The size of the plug is a small issue considering how easy it is to replace the cable, you can even get cables with a microphone and controller on ebay now. I can't recommend these enough, I've used them close to daily for over seven years now, and have only had to change the earpads once recently, and the cable once every two years, and this is with rough use, I also had to replace the arm holding one of the cups after I ran over a bag they were in when backing out of the driveway with a Mercedes station wagon. I just shove them in pockets and backpacks, used them in light rain and when running/working out, and they're still going strong. Best $140 I've ever spent.
About the cable, I just got mine this week, and they seem to have fixed that problem with the connector being so large. It'll fit your devices now regardless of case.
By far the most detailed and instructive review I have seen in a while. Thank you so much. I have a question though, I have the Amperior headphones and im looking to replace the stock cable to the ones that come with the HD25. I need to do this because I prefer the 1/4" option since I use it for live performance. Is this something that I can replace?
This doesn't have much to do with these headphones, but it does with the comments. Beats Studio were my 'gateway' set. When I got them over two years ago, I was so happy with the bass and trend setting style. Now I'm happy with them because after dropping that much money on them, it allowed me to be ok dropping that much or less, and finding far better headphones. My Beats had become my everyday commuter cans, but even now they're gathering dust and I use my V6's or ATH-M50's on the go.
@InnerFidelity You are an audiophile beast. I recently got some Bose QC3 but the noise cancelling pressure is actually giving me health issues lol. My sinuses are really messed up with I use them. Overall what do you think of the Bose QC3?
I currently use Sony EX500 earbuds and they are they best audio reporoducers I have heard. I think they are really good. What would I experience in switching to these substantially more costly earphones ?
Tyll, do you need such a bulky case on your iPad? oops I forgot who I was talking to, lol. the way these models snap together its amazing that they cost so much. they should make these with a single band.
@1ben1245: I own several headphones. Also still the M50. But, I sold my HD 25-1 II because it has an audible bass emphasis. It sounds clearer than beyerdynamic DT 1350 (imho). The M50 is a little bit bulky but much better looking an flexible to transport...
you could. It would be very similar however remember that the Amperior has a lower impedance which means it will perform better on devices with lower voltage output such as mp3 players and smartphones.
Great review! How likely would it be for Sennheiser to sell the aluminum casings + drivers separately (so all of us who already own HD 25-1 IIs can just frankenstein together our own Amperiors)?
The "gold" limited edition DT 1350 from Focus Camera also has a more "shiny"/bright/clear sound to its treble due to metal plates on the outside of the cups, but I don't think it has special dampening inside or different cups underneath the metal outside.
Ho often do Sennheiser refresh their product range. Are we likely to see new products at CES ? Is there a chance of a bluetooth version of headphones as good as these within the near future ?
Why have you not uploaded any reviews of Bose? The QC-15s are quite popular, and I think it would be a great benchmark for those unfamiliar with headphones you can't find in Best Buy :D
looking for best portable cans under $400 for lossless on iPhone 4S. i’m particularly torn bet the Amperior and Grado's. I ♡ Grado's signature but, will the iPhone drive them to any high standard, specially now that the Amperiors have just been optimized for portables? also, i prefer isolation cans over open, but only as long as they don't compromise sound quality. fidelity is my top priority. thx for all the helpful articles tyll. big fan here. (…and btw, nice shirts! hehe) =)
@bishonen2pm Have you tried looking at the V-Moda Crossfade M80's? They come with a control/microphone cable, so that would work well with your iPhone 4S. They are also closed-back headphones, so they are more noise isolating than an open-back and still manage to sound pretty darn decent.
Hey Tyll, I come asking for a little advice, im looking at getting either the Sennheiser HD 25-I II or Audio Technica ATH-M50? any clear winner of the 2? i like that the Sennys are more compatible for outdoor use but thats not a deal breaker by any means as my AKG K450 take care of that job. Its unlikely ill get to hear either first so im collecting as much info as possible. Cheers.
