Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Both are dynamic open-back headphones.

The ATH-ADX5000 is 60 g lighter, at 270 g against 330 g.

The HD 800 S needs 3 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The HD 800 S lists for $199 less.

$2,199

$1,999.95

Side by side

ATH-ADX5000HD 800 SDifference

ATH-ADX5000HD 800 S

Driver: Dynamic; Dynamic
Diaphragm: Tungsten-coated diaphragm; 56 mm ring radiator with 40 mm in-house wound voice coil
Driver size: 58 mm; 56 mm
Enclosure: Open-back; Open-back
Weight: 270 g; 330 g; ATH-ADX5000 is 60 g lighter
Impedance: 420 ohms; 300 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW; 102 dB SPL (1 V)
Power for 110 dB: 10.0 mW, 2.05 V; 20.9 mW, 2.50 V; HD 800 S needs 3 dB more
Drive: Easy to drive; Easy to drive
Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz; 4 Hz – 51 kHz (−10 dB)
Made in: Japan; Ireland
Released: 2017; 2016
List price: $2,199; $1,999.95; HD 800 S is $199 less
Materials: Magnesium Aluminium; Stainless steel; No listed material in common

From each maker’s published figures; sources are on each headphone’s page. Power for 110 dB is worked out from sensitivity and impedance.

Each of these has 10 dB or more in reserve above a loud 110 dB peak on both headphones, so one amplifier serves either.

List $2,199

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

List $1,999.95

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works