Sennheiser HD 800S vs Sony MDR-Z1R

Best For

Best for Critical Listening

Sennheiser HD 800S

Best for Large Driver Size

Sony MDR-Z1R

Best for High-Impedance Audiophile Setups

Sennheiser HD 800S

Best for Lower-Impedance Compatibility

Sony MDR-Z1R

Best for Open-Back Listening

Sennheiser HD 800S

The Sennheiser HD 800S and Sony MDR-Z1R are premium wired headphones designed for listeners who prioritize high-quality sound over wireless convenience. The Sennheiser HD 800S features 42 mm dynamic drivers, a 300-ohm impedance rating, and an open-back design aimed at delivering a spacious, natural listening experience. The Sony MDR-Z1R takes a different approach with massive 70 mm drivers, a 64-ohm impedance rating, and an impressive stated frequency response of up to 120 kHz. Both target serious music enthusiasts, but the HD 800S emphasizes reference-style listening, while the MDR-Z1R appeals to those seeking luxurious comfort and an expansive high-resolution audio experience.

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 800S is the stronger choice for critical listening, soundstage appreciation, and listeners who value natural audio reproduction. Its open-back design and reference-focused tuning make it particularly appealing for audiophile listening at home, although its 300-ohm impedance benefits from a suitable headphone amplifier. The Sony MDR-Z1R is worth considering for its large drivers, lower 64-ohm impedance, premium construction, and high-resolution audio support. Choose the HD 800S for reference listening or the MDR-Z1R for a luxurious alternative with impressive technical specifications.

Specification	Sennheiser HD 800S Rs.154,990.00 Check Price on Amazon	Sony MDR-Z1R Rs.149,624.17 Check Price on Amazon
Price	Rs.154,990.00	Rs.149,624.17
Brand	Sennheiser	Sony
Model No	HD 800S	MDR-Z1R
Wired / Wireless	Wired Headphone Specification	Wired Headphone Specification
Headphone Type	On Ear	Over Ear
Magnet Type	Dynamic	Neodymium
Driver Diameter	42 mm	70 mm
Impedance	300 ohm	64 ohm
Sensitivity	102 dB SPL	100 dB/mW
Frequency Response	4 Hz - 51000 Hz	4 Hz - 120000 Hz
Maximum Power Input	NA	2,500 mW
Noise Cancelling	AMBIENT	NA
Available Colors	Black	Black
Connector Plating	6.35 mm	3.5 mm Silver-Coated OFC Strands, L Gold-Plated
Cable	Tangle- Free Flat Cable	Tangle-Free Cable
Weight	330 Gm	385 Gm
Other Features	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.	Keep the sound pure. Hard case for storage. Enjoy lightweight luxury. Enfolding design structure. Listen in cushioned comfort. Signature Series Headphones. Smooth sound at all frequencies. Engineered and crafted in Japan. TA-ZH1ES compatible for ultimate sound. Hear music at it best with High-Res Audio. Hear the difference with massive 70mm HD drivers. Enjoy full range sound up to 120kHz frequency response. Ensure superior sound quality with a separated ground cable. Minimize resistance and signal loss with silver-coated OFC cables.

Compare Sennheiser HD 800S with:

Audio Technica ATH-WBLTD Sony IER-Z1R Audio Technica ATH-AWAS Beyerdynamic T 1 Denon AH-D9200

Compare Sony MDR-Z1R with:

Sony IER-Z1R Audio Technica ATH-AWAS Audio Technica ATH-WBLTD Beyerdynamic T 1 Denon AH-D9200

Frequently Asked Questions

Which product is better for critical listening?

The Sennheiser HD 800S is the stronger choice for reference-focused listening, thanks to its open-back design and emphasis on a spacious, natural sound presentation.

Does the Sony MDR-Z1R have larger drivers than the Sennheiser HD 800S?

Yes. The Sony MDR-Z1R features 70 mm drivers, while the Sennheiser HD 800S uses 42 mm dynamic drivers. Driver size alone does not determine overall sound quality.

Which headphones have a wider frequency response?

The Sony MDR-Z1R has the wider stated frequency response, rated at 4 Hz–120,000 Hz, compared with 4 Hz–51,000 Hz for the Sennheiser HD 800S. This specification alone does not establish which headphones sound better.

Does the Sennheiser HD 800S support Bluetooth or active noise cancellation?

No Bluetooth connectivity is listed for the HD 800S, and its open-back design is not intended for active noise cancellation. It is designed primarily for wired listening in quieter environments.

Which headphones are easier to drive?

The Sony MDR-Z1R has a lower nominal impedance of 64 ohms, compared with 300 ohms for the Sennheiser HD 800S. This generally makes the Sony less demanding in terms of voltage, although actual drive requirements also depend on sensitivity and the audio source.

Which headphones should audiophiles buy?

Choose the Sennheiser HD 800S if you prioritize spacious, reference-oriented listening and have an appropriate amplifier. Consider the Sony MDR-Z1R if you prefer its design, large drivers, lower impedance, and premium build. Ideally, audition both before purchasing.

Top Differences

Noise Cancelling: AMBIENT vs NA
Driver Size: 42 mm vs 70 mm
Weight: 330 Gm vs 385 Gm
Impedance: 300 ohm Vs 64 ohm