Intro/Setup
The full-size closed under $200 category is a very popular one among pro’s and casual listeners alike. The most similar competitor to this I own is the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250Ohm. I will make some comparisons to this and the smaller on-ear Sennheiser HD 25-1 II which I also own. My source in testing is the 1/4inch headphone output of my TEAC UD-H01 DAC/Amp connected via USB to my Windows 8.1 desktop. I use the foobar2000 player with EQ off playing various files from FLAC to m4a to mp3 (VBR/CBR 320). I managed to get my pair of HD 380’s on sale for $100 USD. Now on with the review!
Design/Comfort (7/10)
If you plan to transport this headphone frequently you will be pleased that it folds flat and includes a hard case. The case is of good quality nylon with large zipper and imprints for placing the headphone properly inside it. The coiled cable is thick and terminated to a straight 3.5mm but includes a screw-on ¼ inch adapter.
The cable is not removable. Apparently it can be replaced in case of damage, but that seems to be more difficult that it’s worth. Edit: Thanks to waimak for pointing out the cable is actually user removable and terminated to 2.5mm as shown below. There are also aftermarket cables available which is great.
Construction is entirely made of plastic, with the exception of metal screws and the hinges suspending the drivers. The metal hinge has an audible “click” when folding the drivers inward for storage. Initially the “click” felt a little uncomfortable, as if I just snapped something. But I got used to it after working it in a bit by folding it repeatedly. The plastics are thick and of good quality, with plenty of flex in the headband. The build feels akin to the HD 558 in terms of plastics used. The adjustable headband clicks into place nicely with each adjustment but there are no markings to ensure both are the same length. Padding is a standard foam with synthetic leatherette material for ear and head support. Ear pads are user replaceable. Ear cups are oval, with the drivers positioned at an angle towards the ears. This is part of Sennheisers Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R) technology.
Clasping force was very firm for me out of the box. After weeks of wearing it and stretching it out by hand I would say it’s still on the firm side. At only 220 grams the padding was adequate on the head and ears. The ear cups are very roomy inside for larger ears to fit without touching the edges. However, they did get warm for me after the 2hr mark. If I don’t take them off for some air at this point they can get sweaty. That’s at home in front of my PC at room temp. So if you plan to take these out walking on a warm day it will definitely get sweaty. Visually they appear huge on the head. This is largely because the headband doesn’t form well to the contour of the head. When it’s on you can slip several fingers between the side of your head and the headband itself. Even the top of the headband for me is quite linear, leaving a bit of a hot spot on the top of my head. However, because of the lightweight construction and clamping force it doesn’t become a discomfort.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 is much better made. The plusher padding, more contoured headband, and velour material gives it a clear edge in comfort. Let’s face it the made in Germany DT 770 is built like a tank. It’s a no contest in terms of durability and craftsmanship. The 770 is not as portable though, and really needs amplification. So the HD 380 still offers a great value. The best part of it, the sound quality, is what sets it apart.
Sound (9/10)
Since sound is so subjective let me first briefly describe my tastes. I tend to prefer more mid centric headphones with tight, accurate bass (quality over quantity). I frequently have long listening sessions and I do get irritated by sibilance on certain bright headphones like the DT 990. So something like the sound signature of the HD 600 is ideal for my tastes. With that in mind, on with my thoughts on the HD 380.
At 54Ohm it can be run adequately from portables. But not nearly as high as the HD 25. It does benefit from amplification, particularly in bass response. But this is the case with almost any headphone, especially full-size ones. I wouldn’t say you “need” amplification though. Isolation is average, slightly less than the HD 25 and DT 770. My impressions didn’t seem to change before and after 50hrs of burn in. The sound signature is quite neutral with ever so slightly rolled off highs. Which I find very pleasing to listen to, especially for long periods at high volume. It never becomes irritating.
Particularly impressive to me is imaging and sound stage on this headphone. Its miles ahead of the HD 25 and a slight step up from the DT 770 in this regard. It’s actually not far off the wonderful HD 600 in this respect. This closed headphone manages to sound airy with great separation. I believe this is unmatched in any headphone in its class. The other major strength, and an overall improvement over the HD 25 and DT 770 is the bass response. Lows go right down to 8hz in generous quantity, yet manages to stay quick and tight, never boomy. Bass is more present than the HD 600 but not in a distracting way. I don’t feel like it takes away from anything else. It's the most pleasing bass I've heard on a closed headphone.
As mentioned the highs are slightly rolled off, but presented with great detail and separation. Because of this the mids take more of a front seat, which I actually love. Overall it’s a very similar sound signature to the HD 600, albeit less refined and detailed. Compared to the HD 25 it’s clearly a step up in bass response and sound stage. The DT 770 has more bass but is loose and boomy sounding in comparison. In addition the HD 380’s mids are more present and detailed. Overall it’s pretty laid back with enough low end to surprise you when the track calls for it. It’s another winner from Sennheiser.
Verdict (8/10)
Hopefully by now you understand what to expect with the HD 380. It’s a winner in terms of sound quality, especially for the price. In my case I was looking for a good closed headphone for home use over extended listening sessions. Unfortunately, I had issues with heat after 2hrs with the HD 380. The added comfort and finish of the DT 770 has me reaching for it in favor of the HD 380 every time. However, the HD 380 sounds better, is more portable, and much easier to drive. At my time of purchase it’s also half the price. Although the HD 25 is double the price, it’s much more portable and durable with better isolation. So one can justify going with any three of these fantastic headphones and never look back.
Sennheiser is going in the right direction with the HD 380, especially sound wise. But I would like to see a future closed headphone like this with velour ear pads and a more durable headband design akin to the DT 770. Basically the comfort and build quality of the DT 770 with the sound signature of the HD 380. One can only dream though. That being said, at under $150 USD I have no hesitation in recommending the HD 380 for anyone looking at a closed full-size headphone in this price range. Especially if sound quality is a top priority.
I have PC350, HD215 and HD380 pro and i find the HD215 the best out of all these closed type Sennheisers.
- the bass is well defined on the PC350 and Deep on the HD380 pro's, however the deep bass cut off on the HD215's is perfect.
it makes the all mids and highs separate and defined, and the bass rings through perfect when it's is present.
- i find the bass touches the other frequencies on the HD 380 pros with entertainment (i don't do music production)
- PC350 has more bass than the HD215, but this is a gaming headset and the mids are forward.
- all tested on X-Fi Titanium and Xonar D1 sound cards, i preferred the D1 for headphones overall.
bottom line, if vocal and general entertainment are your forte, i recommend the HD215's if you want sound perfectly clear at this price range.
i am not a bass head and at one stage i was,
the HD 215's changed all that for me.