Sennheiser Updates? - HD4x9 Announced?

I believe that the drivers are the same, they seemed to have the same driver specs. 

Intriguing!  I too thought the HD448 was excellent, though it's a bit strange that Sennheiser is replacing the HD4X8 line only a few years after its initial release.

I like how they look, very modern and cool, yet understated. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of the HD448, I thought it wasnt a good performer for the price. 

Really?  What didn't you like about the HD448?

I wish Sennheiser would make either a magnetic planar headphone or a proper full electrostatic like the one they used to make, rather than releasing what might be yet another middle of the road sounding headphone, but I guess they do have their uses.

I found the bass to be rather uncontrolled, even with solid amplification. Moreover, they were not very comfortable for me.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digital-Pride 

Really?  What didn't you like about the HD448?

The HD 800 in my opinion proves there is plenty of life (not just about staying alive, many feel they are far superior to the LCD-2 etc) in dynamic drivers. And the HD 650 is still fully competitive (with a good amp) with many high end headphones. As a large company I see little point in Sennheiser going electrostatic, the market for those is just far too small. The HD 800 has sold pretty well too, I´m sure a lot better than the electrostats they used to make. Magnetic planars, it would indeed be interesting to see what Sennheiser with good resources could do with that tech - let´s be honest here, so far planars have more or less been made by garage type companies (compared to Sennheiser). 

However,  I see little point why Sennheiser would move in that direction after investing in proprietary tech to have the best soundstage in the headphone business (HD 800 patented ring drivers). Going planars doesn´t fit the Sennheiser house sound at all... My bet for the next Sennheiser high end headphone is a revised 650 with the new ring drivers. Something like a HD 750, in the 500-700 $ price segment.

Some good points there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R-Audiohead 

Agreed. Also, what about an update to the 600 series?  I feel like this is overdue.

Like vrln said, the HD650 with the ring driver would be interesting, not that there is anything wrong with the HD650's, with the right amp they can sound amazing & often get unfair comments regarding the veiled or laid back sound, but there does seem to be a gap in the Sennheiser range at the moment, the HD800's are right up at the top end of the price band, where as the HD650's are quite affordable, it would be nice to see something inbetween these two headphones, like an HD700 or similar.

So they tweaked the design and flattened the earpads a bit.. I'll wait to see the FR graphs, but this is probably the same driver. If they changed the earcup material for something with better acoustics, then maybe they're worth a listen. Won't buy any, of course, but the 448s have a special place in my heart.. :)