Sennheiser HD 800S
Over-ear · 2016
Meze Audio Elite
Planar magnetic
Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 800S lands at 95 and Meze Audio Elite at 93. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sennheiser HD 800S if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Meze Audio Elite if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sennheiser HD 800STuning, detail, and staging
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on sound (95 vs 93).
Noise cancelling
Sennheiser HD 800SANC strength for commute and travel
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on anc (93 vs 0).
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 800SLong-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on comfort (94 vs 88).
Value for money
Sennheiser HD 800SSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sennheiser HD 800S more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $3,500).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800S | Meze Audio Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Planar magnetic |
| Release year | 2016 | — |
Sennheiser HD 800S
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Meze Audio Elite
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Sennheiser HD 800S vs Meze Audio Elite
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 800S or Meze Audio Elite? +
Sennheiser HD 800S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sennheiser HD 800S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Is Meze Audio Elite worth the price? +
At $3,500, Meze Audio Elite delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.
Does Sennheiser HD 800S or Meze Audio Elite last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, Sennheiser HD 800S or Meze Audio Elite? +
Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on sound (95 vs 93). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sennheiser HD 800S or Meze Audio Elite? +
Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on anc (93 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.