Sennheiser Headphone Review

The German company Sennheiser is one of the top ten manufacturers of audio devices. And the point is not even in competent marketing, but in the quality of manufactured products. Headphones from this brand are considered the most reliable and durable, so they are in great demand among audiophiles and ordinary music lovers. Today we’ll talk about the top Sennheiser headphones and appreciate their sound.

A little bit about the company

Sennheiser has been a German manufacturer of audio equipment since 1945. The company produces headphones, microphones, headsets and other equipment related to the transmission and processing of sound. During its existence in the market, it has received many elite awards for achievements in the design and manufacture of audio devices.

The company is named after the founder, a young engineer, Fritz Zenheiser. At first, the main specialization was the manufacture of measuring instruments, but later the range expanded to microphones, headphones and recording equipment. Sennheiser manufactures devices of different price categories - there are budget, medium and flagship lines.

Specifications

To choose high-quality headphones for music, you must have at least a general idea of ​​the basic sound characteristics. These include: frequency range, volume (sensitivity), impedance, and distortion level as a percentage. And now in more detail:

1. Frequency range.

   The frequency range is an indicator that reflects the amplitude-frequency characteristic of the reproduced sound. Roughly speaking, any headphone has its own frequency spectrum, and the wider it is, the better and more detailed the scene. The standard range is divided into three categories: low, mid and high frequencies. Low - from 10 to 200 Hz, medium - from 200 to 5 kHz, high - from 5 kHz. Some professional headphone models have a frequency spectrum from 5 Hz to 45,000 Hz.

2. Sensitivity.

   Sensitivity is responsible for the sound volume in the speakers. The optimal indicator is 100 dB, everything below is too quiet. It is necessary to take into account the fact that on different players and smartphones, the volume can be “eaten up” even with high sensitivity of the headphones. The volume is affected by the materials used in the manufacture of the magnetic core.

3. Impedance.

   This indicator is responsible for the resistance of the headphones. Most models have an impedance of 16 to 32 ohms. The higher the resistance, the more power is required for the player or smartphone and, accordingly, the faster the battery runs out. If the device cannot cope with the impedance of the headphones, sound distortion may appear.

4. The percentage of distortion.

   The percentage of sound distortion greatly affects playback quality. The lower this indicator, the better the headphones sound. An acceptable percentage of distortion is below 1% in the medium to high range. For low frequencies, the acceptable norm is 10%.

How to choose

It is difficult to choose high-quality headphones without first listening, because each person has a different audio perception. There are two main types of devices - wired and wireless. They, in turn, are divided by design and method of transmitting sound. Here are the main nuances to consider when buying:

Headphone type

There are three types of headphones - vacuum, plug-in and full-size. They differ from each other by the distance between the speaker and the auricle, as well as the sound concentration. Vacuum (in-channel) headphones have a deep fit. Thanks to soft silicone ear cushions, they are tightly fixed in the ear canal and create a vacuum that concentrates the sound. These headphones have special noise reduction and low distortion. They are comfortable and compact.

A similar type is in-ear headphones.They are attached directly to the auricle and, in comparison with vacuum, poorly suppress noise and often fall out.

The best option for home use is overhead and full-size headphones. They have large dimensions, but cover the entire auricle, creating the most natural and deep sound. So, for home use, choose full-sized, for walking - plug-in or vacuum.

Emitter Design

Depending on the design of the sound emitter, the headphones can be divided into 4 categories: dynamic, electrostatic, orthodynamic and reinforcing. We immediately discard the electrostatic: such devices require a large amplifier, they cannot be found in large stores, and the cost for the cheapest models starts from 3 thousand dollars.

Orthodynamic is also not for the mass consumer. They use the same principle as loudspeakers.

Remain dynamic and reinforcing.

Dynamic is the most popular type of headphone. They have a primitive design, but, thanks to modern technology, they differ in very good sound (depending on the characteristics). All overhead models have a predominantly dynamic design.

Armature radiators are presented in in-ear headphones. They have good sound and high efficiency.

Wireless type

Some headphones work wirelessly and transmit signals through special modules. There are 4 types of communication: via Bluetooth, infrared, radio and Wi-Fi. All of them have a slight delay when playing music and, of course, significantly lag behind sound quality. Among the popular models there are also “hybrids” with the possibility of wireless and wired playback.

Sennhaiser Top Wired Headphones

Sinheiser company produces headphones in various price categories - from 5 to 55 thousand dollars. In their assortment you can find both studio options and amateur ones. We have compiled a brief overview of the most popular Sennheiser headphones:

1. Sennheiser Momentum 2 over-ear

This model refers to the form factor of full-sized wired headphones. Type - dynamic. They have a folding housing design and a detachable cable. Reproduce frequencies in the range from 16 to 22 00 Hz. They have high sensitivity - 113 dB, so the sound volume can be classified as above average. Headphones are suitable for devices with a 3.5 mm jack. Resistance - 18 Ohms.

