If you’re buying headphones to use in a recording situation I advise you to NOT buy these.
Even though the HD650 are not as flat response as the HD600, they are still flatter and more uniform than any other models we've tested on High on Technology.
COMPARING SPECIFICATIONS
For shoppers and new purchases: the HD 650 appears to be an upgrade to the HD 600. They are a newer design, have wider frequency response and they cost more than the HD 600 but it’s that darned flat response (or lack there of) that kills them for my recording applications.
The marketing makes them look good for general listening but the warmer frequency response profile is a deal killer for my ears. I don’t want them to have a “profile” or “warmer richer sounding color”. They might be great for someone who is looking for some good cans to listen to their vinyl albums, but if I’m spending anywhere near this much money on a set of headphones, I want accuracy, unerring, as close to the original master as possible. I’ll put them through an EQ if I need a “richer profile” on the sound.
If you came to the Sennheiser HD series for their flat response legacy, stick to the HD 600, sit back and enjoy their accurate reproduction of exactly what the original artist meant for you to hear.
BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Sennheiser HD 650, introduced in 2003 as a successor to the iconic HD 600, is another open-back, reference-grade headphone designed for audiophiles who crave a touch of warmth in their sound. Priced around $500 in 2025, the marketing builds on the HD 600’s legacy with “a slightly richer, more relaxed sound signature that’s perfect for long listening sessions”. Like its predecessor, it’s a wired, no-frills option that demands a proper amplifier but rewards you with an emotional depth that modern wireless headphones rarely match. In a world of flashy ANC earbuds, the HD 650 remains a timeless choice for those who prioritize musicality instead of accuracy.
BUILD AND COMFORT
The HD 650 shares the HD 600’s design DNA, sporting the same lightweight 260-gram frame and durable gray plastic chassis with metal yokes. The velour ear pads and padded headband are nearly identical, offering the same fatigue-free comfort for hours of listening—perfect for marathon sessions of jazz, folk or classical. The clamp force starts snug but loosens with use, and the spacious ear cups fit most ears without issue. As with the HD 600, glasses-wearers might notice slight pressure over time, but replacement pads are affordable and easy to swap.
The stock cable, however, remains a weak point—thin, tangle-prone, and feeling like an afterthought. The build quality is rock-solid, with no creaks or flimsiness, ensuring the HD 650, like the HD 600, is built to last.
The open-back design means zero isolation and noticeable sound leakage, so it’s best for quiet environments, except where someone next to you is studying or needs silence.
LIKES
- Exceptional comfort for long sessions, same as HD 600
- Durable, modular build with replaceable parts
DISLIKES
- Needs a quality amp to perform
- Stock cable is flimsy and outdated
- Less analytical than HD 600 for critical mixing
- No isolation, unsuitable for noisy spaces or library use
- Expensive
EPILOGUE
The Sennheiser HD 650 trades clinical precision for a warmer, more engaging sound that invites you to get lost in the music - they remain a benchmark for audiophiles who value emotion over neutrality — I’m not even sure what all that marketing-speak means — For use in recording studio applications I’d avoid these and go with the accurate HD 600 model.
Thanks for reading High on Technology, GOOD MUSIC TO YOU!
©September 2025 by Mark King, It is NOT ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
