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Erzetich Air 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.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Erzetich Air
Sound6.0
Value3.0
Sennheiser HD 800s
Sound9.5
Value6.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Erzetich Air vs Sennheiser HD 800s
SpecErzetich AirSennheiser HD 800s
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$3,260$1,870
HearWiki score55 / 100 · Average88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20202016
Audio
DriverPlanar magneticdynamic
Driver size-56 mm
Drivers per side-2
Frequency response-4Hz-51kHz
Impedance43 Ω300 Ω
Sensitivity-101.64 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)-102
Wireless
Multipoint pairing-No
Features
Active noise cancelling-No
Design
Weight740 g330 g
USB-C-No
Balanced connection-Yes
Model codeCharybdis-

What reviewers said

Erzetich Air

The Erzetich Air is a high-end planar magnetic over-ear headphone priced around $3260, designed for wired listening without active noise cancellation. It features a 43-ohm impedance and a substantial 740-gram build, suggesting a focus on audiophile-grade sound quality rather than portability or convenience.

  • Pro:Planar magnetic drivers offer detailed, low-distortion sound
  • Pro:High-end price point reflects premium materials and construction
  • Pro:Wired design ensures consistent, lossless audio transmission
  • Con:Heavy 740-gram weight may cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Con:No active noise cancellation limits use in noisy environments
  • Con:Expensive for most consumers, targeting niche audiophiles only

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.

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