Sennheiser HD 180 - closed monitor headphones from a German manufacturer. This is a budget model, and considering the price, it doesn't have many drawbacks. First of all, it is a long and brittle cable, the main weak point of all cheap models. They also have relatively weak sound insulation, which may not be enough for noisy places. Where to attribute the sound quality to pluses or minuses depends on the source you are using (player, smartphone). Please note that these are high impedance headphones (24 ohms versus the standard 16), so you need to use a sufficiently powerful device to make them sound.
The Sennheiser HD 180 is a decent selection of headphones for the price. This accessory is suitable for those who need average noise isolation and good sound quality.
The Sennheiser HD 180 headphones can be purchased for around RUB 1,100, and with the options on the market today, this is a smart buy.
Where can one buy
Packaging and equipment
The earbuds are sold in a colored cardboard box, which is perfect as a gift. As usual, the manufacturer tries to sell them with various colorful inscriptions ("Powerful sound", "Rich bass").
The Sennheiser HD 180 package includes:
- the headphones themselves
- detachable cable 3 meters long
- adapter from 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm.
The package bundle, frankly, is not rich, but acceptable for its price.
Design and execution
Sennheiser HD 180, like most of the headphones from this company, have a strict and a bit boring design. Their black plastic case with silver accents is unremarkable, but it will hardly annoy you either.
These are regular monitor headphones that completely wrap around your ears. But they have design flaws to consider before purchasing. First of all, this is a long and thin cable made of not very high quality materials. Although, it is likely that someone will take advantage of the 3m cable and use it to connect to a TV or game console. It would still be wiser to make the cable twisted, like the Sennheiser HD 215 II, but the budget requires you to save on everything. It is also not very convenient that the cable is connected to each speaker with a separate wire. This is less practical than the solution of the HD 215, when the cable is connected only from one side.
The headphone housing is made of frankly inexpensive plastic and in no way pretends to be premium. The ear cups and headband are made of artificial leather, which can peel off rather quickly. In general, the design of the headphones is not very sturdy, especially in the moving parts.
The direct plug in other models is usually not as reliable, but in the Sennheiser HD 180 it is made with high quality, so there should be no problems.
Ergonomics
The Sennheiser HD 180 headphones fit quite comfortably on the head and completely cover the ears of most users. But some reviews of the Sennheiser HD 180 say that the downforce is still a little more comfortable - they press, so the head can get tired. Since these are closed headphones, they have additional insulation that can create discomfort in the heat.
The headphones are quite large and cannot be folded, so they are more suitable for home or office, where dimensions do not really matter, and additional noise isolation will only be handy.
The Sennheiser HD 180 does not have a remote control, so you cannot change tracks or adjust the volume without taking the player out of your pocket.
With a sufficiently powerful sound source, the headphones are quite "omnivorous" and play out almost any genre of music for their money. A flat frequency response can scare away only bass lovers, but in this case, an equalizer will help them. And again, the power of the source can become the main limiting factor for low frequencies, therefore, when choosing this model, do not neglect this parameter.
The sound quality is also affected by the noise isolation of the model. With the Sennheiser HD 180, you can shield yourself from most extraneous sounds, just like other people from your music. Of course, this model is slightly inferior in noise isolation to older models, but not much.
People who regularly listen to music can be divided into several classes based on the sound device they use. For example, at the initial level, you can imagine cheap and a higher class provides for playback through closed monitor models. This transition is one of the most important climbs on the road to music lover status. Those who decide to discover new shades in musical compositions should first turn to the budget segment of such headphones. In particular, the German development Sennheiser HD 180, a review of which is presented below, is the best option for the inexperienced amateur. The model is distinguished by good ergonomics, provides decent sound for an entry-level and, in general, boasts a high-quality performance.
General information about the model
The device is the simplest version There are plenty of such devices on the market, but this model deserves special attention, since it was created by the leading company in the audio equipment market - Sennheiser. Despite the elementary design and technological solutions, in the end it turned out that it can be used in combination with players, laptops, mobile devices, etc. In terms of compatibility with various equipment, the Sennheiser HD 180 modification is quite omnivorous and does not imply any restrictions. We can say that most of the lesser-known headphones have the same qualities, the cost of which is noticeably lower. But high-quality products show their merits during operation. In this regard, it is worth noting the durability of the materials of this model, good sound quality and ease of use.