Regarding what Henry Fu just said. I was wondering too. I got the dt1350s on your recommendation to me awhile back. Now I'm pretty interested in the Amperior but wondering if I should.
Hi thanks for the video. I have an amperior silver. I am trying to pop the driver out just like you did but it wont come off. Is there something I am missing?
I gotta admit I keep coming back to this review and, despite the fat connector, I'm thinking about getting these as my new on-the-go pair. When do they release? B&H says "May 25" which is a bloody long wait!
The problem with the fat 3.5 mm connector is easily fixed by replacing the whole cable. There's essentially a mini-industry devoted to customising and modding the HD 25's and the Amperior is compatible in almost every way. And if you get really desperate it's not that hard to replace the connector yourself. I see a soldering iron on the desk in front of Tyll.
The Amperiors have been delayed because Apple bought the exclusive to sell them first. Don't be surprised if you can get a pair for awhile anywhere else other than the apple store. They are also way over rised in Australia compared to the UK and US
This may be a stupid question, but are the parts of both headphones interchangeable with each other? Can you upgrade to the aluminum caps for cheaper than the $150.00 difference in price?
@Joshloft I'd say the Amperiors are better than the M-80, which I'd prefer over the HD 25-1 II. Haven't heard the M-100 yet ... no one has, that I know of.
I was about to hit buy on the Sennheiser Amperior until he mentioned the Jack and its thickness! I wonder, would it be wise to shave off some of the surrounding plastic on the Jack?
Hi Tyll. I currently have the PX 200 II and I'm looking to upgrade to the HD 25 IIs, but I'm worried about the clamp pressure of the HD 25 IIs. How does the clamp pressure of the HD 25 IIs compare to the PX 200 II?
Hi Tyll. Do the remote cable work with the hd-25. The amperior looks very similar to the hd-25. I have them and I'm really happy with them, but I'm missing the remote to my ipod. I don't need a microphone on my hd-25, just the volume buttons and the play/pause button. May you please check it out, and try it? If they work, please leave a comment or send me a message. Thanks
Excellent, I've been looking forward to this review. It's a bit disappointing seeing that fat cable as I planned on getting these exclusively for on-the-go listening. I'm thinking I should just get the (Adidas) HD25 or even the B&W P5 now.
@miceblue425 i like the grado signature better than the Moda's ( which i found a bit too colorized for my taste) and mics are a non-issue for me. sound is my main concern. i specifically need assertive comparisons bet the Amperior and any of the Grado Prestige Series (SR60i, iGrados, SR80, SR325i, etc.). no one seems to be comparing those. maybe due to their different categories? i duno. thanks much for your reply. =)
Wich headphones do you recommend for me? I need a very Bass, but a good quality and which is portable. (Portable, not a Ir Ear.) P.S.: Money is not problem.
The HD-238/239 and the Amperior are really just two different animals entirely. (Different audiences, sound quality and signature, isolation levels, price points, etc.) However, if you're interested in comparisons between portable headphones you can check out ljokerl's comparison thread over at head-fi. He does a very good job with his "Shootout: 107 Portable Headphones Reviewed"
Since Sennheiser HD-25 series is known for its replaceable parts, can't I just buy the new aluminum cups and place them in my HD-25-1 (Adidas)? Unless they're willing to price some cups at $150, I think it'll be more practical to replace the cups for owners who already have a pair of HD-25s.
i just want to say i appreciated the video. being an audiophile and experimented with how different materials , ie, wood, metals, plastic can effect sound, i must say i am not totally convinced with the conlcusion tha the newer model is better. He said the plastic back phone sounded well, more plastic, that implies through logic that the metal one should sound, well, metallic ? Also, a material never operates in isolation of itself rather it operates finally, by how it interfaces with the rest of the materials in the headphone AS A TOTAL. The meridian 508.24 cd players chassis is made of plastic. I owned it and it is a very very musical player and was a hit at its pricepoint and higher. Bottom line. The ampore may in the end be more liked and prove better over the other version over time but it also might not. Try for yourself is my recommendation and draw your own conclusions. Your results MAY be different. Maybe the metal cups are just marketing to get you to buy a new pair so you feel your "old" ones are inferior or maybe not. Maybe the plastic cups were better than the metal ones because the metal introduces too much brightness to the sound? Plus everyone has different tastes and different amplification, therefore...again, ideally, compare both for yourself !
