Sennheiser HD 650
← Back to Gear Reviews

Sennheiser HD 650

★★★★★
5/5 — Headphones
~£249
Approx. UK RRP

Open-back reference headphones with a warm, natural presentation — mixing on the HD 650 is a genuinely luxurious experience that reveals every nuance of your mix.

Specifications

DriverDynamic, 40mm
Frequency Response10Hz–41kHz
Impedance300 Ohm
Sensitivity103dB (1 Vrms)
DesignOpen-back circumaural
Ear PadsVelour
Weight260g

Sound Character

The HD 650 has a warm, slightly dark presentation that's immediately natural and musical. Bass is present but not overwhelming; midrange is rich and detailed; highs are smooth and extended without harshness. One of the least fatiguing reference headphones available — you can mix on them for hours.

Soundstage and Imaging

The open-back design creates an expansive, natural soundstage. Instruments are positioned with precision and the stereo image has a depth that closed-back headphones typically cannot match. Easier to judge reverb depth, stereo width, and instrument placement in a mix.

Amplification Requirements

The HD 650's 300 Ohm impedance requires a quality headphone amplifier. A standard laptop socket will struggle to drive them to adequate volume with sufficient dynamic range.

Who Is It For?

Mixing engineers and audiophiles who want a premium open-back reference headphone. The warm, natural presentation is particularly suited to mastering applications where smooth, fatigue-free sound is beneficial.

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

  • Reference-grade soundstage
  • Warm, natural tonality
  • Extremely comfortable for long sessions
  • Legendary professional reputation
  • Excellent imaging and separation

✕ Cons

  • Open-back leaks sound both ways
  • Needs a quality headphone amplifier
  • Premium price
  • Not suitable for tracking

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 650 is a legendary headphone that earns its reputation fully. The warm, natural sound, exceptional comfort, and precise imaging make it one of the best mixing headphones available. The amplification requirement and open-back design limit versatility, but for serious mixing in a quiet environment, the HD 650 is a genuine professional tool.

Check Price on Amazon UK →