800 pads) - which makes the Oratory EQ less valid; Oratory said that the variation is minimal re HD800 with HD800s pads but I'm not sure about that, but anyway I've noticed that some headphones seem to have more sensible accurate tonality than others when EQ'd to Harman through Oratory EQ's, so far round cup Hifiman Oratory EQ's seem to be the most overall tonally accurate Oratory EQ's for some reason - so the HE4XX and HE400SE, which is either down to perhaps smaller unit to unit variation or maybe smaller on head variation between different people with these round cup Hifimans, or maybe something else unknown re Oratory EQ's and these (perhaps types of) models.

 

[FrantzM]

I don't have the HE1000 Stealth. At the moment I'm finding HE400SE with an EQ I did to Harman Curve from an Oratory measurement as the most balanced/accurate headphone experience I've had thus far. I own a fair few headphones though. HD600 was good at stock or with a 3dB bass boost under 75Hz, although soundstage and imaging was poor I found. HD560s is a very good experience with the correct EQ, good imaging & good soundstage as well as good bass performance. K702 is very good experience with right EQ, good imaging & very good soundstage, bass is OK. NAD HP50 closed back is difficult to wear & get sitting correctly but is good on all fronts with Oratory EQ, but probably lacks some treble sparkle from what I remember. HE4XX was very good with Oratory EQ, especially bass, but seemed to lack detail & nuance in the music, probably some treble variations. HD800 with HD800s pads (with my custom "Harman EQ") is good in the treble and good at providing that detail & nuance in the music, along with soundstage & imaging, but bass lacks definition and presence, and overall tonality doesn't seem totally balanced or spot on - part of this is I think because that pads have changed on HD800 and now only HD800s pads are available (which are indeed the ones that Sennheiser now advertise as replacement HD800 pads) - which makes the Oratory EQ less valid; Oratory said that the variation is minimal re HD800 with HD800s pads but I'm not sure about that, but anyway I've noticed that some headphones seem to have more sensible accurate tonality than others when EQ'd to Harman through Oratory EQ's, so far round cup Hifiman Oratory EQ's seem to be the most overall tonally accurate Oratory EQ's for some reason - so the HE4XX and HE400SE, which is either down to perhaps smaller unit to unit variation or maybe smaller on head variation between different people with these round cup Hifimans, or maybe something else unknown re Oratory EQ's and these (perhaps types of) models.

Hi

I am quite satisfied with my HiFiam HE-6SEv2, mostly @oratory1990 EQ, sometimes @crinacle. It is a singular experience to listen to. The entire spectrum is pristine but the bass with EQ, is special, spectacular. akin to having a well integrated subwoofer on your head... It is a heavy headphones lacking greatly in ergonomics and build quality. It looks cheap, feels cheap... the pleather flakes as any cheap headphones poorly constructed does ... IOW it doesn't take long for that to happen.

I am very intrigued by what I read about the Senn 800s.. mostly the comfort. durability and the special "Spatial" qualities. I am however bothered by the THD from the 800s.., especially in the bass. WOuld it match the overall excellence of reproduction of the HE6SEv2? which by the way provides excellent spatial clues... Would the 800s be better? I do not have any way to seriously audition it, thus my questions. Sunjective opinions are welcome. This would be a serious expense with the 800s hovering around $1600,,,

Peace.

 

[Mort]

I just got mine. The 800s is a very different form factor from any other's I've used. My wife loves it, I'm not so sure.

The spatial effects are not as exaggerated as I expected. Nice though, and distinct again from other headphones.

I didn't think you can really say 'better' than other headphones because they are very different.

 

[Robbo99999]

Hi

I am quite satisfied with my HiFiam HE-6SEv2, mostly @oratory1990 EQ, sometimes @crinacle. It is a singular experience to listen to. The entire spectrum is pristine but the bass with EQ, is special, spectacular. akin to having a well integrated subwoofer on your head... It is a heavy headphones lacking greatly in ergonomics and build quality. It looks cheap, feels cheap... the pleather flakes as any cheap headphones poorly constructed does ... IOW it doesn't take long for that to happen.

I am very intrigued by what I read about the Senn 800s.. mostly the comfort. durability and the special "Spatial" qualities. I am however bothered by the THD from the 800s.., especially in the bass. WOuld it match the overall excellence of reproduction of the HE6SEv2? which by the way provides excellent spatial clues... Would the 800s be better? I do not have any way to seriously audition it, thus my questions. Sunjective opinions are welcome. This would be a serious expense with the 800s hovering around $1600,,,

Peace.

I think you'd be dissapointed by the lack of bass impact (after EQ of course) on the HD800/HD800s. It seems to me the Oratory EQ's are tonally nailed for the round cup Hifiman's albeit I only have my own experience on HE4XX and HE400SE (vs my other headphones). I find spatial qualities on HE400SE good, and I assume they'd be similar on your round cup Hifiman's too. Soundstage maybe a bit larger on HD800 but I don't think it's gonna be as a complete experience as your EQ'd Hifiman HE-6SEv2. I'm expecting overall tonality and bass impact to be better & more accurate on your EQ'd Hifiman vs HD800(s) Oratory. HE6SE looks pretty smooth in the treble from measurements - ASR & Oratory so I think it has good potential for getting all the detail & nuance out of the music. I don't think it's gonna be worth it for you.

 

[Brian Hall]

I just got mine. The 800s is a very different form factor from any other's I've used. My wife loves it, I'm not so sure.

The spatial effects are not as exaggerated as I expected. Nice though, and distinct again from other headphones.

I didn't think you can really say 'better' than other headphones because they are very different.

But they really are better than other headphones.