Hello I have been looking at headphones for a bit but I don't no which ones to buy my budget its $300 but i can't make up my mind between these, bowers and wilkins p5, Philips fidelio l1, skull candy mix master and the skull candy aviators. I listen to mostly jazz, r n b, classical music, acoustic, pop and soft rock. Please Help me!!!!!!!!!!
See what you gotta do Tyll is put a studio equipment adapter on the Amperiors and then put another adapter over the studio adapter that will fit with your case and iPad lol
I use the HD25s for DJ work. Well, thats what I bought them for but now I use them for everything. They've spoiled me and made me an audio snob. They're amazing and indestructable. On the connector being so chunky, It's unavoidable for the HD25s because they go to a threaded bit for screwing on a 1/4" adapter. But man it get's annoying. I cut into my phone case so I could use them with the case on.
The HD600s are appalling for use on the go, they are the least isolating headphone I've ever used. If you just want to use them inside with your portable player, the JDSLabs C421 is a good choice. I have used mine with the HD600s and it drives them very well in high gain.
The size of the plug is a small issue considering how easy it is to replace the cable, you can even get cables with a microphone and controller on ebay now.
I can't recommend these enough, I've used them close to daily for over seven years now, and have only had to change the earpads once recently, and the cable once every two years, and this is with rough use, I also had to replace the arm holding one of the cups after I ran over a bag they were in when backing out of the driveway with a Mercedes station wagon. I just shove them in pockets and backpacks, used them in light rain and when running/working out, and they're still going strong. Best $140 I've ever spent.
About the cable, I just got mine this week, and they seem to have fixed that problem with the connector being so large. It'll fit your devices now regardless of case.
By far the most detailed and instructive review I have seen in a while. Thank you so much.
I have a question though, I have the Amperior headphones and im looking to replace the stock cable to the ones that come with the HD25. I need to do this because I prefer the 1/4" option since I use it for live performance. Is this something that I can replace?
This doesn't have much to do with these headphones, but it does with the comments. Beats Studio were my 'gateway' set.
When I got them over two years ago, I was so happy with the bass and trend setting style.
Now I'm happy with them because after dropping that much money on them, it allowed me to be ok dropping that much or less, and finding far better headphones.
My Beats had become my everyday commuter cans, but even now they're gathering dust and I use my V6's or ATH-M50's on the go.
Tyll is a Sound Doctor!! Audio God!! Wish he would do more frequent!!
@InnerFidelity You are an audiophile beast. I recently got some Bose QC3 but the noise cancelling pressure is actually giving me health issues lol. My sinuses are really messed up with I use them.
Overall what do you think of the Bose QC3?
I currently use Sony EX500 earbuds and they are they best audio reporoducers I have heard. I think they are really good. What would I experience in switching to these substantially more costly earphones ?
Putting the amperior cups on the HD25-13 II would be awesome!
Nice comparison InnerFidelity!
Between Amperior & DT 1350 which would you choose?
Tyll, do you need such a bulky case on your iPad? oops I forgot who I was talking to, lol. the way these models snap together its amazing that they cost so much. they should make these with a single band.
You can get them from a couple of places in the UK, so they have been released. I assume it would be simultaneous worldwide.
@1ben1245: I own several headphones. Also still the M50. But, I sold my HD 25-1 II because it has an audible bass emphasis. It sounds clearer than beyerdynamic DT 1350 (imho). The M50 is a little bit bulky but much better looking an flexible to transport...
Tyll...I missed you.
you could. It would be very similar however remember that the Amperior has a lower impedance which means it will perform better on devices with lower voltage output such as mp3 players and smartphones.
