TLDR;
This video reviews the vintage Sennheiser HD 250 Linear One headphones. The reviewer shares his experience of purchasing them for a low price and being impressed by their sound quality, comparing them favourably to more expensive headphones like the HD 650 and LCD-2. He discusses their build quality, comfort, and sound characteristics, highlighting their neutral yet musical tonality, excellent extension, and ability to perform well across various music genres.
- The Sennheiser HD 250 Linear One headphones, made in the early to mid-1980s, are the subject of the review.
- The reviewer purchased the headphones for $75 and was impressed by their sound quality.
- The headphones are described as having a neutral yet musical tonality, with excellent extension and detail.
- They perform well across various music genres and scale well with good amplification, particularly with OTL tube amps.
Introduction to the Sennheiser HD 250 Linear One [0:10]
The video introduces the Sennheiser HD 250 Linear One, a vintage headphone from the early to mid-1980s, discontinued in 1991, with a 300-ohm impedance and 94 sensitivity. The reviewer notes the existence of a 600-ohm version, though he has only experienced the 300-ohm model. He discovered the headphone through an online forum where it was compared favourably to the HD 650, piquing his interest.
The Purchase and Initial Impressions [1:32]
The reviewer stumbled upon a listing for the HD 250 Linear One on a vintage audio website, priced at $75 including shipping. Despite initial skepticism about the sound quality at that price, he decided to purchase them. Upon arrival, he was thoroughly impressed, especially considering the low cost. The reviewer laments the lack of information regarding the original price, differences between the 300 and 600-ohm versions, and distinctions between the Linear One and Linear Two models.
Amplification and Sound Quality [4:34]
Initially tested with vintage receivers, the HD 250 Linear One sounded great due to their 300-ohm impedance. The sound quality improved significantly when paired with a La Figaro 339 tube amp. The headphones reached their full potential with a Glenn OTL tube amplifier, sounding like $2000-$3000 headphones despite costing only $75.
Build Quality and Comfort [6:03]
The HD 250 Linear One headphones are lightweight and made mostly of plastic, giving them a toy-like appearance. Despite the cheap look, they feature a leather headband and shallow cups with a felt liner. The reviewer has not experienced issues with seal, even with glasses, and finds the bass response adequate. While durable for their age, the reviewer would not feel comfortable using them in public due to their fragile appearance.
Sound Characteristics and Comparisons [8:30]
The reviewer describes the sound as brilliant, with a near-neutral profile and incredible extension on both ends. The sub-bass is comparable to that of the LCD-2, while the mid-bass has good slam. The mids are slightly recessed, and the treble is detailed, occasionally bordering on bright. The headphones are transparent, revealing the characteristics of the source and amplification. The tonality is sweet and musical, making them an all-around headphone suitable for any genre.
Genre Performance and Soundstage [12:55]
The HD 250 Linear One performs well across various genres, including rock, folk, metal, and trance. While some headphones may excel in specific genres, the HD 250 Linear One handles all genres admirably. The soundstage is wide with excellent three-dimensionality. The reviewer considers these headphones among his favourites.
Pricing and Availability [16:54]
The reviewer notes that the HD 250 Linear One can be found on eBay, with prices ranging from $180 to $500. He is unsure of the fair market price due to the lack of a strong fan base compared to other vintage headphones like the Sextett. The reviewer believes that the sound quality justifies a price of $250 to $450.
Final Thoughts and Sennheiser HD 300 [18:33]
The reviewer concludes by expressing his high regard for the HD 250 Linear One. He mentions the recently released Sennheiser HD 300, which was rumoured to be based on the HD 250, but early impressions suggest it does not compare favourably. The reviewer reiterates his uncertainty about the differences between the Linear One and Linear Two, as well as the 300 and 600-ohm versions, focusing his review on the Linear One 300-ohm model.