Sennheiser are the first in everything. This brand was the first compact open-ear headphones, the first true wireless and "those", fabulously expensive Orpheus (but they will not be in the review).
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The best Sennheiser headphones
Probably no other brand of audio equipment has such an abundance of assorted headphones.
The Sennheiser range includes wired and wireless models: for home TV corner and performances on stage, for professional audio work and just listening to music on the road or outdoors.
In each category you will find headphones of different level. But there is no doubt that any of them will play crystal clear. This is Sennheiser!
Sennheiser HD 560S.
For music lovers
The manufacturer itself positions these full-size headphones with open acoustic design as an audiophile model. In them and indeed any musical genres sound luxurious.
Reasons to buy:
- Beautiful, natural sound;
- Very comfortable with velour ear cushions;
- Low weight of 240g;
- Versatility;
- Inexpensive for "audiophiles" price.
Large wired headphones are oriented for use at home (or in any other relatively quiet room). They unfold a wide musical scene in front of the listener, delighting with high detail. The frequency range covers 6 - 38,000 Hz.
The headphones sound much more expensive than they are worth. They have a firm bass that doesn't turn into a boomy sound, a natural midrange, and a well-tuned and balanced high end. Such an accessory will be equally good for listening to music of any genre, as well as for watching movies.
The headphones are connected through a wire with a 6.3 mm TRS connector, but there is an adapter for a more common mini-jack in the set. Removable cable is quite long - 3 meters. The impedance of the "ears" is not prohibitive - 120 ohms, so they will be suitable for most home multimedia systems and many portable players.
Sennheiser IE 800s
Impeccable sound
Inexpensive wired in-ear headphones are created using Sennheiser's patented technology. Thanks to it, even from such babies managed to achieve a flawless monitor sound.
Reasons to buy:
- Hi-Res sound and powerful bass;
- Undemanding to the source (16 Ohm impedance);
- Reliable and robust design;
- Hand-assembly;
- Convenient storage case.
Wired model with a non-removable cord can connect to 3.5mm and 2.5mm outputs (for the second case you will have to buy an adapter separately). Monolithic ceramic enclosures are complemented by phase-inverter holes, which not only relieve unnecessary pressure, but also provide a juicy and at the same time clear bass.
The unique broadband dynamic drivers are Sennheiser's own development. They managed to reduce sound distortion to a vanishing minimum and achieve impressive frequency response: the range of this model is 5 - 46500 Hz with a standard diameter of 1 cm diaphragm.
The sound of the headphones is flawless and will please even the picky audiophiles who are fond of analyzing their compositions. At the same time, the model is not too demanding to the source and shows itself well even when paired with an ordinary smartphone. Well, owners of advanced players can fully enjoy their chic sound.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
Premium full-size headphones
The Momentum 3 smart headphones are made from the finest materials. They have a metal headband and genuine leather lining and ear cushions. The model comes with a stylish and thick zippered case.
Reasons to buy:
- Wireless and wired connection in multiple ways;
- Active noise cancellation;
- Support for AAC, aptX and Low Latency to reduce transmission delays;
- Premium manufacturing materials;
- Collapsible design and adjustable cup tilt;
- Availability of NFC.
The model has an extended frequency range of 6 - 22,000 Hz and high impedance (100 to 470 ohms), which makes you look for a fairly powerful sound source with an amplifier. The headphones can work both via Bluetooth and via wire, and there is an option to connect them to the 3.5mm output or USB-C.
Momentum 3 has a good battery life, up to 17 hours with noise reduction enabled - the slider for it is located right on the cup. If necessary, you can turn on the audio transparency mode.
With the functions of a headset "three" also copes pretty well, unless near a busy highway or subway - there are already completely get rid of external noise built-in microphones are not able to.
Intelligent features of the device are interesting. In addition to the automatic on / off when folding cups, headphones can also independently pause playback on the command of built-in proximity sensors.
A separate button is used to call the voice assistant (it also serves to establish BT-pairing). Additional settings and equalizer is available in the mobile application Sennheiser Smart Control.
In general, Momentums are insanely comfortable, with excellent sound and clearly working active noise cancellation. Original design, two color options and premium quality, quick connectivity to multipoint devices - there's almost nothing to complain about. These ears look, work and sound good for the money.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Universal TWS for calls and music
Another member of the Momentum series - this time in a miniature TWS earplug format - will be the perfect choice for everyday use in the city.