Solid review and great explanation Tyll, always love your reviews!
Hi, Tyll! Thanks again for another great review!
Great review! How likely would it be for Sennheiser to sell the aluminum casings + drivers separately (so all of us who already own HD 25-1 IIs can just frankenstein together our own Amperiors)?
The "gold" limited edition DT 1350 from Focus Camera also has a more "shiny"/bright/clear sound to its treble due to metal plates on the outside of the cups, but I don't think it has special dampening inside or different cups underneath the metal outside.
Ho often do Sennheiser refresh their product range. Are we likely to see new products at CES ? Is there a chance of a bluetooth version of headphones as good as these within the near future ?
Why have you not uploaded any reviews of Bose? The QC-15s are quite popular, and I think it would be a great benchmark for those unfamiliar with headphones you can't find in Best Buy :D
looking for best portable cans under $400 for lossless on iPhone 4S. i’m particularly torn bet the Amperior and Grado's. I ♡ Grado's signature but, will the iPhone drive them to any high standard, specially now that the Amperiors have just been optimized for portables?
also, i prefer isolation cans over open, but only as long as they don't compromise sound quality. fidelity is my top priority.
thx for all the helpful articles tyll. big fan here.
(…and btw, nice shirts! hehe) =)
@InnerFidelity I'm thinking about either getting the HD 25 ii or the m80 for Rock, Heavy Metal, and Rap. Which do you think would be better?
@bishonen2pm Have you tried looking at the V-Moda Crossfade M80's? They come with a control/microphone cable, so that would work well with your iPhone 4S. They are also closed-back headphones, so they are more noise isolating than an open-back and still manage to sound pretty darn decent.
Thanks for your review. I have the older HD 25-1. How does this compare to the HD 25-1 II and the Amperior?
I'm having trouble taking away the Amperior aluminium cup from the plastic inner as you show, it seems so stiff. Any instructions?
Hey Tyll, I come asking for a little advice, im looking at getting either the Sennheiser HD 25-I II or Audio Technica ATH-M50? any clear winner of the 2? i like that the Sennys are more compatible for outdoor use but thats not a deal breaker by any means as my AKG K450 take care of that job. Its unlikely ill get to hear either first so im collecting as much info as possible. Cheers.
Regarding what Henry Fu just said. I was wondering too. I got the dt1350s on your recommendation to me awhile back. Now I'm pretty interested in the Amperior but wondering if I should.
@InnerFidelity between the Vmoda m80's and the HD 25 ii, which do you think would be better for rock, Heavy Metal, and rap? Thanks for any replies.
Even amped do the amperiors still outperform the hd-25's? Also have you tested out the inline mic on the Amperior, how well does it work?
Hi thanks for the video. I have an amperior silver. I am trying to pop the driver out just like you did but it wont come off. Is there something I am missing?
I gotta admit I keep coming back to this review and, despite the fat connector, I'm thinking about getting these as my new on-the-go pair. When do they release? B&H says "May 25" which is a bloody long wait!
@InnerFidelity Between the Sennheiser Amperior and the Beyerdynamic DT1350. Which one of these sounds better? Which one of these would you recommend?
The problem with the fat 3.5 mm connector is easily fixed by replacing the whole cable. There's essentially a mini-industry devoted to customising and modding the HD 25's and the Amperior is compatible in almost every way. And if you get really desperate it's not that hard to replace the connector yourself. I see a soldering iron on the desk in front of Tyll.
The Amperiors have been delayed because Apple bought the exclusive to sell them first. Don't be surprised if you can get a pair for awhile anywhere else other than the apple store. They are also way over rised in Australia compared to the UK and US
Other than the price.
Beyerdynamic DT 1350? Comparison?
with the HD 25-ii?
This may be a stupid question, but are the parts of both headphones interchangeable with each other? Can you upgrade to the aluminum caps for cheaper than the $150.00 difference in price?
