Over-Ear
Grado GS1000
78Great
$1195
Full review dataGrado GS1000 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.
Grado GS1000
Sound8.5
Value6.0
Sennheiser HD 800
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Grado GS1000 | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1195 | $1800 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-35kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Grado GS1000
The Grado GS1000 is a premium open-back headphone that prioritizes an expansive, lively, and emotionally immersive sound over neutrality. It delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and a vast soundstage, making it a favorite for audiophiles who value musical character and treble energy. However, its open design leaks sound heavily, it lacks modern conveniences like controls or wireless features, and it demands quality upstream gear to shine.
- Pro:Huge, immersive soundstage
- Pro:Revealing and dynamic treble detail
- Pro:Open, airy presentation with strong clarity
- Con:Severe sound leakage; unsuitable for shared spaces
- Con:No inline controls or wireless support
- Con:Polarizing fit and unconventional styling
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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