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Sennheiser HD 448
MSRP $99.95
The Sennheiser HD 448 is an incredibly good all-purpose headphone and perhaps the biggest audio 'bang-for-the-buck' in the Sennheiser line. With well-detailed tone, decent ambient noise isolation, lightweight full-size design, portable efficiency for iPod & iPad plus solid build quality, the HD 448 is an all-around winner. It also sounds really great. We just said that, but it bears repeating. Silver flash adds cool bling factor. HeadRoom recommended!
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Product Features:
- Highly defined and acoustically balanced sound
- Sealed-back earcups offer mild isolation from outside noise
- Suitable for use with portable players or computers
- Well-engineered build quality, performance and durability from fine maker
- 2-year Sennheiser manufacturer's warranty
What's In The Box:
- 5ft headphone extension cable (detachable)
- Full-size 1/4" stereo plug adapter
- Sennheiser storage pouch
Applications:
Easily the best-sounding headphone Sennheiser has released under $100, the HD 448 are outstanding audio performers bedecked with a bit of the cool styling increasingly popular in headphone land. But don't let the hip cosmetics fool you. The HD 448 remain serious headphones suitable even for demanding ears. Excellent musical definition, impressively transparent timbral textures and quick dynamics belie this can's within-reach price. The HD 448's fast neodymium driver elements and proprietary Sennheiser Duo-Fol diaphragms produce an airy yet rich tone full of correct musical detail and deep soundstage imaging with seamless integration of the music at all frequencies. Full-size closed-back construction offers mild ambient noise attenuation and listening privacy anywhere you want your tunes. Efficient 32 Ohm impedance rating means these cans don't require an amp for good sound quality when used directly from MP3 players, iPad, iPhone or computers. However, adding a quality headphone amplifier can potentially transform the HD 448 into a truly jaw-dropping listening experience, the kind we've rarely heard from a $99 can. Yet another thumbs-up HeadRoom recommendation from these German headphone gurus!
The Sennheiser HD 448 has circular earpad cushions that will typically gently rest on the outer part of the earlobes on most wearers. It's a highly comfortable full-size design given the ergonomically well-balanced, lightweight feel and 'no-pressure' clamping force of the headband. Expect great long-term wearing comfort from the HD 448 full-size circumaural ('around the ear') soft fabric earpad cushions. The single-sided cord (no 'Y-cord' tangles!) exits at the left earcup, extends about 3 meters [approx 9.5ft], and terminates to a 3.5mm (1/8") 'mini' plug jack ideal for nearly all mobile and portable audio sources. A full-size 1/4" gold-plated stereo plug adapter is also handily provided in the package along with a very useful 1.6 meter headphone cable extension cord for those needing a longer reach to their source. Neat Sennheiser storage/travel pouch provided. The free 2-year manufacturer's 'repair or replace' product warranty remains in effect with all Sennheiser headphones ONLY when proof-purchased via true 'Sennheiser authorized dealers'-- like us here at HeadRoom since 1992!
Specifications:
- Weight: 6.9 oz (196 g)
- THD+N: <0.1% (1kHz/100dB)
- Isolation: -10dB ~ 14dB
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 32 Ohms
- Detachable Cable: No
- Cord Length: 9ft
- Cord Type: Straight Left-Side
- Coupler Size: Medium
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Acoustic Seal: Closed
- Connector Type: 1/8
- Headphone Type: Full Size
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 Years
- Sensitivity: 114dB
Additional Resources:
- Product Reviews
- Right Between Your Ears
Average Rating
Posted by NighTalon from New York, NY on 2013-04-21
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Isolation, Value, Light Weight, Comfortable
Cons: Needs Mod for More Bass, Plastic Construction
These are the perfect library phones because they are closed-back, and they are far more comfortable than my ATH-M50s. I pair them with a FiiO E17 DAC/amp, and I'm off to the races.
I executed the mod of removing tape covering reverb holes behind the driver inside these cans. It's fairly easy to do, once you find the Philips-head screws behind the foam earpads and a second layer of foam. The tape was transparent and latticed...I'm not sure why. I may cover back up 1 or 2 of the 3 holes again to restrain the bass a little. However, at low volumes, the phones seem balanced now! Perfect for extended study-listening...I can still hear the bass at low volumes, mid-range is still clear, and high frequencies are always present on Sennys.
However, the ATH-M50s do seem to have slightly more detailed (articulate) highs. Please note I am now reviewing the HD449, the replacement for the HD448. I can verify that sound signature, accessories, and build quality are identical to the predecessor despite a slight visual redesign.
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Posted by Mr. Audiophilia from Dallas, TX on 2011-11-22
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Comfort, Good value, Neutral Sound, Wide Soundstage
Cons: A tad closed sound
The highs are a little lacking for my taste, but are clear and present; without being exaggerated. The mid's are what surprised me, as after some burn in they really began to show some nice color. Now these are nothing compared to any open designs or the higher level closed, but for 99$ I really like the warm mids.
Now many people complain about the bass on these, but I have to disagree with all of them. If you are a bass junkie, these are absolutely not for you. But from an audiophile who loves balance and clarity these get a thumbs up. The bass is right where it needs to be after burning the cans in, maybe just a LITTLE low but they make up for it with the great balance.
*Note: These do isolate some decent amounts of sound, but nothing spectacular. Goof for sound level in a mall, maybe a bus or airplane. Nothing much louder. (although I cant think of anywhere much louder you would be using headphones)
As is just about everything from Sennheiser (respectively), these are very comfortable. They also look rather nice, and professional.
The cans are durable enough for normal everyday use. Treat em right, and they'll treat you right. Some people have this idea headphones should be indestructible and it rather confuses me.
These can's are best for moderately noisy environments, and good sound at a respectable price. If your listening at home, go with something open (i.e. Grado SR 60/80). After some burning in I love em for the price and will be happy to add them to my collection. Great bargain from our friends at Sennheiser.
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Posted by Nfslmao from Toronto,Ontario,Canada on 2011-11-16
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Comfort, Price, Sound
Cons: Build quality
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Did you?
