Is the HiFiMAN Edition X V2 worth the upgrade from the Sennheiser HD 800s?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN Edition X V2 actually scores 6.0 points below the Sennheiser HD 800s, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (9.5 to 8.5). On paper: driver size 56 mm to 80 mm. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes No to No and weight goes 330 g to 399 g. It is at least $575 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.58.5
- Value6.56.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | HD 800s | Edition X V2 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | No | |
| Weight | 330 g | 399 g | |
| Driver size | 56 mm | 80 mm | |
| Driver | 56 mm dynamic | 80 mm planar magnetic | |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz - 51 kHz | 8 Hz - 50 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "HD 800s to Edition X V2". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.