Style & Substance? (Sennheiser HD 435)

Member Name: frohmann

Product:	Sennheiser HD 435
Date:	14/03/08 (157 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stylish, strong bass

Disadvantages: Bass doesn't compensate for average sound quality, uncomfortable after long periods

Sennheiser is a brand name synonymous with quality headphones. I own another set of Sennheiser headphones (the PC 131 headset) and rated them highly. So why are these headphones not world-beaters and only due a 3 star rating? Let's find out...
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Uses

I only use these headphones for listening with my stereo (Marantz CD-48) - for the times when I don't want to wake up my neighbours. Saying that these headphones are versatile and you can use them for gaming or listening with portable players. They replaced an old, and battered, set of Sony headphones which were long overdue for the scrapheap (lasting 15 years isn't bad!!) It was important to me that whichever set I chose to replace the Sony's provided high quality sound and are comfortable to wear. I listen to a large variety of music- but it mainly consists of Rock, Grunge, and some softer stuff too (Counting Crows anyone?)
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Product Description

When the 435s arrived and I removed the packaging I must say I was impressed- they are a good looking set of headphones. So what do you get aside from good looks?

* 3m cable with in-line volume control
* Carrying pouch (not really useful for me)
* 3.5mm jack with 6.3mm adaptor
* Detachable cable from the left headphone
* 2 year (limited) warranty
* Open back design. This means the music from the headphones can be heard by others in the room (my girlfriend has commented on this) and that in theory your music listening may be disturbed by background noise. Open designs should provide better sound quality than closed designs as there is less distortion of the sound.
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Durability & Comfort

As these headphones are supra aural (sit on top of the ears) rather then circum aural (sit around the ears) there is the potential some users will find them uncomfortable. They are a snug fit (although there is room for expansion) with nice soft pads. Personally I can listen to the headphones for about an hour before they start to feel uncomfortable. Like my other Sennheisers, the build quality is excellent and these are a tough set of headphones.
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Sound Quality

This is where I do feel a little let down by Sennheiser. Maybe I was expecting too much from these headphones and the Sennheiser brand name. The bass is really strong but seems a little overpowering.When I bought the headphones I was hoping for a balanced sound. I do like strong bass and my stereo set provides this- just in balance with everything else. At times the music seems to lack the precision and clarity that I would like. Saying that if you do like your bass to be the strongest component of your music, then these headphones may be for you.
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Value for Money & Bottom Line

I bought the 435s for £31 from Amazon and they are currently on sale for just under £30. You are getting a reasonable deal for your money- they are robust, the sound quality is average-good with strong bass and they are comfortable (but not for long periods). However, shop around as the competition in this price range is huge.

Would I recommend them- yes but with certain users in mind. Would I buy them again- probably not, but I would still go for Sennheiser just another set.

Summary: Average headphones which is disappointing from Sennheiser- shop around.

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