Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800s
88Outstanding
$1874
Full review dataSennheiser HD 800s vs Sennheiser HE-1: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HE-1 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 95. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HE-1 - Outstanding overall at around $50000.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HE-1
95Outstanding
$50000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sennheiser HD 800s
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Sennheiser HE-1
Sound10.0
Value1.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800s | Sennheiser HE-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1874 | $50000 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 95 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 56 mm | 2.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 4Hz-51kHz | 8Hz-80kHz (-3dB), 4Hz-100kHz (-10dB) |
| Sound signature | - | Harman neutral |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 101.64 dB/mW | 114 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 102 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 330 g | 550 g |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
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
Sennheiser HE-1
The Sennheiser HE-1 is an ultra-premium electrostatic headphone system that delivers an exceptionally transparent and balanced sound, closely matching the Harman target curve. It combines a featherweight electrostatic driver design with a massive frequency extension, offering a level of detail and airiness that is virtually unmatched in the realm of personal audio. While its astronomical price places it in a category of its own, its technical performance sets a benchmark for neutrality and resolution.
- Pro:Reference-grade tonal accuracy with near-perfect Harman neutrality
- Pro:Exceptional transient speed and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Impressively wide frequency response extending beyond human hearing
- Con:Extremely high cost limits accessibility
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier and DAC, adding setup complexity
- Con:Heavier than average at 550g, potentially affecting long-term comfort
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.