Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones are they still the King of Soundstage for the money in 2023?

Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones are they still the King of Soundstage for the money in 2023?
HD800s: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Sennheiser HD660s2: thesourceav.com/products/senn...
Sennheiser HD600: thesourceav.com/products/senn...
Sennheiser HD650: thesourceav.com/products/senn...
Sennheiser HD600 vs. HD660s vs. HD650 Which headphones are best for you? Video: • Sennheiser HD600 vs H...
Trade UP program for your old audio gear! thesourceav.com/pages/trade-u...
In no particular order, here are some other headphones and audio gear.
Woo Audio WA2: thesourceav.com/products/woo-...
Woo Audio WA2SE 2ndGen: thesourceav.com/products/woo-...
Woo Audio WA5 2ndGen: thesourceav.com/products/woo-...
Woo Audio WA7 Fireflies 3rdGen: thesourceav.com/products/woo-...
Woo Audio WA33: thesourceav.com/products/woo-...
Woo Audio Wa6 2nd Gen: thesourceav.com/products/woo-...
Woo Audio WA23 Luna: thesourceav.com/products/woo-...
McIntosh MHA200: thesourceav.com/products/mcin...
ARC I/50: thesourceav.com/products/audi...
Chord TT2: thesourceav.com/collections/d...
Chord Hugo2: thesourceav.com/collections/d...
Chord 2go: thesourceav.com/products/chor...
Chord Qutest: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
Yulong Audio DA1 w/Power: thesourceav.com/products/yulo...
ampsandsound Nautilus: thesourceav.com/products/naut...
GSX Mini Head Amp: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Headphones and Speakers:
Meze Elite: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
DCA Expanse: thesourceav.com/products/dan-...
Focal Bathys Wireless HiFi Headphones: thesourceav.com/products/foca...
Focal Utopia 2022: thesourceav.com/products/foca...
Meze 109 Pro: thesourceav.com/products/meze...
RAAL Vari Mode Tube Amp:
thesourceav.com/products/raal...
RAAL CA-1 Ribbon Headphones:
thesourceav.com/products/raal...
REL T9/x Subwoofer: thesourceav.com/products/rel-...
Meze Empyrean:
thesourceav.com/collections/h...
The HEDDphone: thesourceav.com/products/hedd...
Meze LIRIC: thesourceav.com/collections/h... Audeze
LCD-4z: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Audeze CRBN: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Audeze MM-500 Headphones: thesourceav.com/products/aude...
Audeze LCD-X: thesourceav.com/products/aude...
Audeze LCD-X Premium Package: thesourceav.com/products/aude... thesourceav.com/collections/p...
Audeze LCD-2: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
Sennheiser: HD560S thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Focal Utopia: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
FocalStellia : thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Focal Clear MG: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
Focal Celestee: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
Cables and Power conditioners for speakers, subs, and interconnects:
Clarus Cables and Power Conditioners Product Page
thesourceav.com/search?type=p...
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[@OrcaSpace]

Mine are coming tomorrow. Cannot wait!

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Congrats!

[@criptocolorlightstech5292]

did u try the hd 800s while playing call of duty while having the them plugged in strait to your ps5 controller? if so let me know how did they sound to u?

[@Nephilim-81]

I absolutely agree. When it comes to width (like speaker placement) it is incredible. I love that we are talking about the HD 800 over 10 years since it was made. That really says something. The test of time. ❤

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

🙌🔥❤️

[@Nephilim-81]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup thank you again for making the video, my friend. A terrific tribute to an incredible piece of German engineering. :)

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you for watching and for your ongoing support!

[@jazzpianoman01]

I have the original HD800 which lives up to its reputation with some of the best sound I’ve ever heard.

[@jazzpianoman01]

Yes HD800 is a piece of engineering, I think they came out 2009?

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Thank you for this review! Your knowledge, positivity and charisma make your reviews enjoyable to watch. I have sold the HD800S two times bought it three times! It is my favorite headphone even when owning LCD-5. I like using RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE as a DAC with some EQ and cross feed going to the HDV 820 with the HD800S. I have not tried tube amplifiers… the closer to that sound has been pairing it with the Sony TA-ZH1ES and it is a nice pairing as well.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you, @Jose Luis Hernandez we appreciate your kind words and support!!

