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

Ancillaries used during testing Source/s: Mac Mini, MacBook Air, iPod Touch Software: Mac OS 10.11.4, Audirvana Plus 2.5.3, iTunes 12.3.3 DAC/s: Arcam irDAC-II, Schiit Bifrost 4490, Schiit Gungnir MB, MacBook Air (onboard), iPod Touch (onboard) Amplifier/s: Arcam irDAC-II, Schiit Mjolnir 2, Yamaha...

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

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.

After much research and many demo's I've settled on the HD800S. The headphone is refined and as well made as you would expect from Sennheiser.

HD800S is probably the last headphone you'll need after you get one - especially if you're able to use open back headphones. I would love to get one for myself but I can only listen to an open back headphone at limited times of the day and HD800S requires quite a strong amplification to be driven...

Phenomenal and balanced nonfatiguing sound; super comfortable; very light; great unboxing experience

Materials could've been much more befitting of the premium price; cables causes worry when detaching

You may remember something I wrote here seven years ago: "These are the single greatest headphones in the history of the world." I was writing about the new Sennheiser HD800 headphones, which caused enormous excitement in headphone circles. They pushed the limits in multiple dimensions.

Stuck a great headphone I sold my house and bought it and with this headphone I can everyone's voice in the world Damn awesome you can even hear the voice of the dead

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

Could do with fractionally more lateral movement for the Earpads Even allowing for the recent swell in what constitutes high-end headphone pricing,...

Simply astonishing sound quality; Comfortable; Extremely well made

Biblical noise leakage; Won't flatter poor material; Could do with fractionally more lateral movement for the Earpads