Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800
88Outstanding
$1,800
Full review dataSennheiser HD 800 vs Shure Srh1840: 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
Shure Srh1840
72Good
$620
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sennheiser HD 800
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.5
Shure Srh1840
Sound7.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800 | Shure Srh1840 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,800 | $620 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 56 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 14Hz-44.1kHz | 10Hz-30kHz |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | 65 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 102 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 330 g | 268 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
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
Shure Srh1840
The Shure SRH1840 is a lightweight, open-back dynamic headphone aimed at studio professionals, offering a notably flat and detailed sound signature with a wide soundstage. Its build is solid and drivers are well-matched, but it demands quality amplification due to its moderate impedance and lower sensitivity, and some measurements point to distortion issues that may affect critical listening. Overall, it's a capable tool for mixing and monitoring when paired with the right gear, though not ideal for portable use.
- Pro:Very flat, neutral frequency response
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Expansive soundstage with clear treble
- Con:Higher harmonic distortion at certain frequencies
- Con:Less efficient, needs a good amp
- Con:Not suitable for portable devices
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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