Headphone specifications
The main efforts of large companies are usually concentrated on top and especially premium models. Technological sophistication rarely falls on budget products, but the overall quality is maintained at the proper level. This also applies to the Sennheiser HD 180, whose characteristics can be summarized as follows:
- Product type - monitor headphones.
- The design type is a closed form factor.
- The lower frequency level is 21 Hz.
- The upper frequency level is 18,000 Hz.
- The impedance of the model is 24 ohms.
- Sensitivity indicator - 108 dB
- Cord length - 3 m.
- Weight 165 g.
The figures are well within the standard data of inexpensive monitor headphones. But, as practice shows, even models with the same nominal characteristics can demonstrate completely different sound quality. Therefore, having rather modest initial data, the Sennheiser HD 180 device surprises many users already in the workflow.
Design and ergonomics
In the implementation of the design, the handwriting of a high-level brand is traced. This is evidenced by the extended headband and the presence of silver plastic parts in the cups with the company logo. Adjustment tools help to improve the ergonomics of the device - you can adjust the position of the cups and the length of the headband. The model has a double cable entry. The cord itself is quite thin, which raises doubts about its reliability. True, the rigidity of the material used still gives hope for the durability of the wire. It is noteworthy that the HD 180 does not have a volume control, so you will have to rely only on the capabilities of the sound source in this regard. But in terms of comfort, there are no serious remarks - a small weight, a soft pad on the bow and pleasantly fitting cups contribute to ease of use.
Sound quality
For obvious reasons, there can be no overestimated requirements for the model in terms of sound. Nevertheless, if you do not forget about the origin of the device, there are certain expectations. In particular, smooth processing across the entire spectrum of the declared frequencies is the minimum that the Sennheiser HD 180 headphones cope with with dignity. Reviews note the pronounced shades in the middle range and tolerable bass reproduction. The behavior of the headphones in the upper register is not so pleasing - there is excessive sonority and blurred sound. But this is where the border begins, beyond which budget models are simply not able to demonstrate quality work.
It is worth noting the dependence of the sound characteristics on the volume level. As it increases, distortion in the lower frequencies may appear - for example, many people note that the clarity and sharpness of reproduction is lost. But with noise isolation, the Sennheiser HD 180 version is doing much better than its competitors. Of course, the proprietary ones are not provided in the design, however, the cups that are optimally pressed by the arc do a good job with the insulator function.
Positive feedback on the model
It's worth starting with the direct task of the headphones - broadcasting sound. Most users speak positively about this model as a universal instrument for playing music. Of course, a serious discount is made on whether the device belongs to the budget segment, but in general, the owners note the balanced work of the Sennheiser HD 180. Reviews also praise the thoughtful design, which provides a vacuum effect and at the same time does not cause unpleasant sensations during prolonged listening to music. Connoisseurs of original designs, as a rule, bypass the models from the initial price link. But in this case, the designers did not skimp and offered truly original and stylish headphones with individual features without boring template solutions.
Negative reviews
If you analyze in detail the model's ability to reproduce musical signals at different frequencies, you will find a lot of shortcomings. Experienced music lovers, for example, note the poor ability of headphones to broadcast "heavy" music and blockages in the upper range. True, there are no special complaints about the middle of the frequency spectrum - perhaps the balance of the Sennheiser HD 180 is best manifested in it. Critical reviews also mention the shortcomings of the cable. Oddly enough, the creators are reproached for making it too long - at 3 m. According to many users, this is more than enough for portable use, and the extra meter interferes with the operation.
Conclusion
When meeting with different models from the budget line, costing 1-1.5 thousand rubles. one may be surprised at the monotony of such proposals. This applies to both performance and structural design. But the developers of the Sennheiser HD 180 headphones managed to stand out among the gray mass. First of all, the model is distinguished by a catchy and attractive design. Many argue about its aesthetic merits, but everyone agrees with the fact that it is original and original. As for the sound, there is no particular criticism here either. Of course, no one will buy headphones of this level specifically for deep and thoughtful listening to vocal parts or rock compositions with pronounced bass. But - as a versatile and practical tool for playing at the amateur mass level - it is a very worthy option.
