Aug 10
5
Sennheiser HD280 Pro Headphones
With all the great music out there you really need something nice to listen to it all…right? And sometimes cranking the stereo up isn’t an option since it’s late, or you are an apartment dweller, or just, like me, you love the sound of music through some quality headphones. Well then, step right up to the Sennheiser HD280 Pro Headphones!
The Sennheiser HD280s are closed back, circumaural (around the ear) headphones capable of closing out up to 32db of outside noise. Well, that’s what the company claims and although I have no real way to test that I can say that they pretty much close out the entire outside world which is nice. Now, I know a lot of people will say the best sound for headphones can only come from open back models but they also let outside sound in and sometimes you just want to be completely alone and immersed in the music. These do the job and then some.
One of the things that originally drew me to the HD280s was the great retro coiled cord; it’s just plain cool! Plus it seems to stretch out forever and then coils back up real nicely and neatly. It is connected only on one side of the ‘phones so it never gets caught up under your chin and is completely replaceable should you ever damage it. The 1/8″ plug is solid and well made and comes with a very heavy duty 1/4″ adapter.
Another great thing about these “cans” is that they can be driven with almost any device. That is to say, they don’t need a dedicated headphone amp or anything special; just plug ‘em in and listen. I have used them on a myriad of devices and the sound is always fantastic and never lacks for depth of sound. One word of caution: if you plan on connecting to your ipod and walking down the street get ready for some odd stares as these things are huge. I mean, really huge. Of course, in the privacy of your own home the bigger the better but out on the street…maybe get a smaller pair for that.
As for the sound? Well, these are often described as analytical headphones (yet another reason I was drawn to them) and analytical they are! A lot of headphones color the sound a bit one way or another but these deliver the music as true as can be. A lot of people like a “colored” ‘phone, and sometimes that is nice, but I like to hear the music as pure and close to the original source as possible (yeah, I know, I’m a music nerd).
The sound is detailed and crisp, without being overly loud or shrill. I have thrown every type of music possible at these things and they deliver in every respect. The sound remains so true to the source the only shortcomings will be based on the quality of the recordings themselves. Bass is nice and deep without being ridiculous about it, and the treble is clear as a bell. Everything sounds good here whether is be jazz, rock, classical, or funk (James Brown is especially nice). The stereo separation (sound stage) is fantastic as well and the instruments all sound very well spaced and are given room to breath (again, a lot of this also depends on the recording itself).
The amount of tiny musical details the HD280s can deliver is astounding. Listening to something percussion heavy like Santana III or Frank Zappa’s Grand Wazoo album reveal all sorts of incredible sounds and nuances. Well recorded jazz guitar albums such as Wes Montgomery’s Smokin’ at the Half Note and Grant Green’s Green Street sound especially nice here and you can actually hear the sound of their fingers on the strings. Like I said: detailed. Note: Some users have complained about a lack of bass but like I said, these don’t color the sound and their delivery of music depends a lot on the source recording. I have found the bass to be perfectly acceptable and pleasant to listen to.
Conclusion: The Sennheiser HD280s are built like a tank, with solid heavy plastics, great comfy foam ear pads, and well made coil cord and connectors. I could, and often do, wear these for hours with no fatigue from sound or comfort. They have been serving me flawlessly for more than six years now and I continue to love them. Although you could most certainly do better in the upper tier of headphones (some of the best can cost hundreds or even thousands), for around $99 these are in a class of their own.
Note: Please use caution when listening to anything on any headphone. Ear damage is most often permanent. For years of listening pleasure keep the volume at an acceptable level. Your ears will thank you.
