
Audio-Technica Adx3000 vs Sennheiser HD 800: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Adx3000 | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,100 | $1,800 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 58 mm | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | no | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 257 g | 330 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Adx3000
The Audio-Technica ADX3000 is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone focused purely on accurate sound reproduction, with a large 58mm dynamic driver and a balanced connection option. It delivers technically controlled tuning suitable for critical listening, but lacks wireless features, ANC, and water resistance, making it a niche choice for audiophiles rather than everyday users.
- Pro:Accurate and controlled sound reproduction
- Pro:Large 58mm dynamic driver for detailed output
- Pro:Detachable cable with balanced support
- Con:No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Not foldable, limiting portability
Sennheiser HD 800
The Sennheiser HD 800 is a premium open-back headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize an expansive, speaker-like soundstage and exceptional detail retrieval. Its large dynamic drivers and angled transducer placement deliver a wide, airy presentation with precise imaging, though it demands a powerful amplifier to perform at its best. While the price tag is steep, the combination of engineering precision, comfort, and clarity makes it a standout choice for serious listening at home.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and spatial imaging
- Pro:Highly detailed and resolving treble with controlled bass
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a high-power amplifier; not suitable for portable use
- Con:Fully open design offers no noise isolation
- Con:Expensive retail price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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