The bottom line The Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Audiophile Open-Back Headphones are the flagship Sennheiser open-back headphones for critical listening at $1499. The 56mm ring radiator drivers (Sennheiser's largest dynamic driver) deliver extended frequency response from 4 Hz to 51 kHz, the open-back design creates studio-monitor-quality soundstage that closed-back headphones cannot match, the absorber technology eliminates the 6 kHz resonance peak that plagued the original HD 800, the 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated headphone amplifier (not phone-driven), the impeccable German engineering (made in Tullamore Ireland and Wedemark Germany) supports 10+ year longevity, the included 6.3mm and XLR-4 balanced cables work with high-end amplifiers, the 11.6-ounce weight stays comfortable for 8+ hour listening sessions, and the 2-year manufacturer warranty backs quality consistency. The trade is real money and a 300-ohm impedance that requires a dedicated headphone amplifier investment.
Value
At $1499 the Sennheiser HD 800 S are the right open-back reference audiophile headphones in 2026.
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Should you buy the Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Audiophile Open-Back Headphones?
The Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Audiophile Open-Back Headphones are the flagship Sennheiser open-back headphones for critical listening at $1499. The 56mm ring radiator drivers (Sennheiser's largest dynamic driver) deliver extended frequency response from 4 Hz to 51 kHz, the open-back design creates studio-monitor-quality soundstage that closed-back headphones cannot match, the absorber technology eliminates the 6 kHz resonance peak that plagued the original HD 800, the 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated headphone amplifier (not phone-driven), the impeccable German engineering (made in Tullamore Ireland and Wedemark Germany) supports 10+ year longevity, the included 6.3mm and XLR-4 balanced cables work with high-end amplifiers, the 11.6-ounce weight stays comfortable for 8+ hour listening sessions, and the 2-year manufacturer warranty backs quality consistency. The trade is real money and a 300-ohm impedance that requires a dedicated headphone amplifier investment.
Yes for serious audiophiles with a headphone amplifier. The 56mm ring radiator and open-back soundstage deliver studio-monitor reference quality.
📅 Update log
May 13, 2026Added 18-month observations.
Nov 15, 2024Initial review published.
TR
Author
Tom Reeves
Senior Electronics & TV Editor
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that hands-on technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
