
Sennheiser HD 800s vs Ultrasone Edition 8: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Sennheiser HD 800s vs Ultrasone Edition 8, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800s | Ultrasone Edition 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1874 | $1199 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2016 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm titanium-plated tri-bass tube driver |
| Driver size | 56 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 4Hz-51kHz | 6Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101.64 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 102 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 330 g | 260 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| 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
Ultrasone Edition 8
The Ultrasone Edition 8 is a premium closed-back headphone with a 40mm titanium-plated driver and proprietary S-Logic tech, delivering a notably expansive soundstage for a closed design. Its build features a striking ruthenium finish and plush sheepskin earpads, making it both a visual and comfort standout. With a balanced, clear signature and strong bass presence from the tri-bass tube, it suits critical listening across genres, though its high price targets serious enthusiasts.
- Pro:Impressively wide and airy soundstage for a closed-back model
- Pro:Rich, well-defined bass with clear mids and treble
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable with premium leather padding
- Con:Very expensive for the performance offered
- Con:High sensitivity may reveal noise from weaker sources
- Con:Some may find the clamping force slightly firm initially
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.