Sennheiser HD25-1 II for location sound and rough post-sound editing?

[John Willett]

Sensitivity is almost irrelevant when reviewing headphones though. In my experience, any sound mixer or sound recorder that cost more than $50 has WAY more than enough power to run any set of headphones you plug in, regardless of how "sensitive" the drivers are. Really not worth considering when comparing two sets of headphones imho, unless your headphone amp extremely underpowered...

Not true really.

I have seen several recorders where the headphone amp. has been designed so as to be as low a current draw as possible to maximise battery life.

The Fostex FR-2 was certainly like this (and this is no cheapie) and I found that the HD 25-1 was by far the best headphones to use because of their sensitivity and they gave a good level at a reasonable volume setting. Less sensitive or higher impedance headphones needed a higher level and began to drive the amp. into distortion.

[GaryNattrass]

As a side note keep an eye out of for sennheiser aviation headsets as they can be cost effective as presentation kit as they are virtually the same.

I just got two nearly new HME-26 KA sets from e-bay for £90 each, cut off the two jacks and solder an XLR-M and a 6.5mm stereo jack and you got a very useable presenter or commentator headset.

I prefer the HME-26 for in vision as they look nice and the automatic headband is great for quick rigging, the electret mic also gives a sweeter tone for presentation but the HMD dynamic is better for commentary.

[John Willett]

The HME and HMD 26 are excellent.

But you do not need to cut anything at all as they have interchangeable leads - so all you do is to get the broadcast version from Sennheiser.

For the HME the broadcast version has an XLR-3M for the mic. - this incorporates a circuit to balance the mic. and to convert 48V phantom power to the plug-in power required by the mic.

The headphone side has a ¼" jack.

[S.Blanchardon]

The HD 25-13 II should sound exactly the same as the HD 25-1 II - the only difference is the impedance.

The HD 25-13 II are really designed for mains equipment with a decent headphone amplifier - I would not recommend them for camcorders or battery powered equipment.

There are no suede earpads available for the HD 25 - they come fitted with the leatherette ones (which seal better, but are less comfortable) and the supplied velour ones are in the box (NB: velour, *not* suede). The earpads for the new Amperior are microfibre ones and these should also fit the HD 25 if wanted.

Having both I can assure you that the 600ohm version sounds better. I doubt you've tried both John.

The difference of power consumption is marginal, I use them with portable equipment without worrying for my batteries.

Sorry, velour pads, not suede, anyway I maintain my point on the sound differencies.

[John Willett]

Having both I can assure you that the 600ohm version sounds better. I doubt you've tried both John.

Yes I have tried them both.

After all, I was Technical Manager at Sennheiser UK for many years.

If they sound different it would be more to do with the length of burn-in and the headphone amp. preferring the higher impedance version than the headphones themselves, I think.

[GaryNattrass]

I know about the leads John but Sennheiser want nearly £120 for the one with XLR and 1/4" jack so cutting the ends of a £90 aviation headset and getting the soldering iron out is way better for my wallet.

[John Willett]

I know about the leads John but Sennheiser want nearly £120 for the one with XLR and 1/4" jack so cutting the ends of a £90 aviation headset and getting the soldering iron out is way better for my wallet.

Well - the headset *does* actually cost £500-600 normally (depending on version), so £120 for a cable is not expensibe - especially as the XLR does have a 48V phantom circuit inside it - that XLR is about £80, I think, bought on it's own.