Sennheiser HD 800

The basics

Dynamic open audiophile headphones capable of 6 to 51,000Hz frequency response (at -10dB), and with an impedance of 300 Ohms. Symmetrical, shielded, Kevlar-strengthened oxygen-free copper cable (3 metres) long with 1.4-inch stereo plug. Weighs 350g.

The good

One day, hopefully far into the future, you’ll have your TV turned up to 11 just to hear the weather forecast, modern music will seem like just a lot of noise, and mashed up bananas will be your favourite pre-nap snack. Until then, treat your ears with the respect they deserve: stainless steel open ear cups, Teflon-coated connectors, a massive 56mm diaphragm and minimal harmonic distortion. The HD 800s sound like music itself, magically beamed into your brain through the power of technology. Having said that, is too early for a bowl of mashed up bananas? Tasty!

The bad

Whenever marketing spiel mentions an historic inventor, you know you’re looking at a price-tag fit to induce a touch of something equally old-fashioned: the ague, falling sickness or possibly even consumption. Sennheiser wheels out Thomas Edison who, apparently, dreamt of reproducing the human voice exactly as it came from the person himself, and music as though the very instruments were in front of you. Kerching! That’ll be a grand, please.

The bottom line

Sennheiser does it again, upping the sound and build quality from its legendary HD 650 cans to deliver a majestic sonic experience that has to be heard to be believed. However, you’ll need a great system to extract the full £1000 of value from them.