A:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. The HD800 is quite a bit different. The main difference is they require a dedicated headphone amplifier in order for them to achieve full potential in sound reproduction. They need a higher impedance match and power which only some amps can provide. Sennheiser recently launched it;s own amp line to provide this solution as well. When powered correctly, the HD800 becomes the most transparent reference headphone available. A very flat frequency response allows you to hear the minor details in music or other sound sources that are normally colored by most headphones by putting more emphasis on bass or highs. The HD800 remains neutral and you hear the music as it was meant to be when recorded.
Compared to the A50, the HD800 does not include a microphone so communicating during game play is not available through the headphone. Sound performance wise, again when powered correctly, is a much higher quality output.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Thanks