Sennheiser HD 650
Headphones (wired)

HD 650

Sennheiser

Released Sep 1, 2004 · Analysis updated Mar 30, 2026

The Sennheiser HD 650 scores 87/100 based on 16 expert reviews in the headphones (wired) category. Coverage includes reviews from Stuff, Pcmag, Theabsolutesound, and Headphonesty.

Critic Score

What's this?
87

based on 16 expert reviews

StuffPcmagTheabsolutesoundHeadphonestyHowtogeek+11 more

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Pros

  • Comfortable for long listening sessions(10)
  • Worth the money(3)
  • Great sound quality(3)
  • Good frequency response(3)
  • Sturdy construction(2)

Cons

  • Expensive(5)
  • Not portable(5)
  • Soundstage isn't the best(2)

16 Expert Reviews

95
Established publication11/2007

Sennheiser shows it can punch as hard as the hi-fi nerds with a sublime pair of reference-class headphones

95
Major publication03/2006

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones have everything you want in full-size audiophile headphones.

92
Independent publication12/2008

The Sennheiser HD 650 is considered one of the benchmark products in its price class, offering exceptional clarity, neutral tonal balance, and highly expressive dynamics.

90
Independent publication11/2021

These truly are superb all-rounders that provide the comfort and sound signature that promote long hours of delightful listening.

90
Major publication06/2023

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones have remained relatively unchanged since 2003, indicating that not much needed to be improved upon.

90
Independent publication

Great, well priced, worth the money.

88
Independent publication03/2019

Sennheiser HD 650 are pretty much the most neutral headphones available on the market, though their sub-bass response is lacking and high-mids need tweaking.

86
Major publication04/2006

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones offer luxurious comfort and reference-quality sound with a sweeter, boomier profile that flatters acoustic music but may tame hard rock.

85
Independent publication08/2020

Sennheiser's HD 600 and HD 650 remain excellent options under $500, offering incredibly natural tonality and good technical performance despite being over 20 years old.

85
Independent publication11/2009

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are accurate, smooth, and require proper amplification to deliver their best performance, making them a top choice for serious listeners.

85
Independent publication01/2026

Strauss & Wagner's ear pad lineup shows just how much influence a simple accessory can have on a well-established headphone like the HD 650.

85
Major publication09/2008

The Sennheiser HD650 offers impressive levels of detail and clarity with very natural tonality through bass and midrange, making it excellent value for money despite some treble coloration.

85
Independent publication02/2023

The Sennheiser HD650 headphones are a premium choice for audiophiles and music lovers who value a warm and balanced sound signature.

85
Established publication

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones offer excellent sound quality and comfort, making them a solid choice for audiophiles despite their open-back design limitations.

83
Independent publication09/2004

The Sennheiser HD-650 offers a more aggressive, forward sound with improved bass and upper-mids compared to the HD-600, making it a world-class headphone for recording applications despite being more ...

66
Independent publication08/2025

The HD 650 is an open-back headphone with a 300-ohm load and modular construction, offering stable performance but facing strong competition on value.