Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800s
88Outstanding
$1,870
Full review dataSennheiser HD 800s vs Shanling Hw600: 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
Shanling Hw600
82Great
$1,100
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
Shanling Hw600
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800s | Shanling Hw600 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,870 | $1,100 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2016 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 56 mm | 110 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 4Hz-51kHz | 12Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101.64 dB/mW | 104 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 102 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 330 g | 480 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | 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
Shanling Hw600
The Shanling HW600 is a premium open-back planar headphone that delivers a detailed, energetic sound with a clear focus on vocal clarity. Its large 110mm driver and high sensitivity make it surprisingly easy to drive for a planar, though the soundstage feels a bit confined and the accessory kit is sparse. Overall, it's a strong first entry into the high-end headphone space for Shanling, appealing to those who prioritize resolution and midrange purity.
- Pro:Easy to drive for a planar
- Pro:Excellent vocal and midrange detail
- Pro:Open, energetic sound signature
- Con:Soundstage is somewhat limited
- Con:Minimal included accessories
- Con:Bass response can be uneven
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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