Introduction
The Sennheiser HD25, originally released in 1989, has long held its status as a legend in professional audio. Despite a few revisions over the years, the HD25 has kept its iconic design and continues to cater to professionals in demanding environments.
Overview
Designed as a sealed on-ear headphone, the HD25 is a part of Sennheiser’s professional lineup, tailored for use in environments with high noise levels—think DJs, broadcasters, and cameramen. Priced around $150 (or roughly 14,000 pesos in the Philippines), these headphones are readily available through authorized Sennheiser distributors such as JB Music.
Here are some photos of the HD25:
Packaging and Build Quality
The HD25 arrives in a simple Sennheiser cardboard box, with a basic quarter-inch adapter included. For users wanting a bit more, a Plus variant offers a pouch, extra pads, and a longer cable. Though I would usually prefer a carrying case, the HD25’s rugged plastic build doesn’t necessarily require one; it’s known for resilience despite its light, mostly plastic frame.
The ear pads are synthetic and functional, not luxurious. The double-sided cable exits only on the right side, connecting to each ear cup via color-coded 2-pin connectors, making setup straightforward. Its 1.5m cable length is sufficient for portable use, though it might feel limiting if you need more movement while plugged into an amp.
With its matte black finish and compact design, the HD25 has a timeless look that doesn’t appear awkward in a mirror or webcam, which is a rare quality among headphones.
Comfort
As a DJ-focused headphone, the HD25 has unique adjustments that support single-ear listening, with a tilting mechanism for each cup. The split headband provides a secure fit, allowing for more active movement. While on-ear headphones aren’t typically as comfortable as over-ears, I found the HD25’s clamping force just right—neither too loose nor overly tight. I can wear it comfortably for a full commute or a long day of casual listening.
Noise Isolation
In terms of passive noise isolation, the HD25 performs well for an on-ear headphone. While not as effective as active noise cancellation, it fares well on bus rides and in noisy environments, isolating better than some other models like the ZMF Bokeh and Hifiman Sundara Closed. Although the Beyerdynamic DT1350 offers slightly stronger isolation due to its firmer clamp, the HD25 remains a solid choice.
Page 2: Sound Quality & Conclusion