With the rise of portable music devices such as smartphones, music players, and tablets, headphones have become an essential accessory for many people. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to the development of high-quality headphones that offer superior sound quality and noise cancellation features, making them an attractive option for audiophiles and professionals alike.
The headphone market has grown significantly in recent years, with a variety of options available to cater to different preferences, budgets, and lifestyles. Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser are well-known brands in the market that are known for producing high-quality headphones. However, it’s difficult to say which one is definitively better as it depends on the intended use of the headphones, among other factors.
Sennheiser vs Beyerdynamic
These headphones brands have built a reputation for producing headphones with excellent sound quality, comfort, durability, and other features that cater to different types of users. Both brands also offer a wide range of headphone types, including over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear headphones, as well as wireless and noise-canceling headphones.
Let’s explore this further!
Beyerdynamic Overview and History
Beyerdynamic is a German company that specializes in the production of high-quality audio equipment, including headphones, microphones, and other audio accessories. The company was founded in 1924 by Eugen Beyer in Heilbronn, Germany.
Initially, Beyerdynamic focused on producing loudspeakers designed for film palaces. In the late 1930s, the company quickly shifted its focus to developing high-quality headphones and microphones, becoming one of the pioneers in the field of dynamic headphones.
In the 1960s, Beyerdynamic introduced the first dynamic headphone with an open-back design, which allowed for a more natural and spacious sound. The company also developed the first wireless microphone system with a true diversity receiver, which helped to revolutionize the world of live sound.
Throughout the 20th century, Beyerdynamic continued to innovate and expand its product line, with the introduction of new headphone and microphone designs, as well as other audio accessories. Today, the company remains one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality audio equipment, and its products are used by professionals and audiophiles around the world.
Beyerdynamic Headphones
Beyerdynamic offers a variety of headphones, each with unique features for their intended uses. They include;
Closed-back headphones
These headphones feature ear cups that completely enclose the ears, offering good isolation from outside noise and other distractors. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a good example of the company’s closed-back headphones.
It features a closed-back design that provides excellent noise isolation while its wide frequency response makes it suitable for mixing and mastering audio. This model is popular among studio professionals and audiophiles.
Open-back headphones
Beyerdynamic also offers several models of open-back headphones, which are designed to provide a more natural and spacious sound. Open-back headphones allow sound to pass through the ear cups, which creates a more realistic soundstage and makes it easier to distinguish individual elements in a mix.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a popular open-back model that is ideal for studio use and audiophile listening. It features a wide frequency response, a comfortable design, and a natural sound that makes it suitable for a variety of music genres. It also features a wide frequency response, a comfortable design, and a natural sound output.
Wireless headphones
Beyerdynamic offers a range of wireless headphones that use Bluetooth technology for audio transmission. Popular models include the Lagoon ANC, which also features active noise canceling and long battery life. It also features touchpad controls and support for the aptX and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
Gaming headphones
Beyerdynamic’s gaming headphones are designed with gamers in mind, offering clear audio and features such as a built-in microphone and comfortable headbands. The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 is a popular gaming headphone that is designed for professional gamers and audiophiles. This model features a closed-back design for excellent noise isolation, while its precise sound and microphone make it suitable for competitive gaming.
Studio headphones
Beyerdynamic studio headphones are known for their accurate and detailed sound, comfortable designs, and excellent build quality. These headphones are designed for use in recording studios and offer accurate audio reproduction.
The DT 770 Pro is a perfect example of a studio headphone from Beyerdynamic. This is a closed-back headphone that is widely used in recording studios for monitoring and mixing. It features a wide frequency response, excellent noise isolation, and a comfortable design that makes it suitable for long sessions.
In-ear headphones
Beyerdynamic also offers several models of in-ear headphones that are designed for a range of applications, including portable listening, monitoring, and stage use. These headphones are designed for a comfortable and secure fit, with a variety of ear tips to choose from.
The Beyerdynamic Xelento Wireless is a high-end in-ear headphone that features Bluetooth connectivity and advanced sound quality. It also features a premium design and a long battery life that makes it suitable for on-the-go use.
High-end headphones
Beyerdynamic is also known for its high-end headphones that cater to audiophiles, music professionals, and enthusiasts who are looking for the ultimate listening experience. These headphones are designed for those who demand the highest audio quality possible.
A popular high-end model includes the Amiron Home, a premium open-back headphone that features advanced Tesla drivers and a comfortable design. Furthermore, its detailed sound and natural tonality make it ideal for music lovers and audiophiles.
Sennheiser Overview and History
Sennheiser is a private German-based company that has been producing high-quality audio equipment since 1945. The company was founded by Dr. Fritz Sennheiser, and it began as a small laboratory in Wedemark, Hanover, Germany.
In the early years, Sennheiser focused on developing microphones, specifically for the broadcasting industry. However, by the 1960s, the company began expanding into other areas of audio, including headphones and other consumer electronics.
One of Sennheiser’s early breakthroughs was the development of the first shotgun microphone in the late 1950s. The microphone became the Hollywood shotgun microphone, and is still widely used in the film and television industry today.
In the 1980s, Sennheiser developed the first open-back headphones, which allowed for a more natural sound and greater comfort for the listener. The company also developed wireless microphones and headphones, which have become increasingly popular in live performance and other applications.
Today, Sennheiser is known for its wide range of high-quality audio equipment, including microphones, headphones, and wireless systems. The company remains headquartered in Wedemark, Germany, and has sales and distribution channels in many countries around the world.
Sennheiser Headphones
Sennheiser offers a wide range of headphones, from entry-level models to high-end audiophile options. Sennheiser headphones are all known for their great sound quality, comfort, and build quality. The headphones are popular among music producers, audio engineers, and audiophiles who demand the best sound quality from their headphones.