2. HD6 MIX

Good full-size monitor headphones. They have a dynamic emitter design. Suitable for equipment with high power, as resistance exceeds 150 ohms. Play sound frequencies in the spectrum from 8 to 30,000 Hz. The cable is disconnected, so it must be replaced. These headphones have a high volume, thanks to a sensitivity of 112 dB.

3. IE 4

In-ear headphones with dynamic emitter design. They have a wide range of reproducible frequencies - from 10 to 18 000 rubles. They have a clear and loud sound due to their high sensitivity (106 dB) and low impedance (16 Ohms).

4. HD 380 Pro

Full-size dynamic stereo headphones. They have a wide frequency spectrum - from 8 to 27,000 Hz. They have high sensitivity - 110 dB. The resistance (impedance) is average - 54 Ohms, so the sound may be distorted in weak smartphones. A feature of the model is gilding on the connectors and twisted cable.

5. HD 280 Pro

Closed full-size headphones with excellent noise reduction. They have a dynamic emitter design. Reproduce frequencies in the range from 8 to 25,000 Hz. Thanks to good sensitivity, they work loudly and do not make noise. The average resistance is 64 ohms, not suitable for all devices. Additionally - the headphones have a twisted cord and a folding case.

Top Sennheiser Wireless Headphones

According to statistics, every third headphone malfunctions due to damage to the plug or cord. The absence of wire makes the device more practical and extends the service. Here are the top 5 best Sennheiser wireless models:

1. Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear Wireless

Wireless stereo headphones with microphone and advanced soundproofing system. They have a dynamic emitter design. Features - voice control and indication. The resistance level in the passive mode of operation is 18 ohms. The type of wireless connection is Bluetooth.

2. RS 165

Full-size headphones for home theater or TV. Transmit and receive a signal via radio. The design of the emitter is dynamic. They reproduce frequencies in the spectrum from 18 to 21000 Hz and have high sensitivity at the level of 106 dB. The kit includes a multi-function transmitter that acts as a charger.

3. PXC 550 Travel

Full-size headphones with dynamic emitter design. Designed for travelers and active people. They include an adapter for the aircraft and a convenient carrying case. Support frequencies in the spectrum from 17 to 23,000 Hz. The high sensitivity of the device is responsible for the volume - 110 dB. The average resistance is 46 Ohms, suitable for most smartphones and players.

4. RS 175

Full-size dynamic headphones with wireless radio. Included is a multi-function transmitter with a docking station for charging. They reproduce frequencies in the range from 17 to 22,000 Hz and have excellent sensitivity of 114 dB. Connect via digital optical input.

5. Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless

Wireless in-ear headphones with neckband and microphone. They have a dynamic sound emitter design. Pairing with a smartphone is via the Bluetooth module. They support frequencies in the range from 15 Hz to 22 kHz and have high sensitivity. Features of the model include light indication and Multipoint function.

Output

Sennheiser audio technology is a guarantee of quality and reliability. To choose the right headphones, you need to consider the sound characteristics and scope of use. For sports, all wireless models with a durable ear mount are suitable, for the home - full-size or overhead. In everyday life, it is convenient to use intra-channel, as they hold well and have compact dimensions.

Title	Sennheiser Momentum 2 over-ear	HD6 MIX	IE 4	HD 380 Pro	HD 280 Pro	Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear Wireless	RS 165	PXC 550 Travel	RS 175	Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless
Device type	headphone with mic	headphones	headphones	headphones	headphones	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	wireless headphones	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	wireless headphones	Bluetooth earphones with microphone
Frequency Response Range	16 - 22000 Hz	8 - 30000 Hz	10 - 18000 Hz	8 - 27000 Hz	8 - 25000 Hz	16 - 22000 Hz	18 - 21000 Hz	17 - 23000 Hz	17 - 22000 Hz	15 - 22000 Hz
Sensitivity	113 dB	112 dB	106 dB	110 dB	102 dB	113 dB	106 dB	110 dB	114 dB	112 dB
Impedance	18 ohm	150 ohm	16 ohm	54 ohm	64 ohm	480 ohm	32 ohm	46 ohm	32 ohm	18 ohm
Membrane diameter	-	40 mm	11 mm	56 mm	50 mm	-	40 mm	-	40 mm	-
Price	from 11850 rub.	from 15600 rub.	from 2950 rub.	from 7900 rub.	from 6350 rub.	from 16 900 rub.	from 8250 rub.	from 24150 rub.	from 10000 rub.	from 8000 rub.