Welcome to my review of the Sennheiser HD650 headphones! These headphones are a popular choice among audiophiles for their exceptional sound quality and comfortable design. The price is $339.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Voonaudio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.

Sennheiser HD650

Specifications

• Frequency Respons: 10 Hz to 39 kHz
• Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 103 dB at 1 kHz / 1 Vrms
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Driver Size: 1.7″ / 42 mm
• Voice Coil: Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire
• Impedance: 300 Ohms
• Weight: 9.2 oz / 260 g (without Cable)
• Price: $339

Design

The Sennheiser HD650 headphones are a work of art, both in terms of sound quality and design. They are the Mona Lisa of the headphone world, with their elegant and timeless design that will never go out of style.

Ok, but seriously, the HD650s have a classic and understated design that is sure to appeal to audiophiles who value function over flash. They feature a sturdy plastic frame that is built to last, as well as large, padded ear cups that are covered in soft velour material. The headband is also padded and can be easily adjusted to fit a wide range of head sizes, so you can wear them for hours on end without any discomfort.

The ear cups are connected to the headband with a swivelling mechanism, which allows for a comfortable fit albeit with poor isolation from external noise. So, if you’re trying to drown out the sound of your annoying coworkers or the constant construction happening outside your window, these headphones won’t help much.

In terms of aesthetics, the HD650s have a simple and understated look. They are available in a sleek dark grey colour scheme with silver accents, and the overall design is fairly minimalistic.

Overall, the design of the Sennheiser HD650 headphones is solid and reliable, with a comfortable fit and high-quality materials. The detachable cables and sturdy build quality are also nice touches that add to the overall value of the headphones. Plus, they’ll make you look like a total audiophile boss (even if you’re just listening to the same playlist on repeat).

Cable

The cables for the HD650s are detachable, which is a convenient feature for those who like to be able to replace cables if needed. The cables are also relatively thick and sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking or fraying at the most inconvenient times (like when you’re in the middle of an epic gaming session).

It’s a long cable (3m), therefore not very suitable for portable use. Then again, open-back headphones aren’t designed for portability so that’s not an issue. The cable terminates with a 6.35mm plug but there’s a 3.5mm adapter in the box if you need it.

Sound

For my testing, I used the SMSL DO200 MKII DAC paired with a Topping L70 headphone amplifier. In addition, I tested with the Earmen Angel and the Yulong Aurora.

The sound quality is where these headphones really shine. The bass is tight and well-defined, while the midrange and treble frequencies are clear and detailed. The overall sound signature is balanced and natural, making them suitable for a wide variety of music genres.

The Sennheiser HD650 is a high-quality, over-ear headphone that requires a bit of power to deliver its full potential. It has a nominal impedance of 300 ohms, which means that it requires a bit more juice than some other headphones in order to drive it properly. You could say that the HD650 is like a luxury sports car – it needs a bit more fuel to get going, but once it’s up and running, it performs at a high level and delivers a thrilling and rewarding experience.

Now, you might be wondering how to feed the HD650’s power hunger. If you’re feeling adventurous and have a little extra cash to burn, you could try hooking the HD650 up to a high-end desktop system and let it loose on some serious power. Just be prepared for the ride – the HD650 can handle a lot of power, and it’s not afraid to show it.

Bass

The bass of the Sennheiser HD650 is like the strong, silent type – it doesn’t necessarily grab your attention right away, but when it makes its presence known, it does so with authority. It’s deep and powerful, with a tight and controlled quality that is like a well-trained athlete – no wasted energy or unnecessary movement, just focused and precise. It’s not the type of bass that will shake your walls or rattle your teeth, but it has a solid and impactful presence that adds weight and substance to the overall sound.

You could say that the bass of the HD650 is like a reliable best friend – it’s always there for you, ready to lend a helping hand or offer support when you need it. And just like a good friend, the bass of the HD650 knows how to listen and adapt to different situations – it can be subtle and understated when needed, or turn up the intensity when the music calls for it.

Midrange

The Sennheiser HD650 has a midrange that is like the perfect middle child – not quite as flashy as the bass or treble but still manages to hold its own and shine in its own way. It’s clear and detailed, with a warm and smooth quality that is like a comforting hug for your ears.

It’s not too forward or aggressive but still manages to bring out the nuances and subtleties in vocals and instruments. You could say that it’s the peacemaker of the frequency spectrum, bringing balance and harmony to the overall sound. It’s like that one friend who always manages to diffuse tension and bring people together – a valuable asset to have around.

Treble

The HD650 is a headphone model that is known for its warm and smooth sound, with a balanced and natural presentation of the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. I’d describe the treble of the HD650 as smooth and detailed, with a good amount of clarity and sparkle.

It’s not overly bright or harsh but still manages to add some shimmer and shine to the overall sound. You could say that the treble of the HD650 is like the cherry on top of a delicious sundae – it adds a touch of sweetness and excitement to the mix, without overwhelming the other flavours.

But don’t underestimate the treble of the HD650 – it may not grab attention in the same way as the other frequencies, but it’s an important part of the puzzle and helps to create a cohesive and well-rounded sound.

Soundstage and Technical Performance

One of the things I love about the HD650s is the expansive soundstage. The headphones have a great sense of space, making it feel like you’re listening to music in a well-tuned room rather than just through a pair of headphones. The imaging is also excellent, with instruments and vocals being placed in a very precise and lifelike manner.

Verdict

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the Sennheiser HD650 headphones. They offer fantastic sound quality, comfort, and build quality at a reasonable price point. If you’re in the market for a pair of high-end headphones, I highly recommend giving the HD650s a try.