Reasons to buy:
- Active noise modulation that takes the woofer and midrange out of the background;
- Quick connectivity and stable Bluetooth communication;
- Clear and responsive control sensors;
- IPX4 moisture protection;
- Comfortable in-ear fit.
The second revision of the Momentum TWS is an improved version of Sennheiser's already well-established first-generation wireless headphones. The battery life has increased noticeably - now the "ears" can be charged for 7 hours per charge, and from the case they can be fully charged 3 more times. The model supports fast charging, which takes only a few minutes.
The headphones are controlled by gestures from the touchpad on the housing. And here for each touch and swipe can be assigned its own function. The sensors respond correctly to everything, and give the minimum number of false positives. Also in this version there is an active noise reduction and audio transparency mode.
Optical sensors detect when the headphones are in your ear and automatically pause or resume track playback if necessary. Each droplet has its own color-changing light indicator - this helps track pairing and charge level.
The frequency range is traditionally extended to 5 to 21,000 Hz. But cool sound has always been a strong point of the Senheisers. The bass is rich and clear, and all frequencies are flawless.
What is particularly pleasant, the headphones showed themselves perfectly as a telephone headset, accurately and clearly transmitting the voice through external microphones, even in noisy surroundings. The headphones come with a stylish textile-covered carrying case.
Sennheiser IE 40 Pro
The professional headset for musicians
Miniature headphones were specially designed for concert performances of musicians and DJs. They deliver honest and detailed sound at any volume level.
Reasons to buy:
- Proper sound with clear separation of voices and instruments;
- Flexible and movable behind-the-ear attachment;
- Detachable cord that does not get tangled;
- Set of ear cushions in different materials.
The in-ear headphones have a comfortable housing design and a wired connection via mini jack. The cable here is removable, allowing it to be replaced if necessary. However, you will need a proprietary Sennheiser cord, because non-standard connectors are used here.
In the transparent housings of the vacuum drivers there are wide-band speakers with a diameter of 1 cm, getting rid of any distortions. The sound of the model is calibrated and ideal for monitoring and analyzing the music scene. Each instrument is clearly audible and does not drown out the others. But if a song initially emphasizes the high frequencies, the IE 40 Pro headphones will be especially noticeable.
Despite the professional orientation, the "ears" came to the taste of the average buyer as well. Even from not the best sources they are able to deliver beautiful sound. To the fit of the device, of course, you will have to get used to it some time. But the set with IE 40 Pro includes silicone ear pads of different sizes and a pair of ear cushions made of foam material that will make the selection noticeably easier.
Sennheiser HD 250BT
The model for every day
If you are not yet familiar with Senheiser, this novelty will "tell" you everything you need to know about the famous headphones. At the same time, the price of the model is quite acceptable, and the possibilities of use make it almost universal.
Reasons to buy:
- Support for AAC, aptX codecs (including Low Latency);
- 25 hours of battery life;
- Low weight;
- Quality speaking microphone;
- Reasonable price.
New from CES 2021 offers wireless connectivity to any device via Bluetooth. The earbuds belong to the budget segment, but are built with care and are able to provide high-quality sound with tangible bass. And in Smart Control you can play with the equalizer settings.
The headband and the cups are made of plastic. The design is lightweight and at the same time strong enough due to the absence of unnecessary moving elements. For these headphones Sennheiser also released interchangeable ear cushions, which can be purchased separately.
Sennheiser Ambeo Headset
Mobile headset with three-dimensional sound recording
Very unusual wired headphones not only serve as a headset for communicating and listening to music, but also allow iPhone owners to record three-dimensional sound.
Reasons to buy:
- High quality microphones and recording;
- Active noise cancellation and audio transparency mode;
- Securely attached to your ears;
- Convenient and functional remote control.
Wired in-ear headphones are designed for use with mobile equipment equipped with Lightning connector. The outside of the housings are equipped with omnidirectional microphones with preamplifiers hidden behind metal grilles. They pick up sound oriented in three-dimensional space - just like human ears - and record it accordingly.
The headphones themselves suggest a snug fit in the ear canals. The soft behind-the-ear attachments are comfortable and compensate for the weight of the rather large remote on the cord. The headset is ideal for recording realistic video with a high-quality audio track both indoors and outdoors.
There are physical playlist, call answer, noise cancelling and recording buttons to control the "ears". You can adjust and select settings in the mobile app - there is also an equalizer for adjusting the sound to your own liking.
Ambeo's dynamic drivers cover a wide frequency range from 15 to 22,000 Hz. The sound of the tracks is pleasant, with no bass or treble distortion - traditionally for Sennheiser clean and with a good margin of volume.