- closed-type monitor headphones from a well-known German manufacturer of sound equipment.
Content:
Design and ergonomics
Outwardly, the headphones look very nice: a wide headband, silver plastic on the cups with a large manufacturer's logo. The headphones have a stylish and rather expensive appearance.
The length of the headband is adjustable, as is the angle of the ear cups. The wires are connected from both sides, which is an indisputable advantage in terms of the balance of the device. As for the strength of the cords themselves, this factor remains in question: the wires are rather thin and stiff.
The advantages of the model also include the length of the cord, which is 3 meters. This will be enough for both home and studio use. But all for the same reason of small thickness, the wires tend to constantly get tangled. There is no volume control.
The overall structural strength also leaves a lot to be desired, especially in the moving parts of the headphones.
Speaking of comfort, it should be said that thanks to the soft inner lining on the temple, rather large cups and low weight, these headphones are very comfortable and do not cause fatigue even after prolonged use. And all this despite the fact that the bow itself exerts quite strong pressure on the ears.
The sound of Sennheiser HD 180 headphones
In terms of sound, sennheiser HD 180 wired headphones fully justifies the good name of its manufacturer. This is fully confirmed by their fairly flat frequency response. At an average volume level, the headphones behave with dignity over the entire frequency range, giving sonorous, albeit slightly blurry, highs, an impressive and most pronounced middle and good bass. But at a higher volume, the shortcomings of the sound of this model immediately appear. The low frequencies begin to block out, and the high frequencies become less clear. By the way, speaking about the volume level, it should be noted that the headphones do not correspond at all to the sensitivity specified by the manufacturer of 108 dB / mW and play noticeably quieter than their direct competitors.
In terms of sound insulation, the headphones are doing great. The model may not have received expensive sound-absorbing materials for the ear cushions, but the designers compensated for this with a stronger pressing effect of the arc.
And it should be said that thanks to this, the HD 180 model is able to create a fairly strong "vacuum effect", completely protecting the listener from external noise.
Sennheiser HD 180 headphones reviews
Positive user reviews (spelling saved):
Clear sound, no wheezing or rattling, comfortable. They look good and the wire is quite long. Soundproofing is good.
These ears are excellent and have nothing to do with money, you just need to poke them into an amplifier, and not into a phone or computer. Of course they will sound but pathetic. But with the amplifier is a completely different matter. Not just better, but generally different.
Very stable, sturdy construction, good sound.
Good sound, comfortable pads that don't hurt your ears (!), Austere, laconic design.
Rare negative reviews:
Too long wire, personally inconvenient for me.
The wire could be thicker; also, minor flaws can be attributed to the wire in the ear instead of one common in one ear. The bass is weak, the high ones stick out a little, the volume is unexpectedly low for the declared sensitivity.
Long wire, gets confused all the time. No volume control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be said that the Sennheiser HD 180 is a headphone focused more on home use. For a low cost, they offer decent sound quality and a high level of comfort, although they cannot boast of the famous reliability of products from the manufacturer Sennheiser.
Pros:
- ease of use;
- long cord;
- balanced sound;
- good sound insulation;
- great design;
- reasonable cost.
Minuses:
- flimsy construction;
- small wire thickness;
- low level of maximum volume;
- sound deterioration at maximum volume in the low and high frequency range.
Comments
The first full-size headphones that I bought in my life, being concerned about buying a similar product. It happened about 8 years ago, and, frankly, I categorically did not like the model, I will try to explain in order why. Firstly, I will immediately note that we are talking about connecting headphones to simple, custom sound sources, that is, for convenience, we will assume that only to a home personal computer with a standard HD Audio type sound chip built into the motherboard, of which different modifications, but plus or minus the same mold there for the last 5-7 years, maybe more. I don't know, probably if you connect this model even to amateur audio cards such as Xonar / Audigy, or even more so to hi-fi sound sources, you can get a completely different result for the better. But it's not obvious to me personally how headphones for $ 20 and a receiver for $ 3,000 fit together, or even budget type (but not in this combination) audio players, for example FiiO x3 with a price tag of about $ 300. This is not a comment for this review, this is me in general on the network. That reviewers, that users for some reason like this approach, how to assemble a stand - even stand, even fall, and what is the connection of one product with others in the coupling, I personally do not understand.
