If you ask someone to name a DJ headphone model, the HD 25 is probably the answer you’ll hear most often. But is it still the king? In this Sennheiser HD 25 review we take a look at the latest model to see if it is still the one to choose for DJ Headphones.
I’ve looked forward to getting a pair of these for a while, but now I have received them, what are
these legendary headphones really like?
Product Overview
The Sennheiser HD25s have been one of the go-to choices for DJ headphones for years. They began
life as a remedy for the loud engines on the Concorde airplane, handed out for free to passengers
since the 1980s. From there, they have developed into what we have today, lightweight headphones
with a reputation for great sound and ease of use. Taking them out of the box, that light weight really shines though. At just 140 grams, they are a real minimalist design. On the head though, that light weight makes sense. They don’t need a lot of padding, and you soon forget you have them on Perfect.
Once you start playing music through them, it is clear why so many turn to the Sennheiser HD25s,
they just sound right. Turn the volume up and they can cope with the loudest environments, never
losing clarity or resorting to distortion. Just excellent music reproduction, with detail and precision
across the music range. The earcups fold back for easy monitoring, and in general, whether working as a DJ or listening to tunes in the park, they have been excellent during my time with them.
Sennheiser HD 25
Key Features
The Sennheiser HD25: A User Experience Review (The Good)
From the clear mid-range to the detail in the high notes and lack of distortion at any volume, the
HD25s offer well balanced music reproduction at all times. The sound has punch, but is never tiring, and I found them easy to listen to for extended periods.
I was tempted to say comfort here, because they are comfortable to wear. However, the key to that comfort is that they weigh just 140 grams. The padding works well, but they are so light you kind of forget they are there, and because the dual bands keep them securely in place, they never move.
When I felt how light they are, I wondered about how well they would last on the road. But that is
the thing, they are really robust too. Not only that, but you can buy spares for more or less every
part, so whatever happens, you can keep them going.
The Sennheiser HD25: A User Experience Review (The Bad)
I didn’t mind how they fit, but it is worth pointing out that they sit on the ear, rather than going over the ear as some larger headphones do. A friend found that uncomfortable after an hour or so of use when he tried them, so if you don’t like ear cups that sit on the ear, these are not for you.
Most DJ headphones have some sort of way of folding them so you can fit them into small spaces when traveling. The HD25s don’t fold, but they do have a case. Its only a minor thing really, but the lack of folding is an issue. Much larger headphones with folding action, like the Audio-Technica ATH- M50x, are actually easier to take with you on trips, because they are a smaller package.
The detachable cable fits to the right hand earcup, which means that if you are a right-handed DJ, it can get in the way. Using a longer cable can help, but it always attaches to that side, so always where your arm is.
Alternatives
If the price is a little too high, consider the HD 25 Light, they have the same audio performance but in a lighter, less well-rounded package that is $50 cheaper. For a similar price, the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ, or the Audio Technica ATH-M50x are worth a look. Each one is different, the Audio Technicas are great for bass, the AIAIAI offers an innovative modular design that allows you to tailor the sound to your tastes.
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Headphone
Price
AIAIAI TMA-2
Audio Technica ATH-M50x
Verdict
Sometimes you can take a look at a popular product and wonder what all the fuss is about, but this is
not one of those times. From the moment I opened the box, the quality was obvious. With wide dynamic range, accurate reproduction and incredible detail, you can hear the nuances in recordings that make all the difference, and the complete lack of harshness when you turn the volume up makes them perfect for professional use. Little touches such as the rotating ear cup for easy monitoring, dual headband design for security and soft, comfortable cups all add to that feeling of a genuinely quality product. The best headphones I have used, I definitely recommend these.
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