True Score Methodology v1.0

Sennheiser HD 650 Review

Name: Sennheiser HD 650
Brand: Sennheiser

September 18, 2023

True Score

83

Absolutely Fresh

81

6

Experts

96

2.67k

Consumers

Expert Rankings

(

6

)

Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are among the best-loved studio headphones on the market for professionals and music enthusiasts. They don’t come cheap but offer a nearly unbeatable combination of comfort and precise, well-balanced audio performance.

Sennheiser HD 650 - Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone

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$499.95

$359.36

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Table of Contents

What Is Not on the Box
Overview
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Learn More About Over Ear Headphone

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

our Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones have a comfortable design, low harmonic distortion, and well-balanced sound quality. They excel in terms of accuracy and fidelity. The expansive…

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones have a comfortable design, low harmonic distortion, and well-balanced sound quality. They excel in terms of accuracy and fidelity.

The expansive soundstage adds to the immersive listening experience. They don’t have active noise cancellation, but build quality is a strong point, with lightweight yet substantial-feeling materials.

While the bass response falls slightly behind closed-back options and instruments and vocals may take a slightly more prominent role, the HD 650 headphones remain a top choice for those seeking a pair of headphones with precise and detailed sound reproduction.

They’re great for music producers, recording artists, and engineers and should satisfy discerning audiophiles.

However, their higher price tag may make them less appealing to casual listeners in search of budget alternatives.

True Score

83

Reasons to Buy

Offers a comfortable listening experience for extended sessions
Great build quality
Delivers well-balanced audio quality
Provides an expansive and open soundstage
Ideal for audiophiles and professional producers
Enjoyed by music enthusiasts for nearly two decades

Reasons to Avoid

Lacks active noise cancelation
Slightly lacking in bass compared to closed-back headphones
Higher price range compared to average consumer headphones

Specifications

Battery Charge Time
Wired
Battery Life
Wired
Built In Microphone
No
Built-In Voice Assistant
No
Environment/Transparency Mode
No
Noise Canceling
No
True Wireless
No
Water Resistant
No
Weight
0.55 pounds
Wireless Connectivity
Wired

Overview

The Sennheiser HD 650 is a 2015-model mid-range open-back headset that features large earcups. This has high-quality metal and leather parts with a thickly padded headband and ear cushions.

You can find similar open-back models on our curated lists of today’s best-ranked headphones. This device comes with a ¼” TRS 9.84-foot that’s compatible with PS4 and Xbox One.

It has replaceable earpads too, and despite its big appearance, it weighs just 0.6 lbs. However, it doesn’t have a microphone, so it’s not for phone calls or multiplayer gaming.

This model also doesn’t have active noise cancellation, so it might not be well suited for busy offices or the metro. Additionally, you can’t adjust the volume, and there’s no EQ or companion app.

Learn more about the Sennheiser HD 650 below, and also check out the best over the ear headphones on the market today.

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Product Comparison

	Sennheiser HD 650 Review
True Score	83
Market Context	–	The Sennheiser HD 599 boasts a slightly more neutral sound profile than the Sennheiser HD 650, which has a more sunny sound profile. However, both headphones have a neutral, pleasant soundstage. Regarding the soundstage performance, the Sennheiser HD 599 has a wider soundscape, featuring a better 2.26 dB PRTF standard deviation than the 3.06 dB of the Sennheiser HD 650. Learn more in our Sennheiser HD 599 review. Read more ↓	Featuring a near-identical sound profile and similar design and build quality, the Sennheiser HD 650 and the Sennheiser HD 660 S are visually indistinguishable. However, the Sennheiser HD 650 is less tight on the head and, therefore, more comfortable than the Sennheiser HD 660 S. It also has a wider, more pleasant soundstage. For details, check out our Sennheiser HD 660S review. Read more ↓	The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are open-back headphones for music enthusiasts. The Sennheiser HD 650 has a smoother soundscape, while the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO produces deeper bass and produces more piercing treble. Read more ↓	The Sennheiser HD 650 is nearly identical to its predecessor, the Sennheiser HD 600, although the newer mode has a glossy coating. The sound profiles of the two devices are also similarly neutral, although the 650 produces marginally deeper bass. However, the newer HD 650 is less tight on the head, so it’s more comfortable than the older Sennheiser HD 650. Read more ↓
Noise Canceling>
Wireless Connectivity>
True Wireless>
Built-In Microphone>
Battery Life>
Dig Deeper	–

All Stores

Save $141
$499.95
$359.36
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
Yes
See Deal
Save $191
$549.95
$359.36
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
No
See Deal

Score Card

E

Expert Score

81

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

96

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

83

Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

A
Trust Score
55
Good for neutral listening. They’re decently comfortable and have a decently well-balanced sound quality with… read more
D
Trust Score
74
“No bottom line found for this product” read more
D
Trust Score
82
The Sennheiser HD 650 is still an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reference… read more
D
Trust Score
86
The HD 650s had a bit more style and a boomier sound, but you’ll lose… read more
F
Trust Score
90
The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are great for audiophiles and professional producers because of their… read more
F
Trust Score
96
These headphones have been an audiophile favourite for almost 20 years and that won’t be… read more