Sennheiser RS 175-U
For Home TV Area
Large headphones with radio connection oriented for use with home multimedia systems. These are equally great to watch movies or listen to music.
Reasons to buy:
- Wireless connectivity with long range;
- Bass Boost mode;
- Surround sound emulator;
- All necessary cables are included;
- Expandable system.
The full-size wireless headphones play clean and juicy, and Virtual Surround mode unfolds a wide musical scene in space. You can add bass if you want, for example, if you're watching an action movie.
Thanks to the radio-frequency connection there is no lag between the track and the picture on the screen, the signal reaches the distance of 100m with no obstacles and up to 30m if there are any.
The battery life is not big for such big "ears" but it is enough for a home device - 18 hours. The kit comes with a stand station, which serves as a transmitter and charger. It can be connected to a digital system using an optical cable or use the standard 3.5 mm analog audio output. If necessary, it is easy to switch between the two later on.
Another headphone labeled HDR 175 can be connected to the base. These are purchased separately, allowing you to complete the multimedia system if it will be used by two people at the same time.
Sennheiser GSP 370
The most autonomous gaming headset
The wireless headset of a middle segment offers as much as 100 hours of work without charging. According to this indicator it simply has no analogues, and the sound for a gamer model it is just great.
Reasons to buy:
- Exceptional autonomy performance;
- It weighs only 285 grams;
- Convenient adjustment of the cup's position in three planes;
- Directional microphone;
- Well-detailed sound and clear positioning.
The wireless monitors connect to your PC or PlayStation via radio using the included USB module. The headband is made of durable and at the same time flexible plastic, which can be twisted and even slightly bent without the risk of breaking.
The headphones are comfortable, thanks to their light weight, fine adjustment and soft rollers on the rim and ear cushions covered with soft alcantara. The pads themselves are filled with memory foam.
The GSP 370's emphasis on energy efficiency has resulted in a very long battery life without increasing the battery (and therefore the weight of the headset itself). In addition, you can use them while the "ears" are charging from the wire - there will be no background noise.
As for the sound, Sennheiser specialists slightly departed from their principles of balance and added a little more bass. However, if you want to adjust the sound, you can use the equalizer in the firmware Gaming Suite. In any case, the detail of the sound scene will be maximum, which will greatly facilitate the execution of tasks in games.
The 5 best headphones under 1000 rubles
Sennheiser branded sound technology
The German company Sennheiser is engaged in its own developments in the field of sound, offering very original solutions. As a rule, the company's headphones use their own transducers of non-standard design.
A striking example is the XWB (similar headphones are presented in the professional/audiophile series IE). Extra-wide-bandwidth speakers allow you to get a single audio scene with a very wide range, rather than assembling it piecemeal using multiple drivers. This approach simultaneously eliminated sound distortion, so the Extra Wide Bandwidth models play flawlessly clean.
Sennheiser has a lot of headphones with an open acoustic design in its lineup. They have a more atmospheric sound and no resonance from the housings. In the full-size and overhead models, this is achieved by replacing the blank cups with mesh ones. But the company's traditionally "closed" in-canal plugs also have a phase-inverter in their miniature cases. They provide the juicy, but not blubbering bass, which is usually inaccessible to headphones of compact format.
The Germans also have their own approach to noise cancellation. The NoiseGard technology removes external noise very delicately. There is no oppressive "vacuum" or digital noise if you turn on ANC without music. Not all manufacturers of audio equipment manage to get active noise reduction working properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aptX Low Latency?
It is a codec designed to transmit sound over Bluetooth. In most cases, the BT headset broadcasts it with a slight lag. This can be noticeable when watching videos and playing games. AptX Low Latency reduces this delay to a minimum of 32 ms, which is almost imperceptible to humans. The technology only works when using Bluetooth 5 protocols.
Which Sennheisers give the most "correct" sound?
Almost all Sennheiser headphones give an honest and very natural sound. But if you are looking for uncluttered monitor reproduction, check out the models from the IE and HD series.
Should I get headphones with velour ear cushions?
If you only plan to use them at home or in the workplace, why not. These cushions won't cause sweating or stick to your skin, they're soft and comfortable to the touch.
As a rule, velour pads are used in the headphones of the open type - for closed systems with passive noise isolation, leather or its substitutes are more preferable.
The only disadvantage of velour ear pads is that they require a lot of care. Dust and small debris will constantly accumulate on the fluffy surface, so they will have to be cleaned regularly.
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