[@aceofspades6667]

Love my HD800s.. Have several HPs more expensive and more technically capable these just do a few special things that others don't. The comfort, the stage, and the tone on tube amps is quite great as these do scale well.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

🙌❤️

[@chungang7037]

But is it soundstage or soundstage coupled with insane imaging? The imaging and separation is so defined I think it gives the impression that the soundstage is wider than it is, along with a 3D effect. Either way, I love them for some music that was recorded well as the imaging can reproduce detail you won't hear on other cans in this price range, though for some recordings it can be almost too much, or even unnatural, as instruments are imaged and spaced out so much it can actually be distracting, and obviously not what any recording artist would want you to be noticing really in the music. But it is fun!

[@jazzpianoman01]

Great review

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you!

[@Nephilim-81]

So I have had the original Sennheiser HD 800 since 2012 and my favorite and best amp to pair with them is definitely the Woo Audio WA 22 with upgraded tubes. ❤ Tubes in general are magic with the HD 800. 😊

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

🙌❤️

[@jazzpianoman01]

I have the original HD800 and it has some of the best sound I’ve ever heard.

[@utubesucks2003]

Bro I can't find a stereo adapter for these anywhere! I'm coming to your store tomorrow I hope you have it!

[@LMPS5]

I got mine brand new at the worst times for tourism and sales for around 1100USD its a steal for me

[@SonGokuhSSJ]

In my opinion the HD800S is the best value proposition next to the HD 6x0 series. With an OTL tube amp, the HD800S hits way above its price point. I find it just as enjoyable as the ZMF Atrium and Verite on tubes. The scalability of it is really quite amazing.

[@altkev]

What's a good tube amp to get? Ideally < $800

[@SonGokuhSSJ]

Some good ones are the bottle head crack, hagerman tuba, Schiit Valhalla, and Feliks Echo. Quicksilver tube amps can be had for about 900 on the used marketplace which is a bit out of your price range but they compete with the amps in the 1-2k range.

[@a2raya772]

lol best value? $3000 aud. compared to Hifiman Arya that are almost $700 usd cheaper. dont think so

[@SonGokuhSSJ]

@@a2raya772 I am not familiar with the AUD prices but the difference between the two in USA is only about $300 both new and used markets. The Arya may be a better proposition purely value wise and if all you want is one headphone then it might be the best option but the HD800s upgrades with your gear and has some very unique strengths that make people hold onto it even if they already own other high end headphones.

[@ekortelainen]

​@@a2raya772 Arya lacks the resolution and clarity when compared to HD800S. I had HE1000V2 Stealth, which I sold, because it didn't sound as refined as my HD800S. I've also heard Arya, Arya Stealth and Arya Organic. Sure, they're engaging to listen to, especially the Organic. But none of those headphones have the clarity, resolution, detail and the refinement of HD800S. You're making a great point that Aryas are $700 cheaper, for that price it's propably better value headphone, and from there it's definitely diminishing returns, but if we ignore the price. I believe HD800S is the better headphone. Of course people like different things, but for my music taste, there is nothing that beats HD800S.

[@brucena5696]

hi, Thanks for the review. Is your model made in Germany or Ireland?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

My personal pair are Made in Germany.

[@mathieuleduc7028]

Any one can save a eq for the hd800s

[@EvLTimE]

Even I have Arya Stealth. I am interested hd800s. I own hd560s from Sens and with akm dac it really enjoyable. So i am thinking is it worth to buy?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

It really depends on your preferences, if you watched the entire video then you have a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the HD800s and if you do and are still interested then I would say yes it's worth it. I love my pair and wouldn't part with them. If you decide to grab a pair please show your support for our channel and purchase here: thesourceav.com/products/sennheiser-hd-800-s?variant=41237432402076

[@mathieuleduc7028]

Nice video

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you!!!

