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Sennheiser HD 650

*Est. $500

Reviewed May 2009
Sennheiser HD 650

pros
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Comfortable
  • Good bass
cons
  • Bulky
  • Expensive
  • Sound leakage
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Amazon

    for $499.95

  • eBay

    for $327.95

  • Amazon Marketplace

    for $329.00

 
 
 

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones provide reference-quality performance -- at a price. Reviewers describe music as smooth, natural and open. Bass is a particular strength, though some experts say that definition isn't the best, meaning that some sonic details occasionally get lost. Additionally, these headphones require a lot of power so they're not suitable for portable players, and they have an open design, meaning sound leaks in and out. Users and pros alike recommend using an amplifier to get the best performance. The HD 650s are comfortable, though bulky at 9 ounces. The AKG K702 (*Est. $400) is another high-end consideration near this price point. However, while the K702's do a better job in delivering some sonic details, bass response isn't as impressive.

CNET and PCMag.com offer comprehensive reviews of the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones with comparisons to other models. About 50 Amazon users rate these headphones, and those opinions will give you an idea of their performance on a day-to-day basis. A few audiophiles writing at AudioReview.com also provide useful input. OnHeadphones.com offers useful information about the HD 650 across music types.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1651 reviews)1651 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$499.95
eBayeBay rated 4.00 (1175 reviews)1175 store reviewsIn Stock. New$327.95
Amazon MarketplaceAmazon Marketplace rated 3.00 (168 reviews)168 store reviewsIn Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!$329.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CNET

CNET compares the Sennheiser HD 650 with Grado RS-2 and finds they give a more mellow experience with acoustic music. For high-energy music like rock, however, reviewer Steve Guttenberg thinks they're "tame." He praises their comfort, though they're somewhat heavy and bulky.

Review: Sennheiser HD 650, Steve Guttenberg, April 6, 2006

2. PCMag.com

The Sennheiser HD 650 receive an Editors' Choice award for clean, rich sound. According to the review, they create a direct connection between the music and the listener. Mike Kobrin doesn't think they're heavy but admits they're bulky. He warns users, though, that imperfections on low-quality tracks will stand out.

Review: Sennheiser HD 650, Mike Kobrin, March 8, 2006

3. Amazon.com

Of the 50 or so reviews on Amazon.com, the majority of users give a perfect five-star rating to the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones. Owners echo pros in praising the HD 650's stellar sound quality. Some are less enthusiastic about comfort, claiming these headphones can be tight, while others complain of sound leakage.

Review: Sennheiser HD650 Audiophile Open Dynamic Stereo Headphone, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. AudioReview.com

The few users who have posted reviews here thus far agree that the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones excel in sound quality. This site attracts audiophiles, and several users recommend an amplifier to get the most out of the HD 650. Some also say a cable upgrade (the included cable is detachable) is worth the money.

Review: Sennheiser HD650, Contributors to AudioReview.com

5. OnHeadphones.com

Matej Isak says that the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones lack the detail of the AKG K701, but he nevertheless gives the former an Editor Choice award. From rock, jazz and classical to DVDs, the HD 650s deliver "one of a kind aural beauty," especially with a good amplifier, he writes.

Review: Sennheiser HD650 Headphones, Matej Isak, March 24, 2007

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