Sennheiser PX 200

While we believe the PX100 non-sealed version of this headphone may be the best thing to happen to inexpensive portable headphones in years, we have to conclude this PX200 is a good concept that just didn’t pan out. While Sennheiser did a miraculous job getting good sound out of a sealed headphone the size of a 50-cent piece, getting the earcup to seal well against the oddly bumpy surfaces of the ears when it’s significantly smaller than your ear is a pretty hit & miss idea. Many people can never achieve a good seal and find the bass response sorely lacking; some people can achieve a workable seal but find it doesn’t stay sealed with ordinary head movement when being active. However, those listeners that can achieve a good seal AND keep it while in motion are likley to be well-satisfied by these tiny cans. (HeadRoom Hint: position these headphones very slightly up a& forward on your ears--they may stay better sealed.) Though it’s somewhat larger, we really like the sonics of the beyerdynamic DT231 or the AKG 26p for portable applications plus their seal is actually quite good too.

The fit and overall finish of the PX200 is outstanding. It achieves a fairly comfortable fit with a lightweight aluminum headband and two small pleather-covered cushions resting on either side of the top of the head. The headband folds at two sturdy hinge points located just outside the pads; the earpads swivel 90 degrees and the detents interlock within the side band pieces to make a conveniently small package that when folded easily stores in your shirt pocket. The headphone also comes with a plastic hardshell carrying case that works decently, but is rather awkward to deal with on a daily basis. The PX200 cord attaches at each earpad, is 4'ft long and terminates to an 1/8" (3.5mm) plug.

Sennheiser is offering a summer rebate promotion, click here to print a copy.