@Joshloft I'd say the Amperiors are better than the M-80, which I'd prefer over the HD 25-1 II. Haven't heard the M-100 yet ... no one has, that I know of.
update? how do you like them. I did the same thing, returned my m80s for these.
Is the Amperior better than the ATH-ES10?
& do you have a Fidelio L1 review in the make? Tx.
I know its a really old video and you are no longer around but I think you should have showed the sound tapping when the dampening material was on
If price wasn't an issue, which would you recommend: DT1350 or the Amperior?
I was about to hit buy on the Sennheiser Amperior until he mentioned the Jack and its thickness! I wonder, would it be wise to shave off some of the surrounding plastic on the Jack?
Hi Tyll. I currently have the PX 200 II and I'm looking to upgrade to the HD 25 IIs, but I'm worried about the clamp pressure of the HD 25 IIs. How does the clamp pressure of the HD 25 IIs compare to the PX 200 II?
Hey Tyll,
Will the Fiio E7 amp mess up the amperior's sound since it has such a low impedance?
Thanks
Great review! Considering the deal on Newegg ($129 for Sennheiser Amperior Headphones, Silver), it is a brainless choice of it over HD 25-1 II.
Could you please tell me what stores in the UK have them? maybe i could order online from them
Yo Tyll,
sennheiser amperior vs sennheiser hd 598 based on sound quality and sound stage, who wins?
How would you compare these to the b&w p3
Great video.
Thanks a lor for review!
Amperior or DT1350? Which is better for overall sound quality, comfort, and isolation?
Hi Tyll. Do the remote cable work with the hd-25. The amperior looks very similar to the hd-25. I have them and I'm really happy with them, but I'm missing the remote to my ipod. I don't need a microphone on my hd-25, just the volume buttons and the play/pause button. May you please check it out, and try it? If they work, please leave a comment or send me a message. Thanks
UDG Creator series headphone case....there are 2 sizes, buy the large one. You can get it from Ebay....
Excellent, I've been looking forward to this review. It's a bit disappointing seeing that fat cable as I planned on getting these exclusively for on-the-go listening. I'm thinking I should just get the (Adidas) HD25 or even the B&W P5 now.
Could I just take the Amperior cups and replace them with the HD25-1 II plastic cups and still get the same sound quality as the Amperior?
@miceblue425
i like the grado signature better than the Moda's ( which i found a bit too colorized for my taste) and mics are a non-issue for me. sound is my main concern. i specifically need assertive comparisons bet the Amperior and any of the Grado Prestige Series (SR60i, iGrados, SR80, SR325i, etc.). no one seems to be comparing those. maybe due to their different categories? i duno.
thanks much for your reply. =)
@slytown Got any links?
Great review!
Wich headphones do you recommend for me? I need a very Bass, but a good quality and which is portable. (Portable, not a Ir Ear.) P.S.: Money is not problem.
@plorwax yup $350 is insane for the Amperior. But the price will eventually drop on Amazon.
@loverboydontplay from what kind of music you say you listen to go with sennheiser for a nice crisp clean sound
would you say these are good heaphones for hip hop and rap music? for bass etc
Hi Tyll, how would you compare there two headphones to the Beyerdynamic dt1350?
Thank you sir!
Wtf this is the best 360p quality i have ever seen
This would probably make a good pairing with the DACport LX since it can now be used on the iPad and the Amperior has such a low impedance.
Are they better than the M80's Tyll? Are they better than the M-100's are going to be?
So you like these better than the beyerdynamic DT1350's then?
The HD-238/239 and the Amperior are really just two different animals entirely. (Different audiences, sound quality and signature, isolation levels, price points, etc.) However, if you're interested in comparisons between portable headphones you can check out ljokerl's comparison thread over at head-fi. He does a very good job with his "Shootout: 107 Portable Headphones Reviewed"
I love my Amperior
Are they adidas good sounding when using a mobile device? Is there a mobile device that powers them the best?
