Sennheiser HD 25 vs AIAIAI TMA-2

This is a question that has been asked since AIAIAI burst onto the market, but the answer is no clearer today than it was then.

With both companies producing exceptional audio products, choosing is hard. Neither is perfect, but they do have different strengths and weaknesses.

As with anything these days, you will find fans of both, and they often have very strong opinions, but which one is really the best? Let’s take a closer look at the two brands to see which is the right choice for you.

Is AIAIAI better than Sennheiser?

They are certainly different, but that doesn’t mean AIAIAI, a relative newcomer when compared to Sennheiser, are better. AIAIAI stands out by offering a completely modular system that lets you upgrade over time or buy completely unique headphones tailored to your needs from day one.

Sennheiser has built a reputation for high quality products but is a very traditional brand that people have come to love. They deliver great sounding headphones with few frills, and tend to be more expensive than the competition, although for many, that brand name justifies the added cost.

The main difference between them is that Sennheiser offer traditional design, while AIAIAI are redefining what headphones are.

To see where the strengths and weaknesses of each brand lie, we are going to compare similarly priced products, the Sennheiser HD 25 and the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ. But first, a little information on each brand.

Background of Sennheiser HD 25 and AIAIAI TMA-2:

Sennheiser

Producing well received audio equipment for over 75 years, Sennheiser are a brand synonymous with quality sound. Founded by Fritz Sennheiser in 1945, it is still led by his family, the fourth generation to do so. They have been on the cutting edge of sound reproduction since they began, and are known for conservative design, putting everything into the audio capabilities of their headphones.

AIAIAI

The Scandinavian company launched in 2010, and is almost the exact opposite of Sennheiser in terms of ethos, as they push boundaries on product design to create something completely unique. But they do share Sennheiser’s commitment to quality audio too. AIAIAI may push boundaries with their modular design, but they always sound great too.

Sennheiser HD 25 vs AIAIAI TMA-2: General Comparison

	AIAIAI TMA-2	Sennheiser HD 25
Headphone Type	Closed back with on ear cups	Closed back with on ear cups
Frequency response	20 – 20000 Hz	16 – 22000 Hz
Connection	3.5 mm stereo cable	3.5 mm stereo cable
Load Rating	2000 mW	2000 mW
Max. sound level	113 dB	120 dB
Nominal impedance	32 Ω	70 Ω
Weight	160g	140 g

Sennheiser HD 25 vs AIAIAI TMA-2: Price and Value

It is a difficult comparison to have with any AIAIAI product because the modular design means there is no set price for a TMA-2 platform pair of headphones. However, there are a number of off the shelf models designed for specific purposes, so we are using the TMA-s DJ edition here, to compare it to the similarly DJ orientated Sennheiser HD25s.

At first glance, they have a similar MSRP, but the price you pay tells a different story. The HD 25s have been around for a while now but are definitely aging well and remain an industry standard. Today they can be found at around $140, with the AIAIAI available closer to $200. This is why MSRP can be deceiving, although in general they are close enough in price to be able to compare them as products.

Value is a different matter to price of course, and here the ability to change every aspect of the TMA-2s, adding wireless connectivity, even changing the drivers and sound, that offer real added value. The HD25s are great as they are, but by simply swapping in different parts, you can upgrade the AIAIAIs over time to be anything you want.

AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ vs Sennheiser HD 25: Comfort and Fit

At just 140 grams, the Sennheiser HD 25s are very lightweight, so much so that you can forget you have them on. But at 160 grams, the TMA-2 are not noticeably heavier, and both are light enough to never be an issue. No matter how long you wear them these headphones never get tiring.

Both have great padding too, so there are no sharp edges or pinching to worry about. Because the AIAIAI TMA-2s are modular, you can also select different ear cups and headbands to find the perfect style. Sennheiser doesn’t offer that customization, but the HD 25s have been refined over decades, so they are extremely comfortable as well. The HD 25s just edge ahead of the TMA-2s, but the difference is very small.

Sennheiser HD 25 vs AIAIAI TMA-2: Sound Quality

Sound quality is why you look for the best headphones, here is how the Sennheiser 25 compares to the AIAIAI TMA-2.

Frequency Response

We are reviewing the DJ build of the AIAIAI TMA-2 here, it is important to say, as there are other speakers available in this modular system. However, in this build, they have a nice balanced sound that offers good stereo separation and detail. Here, they can almost match the best that the HD 25s can offer.

However, the HD 25s have a broader frequency response, and it shows. The Sennheiser headphones bring much more finesse to higher frequencies. They also have more punch in the lower end. The TMA-2s are very good, but the Sennheiser HD25s have more to offer.

Volume

Volume is important for DJs working in noisy environments. But volume without clarity is just noise. The Sennheiser HD 25s usually have a significant advantage here, and they still offer a better high-volume experience. But the AIAIAI TMA-2 get as close as we have ever heard.

Both deliver really exceptional volume with complete control. When you crank it up, they get loud, but both retain clarity throughout. There is no low-end distortion as you can get elsewhere. This is definitely where the TMA-2 shines. But even here, the Sennheiser HD 25s have a slight edge.

Listening Experience

The AIAIAI TMA-2 delivers a wonderful listening experience. The sound is well balanced with detail and a precise soundscape. It is only when you switch to the HD 25s that you realize that there is more to both the higher and lower frequencies.

In isolation AIAIAI have a great product that you will really enjoy. The Sennheiser HD 25s just have an edge though and can give much more expensive headphones a run for their money.

Conclusion

As a modular system that can be changed to fit your needs, the AIAIAI TMA-2 is innovative and, mostly, successful. But in this format, as a dedicated DJ headphone spec, they just can’t keep up with the Sennheiser HD 25s.

From comfort and build quality to overall sound quality, the HD25s are superior. It is important to say that in many cases, the differences are marginal. But they are there all the same. The strength of the TMA-2 is that you can add different cups, headbands, speaker units, even cables, and create your own perfect headphone. Doing it that way can make them a lot more expensive than the ones here though, but it might make sense.

As tested, the Sennheiser HD 25s are still the ones to choose.