Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX
78Great
$900
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX 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.
Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX
Sound8.0
Value6.0
Sennheiser HD 800
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $900 | $1800 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar magnetic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Impedance | 23 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 440 g | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX
The Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX is a closed-back planar headphone that prioritizes clarity, detail, and technical performance. Its sound is generally neutral-to-bright, with good imaging and an open feel for a closed design, though bass quantity is modest and may require EQ or ample power to shine. Overall, it's a well-engineered option that rewards listeners who value precision and are willing to tailor the sound.
- Pro:Exceptionally low distortion for a closed-back design
- Pro:Open and spacious soundstage for closed headphones
- Pro:Detailed and textured midrange with crisp treble
- Con:Bass is light in stock tuning
- Con:Sub-bass and treble energy may be lacking without EQ
- Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to reach full potential
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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