HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S: Which Flagship?\n

Two open-back flagships, two different ways of presenting music. The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 and the Sennheiser HD 800 S both sit near the top of the audio tree, and both ask for serious money and serious amplification. This head-to-head looks at where they diverge and where they agree, so you can decide which one fits your listening habits.\n\nBoth headphones are wired, open-back designs. Neither has noise cancelling, Bluetooth, or a battery, so the comparison is really about sound, comfort, and what you get for your money.\n\n## Price and positioning\n\nThe HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 costs $1399. The Sennheiser HD 800 S costs $1800. That is a difference of $401, which is not trivial, but both sit firmly in the high-end bracket. You are not buying either on a whim.\n\nThe HE 1000 V2 is a planar magnetic design. It needs a powerful amplifier to deliver its best, and its low impedance means it can be picky about output impedance. The HD 800 S is a dynamic driver headphone with high impedance, which also demands quality amplification. Neither will sound right out of a phone or a laptop.\n\nIn terms of what each asks for, the HE 1000 V2 is slightly cheaper but arguably more demanding in terms of amp matching. The HD 800 S costs more but is a known quantity with a long track record. Both are reference-class tools for critical listening, not casual portable use.\n\n## The scores, side by side\n\nThe HearWiki headline scores are 90/100 for the HE 1000 V2 and 88/100 for the HD 800 S. That is a two-point gap, which is close. In practice, both are exceptional performers, and the difference is unlikely to be audible to most listeners in a blind test.\n\nThe sound sub-scores are identical at 9.5/10 for both. The value sub-scores are also close: 6/10 for the HiFiMAN and 6.5/10 for the Sennheiser. Neither is a bargain, but the HD 800 S edges ahead slightly on value, likely because its higher price is offset by its established reputation and resale stability.\n\nOther sub-scores are not recorded for either model. That includes noise cancelling, battery, and call quality, because neither headphone has those features.\n\n## Sound\n\nBoth headphones deliver a neutral, resolving sound. The HE 1000 V2 is described as highly neutral with excellent tonal accuracy and outstanding detail retrieval. Its soundstage is wide and airy, which suits orchestral and acoustic music. The planar driver gives it a fast, clean transient response, and it handles complex passages without smearing.\n\nThe HD 800 S refines the classic HD 800 formula. It offers exceptional clarity and a very wide, immersive soundstage, perhaps even wider than the HiFiMAN. Its tonal balance is natural and neutral, with a slight emphasis on treble energy that some listeners find fatiguing over long sessions. The HE 1000 V2 is arguably smoother in the treble, but both are highly revealing.\n\nWhere they differ most is in bass presentation. The planar HE 1000 V2 tends to have tighter, more controlled bass. The dynamic HD 800 S has a lighter bass response, which some find more natural and others find too lean. If you listen to electronic or bass-heavy music, the HiFiMAN is the safer choice. For classical and jazz, the Sennheiser's airy presentation is hard to beat.\n\nBoth require a good amplifier. Without one, the HE 1000 V2 can sound thin, and the HD 800 S can sound harsh. With a solid desktop amp, both are reference-grade.\n\n## Noise cancelling and battery\n\nNeither headphone has noise cancelling. Both are open-back, so they leak sound and let outside noise in. That is by design. You should not buy either for a commute or an office.\n\nBattery life is not recorded for either, because neither has a battery. They are wired only. If you want wireless or ANC, look elsewhere, perhaps at our best over-ear guide for alternatives.\n\n## Calls and everyday use\n\nCall quality is not recorded for either headphone. Neither has a built-in microphone, so you would need a separate mic for calls. They are not designed for everyday use in the sense of walking around or taking calls. They are for sitting at a desk, in a quiet room, with a dedicated amplifier.\n\nComfort is a factor. The HD 800 S is famously lightweight and comfortable, with large earcups that suit most head shapes. The HE 1000 V2 is also comfortable but heavier, and its larger frame may not suit smaller heads as well. Both are open-back, so you will hear your surroundings, and your music will be audible to others.\n\nIf you need something for calls or general use, these are the wrong tools. Our best gaming headsets or best wired IEMs lists might be more practical.\n\n## Which one should you buy?\n\nBuy the HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 if you want a slightly lower price, tighter bass, and a smoother treble response. It is the better all-rounder for modern genres and for listeners who want a more forgiving top end. It also scores two points higher on our scale, though that difference is marginal.\n\nBuy the Sennheiser HD 800 S if you value the widest possible soundstage, a proven design with years of user feedback, and a slightly better value score. It is the safer choice for classical and acoustic music, and its lighter weight makes it easier to wear for long sessions.\n\nThere is no clear winner. Both are excellent, and your choice should depend on your music library and your amplifier. If you want to see every spec side by side, check the full comparison table.\n\n## FAQ\n\n### Do I need a headphone amp for the HE 1000 V2 or HD 800 S?\n\nYes. Both headphones have low sensitivity and need a dedicated headphone amplifier to sound their best. A good desktop amp will reveal their full detail and soundstage. Without one, they will sound underwhelming.\n\n### Which headphone has better bass?\n\nThe HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 has tighter and more controlled bass due to its planar driver. The Sennheiser HD 800 S has a lighter bass response that some find more natural. For bass-heavy music, the HiFiMAN is the better choice.\n\n### Are these headphones good for gaming?\n\nBoth have wide soundstages and excellent imaging, which helps in games. However, they are open-back, so they leak sound and let noise in. They also lack a microphone. For gaming, you might prefer a dedicated headset from our best gaming headsets list.\n

By Miles Archer · HearWiki