Some of the most popular Sennheiser headphones include;
True wireless headphones
Sennheiser offers a range of true wireless headphones that are known for their excellent sound quality and design. These headphones offer a good battery life, compact charging cases, and Bluetooth connectivity. They also come with customizable touch controls and companion apps that allow you to tweak the sound settings and update the firmware.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is a high-end true wireless headphone with excellent sound quality, noise-cancellation, and comfortable fit. It is designed for audiophiles and people who demand the best sound quality from their headphones.
Wireless headphones
Sennheiser wireless headphones are a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality wireless headphone that offers good sound quality, comfort, and convenience. The best thing about these headphones is that they come with Bluetooth connectivity, comfortable ear cups, and intuitive touch controls.
They also come with a companion app that lets you customize the sound settings, update the firmware, and adjust the noise-cancellation levels. Some of the popular Sennheiser wireless headphones include the Sennheiser HD 450BT, which are great for music lovers who want good sound quality, noise cancellation, and long battery life.
Over-ear headphones
Sennheiser also offers a wide collection of over-ear headphones that are known for their excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability. The sound quality of Sennheiser over-ear headphones is known for being balanced and detailed, with good clarity and imaging.
Notable over-ear headphones by Sennheiser include the HD 660 S. These headphones are high-end and designed for audiophiles and general users who demand the best sound quality from their headsets. They also offer a neutral and detailed sound, a comfortable fit, and durable build quality.
Noise-canceling headphones
Sennheiser is also known for producing some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones use active noise-cancellation technology to cancel out background noise, so you can enjoy your music without distractions.
In addition to their noise-cancellation technology, Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones are also known for their great sound quality and comfortable fit. They are designed to provide a balanced and detailed sound, while their ergonomic designs make them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
For instance, the Sennheiser PXC 550-II offers great noise-cancellation, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit. These headphones are designed for frequent travelers who want comfortable and convenient headphones with ANC.
Beyerdynamic vs Sennheiser Headphones
Both Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser are well-respected brands in the audio industry, and they both offer a range of high-quality headphones. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to your personal preferences as well as brand loyalty.
Sound quality
When it comes to the sound signature, each brand is associated with its own unique sound signature. For instance, Beyerdynamic headphones typically have a more analytical and detailed sound, while Sennheiser headphones tend to have a warmer and more laid-back sound.
Beyerdynamic headphones are known for their excellent clarity and detail in the midrange, which makes them well-suited for listening to vocal-heavy music genres such as rock or metal. Beyerdynamic headphones also have a strong bass response, which can make them a good choice for bass-heavy music genres such as hip-hop or electronic dance music.
On the other hand, Sennheiser headphones are known for their balanced sound signature, with clear and precise highs, mids, and lows. This balance can make them a good choice for classical or acoustic music genres that require detailed and accurate sound reproduction. Sennheiser headphones also have a wide soundstage, which can give the impression of listening to music in a larger space.
Build quality
Both Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser headphones offer excellent build quality, but they have slightly different approaches to design and materials. Beyerdynamic headphones tend to have a more industrial and rugged design.
They are often built with a combination of metal, plastic, and leather, which makes them both sturdy and comfortable. They also have a reputation for being easy to repair and maintain, thanks to their modular design.
On the other hand, Sennheiser headphones tend to have a more elegant and refined design. They are typically made with high-quality materials, such as premium leather, and feature a sleek and modern design. Sennheiser headphones are also known for their comfortable fit, which is achieved through ergonomic design and premium padding.
Comfort
Beyerdynamic headphones are known for their comfort, with many of their models featuring plush padding on the headband and ear cups. Additionally, their ear cups are designed to fit around the ear, rather than sitting on top of them, which can be more comfortable for some people. However, some users may find that the clamping force of Beyerdynamic headphones can be a bit tight, especially when using them for the first time.
Sennheiser headphones also offer a high level of comfort, with many of their models featuring soft padding and adjustable headbands. They also offer a range of different ear cup designs, including over-ear and on-ear options, which can provide a customized fit for different users. However, some users may find that Sennheiser headphones can be a bit heavier than Beyerdynamic models, which can affect comfort during extended use.
Price
Beyerdynamic headphones tend to be more expensive than Sennheiser headphones across the board, with Beyerdynamic’s high-end models costing significantly more than Sennheiser’s equivalents. This is attributed to the fact that Beyerdynamic focuses more on producing premium products with the best materials and construction techniques.
That being said, there is still a wide range of prices for both brands, and you can find affordable options from each. Sennheiser offers some lower-priced models that are still of high quality, and Beyerdynamic has some mid-range models that are more accessible to the average consumer.
Applications
While both brands produce a wide range of products suitable for a variety of applications, there are some differences in their product offerings and target markets. Beyerdynamic is known for its high-quality headphones, microphones, and conference systems, which are often used in professional settings such as recording studios, broadcasting, and conferencing.
Sennheiser is equally known for its headphones and microphones, but it has a broader range of products that cater to both professional and consumer markets. Sennheiser’s products are often favored by DJs, musicians, and gamers and they have a strong presence in the consumer electronics market with their wireless headphones and earbuds.
Conclusion
As headphones have become more popular and essential for various uses such as music listening, gaming, video conferencing, and more, the competition between Beyerdynamic vs Sennheiser has intensified, with each company trying to offer the latest features and technologies to stay ahead of the curve.
Generally, both brands produce high-quality headphones that can satisfy the needs of different listeners. In addition, each brand has its own unique strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users. Ultimately, the choice between Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser headphones comes down to personal preference and the type of music the listener prefers.
