Sennheiser's long-awaited (seven years) HD800 sure isn't subtle&#151;at least, not in appearance. The HD800's large earpieces are made from a combination of absorbing composites and functional metal accents, and are <I>huge</I>. Of course, they have to be to house the 56mm ring-radiator transducers&#151;and to mount them so they're firing "back" to your ears from the front. Also not subtle is the price: $1399.95.

Sennheiser's long-awaited (seven years) HD800 sure isn't subtle&#151;at least, not in appearance. The HD800's large earpieces are made from a combination of absorbing composites and functional metal accents, and are <I>huge</I>. Of course, they have to be to house the 56mm ring-radiator transducers&#151;and to mount them so they're firing "back" to your ears from the front. Also not subtle is the price: $1399.95.

Sennheiser's long-awaited (seven years) HD800 sure isn't subtle&#151;at least, not in appearance. The HD800's large earpieces are made from a combination of absorbing composites and functional metal accents, and are <I>huge</I>. Of course, they have to be to house the 56mm ring-radiator transducers&#151;and to mount them so they're firing "back" to your ears from the front. Also not subtle is the price: $1399.95.

Sennheiser's long-awaited (seven years) HD800 sure isn't subtle&#151;at least, not in appearance. The HD800's large earpieces are made from a combination of absorbing composites and functional metal accents, and are <I>huge</I>. Of course, they have to be to house the 56mm ring-radiator transducers&#151;and to mount them so they're firing "back" to your ears from the front. Also not subtle is the price: $1399.95.

Special surprise guest at a recent Monkeyhaus: Blackman. Photo by Michael Lavorgna. (The camera had been drinking.)

<i>Photo: Michael Lavorgna</i>