Head-to-head · Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 650 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about audiophiles seeking neutral reference sound — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 650

4.4

9 sources3 derived$299as of Sep 25

The Sennheiser HD 650 remains a benchmark reference headphone with its 42mm dynamic drivers and 300 ohm impedance delivering exceptional accuracy and musicality. Reviewers consistently praise its natural sound signature and build quality, though its high impedance means it requires a quality amplifier to fully realize its potential. While the proprietary cable connections may limit compatibility, the HD 650 continues to be considered a classic choice for audiophiles seeking neutral, transparent sound reproduction.

Strengths

— Nominal impedance of 30/300 ohms provides excellent compatibility with high-end amplifiers
— Iconic plastic design with spring steel headband offers comfortable long-term wear
— Natural and musical sound signature praised by audiophiles for its neutrality and transparency

Watch-outs

— Cable termination uses proprietary connectors that may limit compatibility with some devices
— Lack of isolation and sound leakage

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Ranked #3 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 800 S

4.2

10 sources3 derived

The Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers outstanding detail and clarity, with an expansive soundstage that sets it apart from competitors. Reviewers noted its comfortable open-back design and minimal clamp force, though the headphones require dedicated amplification to reach their full potential. The build quality is refined with a sleek dichromatic aesthetic, though some reviewers expressed concerns about the lightweight plastic construction. This headphone appeals to audiophiles seeking premium sound reproduction and is best suited for users with high-end audio setups.

Strengths

— Exceptional detail and clarity in audio reproduction
— Impressive soundstage with wide stereo separation
— Comfortable open-back design with minimal clamp force

Watch-outs

— Very lightweight construction may feel less durable
— High price point

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Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Sennheiser HD 650

The HD 650 offers unmatched neutrality and build quality compared to the HD 490 Pro, which has less neutral high-mids and treble. While the HD 490 Pro provides better sub-bass extension, the HD 650's 300 ohm impedance and proprietary connectors make it more suited for audiophiles with high-end amplifiers, unlike the more versatile LCD-X or K-712 Pro.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S provides exceptional clarity and expansive soundstage, outperforming the HD 490 Pro in detail and the HD 650 in openness. While it's more expensive and lighter than the Audeze LCD-X, it lacks the planar magnetic drivers that give the LCD-X its edge in resolution and avoids the bass over-emphasis found in the K-712 Pro.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Sennheiser HD 650	Sennheiser HD 800 S
Driver	42mm dynamic	56mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducer
Impedance	300 ohms	300 Ohms
Design	Open-back, Over-ear	Open-back, Over-ear
Weight	260 g	330 g
Connector	1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo jack plug	4.4mm (balanced) and 6.35mm (unbalanced) jack plugs
Sensitivity	103 dB (1 V)	102 dB (1 V)
Frequency Response	10 Hz - 41,000 Hz	4 Hz - 51,000 Hz
Cable	3 m	Specially tuned symmetrical cable

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