Sennheiser HD 201

Our jaws nearly hit the ground when we first heard this headphone. You have to understand just how bad cheap, 'sealed-earcup', full-size cans normally sound but, somehow, Sennheiser got it amazingly right with the sonics of the VERY inexpensive HD201 headphones. No question they are uneven-sounding in spots, but they still sparkle and sing in an unusually clean way for a headphone at this crushingly low pricepoint. The HD201 are the perfect gift headphone because the recipient will always be amazed at how darn good they perform with any music style. They are also the perfect headphone for commercial applications like museums, schools, doctors offices and dental chairs -- First, because they are inexpensive, and, second, because your clients will appreciate the soothing, pleasant experience of good quality sound. The HD201 are also sized just about right for DVD-playin' kids hanging out in the back of the mini-van too!

Although the HD-201 are a reasonably efficient, low-impedance design, they are not particularly sensitive headphones. So those seeking to plug these directly into an iPod, laptop computer, Mp3 player, or other portable audio player might find they have to set the player's volume near maximum to get decent listening levels into the HD-201; any dedicated headphone amp will easily overcome this issue while also DRAMATICALLY upping the musical detail clarity, punch, & dynamic range of this inexpensive headphone.

This basic plastic HD201 headphone construction is rather plain looking, but beneath its black & grey utilitarian exterior you'll find a durable build quality that will withstand the rigors of being knocked around the home/office/dormroom for a long time to come. The dark black & matte silver plastic earpieces have mid-sized circular pleather earpads that surround the ear. These small-to-mid-sized circumaural ("around the ear") earcups attach to a simple bail system that tilts and swivels a limited amount and also slides up & down into the connecting headband to adjust for sizing and overall fit. The HD201 has a 9.5ft non-detachable cable that connects in a "Y" to both earcups and terminates in a 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-plug connector. An adapter to a full-size 1/4" inch plug is handily included in the package.