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fullspecs

Sennheiser HD 820 vs Sennheiser HD 800S

Best For

Best for Critical Listening
Sennheiser HD 800S
Best Closed-Back Design
Sennheiser HD 820
Wider Frequency Response
Sennheiser HD 800S
Better Sound Isolation
Sennheiser HD 820
Best for Spacious Soundstage
Sennheiser HD 800S

The Sennheiser HD 800S and Sennheiser HD 820 are premium wired audiophile headphones designed for listeners who prioritize detailed sound reproduction. The HD 800S features an open-back design, a 42 mm dynamic driver, and an exceptionally wide frequency response of 4 Hz to 51 kHz, making it well suited to critical listening and spacious sound presentation. The HD 820 takes a different approach with its closed-back construction, larger 56 mm Ring Radiator transducer, and distinctive glass-covered ear cups designed to minimize distortion. Both offer 300-ohm impedance and require suitable amplification for optimal performance. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer an open, natural soundstage or a closed-back listening experience.

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 800S is the stronger choice for listeners who prioritize an expansive soundstage, precise imaging, and detailed audio for critical listening, mixing, and enjoying high-quality recordings in a quiet environment. The Sennheiser HD 820 is better suited to audiophiles who prefer closed-back headphones for more contained listening and reduced sound leakage. Both are premium wired models, so neither offers Bluetooth convenience. Choose the HD 800S for an open, spacious presentation or the HD 820 when a closed-back design better fits your listening environment.

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Specification
Price
Rs.209,990.00
Rs.154,990.00
Brand
Sennheiser
Sennheiser
Model No
HD 820
HD 800S
Wired / Wireless
Wired Headphone Specification
Wired Headphone Specification
Headphone Type
Over Ear
On Ear
Magnet Type
Dynamic
Dynamic
Driver Diameter
56 mm
42 mm
Impedance
300 Ohms
300 ohm
Sensitivity
103 dB / mW
102 dB SPL
Frequency Response
6Hz - 48KHz
4 Hz - 51000 Hz
Maximum Power Input
500 mW
NA
Noise Cancelling
Noise Cancelling
AMBIENT
Available Colors
Black
Black
Connector Plating
3.5 mm Stereo Jack Plug
6.35 mm
Cable
XLR-4 Balanced Cable
Tangle- Free Flat Cable
Weight
360 GM
330 Gm
Other Features
Country of Origin: Germany.
New reference for closed back headphones.
56mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducer system.
Closed, circumaural dynamic stereo, headphones.
The new audiophile standard for closed-back headphones.
Enjoy audiophile sound quality, whether at home or on the move.
Natural hearing experience - realistic sound field with minimal resonance.
Ultra-ergonomic adjustable metal headband with inner damping element.
Acoustic absorber system prevents frequency masking for unheralded detail.
Concave Gorilla Glass reflectors deliver impressive spatial sound reproduction.
Luxuriously comfortable microfiber ear and headband padding on key contact points.
Developed in Germany and precision-built at Sennheiser’s state-of-the-art Ireland plant
Glass covered ear cups make the transducer visible, this special design innovation reflects the sound from the transducer to an absorber to minimize distortion.
High-class matte black metal parts.
Additional cable with balanced XLR4 connector.
Metal headband with an inner damping element.
Open, circum-aural dynamic stereo headphones.
Handcrafted ear pads, made of microfiber fabric.
Further optimized reference class in wired headphones.
Enhanced sound reproduction achieved through absorber technology.
Delivered by the high-performance transducer with incredible extension.
Specially tuned balanced, impedance matching cable with low capacitance.
Natural hearing experience - realistic and natural sound field with minimal resonance.
Biggest transducers ever used in headphones including new innovative dynamic transducer design.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the Sennheiser HD 800S or HD 820?
The Sennheiser HD 800S is generally the better choice for listeners who prioritize a spacious soundstage and critical listening. The HD 820 is more suitable for those who prefer a closed-back design.
Is the Sennheiser HD 800S better for gaming?
The HD 800S can be a strong option for immersive gaming because its open-back design offers spacious audio and precise positional cues. However, it does not provide a microphone or wireless gaming connectivity as standard.
Does the Sennheiser HD 820 have noise cancellation?
The HD 820 uses a closed-back design intended to reduce sound leakage and provide more isolation than open-back headphones. Its specifications do not establish that it has active electronic noise cancellation.
What is the difference between the HD 800S and HD 820 drivers?
The HD 800S uses a 42 mm dynamic driver, while the HD 820 features a 56 mm Ring Radiator transducer. Driver size alone does not determine sound quality; their acoustic designs also influence performance.
Do the Sennheiser HD 800S and HD 820 support Bluetooth?
No. Both headphones are wired models and do not list Bluetooth connectivity. They are designed for use with compatible audio equipment through their cable connections.
Do these Sennheiser headphones need an amplifier?
Both models have a nominal impedance of 300 ohms, so a suitable headphone amplifier is recommended to achieve appropriate volume and performance, particularly with sources that have limited output power.

Top Differences

  • Noise Cancelling: AMBIENT vs Noise Cancelling
  • Driver Size: 42 mm vs 56 mm
  • Weight: 330 Gm vs 360 GM
  • Impedance: 300 ohm Vs 300 Ohms
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