Now on the headphones, I agree with the review - the sound is pretty even without obvious accents or dips, as for me it's close to boring, but as they say, it's a personal matter, that's not the problem. It lies in the fact that despite the really rather strong coverage of the head and good isolation from noise, a paradox, but the speakers are not pressed tightly enough to the ear, and this, in turn, has a bad effect on the sound. Of course, this moment is largely subjective in terms of each individual head, both the structure of the skull and the ears, I admit that if the head is more elongated from the chin to the forehead than round, and the ears are tightly pressed to the skull, it will be somehow different, however According to the experience of all whom I gave to listen, with different "scoops" there is always one and the same observation - if you press the earcups with your hands more tightly to your head, the sound becomes better subjectively 1.5 - 2 times. First of all, the bass becomes much deeper and warmer, no more powerful than the HD 180 (they are 201 if anything) not about bass at all, but it is more pleasant, the soundstage is generally more pleasant, enveloping, the middle is more interesting. That is, in other words, the headphones really have quite good (for their price) speakers, and even a pleasant sound, but the unsuccessful design of the headband itself allows you to understand and feel this only if you put on the headphones and press them, for example, by wrapping tape around the perimeter of the head. In its natural state, as I wrote, the sound is boring and flat.
The second problem is that the previous item is combined with a peculiar price. Yes, it is not high for today (Yekaterinburg, 2016) on average 1,400 rubles, although in some stores you can stumble upon 2,000 for HD 201. But the problem is that 202 Senhi cost the same 2,000, but they sound an order of magnitude better, dramatically. I would see the meaning of existence of the 180s at a price of 500 rubles, in the current price tag in the amount of problem areas of the design - they have, in my opinion, absolutely no advantages over competitors in the same price range. Yes, 202s have a sharp emphasis on bass, but there are alternatives in the form of Philips or Sony, the same XD150, for example, with a smoother sound. And I am sure you can find something more interesting from other brands.
So, to be honest, with all due respect to Sennheiser, I would not advise anyone to buy these headphones. Even if you are an unassuming listener, even if you need headphones 2 times a month to watch Game of Thrones without waking up the floor of the house, or without confusing your kids with incomprehensible words and expressions - all the same, for this money you can simply buy a more interesting product.
Sincerely, Dmitri.
Headphones are 100% worth their little money. The sound is smooth, pleasant, soft. I strongly disagree with the previous comment from Dmitry's "expert" on headphones. I will try to substantiate my point of view. I have these headphones for about 2 years, initially I connected them to the built-in sound system in my computer, the sound was rather poor, so to speak, then I bought ASUS XONAR D1 instead and assembled an amplifier specifically for the headphones on a good LM1875 microcircuit. As a result, I got a very, very good sound with soft lows, good detail of the instruments and in general the difference is very noticeable. A headphone amplifier is generally always desirable because all built-in, and not only built-in sound cards have a rather weak output, the sound card is simply overloaded when connected to such a low-impedance load, and as a result, the sound suffers, especially at the bottom. For fun, I checked my sound on a test audio disc. Conclusion - headphones are good for their paltry price. By the way, pressing them to the ears practically does not change the sound. Conclusion: I would like to do this - even the most expensive headphones will sound mediocre if the sound path is weak in terms of quality and output power reserve. By the way, I never listen to music loudly, the amplifier is not needed for this mainly, but for matching the sound card and headphones. This rule always works in sound engineering.
