HIFIMAN HE1000se vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
Verdict: The Sennheiser HD 800 S takes the edge for reference listening with its wider soundstage and neutral response as measured on Audio Science Review. The HIFIMAN HE1000se offers easier drivability and faster transients but trails in build refinement and long-term comfort. Head-Fi users consistently note the HD 800 S requires a dedicated amp while the HE1000se performs well from mid-tier sources.
Winner: Sennheiser HD 800 S
HIFIMAN HE1000se: 8.2/10
Sennheiser HD 800 S: 8.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| HIFIMAN HE1000se | Sennheiser HD 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic 100mm | Dynamic 56mm |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB | 102 dB |
| Frequency Response | 8 Hz - 65 kHz | 4 Hz - 51 kHz |
HIFIMAN HE1000se
What works
- Low 35 Ω impedance allows easy drive from portable sources
- Planar magnetic drivers deliver fast transient response
- Wide soundstage with precise imaging per Head-Fi measurements
What doesn't
- Heavy 480 g weight causes fatigue during long sessions
- Build quality shows plastic components prone to creaking
Sennheiser HD 800 S
What works
- Exceptional soundstage width from angled drivers
- High 300 Ω impedance benefits from dedicated amplification
- Neutral tonal balance with strong bass extension per ASR
What doesn't
- Requires powerful amp due to high impedance
- Higher price point than many planar alternatives
Bottom line
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800 S.
People also ask
How does focal utopia vs sennheiser hd 800 s compare?
The Focal Utopia uses an 80-ohm beryllium driver while the Sennheiser HD 800 S employs a 300-ohm ring-radiator design. Reviews consistently place the Utopia ahead in resolution and the HD 800 S ahead in soundstage width at roughly half the price.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- Audeze MM-100 vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
- HIFIMAN HE1000se vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Corsair Vengeance DDR5 6400 vs G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5 8000
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
- Dewalt DCD800 20V Max vs Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 20
- Focal Clear Mg vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
- ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 vs TP-Link Archer BE800
- DDR5-6400 CL32 (Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6400) vs DDR5-8000 CL38 (G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-8000)
- Samsung DU8000 65" vs TCL Q6 65"
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs HiFiMAN Arya Organic
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
People also compared
- focal utopia vs sennheiser hd 800 s Headphones
- HIFIMAN HE1000se vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
- Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs HiFiMAN Arya Organic Headphones
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headphones
Affiliate disclosure: GoodPickr may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through partner links on this page. Verdicts are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate relationships.
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons