TLDR;
This video reviews three vintage Sennheiser headphones from the late 1980s: the HD 540, HD 560 Ovation, and HD 250 Linear. The review covers their build quality, design, sound characteristics, and how they compare to modern headphones.
- The headphones are noted for their modular design and durability.
- Each model has unique sound qualities, with the HD 560 Ovation excelling in classical music, the HD 250 Linear offering impressive bass for a closed-back design, and the HD 540 providing a balanced and musical experience.
- The review emphasises the importance of considering the intended use and genre when choosing between these vintage headphones.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces a review of three vintage Sennheiser headphones: the HD 540, HD 560 Ovation, and HD 250 Linear, all produced in the late 1980s. Despite their age, the headphones are in remarkable condition, with the HD 540 and HD 250 featuring original pleather earpads that are still functional. The build quality is highlighted as superb, with a modular design that allows for easy servicing.
Build Quality and Design [0:52]
The build quality of these vintage Sennheiser headphones is exceptional, with fully modular designs that allow for easy disassembly and servicing. The earcups are attached to the headband with a ball and socket joint for easy replacement. The drivers of the HD 540 and HD 560 are similar and easy to remove, featuring a unique design with a hole in the middle of the dome covered by a thin, porous fabric. This design choice likely aimed to reduce distortion and internal chamber pressure for faster motor response and higher detail retrieval. The overall build quality is rated 9 out of 10.
HD 560 Ovation Sound Analysis [3:43]
The HD 560 Ovation has a distinct sound signature with a prominent treble peak. This tuning is well-suited for orchestral and classical music, providing a live and realistic presentation with excellent instrument detail and staging. The reviewer enjoyed the HD 560 Ovation most with a subtle bass boost and treble reduction. Compared to the AKG K501, the HD 560 Ovation offers a more forward soundstage, placing the listener closer to the orchestra. While sub-bass volume is lacking, the sound quality is rated 8 out of 10, or 9 out of 10 for classical music enthusiasts.
HD 250 Linear Sound Analysis [5:57]
The HD 250 Linear is described as closely matching its name, with a generally neutral tone. A dip between 200-300 Hz helps prevent bass bloat and improves instrument separation. The sub-bass extension is impressive, reaching down to 20 Hz with a slight roll-off to 10 Hz, providing a sense of scale and body. The bass is considered borderline overbearing at times, making the headphone awesome for bass. The treble can be piercing on poorly mastered tracks. The mid-range is more conflicted, with a slow rise up to 2.5 kHz that can make vocals and instruments sound thin in some genres. However, it excels with metal, orchestral rock, and progressive rock, creating a live sound with guitars and vocals up front. The sound quality is rated 7 out of 10, but can reach 8 or 9 out of 10 with the right synergy.
HD 540 Sound Analysis [10:16]
The HD 540 stands out with a small treble peak around 9 kHz and an almost entirely neutral presentation. It offers a similarly expansive and musical experience as the HD 560 Ovation, but without the pushed-up-front sensation. The HD 540 is a competent historical genre master and a true flagship model, performing well across genres except those with extreme sub-bass requirements. There are two versions of the HD 540 earpads, with the later velour version providing a more balanced sound. The HD 540 offers a grander sense of space and musical performance compared to the HD 580, 600, and 650 series, at the cost of slight treble fatigue.
Conclusion [12:56]
The Sennheiser headphones from the late '80s represent a peak in the company's history, offering a step above earlier models in musicality and versatility. With the right tone corrections, these headphones can still satisfy modern listeners looking for a specific sound for a specific genre. Aftermarket earpads are available, and the headphones are expected to last for many more years.