Problem solved
Advantages: 1. Soundproofing. Permissible. The earbuds cover the ears rather tightly. A little external noise seeps out, probably at the temples. For me, with headphones on and music turned off, the ambient noise level is reduced by more than half. 2. Sound quality. Any player has an equalizer. It will help you establish the right balance in the music you listen to, taking into account the peculiarities of any musical genre. Classics and rock, which I most often listen to, sound pretty good after simple manipulation of the settings. The video also has good sound. I don't play with toys, so I don't know how the headphones behave there. The sound quality depends not only on the headphones, but also on the recording quality and the quality of the sound source. 3. Design. I would call him calm, self-confident and self-confident, with a sense of dignity. Nothing sticks out anywhere, the headphones surround the head in the most evenly compact way. I think only the silver color in their design would be worth excluding. 4. Ease of use. The presence of a pillow on the inside of the headband, like ear cushions made for my ears - all this allows me to spend a lot of time in the headphones. The movement of the ear cups in two planes allows them to be fixed in any position, evenly nestle against different heads and hold securely. Cable with rubber-like insulation does not tangle. 5. Cheapness. Disadvantages: I cannot yet tell you about the shortcomings of the conception of German designers and the work of Chinese workers materialized in this product. If I find something, I will edit my review. Comment: I was looking for headphones with good sound insulation, high-quality sound and a price of 1000 (plus or minus a little) rubles to use them in a talkative team, prescribe them at work and not worry too much about their fate. I learned a lot about different headphones. I impartially delved into their performance characteristics, re-read the sea of \u200b\u200breviews, reviewed many videos, re-searched and listened to 10-15 pieces in stores that I intended to buy. As a result, I found out that at the same time almost all of my unassuming wishlist turned out to be realized in the Sennheiser HD 1800 headphones for 1200 rubles. In the store I connected headphones to my Sony smartphone with a Walkman player, and they seemed to me not loud enough. That is, an acceptable volume was provided by a sound close to the maximum on a smartphone. But when connected to a computer, the sound turned out to be loud without any amplifiers. The headphones also pair well with the tablet. There was no warranty card or instruction manual in the packing box. These headphones are primarily designed for indoor use. But you can move in them outside of it. Only for this you need to figure out where to put the coil of excess wire, which is tied with a wire. I am sure that for 1200 rubles. better than headphones. I advise you to pay attention to them, meticulously listen to them in the store, move the equalizer engines, and, if everything suits you, then buy.
Lovers of high-quality sound quite rightly expect pleasant surprises from the German manufacturer of audio equipment Sennheiser with original solutions. If most of the company's eminent competitors leave all the main trump cards for the premium segment with flagship models, then German developers take the budget class seriously. This does not mean that high-tech products can be obtained from them for modest money, but the basic quality reserve in terms of basic characteristics will be provided. This also applies to the Sennheiser HD 180 model, which has many weak points, but the headphones perform their main function at least four. However, this is the case when it is better to refrain from unambiguous conclusions and consider the model in great detail.
General information about the model
In this case, Sennheiser offers a version of the fairly common concept of closed-back, low-cost monitor headphones. On the one hand, you should not expect any special performance from a budget-level device, but on the other hand, even discerning music lovers can pay attention to this modification for several reasons. Firstly, the headphones of this brand traditionally have a high-quality assembly and good ergonomics, which speaks of their practicality. And secondly, it is a universal model that can be easily used in conjunction with a smartphone, and for listening to music from a more solid source. Now it is worth taking a closer look at the development of the Sennheiser HD 180, an overview of which is presented below.
Design and usability
The shape and design of the model are made with dignity and balance. The company's engineers are well acquainted with the rules for organizing physical contact between the head, ears and headphones, so it is structurally this model that is almost a reference - of course, by the standards of the initial class. In particular, the shape of the massive arch with the adjuster and the angle of the cups deserve high marks. The device is comfortable and does not cause problems in handling. But there are also offensive drawbacks that upset the Sennheiser HD 180 monitor headphones in terms of physical implementation. The materials of manufacture, perhaps, just turned out to be the point at which the creators of the budget device were forced to save. Both the leatherette ear cushions and the average quality plastic do not impress you - but, again, for premium materials, you should turn to a completely different segment.
Specifications
By even mid-range standards, the performance of the model looks more than attractive. But to this can be added the fact that the Sennheiser HD 180 headphones fully realize the potential inherent in the official specifications, which are presented below:
- Headphone type - full-size dynamic.
- The range of operating frequencies is from 21 to 18,000 Hz.
- The membrane sensitivity index is 108 dB.
- The resistance value is 24 ohms.
- Wire connection - two-way.
- Wire length - 3 m.
- A typical adapter is 6.3 mm.
- The fixation method is through the headband.
- The cable connector is a mini jack with a standard size of 3.5 mm.
Sound quality
The sound reproduction ability of this model can be described as balanced. If we consider the sound in average conditions, for example, in the optimal volume mode, then a completely acceptable upper range and a restrained, but deep and sonorous lower range will appear. In the middle of the frequency corridor, the Sennheiser HD 180 delivers its best sonic performance, delivering detail, clarity and even naturalness that is certainly not the case with cheap headphones.