[@paulhunter6652]

Love the 800S for classical and jazz but they fail with rock being thin on bass. I’m conflicted on research as to building a headphone system and get a better amp/DAC or another set of headphones or both.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Could be a both situation. For me I will always keep the 800s and love it off tube amps especially the thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa22-2nd-gen or thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa8-eclipse-black if you are looking for more bass.

[@paulhunter6652]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup Thanks

[@HiFiInsider]

HD800 is still very good by today's standards.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

🙌❤️

[@Nephilim-81]

You know it, M.L ! :)

[@philipp594]

Do these still include the usb stick with the measurements and the voucher for the balanced cable?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Good questions, reach out to Wayne at the store tomorrow via the phone or our website and he can find out for you.

[@bukursglass6990]

Can you recommend me a fav and amp to pair the HD 800s with? I am new to audio phile stuff , but I want the most realistic gaming experience and everything I’ve researched points to these, they just don’t say what to pair it with

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

For console or desktop gaming?

[@bukursglass6990]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup thank you so much for the reply!! Specifically desktop gaming on a pc

[@kentbergstrom3020]

I have a hard time understanding that anyone would want better headphones than the 800s, especially after using them with proper equipment, for me they are the end of the game.

[@heeku_]

would u use the 800s (maybe with EQ) if you listen to pop and vocals mostly? or u wouldnt pick the 800s for this purpose at all?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Definitely with EQ or a warmer leaning tube amp that can take a bit of the edge off. Or maybe the 660s2 if you want to stay in the Sennheiser family.

[@heeku_]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup gotcha. i guess ill be strong and skip them instead of re-purchasing them, and go with one HP that'd just match my genres better (commented on ur mg pro video) thanks a lot, love ur taste.

[@andycooper957]

What headphone stand is this?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Grumpy Goose

[@TheBebe666]

Damn...these with Dekoni hybrid pads... 🥰🥰🥰

[@uwemariansteinke972]

what are your favorite headphones for heavy metal?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

As of right now, I don't have a personal favorite for metal, but I am on the hunt for the ultimate Metal headphone. Do you have a favorite?

[@uwemariansteinke972]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup dt 1990 beyerdynamic...denon ahd 5200...hifiman he 500... sennheiser hd 25

[@soulfulfool]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup Erzetich Phobos v2021 with ZMF lambskin pads, preferably with some class A JFET amp 👌 (well I will try more ZMF pads in the future maybe they can get even better) flat elevated mid range with spot on highs that create detailed sound stage, usually Im ZMF fan boy but those planars are something else 👍

[@markmark8895]

Thin, lean and bright….but great soundstage! No thanks

[@a2raya772]

from what i read and other reviews, Hifiman Arya Organic beat this in every way and much cheaper..

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

It's all about preference.

[@a2raya772]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup no such thing as preference when its about facts. those kinda people are just being fanboys and not admitting it. Arya Organic hands down is allot better. in detail, bass response, and im pretty sure even in sound stage it matches it.

[@soulfulfool]

not really that much cheaper

[@a2raya772]

@@soulfulfool about $300-400 usd cheaper. pls stop defending Senn and their overpriced headphones

[@soulfulfool]

@@a2raya772 In my country Arya organic is only 100$ cheaper so yea not much. Im not defending hd800s and I never wanted it so stop crying 🤣 I would also prefer Arya

[@freddycely9580]

Hd800s bass is not a weak point of the sound. Is your music taste. Hd800s can reproduce the more complex music forms better than any other headphone period. If you enjoy music with only 4 sounds, simple harmonies and articulations, a deep bass and a singer on the very top of everything, the hd800s still not the problem.your taste or music knowledge Is the proem, and the engineers at sennheiser know that.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

🤣🤣🤣

[@soulfulfool]

🤣🤣 dude truth is harsh but those are not the best headphones in the world

[@TheBebe666]

I had purchased these 3 times ( 3rd time just week ago) . First one was stolen from the house when i was living in Ireland 6 years ago , together with many other headphones and amps. Second one 3 years ago ( those i have damaged - unfixable) ...I hope this one will last longer.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

We hope so too