Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Adx5000
82Great
$2,200
Full review dataAudio-Technica Adx5000 vs Sennheiser HD 800s: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800s comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800s - Outstanding overall at around $1874.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800s
88Outstanding
$1,870
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Adx5000
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Sennheiser HD 800s
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Adx5000 | Sennheiser HD 800s |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2,200 | $1,870 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 58 mm | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 50 kHz | 4 Hz - 51 kHz |
| Impedance | 420 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 101.64 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 270 g | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Adx5000
The Audio-Technica ADX5000 is a high-end open-back flagship that pairs an ultra-light frame with a large 58mm dynamic driver, delivering an airy, transparent sound with strong resolution and an immersive stage. Its demanding 420-ohm impedance and 100 dB sensitivity require quality amplification to shine, and while its tuning has strong subjective appeal, it comes with a few practical compromises. Overall, it's a serious all-rounder for listeners who can match it with the right gear and appreciate its distinctive character.
- Pro:Exceptionally light and comfortable for a flagship
- Pro:Transparent, airy sound with excellent detail retrieval
- Pro:Immersive soundstage and strong midrange technicalities
- Con:Requires powerful, high-quality amplification
- Con:Stock cable is stiff and microphonic
- Con:No balanced cable included
Sennheiser HD 800s
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a premium open-back headphone aimed at audiophiles, delivering a remarkably wide soundstage and a neutral, reference-style tuning that excels at detail retrieval. Its high impedance and sensitivity mean it truly shines with a quality dedicated amplifier, while the included balanced cable adds flexibility for high-end setups. However, its open design leaks sound significantly, and its pricing and lack of bass punch make it a niche choice for serious listeners rather than casual users.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and imaging
- Pro:Detailed, neutral, and articulate sound signature
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform at its best
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Expensive for what it offers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.