Review: Sennheiser HD 201 Stereo Headphones

When it comes to home recording and working with music in general, there seems to be a mindset that says "the most expensive item is the best and is the only one you need for such-and-such an application." But as I began to work on building my "home studio on a budget" I had to buck this notion in order to get the items I needed to continue creating music in the way that I wanted. After getting all the basics in place (mixer, laptop, audio interface connect them), what I needed next was a good pair of headphones for monitoring purposes. I need some that would block out all (or at least most) outside noise and give me good clarity and definition so that I can get a clear idea of what I was hearing and be able to play along with it.

I found a pair that did what I needed while not costing a ton of cash: the Sennheiser HD 201 headphones. The HD 201 is a light weight set of over-the-ear headphones and although they are not the top 'phones on the market, they provide a great listening experience for the casual music listener and the home recorder.

The HD 201 retail for $29.99. They feature a 1/8" stereo plug and come with an extra ¼" plug adapter. The cord, measuring approximately 9 feet, is sufficiently long for just about any application. The HD 201 also comes with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.

The Sound

I am, by no means, an audiophile, but I know what sounds decent and I know what I like. The last things I wanted from a pair of headphones were a flat lifeless sound or an exorbitant price tag. I knew that Sennheiser had a good reputation for quality microphones (since I had used their e609 mic). And, coming in under thirty bucks, the price was right. So how do they sound? To my ears they sound like good middle-of-the-road headphones should sound. The earcups are comfortable and they block approximately 80% of surrounding noise (that is not an official estimation; it is my own guess).

My first test of the HD 201 was music from my iPod. With the EQ setting of the iPod set to flat, I started the music at about 50% volume. The music came through very clear-a huge improvement over the standard Apple earbuds. The bass was clear but not overbearing and the highs came through really clear. The mids were not quite as pronounced but for me it still sounded great.

My next test was to use the headphones for monitoring as I recorded my guitar playing using my Behringer mixer and Apple Macbook running Garageband. I was met with the same quality. Outside noise was blocked so that I could focus completely on the music and I could hear most of the dynamics of my electric guitar as well as the other instruments in the mix (e.g. drums, bass). All in all I was very pleased with my low-cost purchase!

The Construction

The HD 201 are very lightweight so your ears and head will not grow weary of having them on for extended periods. Of course lightweight means plastic construction. However the plastic seems very durable and I do not feel like I have to be extra careful. They feel sturdy and durable rather than fragile or flimsy.

Sennheiser makes great products and I read many reviews before purchasing this set of headphones, all of them raving. And I am definitely not disappointed. Just keep in mind that if you are an audiophile or have well-tuned ears chances are you will not find these satisfactory. But if you are on a budget and need a simple pair of better-than-average headphones then give the Sennheiser HD 201 a chance. Good luck!