The full review
Sennheiser HD 200 PRO Headphones Review
First Impressions and Packaging
After years of using a $40 Corsair headset, I was looking forward to upgrading to the Sennheiser Professional HD 200 headset. Unfortunately, my initial impressions were not as great. Upon unboxing, I noticed that, unlike my previous set, which boasted a durable frame and padding, the Sennheiser Professional HD 200 had what felt like a flimsy plastic frame. The stark difference in quality was quite disappointing. Moreover, it doesn't provide options to adjust sound, something I find even in $20 pairs.
Build Quality
Keeping with the build, the headset feels lackluster, making my Sennheiser Professional HD 200 review a bit mixed regarding quality. The material feels cheap, particularly the plastic and cable. The earphone covering felt thin, and within a year, I noticed it falling apart, which was a letdown. Unfortunately, these headphones seem to be built to last a year or two, which is not a good selling point for someone looking for longevity and durability in their purchase.
Sound Quality
The most crucial aspect of any headphone review is assessing the sound quality - the Sennheiser Professional HD 200 headphones are delivered on this front. The sound produced by these headphones is top-notch, both crystal clear and vibrant, providing an excellent audio experience. The sound clarity is especially noticeable for critical desktop listening when the headphones are paired with a decent sound driver, such as a dragonfly black. This pairing significantly improved the listening experience, making it incomparable to the sound from my MacBook Pro's direct output.
However, there was one recurring dissatisfaction: the bass was a bit overpowering, which made the overall sound somewhat muddy. This skewed sound profile may not be for everyone, and it didn't work for me, given my preference for a more balanced profile.
Construction and Durability
The headphones, unfortunately, do not feel very high-quality in terms of build. The headphones' plastic parts felt flimsy and were quite susceptible to damage. Also, the cable felt less than premium, and I seriously worried about long-term durability. I didn't appreciate the lack of an adjustable sound option and a microphone on this headset, which is especially expected for the $100 price range. More concerningly, the foam covering the earcups has a fragile plastic shell that started disintegrating after a year of use. This was particularly disappointing and gave a visually unappealing look to the headphones.
Comfort and Fit
In terms of comfort, this headset had its pros and cons. On the positive side, the headphones are light and very adjustable, with full ear coverage, which is a big plus. However, these might feel too small for those with more prominent ears. Additionally, I noticed that the ear part leans forward, causing some discomfort for people with smaller face frames. Nonetheless, they are still quite comfortable for extended use, notably in studio or office work environments, and they aren't too tight, thereby reducing the potential for soreness or irritation.
Value for Money
Despite the setbacks, my Sennheiser Professional HD 200 review includes some definite perks. The headset offers good sound cancellation, and the cord length is commendable, allowing sufficient movement in a studio setup. As an entry-level headphone with good sound quality, it does offer a cost-effective solution for those looking to venture into production tracks. For its price point, it's a worthy purchase for a home studio.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Glorious sound quality.
- Value for money.
- Fairly comfortable.
Cons:
- Lack of durability.
- Overpowering bass.
- There are no adjustable sound options or microphones.
Final Verdict
While this Sennheiser Professional HD 200 review showed that they have downsides, these are still worth considering if you're looking for headphones at a lower price bracket. Although it may lack some refinements of more expensive alternatives, it still holds its own regarding some key features, particularly when tailored with proper sound drivers for enhancement. It's a purchase to consider for new producers starting up with a limited budget or those needing a backup pair in the office.