Since Sennheiser HD-25 series is known for its replaceable parts, can't I just buy the new aluminum cups and place them in my HD-25-1 (Adidas)? Unless they're willing to price some cups at $150, I think it'll be more practical to replace the cups for owners who already have a pair of HD-25s.
The Momentum is out yet? review them Tyll...
these or m50? people have been saying that this is really good
May you do a comparison between Allen & Heath Xone XD2-53s and Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700MK2s please?
this or m-80? ad when will the m-100 come out Tyll?
Hey tyll could you get the hd25 cups and fill them with some kind of epoxy or resin to make them stiffer ?
Gotta love people that buy headphones for their looks, and not their sound. Last time I checked, they were for music.
You make awesome videos that deserves more views :D
Would be great if you reviewed just a bit more IEM's ;)
Is it possible to buy the aluminum cups for the amperior and use them for HD-25-1 II ?
Good video. Thanks
@WatariWammy These don't require a lot of ampage. With an impedance of 70 ohms, I've found the Altoid Cmoys on eBay to work perfectly.
i just want to say i appreciated the video. being an audiophile and experimented with how different materials , ie, wood, metals, plastic can effect sound, i must say i am not totally convinced with the conlcusion tha the newer model is better. He said the plastic back phone sounded well, more plastic, that implies through logic that the metal one should sound, well, metallic ? Also, a material never operates in isolation of itself rather it operates finally, by how it interfaces with the rest of the materials in the headphone AS A TOTAL. The meridian 508.24 cd players chassis is made of plastic. I owned it and it is a very very musical player and was a hit at its pricepoint and higher. Bottom line. The ampore may in the end be more liked and prove better over the other version over time but it also might not. Try for yourself is my recommendation and draw your own conclusions. Your results MAY be different. Maybe the metal cups are just marketing to get you to buy a new pair so you feel your "old" ones are inferior or maybe not. Maybe the plastic cups were better than the metal ones because the metal introduces too much brightness to the sound? Plus everyone has different tastes and different amplification, therefore...again, ideally, compare both for yourself !
Has anyone changed the cable for the amperiors? Anyone know the tool used to remove the amperior screws?
Hello I have been looking at headphones for a bit but I don't no which ones to buy my budget its $300 but i can't make up my mind between these, bowers and wilkins p5, Philips fidelio l1, skull candy mix master and the skull candy aviators. I listen to mostly jazz, r n b, classical music, acoustic, pop and soft rock. Please Help me!!!!!!!!!!
See what you gotta do Tyll is put a studio equipment adapter on the Amperiors and then put another adapter over the studio adapter that will fit with your case and iPad lol
They're indestructible.
@WatariWammy For cheap, I like the HEadRoom AirHead/BitHead. For serious money, any of the HeadAmp portables are awesome.
can you use the Amperior's cans on the HD25's strap? do they switch right in?
I use the HD25s for DJ work. Well, thats what I bought them for but now I use them for everything. They've spoiled me and made me an audio snob.
They're amazing and indestructable.
On the connector being so chunky, It's unavoidable for the HD25s because they go to a threaded bit for screwing on a 1/4" adapter. But man it get's annoying. I cut into my phone case so I could use them with the case on.
Third party copper cables will solve that
@@RovexHD 5 year old comment. I never replaced that cable but I still use these headphones every time I film an interview for my current work.
Aftermarket and diy now have a clue to upgrade the HD25-1 II to sound like the Amperior. Sennheiser may not be happy seeing this. :D:D:D
so physics-sy :-) thank you, so tempted to buy!
The HD600s are appalling for use on the go, they are the least isolating headphone I've ever used. If you just want to use them inside with your portable player, the JDSLabs C421 is a good choice. I have used mine with the HD600s and it drives them very well in high gain.
do they need an amp to drive them better?
when you will do Sennheiser Amperior review ?
(this is comapre)
How is the bass on both?
would it be possible to put the amperior housing on the hd 25?
do a review on the Focal Spirit One headphone and the PSB headphone.
When do they release ??
How do the Amperior compare to the DT1350s?