Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
88Outstanding
$2865
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 vs Sennheiser HD 800s: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 - Outstanding overall at around $2865.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800s
88Outstanding
$1874
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Sound9.5
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 800s
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 | Sennheiser HD 800s |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2865 | $1874 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | 131.15 mm | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 4Hz-51kHz |
| Sound signature | Neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 101.64 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 420 g | 330 g |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 is a premium planar magnetic headphone offering a neutral, reference-grade sound signature with exceptional clarity and detail. Its large 131mm driver delivers a wide, airy soundstage while maintaining precise imaging, making it a strong choice for critical listening. Despite its high price, it earns top-tier marks for tonal accuracy and technical performance, though it requires a capable amplifier to shine.
- Pro:Excellent neutral tonality with accurate timbre
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Very wide and open soundstage
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Low sensitivity (90dB/mW) demands powerful amplification
- Con:Large ear cups may not suit smaller heads
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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