Great detail. Very authentic. That is all we need to say.

Very detailed sounding headphone that couid use a little more bottom end. Tube amps sound the best with these headphones.

The HD 800 S is very comfortable and feel exactly the same as the old HD 800. The sound stage and imaging are amazing (like before) and Sennheiser (finally) fixed that high peak and added a little more power to the bass. However, I feel that they are still as picky in terms of amp-pairings.

Some things in life you have to build up to. My first headphones some 40 years ago cost ￡10 from Boots. It's not only the price that's incomparable to my latest cans. I demoed these together with the HD800 and a pair of Oppo's that came in at the same price. For me the HD800s was the clear choice.

This might be one of the shortest reviews I ever write, because of how uncomplicated its conclusion is. The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a sterling, wonderful pair of headphones that strikes a near-perfect balance between accuracy and enjoyment.

As detailed as headphones can get; Expansive soundstage; Light for their size; Sennheiser doesn't compromise fun in the pursuit of accuracy

Enormous; Require high-power amplifier; Zero sound isolation; Not for bassheads

The hoopla surrounding the introduction of Sennheiser's original HD 800 headphone in 2009 was monumental because it was such a radical upgrade over the HD 650, the previous Sennheiser flagship. So, we're due for another flagship, but the HD 800 S is more like a reboot. What about a new flagship?

Rebooting a classic; making it better; Hand-crafted in Germany; Smoother sound than the original HD 800

Not as transparent as the very best planar headphones

The new Sennheiser HD 800 S adroitly adresses sonic issues long heard with the HD 800. It tames the piercing 6kHz treble peak, and it provide a nice warming of the bass, overall producing a much better behaved headphone and a more enjoyable listening experience.

We have all wondered why audiophiles spend a sizable chunk of their wages on a good set of headphones; you ask yourself if headphones for that much amount of dosh can really be that good.

KitGuru says: The Sennheiser HD800 S is an update to one of the most iconic headphones released in the last decade. ￡1,199 is a lot of money, but compared to some of the ‘flagship' competition they seem almost bargain basement.

Incredibly detailed; built to the highest standards; smoother and more ‘musical' than the original HD800; well priced; 4 pin XLR cable now included in the box

Easy to drive with almost any amplifier; but correct partnering will unlock their full capabilites

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the company's most expensive headphones you can buy off the shelf. No, we haven't forgotten about the ￡30,000 Sennheisers Orpheus HE1060 , which cost a "small" fortune, but they can't be found on the high street.

Huge sound; HD 800 treble tamed; Very comfortable

Less 'micro detail' than HD 800