HiFiMAN Edition X V2 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

Score breakdown

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

Sennheiser HD 800s leads on 2 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN Edition X V2
Sennheiser HD 800s

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

9.5

Value

6.5

Price (USD)

$1,300

$1,870

Specifications

Edition X V2HD 800s

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,300; $1,870
HearWiki score: 82; 88
Released: 2016; 2016
Availability: Discontinued; Discontinued
Driver: 80 mm planar magnetic; 56 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 80 mm; 56 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 50 kHz; 4 Hz - 51 kHz
Sound signature: neutral; neutral-bright
Impedance: 25 Ω; 300 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 101.6 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 102
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 399 g; 330 g
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: -; No
Connector: -; 6.35 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Edition X V2 vs Sennheiser HD 800s
Spec	HiFiMAN Edition X V2	Sennheiser HD 800s
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,300	$1,870
HearWiki score	82 / 100 Great	88 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2016	2016
Audio
Driver	80 mm planar magnetic	56 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	80 mm	56 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 50 kHz	4 Hz - 51 kHz
Sound signature	neutral	neutral-bright
Impedance	25 Ω	300 Ω
Sensitivity	-	101.6 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	102
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	399 g	330 g
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	-	No
Connector	-	6.35 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Edition X V2

These open-back planar headphones deliver a clean, balanced sound with excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage. Their lightweight build and comfortable fit make them suitable for long listening sessions, while the low impedance allows them to be driven easily by portable sources. The tuning is neutral-leaning, offering accurate reproduction across the frequency range without excessive coloration.

Pro:Accurate, neutral tuning with clear treble
Pro:Excellent detail and instrument separation
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear

Con:Expensive price point
Con:Bass extension could be more impactful for some
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lacks isolation

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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