Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic T1 3rd
84Great
$905
Full review dataBeyerdynamic T1 3rd 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.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800 - Outstanding overall at around $1800.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800
88Outstanding
$1800
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Beyerdynamic T1 3rd
Sound9.0
Value6.0
Sennheiser HD 800
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic T1 3rd | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $905 | $1800 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-50kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 360 g | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic T1 3rd
The Beyerdynamic T1 3rd Generation is a premium open-back headphone that blends a warm, bass-forward sound with clear mids and controlled highs. Its lower 32-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from portable devices, while the comfortable build and detachable cable add everyday convenience. This model refines the earlier version's performance and usability, making it a strong contender for audiophiles seeking detail without requiring a dedicated amplifier.
- Pro:Warm, engaging sound with rich bass and smooth treble
- Pro:Easy to drive from phones, laptops, or low-power sources
- Pro:Excellent comfort for long listening sessions
- Con:High price may not suit budget-conscious buyers
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Bass-forward tuning may not appeal to purists seeking neutrality
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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