Disadvantages of reproduction certainly show up as well. They can be seen when switching the volume. The upper level is especially bad when the frequencies are locked on the bass. The upper range at high volume loses clarity and becomes blurry. But noise reduction is one of the main advantages of the device. As already mentioned, the Sennheiser HD 180 headphones did not distinguish themselves with high-quality ear pads, but the isolation function was made up for due to the correctly calculated clamping arc force.
Positive reviews
In the first place in the list of advantages of the HD 180 modification, many owners put sound and ergonomics. With all the flaws in both parameters, given that the headphones belong to the lower price range, users generally favor the model. To this are added some trifles like an adapter in the kit and a long 3 m cable. There are also restrained, but also, rather, positive reviews about the Sennheiser HD 180 headphones in terms of stylistic performance. The fact is that design delights do not belong to the firm's strengths, and the developers have chosen a conservative approach quite deliberately and do not seek to change it. But this model just stands out from this concept, although, of course, the appearance cannot be called bright and memorable either. He is rather strict, a little boring, but also solid.
Negative reviews
Along with positive reviews about the sound of the model, there are also mentions of shortcomings in this indicator. Actually, the same users also note the blockages of some frequencies at high volume. The structural performance is also not one of the merits of the headphones - at least when you evaluate the build quality and the characteristics of the materials as such. According to the owners, the Sennheiser HD 180 model is fragile in its plastic base and is also provided with a flimsy thin wire. By the way, the cable is controversial, including because of its length. Still, 3 m is a non-standard format, so this decision is recorded as a plus and a minus. Suffice it to say that the wire will not allow you to comfortably use the model on the street. Another contradiction in the characteristics can be noted. The fact is that high-quality noise insulation in itself asks to take the model for a walk, but this will be prevented not only by a long cord, but also by massive cups. If the headphones on the head do not cause problems, then it is very inconvenient to hold them hanging around the neck. Especially when it comes to walking, as in the process of movement, the cups can rest on the chin. Here you can blame the creators for rejecting the idea of \u200b\u200bconstructional minimalism, which is also becoming more and more relevant in this segment.
How much does the model cost?
Cost is largely an excuse that compensates for a number of the model's shortcomings. I must say that the use of better materials for the case, equalization of the frequency range and increased volume would give every reason to fit the device into the middle segment. But even with the available characteristics, we can talk about a worthy presentation of the Sennheiser HD 180 modification, the prices of which vary between 1000-1200 rubles. For this money, it is almost impossible to find an option that, with the same performance characteristics, could compete with this model. Of course, if we draw an analogy with products from companies of the same level. You can find many offers within 1000 rubles. with a more attractive design and quality plastic in the finish, but the sound is unlikely to be better.
Who should use the Sennheiser HD 180 headphones?
With all the positive properties of headphones, they are in no way suitable for professional and studio use. Many fans of the brand have associations with such a purpose, since there are many interesting options in its lineup just for specialized use. But in this case it is worth talking about a different nature of exploitation. Perhaps, home use is the optimal solution for the Sennheiser HD 180. Headphones, reviews and reviews of which note the balance of ergonomics, noise isolation and sound, are best suited for the role of a universal playback tool. The model equally shows its best sides as a translator of game effects, and in conjunction with full-length equipment, as well as as part of a home theater. By the way, the shortcomings of the same ear pads do not at all cancel their anatomical ergonomics, so the listening process may well last for hours without causing physical inconvenience.
Conclusion
The German company has once again confirmed that an inexpensive product can be of high quality. Of course, there are several parameters that the developers of this model had to sacrifice, but they are not priority from the user's point of view. This is confirmed by the owners of Sennheiser HD 180 headphones themselves. Reviews and prices in this case are interrelated and the owners indicate that for 1200 rubles. you can come to terms with individual flaws in the technical device. The main thing is that along with this drawback, a perfectly acceptable balanced sound is provided. If we talk about the unique solutions that were used in these headphones, then they mostly manifested themselves in isolation. Noise cancellation is rarely given special attention in the budget segment, but the creators of the HD 180 modification, largely thanks to thoughtful noise protection, managed to eliminate many negative external factors.
