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Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,410Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition
5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 94% of headphones
4.6

Value for money

Value for money
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

3.1

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.3

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 87%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • sennheiser-hd800-s-anniversary-edition
sennheiser-hd800-s-anniversary-edition
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,410
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.3

Calls & Controls

5.2
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

3.1

Price

4.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
56 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 56 mm, larger driver size than 96.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
4 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 4 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
?
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
330 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 330 g, heavier than 87.5% of headphones and equal to 1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
0.3
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 0.3, lower clamp force than 100% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 16 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (56 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    56 mm vs 40 mm
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 31,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.28 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.02 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (0.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    0.3 vs 4.3
  • 16 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    60 mm vs 44 mm
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    70 mm vs 60 mm
  • 4 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (0.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    0.3 vs 4.3
  • 16 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    60 mm vs 44 mm
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    70 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 16 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (56 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    56 mm vs 40 mm
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 31,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.28 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.02 % vs 0.3 %
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 51.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    330 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 15.67x more expensive
    Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,410 vs £90).
    £1,410 vs £90
  • 58.7% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (4.58 vs 7.3).
    4.58 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 15.67x more expensive
    Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,410 vs £90).
    £1,410 vs £90
  • 58.7% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (4.58 vs 7.3).
    4.58 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 51.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    330 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
EFTM
≈ estimated
03/11/2020
Hands-on review · sound quality and listening impressions
Verdict
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has very neutral, detailed and beautiful sound, though the price is not for everyone.
9.5
Robert Wilkie
≈ estimated
29/06/2018
Short review · sound impressions after listening to albums
Verdict
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has clearly better sound than the previous model, and the reviewer considers it fully worth the price.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

musicphotolife.com
28/09/2020
Listening review · Limited edition
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 800 S Anniversary Edition shows wide staging and fine detail, best for classical and vocals, but is unforgiving of poor recordings.
eftm.com
03/11/2020
Listening review · Limited edition
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 800 S Anniversary Edition is light, very comfortable and clear, but its price means it's not for everyone.
robbreport.com
22/10/2020
Listening review · Limited edition
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 800 S Anniversary Edition sounds identical to the standard model, with a new gold look and the same weighty bass and imaging.
musicalhead.de
21/10/2020
Listening test · Limited edition
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 800 S Anniversary Edition is a slight step up from the standard model, with tighter imaging and a touch more mid-bass punch.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition

  • Unrivalled soundstage and imaging, often described as holographic and speaker-like in its width and depth.
  • Exceptional detail retrieval and resolution, making them a top reference for critical and analytical listening.
  • Supremely comfortable for long sessions due to a lightweight 330g design and large, breathable microfiber ear cups.
  • Improved treble response over the original HD800, using absorber technology to reduce the infamous 6kHz peak and sibilance.
  • Excellent build quality with aerospace-grade materials that provide high durability without excess weight.
  • Handcrafted in Germany, with the Anniversary Edition featuring a unique matte gold aesthetic and individual serial numbering.

What customers don't like about Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition

  • Noticeable sub-bass roll-off and lack of 'slam' or punch, which may disappoint fans of EDM, hip-hop, or hard rock.
  • Highly dependent on high-quality amplification and DACs due to 300-ohm impedance; they perform poorly when driven directly by phones or laptops.
  • Open-back design results in zero sound isolation and significant leakage, making them unsuitable for office or public use.
  • Can be brutally unforgiving to poor-quality recordings or compressed audio files due to their analytical nature.
  • The fit can feel a bit loose for some users, potentially sliding if leaning forward, and some find the headband padding insufficient.
  • High cost of entry, which is further increased by the need for expensive secondary equipment to reach full potential.

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 800 S Anniversary Edition is a highly exclusive, open-back dynamic headphone limited to just 750 units worldwide, featuring a unique matte gold colorway and a laser-engraved serial number on its steel-reinforced headband. It utilizes a massive 56mm Ring Radiator transducer system with a 40mm voice coil, delivering a vast frequency response of 4 Hz to 51,000 Hz and an impressively low total harmonic distortion of less than 0.02%. This collector's edition is celebrated for its unmatched soundstage, pinpoint imaging, and a lightweight 330g aerospace-grade plastic construction that ensures exceptional long-term comfort with its handcrafted vegan velour earpads. While it offers reference-class detail and transparency, it requires high-quality amplification to drive its 300-ohm impedance effectively, features proprietary cable connectors that limit aftermarket options, and has an open-back design that leads to significant sound leakage.

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