Sennheiser HD202-II Review

Sennheiser are one of the leading manufacturers of high quality headphones – from budget-oriented in ears, to high end open back hi-fi designs. Founded in 1945, Sennheiser's product range also includes microphones for home and studio use, and even products used in avionics (the electronic systems used on aircraft).

The HD202-II sits near the bottom of Sennheiser's headphone range. It's a closed-back, supra-aural, dynamic hi-fi headphone, perfectly suited to DJs or home users who want a fantastic sounding headphone on a budget. They're easy to drive, and are therefore suitable for use with portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops without the use of an external headphone amp.

The headphones are lightweight, with removable ear cups and leatherette ear pads. A 3m OFC copper cable, cable take-up and 3.5–6.25MM adapter are included in the box.

Build Quality

I've used Sennheiser’s hd202 series for many years, and the build quality never fails to amaze me. I've thrown them, sat on them, stepped on them, dropped them, tripped on the cable, and overdriven them more times than I can remember – and they're still going strong.

I keep a pair attached to my Yamaha DTX electronic drum kit, and use them for practice – as such, they go through hell and back. Other than a few small scratches, they're still as good as new – 7 years later.

The removable ear cups are also well-designed – they snap firmly into place on the headband, and can be adjusted by sliding them up and down as required. Unlike similar budget headphones, they stay in place once adjusted.

Initial Impressions

The first thing those of us of a big-headed nature notice when using these headphones for the first time is they're pretty tight. Not uncomfortable, just tighter than you may be used too – however, after wearing them for a couple of days, the headband stretches, making them a lot more comfortable. I use mine every day – and, 6 months later, I sometimes forget I'm wearing them.

The ear pads are comfortable, and don't cause your ears to heat up like some other headphones. They also help to keep background noise out, allowing you to lose yourself in the music.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is excellent. The headphones have an open, airy sound – not quite as open as a pair of open-back headphones – but for the price, you really can't complain. The bass is tight and punchy, string instruments have just the right amount of attack, and there's a decent depth to the sound that, on the right recordings, presents you with a 3-dimensional sound stage. Room acoustics are rendered beautifully, and the sounds blend together well – there's no overpowering, bass-heavy low end here.

They do require breaking in – they are a little bright to start out with. However, break in time is short – I typically give a new pair a day to reach their optimum sound.

Summary

For the price (currently £27 on amazon), you can't go wrong. They're not as fashionable as some other headphones on the market, and you don't get tons of “cool” headache inducing bass either. What you do get is awesome sound quality, awesome build quality, and a simple, practical design. What more could you need?