Sennheiser HD-25 worth it?

[jruser]

I was wondering, based on sound quality alone, are the Sennheiser HD-25 worth it (as far as closed headphones go)?

I have the Sennheiser HD-25-SP and am considering upgrading, and am not quite sure as to whether or not there would be enough of a difference in the sound quality to justify the purchase...

 

[pbalcer]

IMHO: no. HD25-1 = good sound quality + isolation + portability/durability. If you remove "portability" from the equation, you may be better off with AKG K271S. If you are mainly after the sound quality, Grado SR80 are better and less expensive. Of course, you can get higher-priced headphones (Sennheiser HD595/600/650, Grado RS1, etc.) but be prepared to buy headphone amplifier as well because without it higher-end headphones won't show their true potential.

 

[episiarch]

I own both the HD25-SP and the HD25, and I feel the HD25 really is $100 better. Clearer, less dark (still dark-ish, but less), much better bass, and overall a sound that I find especially "involving" where the HD25-SP, good though it is, leaves me less involved.

If you basically like your HD25-SP but wish it were better, then the HD25 is a logical and worthwhile upgrade. If you like your HD25-SP but want something different then the HD25 probably isn't it.

 

[nierika]

I owned the HD 25sp about 3 years ago and didn't like the sound or fit (cable to both earcups, somewhat unsecure fit, and I didn't know about the velour pads back then) very much. I think I sold them after about 3 weeks of use (and I gave them plenty of burn-in - this was after I experienced the HD 280s!

). The HD 25-1 is far better. It's my main DJ can and one I reach to for casual listening. They become much more comfortable with the addition of velour earpads. Also, pbalcer missed good efficiency on his 'HD 25 =' summary!

 

[adhoc]

if you're looking for SQ alone, the hd-25 is one of the worst deals around.

imo cheaper phones like the koss ksc35 and grado sr60 best it easily.

but if you're looking for a phone that combines portability, ruggedness and SQ in one package, it's for you.

 

[erikzen]

It must be pointed out that sound quality greatly improves with the HD 25 if you replace the cable with anything other than the stock steel one.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by adhoc if you're looking for SQ alone, the hd-25 is one of the worst deals around. imo cheaper phones like the koss ksc35 and grado sr60 best it easily. but if you're looking for a phone that combines portability, ruggedness and SQ in one package, it's for you.

You read my mind. I was taken aback when I did a comparo tween the KSC35 and the HD25-1 and the KSC35 had the superior SQ. The HD25-1 had more isolation of course, but for pure sound reproduction I far preferred the KSC35. The HD25-1 sounded like there was a cotton ball tween me and the driver comparatively!

 

[Nak Man]

Like everybody said - for combined portability + isolation + ruggedness and lastly sound quality, HD25-1 rules. If you really like your SP then HD25 is worth $100 more in SQ.

- Scratch portability or ruggedness then I'd go with ultrasone 550 or hd280.
- Scratch isolation then there's a whole pool of phones to consider.
- Scratch sound quality then you can keep your SP.

Good luck ! =)

 

[bangraman]

(grouch mode)
Hasn't this been asked like 1000 times before?

 

[kyrie]

Quote:

if you're looking for SQ alone, the hd-25 is one of the worst deals around. imo cheaper phones like the koss ksc35 and grado sr60 best it easily.

I have to disagree with this. I do agree with you that HD-25 is not worth its price based on SQ alone, but IMO its SQ is still a step above the SR60, and multiple steps above the KSC35.

 

[nierika]

I haven't heard SR60s, but KSC35s > HD 25-1s??? Before I sold them, I thought the KSC35s were fatiguing, tinny cans that sound like they cost $20 (even amped). 'SQ' has a lot to do with personal preference.

Bangraman, if we couldn't discuss headphones that have been discussed many times before, this board would get pretty boring!

 

[bangraman]

All right... excuse me for being grouchy nierika. I think the SQ is a bit above the SR80... which might put it in the SR125 area. I don't know because I've never heard the 125.

 

[erikzen]

You have to remember that Jahn is a KSC-35 freak.

While I don't particularly agree with him, I do know what he means. I think part of the problem with the HD 25, especially compared to the KSC-35, is the very closed in nature of the sound - absolutely no soundstage at all. When I first got mine, I thought they were very congested (it may even by my HD 25s that Jahn compared the KSC-35s to) but with a Headphile replacement cable the sound really opened up. Still no soundstage to speak of, but at least it doesn't sound congested and disjointed.

On the other hand, the KSC is a very "fun" phone. If you don't need isolation and you're going ultra-portable it is extremely hard to beat (but talk about discussing a 'phone that's already been discussed!).

 

[Silfer]

I like the open sound of the Koss phones better too but the HD25-1, once you get used to the closed sound, really IS superior to them. Providing you do this: Quote:

Originally Posted by erikzen It must be pointed out that sound quality greatly improves with the HD 25 if you replace the cable with anything other than the stock steel one.

All IMO of course.

 

[jruser]

Well, in the past I have considered things like the HD-280, the AKG 271s, and the Ultrasone HFI-550.

Part of the reason the HD-25 appeals to me is the fact that I need something that will survive the dorm room.

Also can anybody comment on the bass issue. The graphs at headroom show the three previously mentioned models do not produce the low frequencies as well. These cans are regarded as having good SQ, but do they really have a lack of bass like the graphs show?

While bass is not the main thing I look for in a headphone, the majority of listening involves explosions in games and movies, which could become lifeless with weaker bass.