Cool to see these old headphones get some love. I bought mine when they came out. Still have them. The only issue was I replaced the cushions once. I also have the HD 485’s open type. Still like the HD 250’s. Sennheiser makes a quality product.
They are super reliable and actually sturdy. My dad had 12 of them as the standard monitor headphone for musicians while recording (being closed back). He used the similar HD560 Ovation II for mixing and mastering. I still have 2 560's 1 250 Linear and 2 250 II Linear's
Hello Just bought a New Old Stock HD 250 mk I 600 ohm, from Poland in box, following your review. Just wow ! New Order , The Smiths never sound so good, compare to my others HP. It even match my Focal Elear mod pads for electronic music and even surpass it for some old stuff like Kraftwerk. It’s exactly as you described. Tell me on your picture the cable plugs are yellow/green and red, mine are all black. Is yours originals ? You know where i can get those ? Thank you
I own a pair of Senn's HD250 Linear 2 300 ohmn and absolutely love them, although I need some ear pad replacements (the stock ones are kinda disintegrated)
I have the 250 linear II. I changed the pads to brainwavz xl sheepskin and put felts in front of the driver to tame the brightness (diyaudioheaven). Now they are really really great headphones
Thank you much for this review, I have seen them on ebay and kept wondering if they stacked up to modern day headphones. Somehow you reached into my brain and pulled every question I had out and answered them. I am a tubeaholic and if they sound better than my 6xx then I will probably never buy headphones ever again. Again, thanks and you have just earned your 36th subscriber.
Hello, I really liked this review. Based on what you said throughout the review, I was convinced to go and search for a pair of these headphones on eBay. Luckily, I found one and decided to purchase it not knowing whether it was 600ohm or 300ohm as the seller did have an idea. Anyway, I received them very recently and, upon your recommendation, immediately connected them to an OTL tubes amplifier (Xduoo TA 26). At first, I was not impressed at all, it sounded very bright and lacked bass. Then, I just noticed that I am not putting it properly on my ear and once I have fixed the position of the headphones... HOLY MOLLY it sounds unbelievably astonishing, and exceptionally balanced across the sound spectrum. For house music, there is no doubt that these are my favourite pair. Nonetheless, for vocal and acoustic music I still prefer the HD 540 RG. By the way, I tried to compare them with HD 230 (another closed-back Sennheiser, which employs two drivers for treble and for mid-low range) and I cannot decide which one is better. By the way, I guess mine are 600ohms as they are really hard to drive (my HD540 are 600ohms as well). You seem to have a wide knowledge and a lot of experience in this topic and I am happy to learn from your reviews. Thank you very much. Yours sincerely, Qusay
I purchased the HD 250 Linear years ago new. I can't remember what I paid for them but, I've only had to replace the pads once in that time. I could guess I paid around $150 new but, not sure. Good headset no problems other than the pads. I'm looking for the manual I got with it. I never throw anything out.
Thanks for the review.... Brought these new for $349 AU (price sticker still on the box) in the mid 80s and loved them back then. Have been sitting in the box for over 20 years unused so its time to get them out and check em again i think. Thanks for the inspiration.
I have the linear II , I brought it in 1992 for fl. 325,-- in euro...is approx. €145,-- and i still using it. every part is replacable and with a little search. Quality and condition of the headphone is perfect....I also kept the original box from Sennheisser😊
@@headkarma i'd guess they have been forgotten over the year's and in a big inventory audit they were thrown away with other junk because they're old and many people just don't care about old stuff. I work a place that deals with the treatment of hearing loss, so expensive and old audio devices are practically everywhere. Unfortunately One other pair of Sennheiser headphones got damaged in the trash, so there was no hope in saving them Anyways: your video was really informative because I know nothing about audio devices in general, thank you!
@@headkarma An Outlaw Audio 990. Do you think the HD250's would benefit from switching up to a dedicated headphone amp? And what I would need to spend?
@@tylerparsons32 I have no specific info on the Outlaw,but most modern AVRs use op-amps for headphone use. I would call Outlaw to confirm that though. Have a look at my vintage receiver video,that should help explain a lot and perhaps save you some cash. That being said,I think the HD250s sound their absolute best with tubes.
@@headkarma I read that the 990 uses an older better technology for the headphone output. I'll watch your vidio thanks! Also, do you think 500 mA would run the HD250's sufficiently? I'm planning to buying a "Dragonfly Red" to lead into a "Bravo Ocean" this week. Found a good deal on them used!
@@tylerparsons32 I honestly have no idea. I dont think the HD250 is a power hungry beast like some of the other headphones I own,but it does scale very well. Some headphones sound essentially the same regardless of which amp one uses. Not so with the HD250. Have you purchased the 990 yet? Out law audio has a toll free number you can call and ask about that receiver. Ask them if they use a resistor or an op-amp.
@@hectorg.7282 Very good headphones. I put inside foam for hd 540 gold. They sound like 540 refer 2 but with more bass, and a smaller soundstage, i enjoy them a lot, way better then hd600, hd 650.
@@headkarma Hello thanks for the respond. Apart from the bass, what about the mids and treble as well as the imaging and soundstage for HD 540 compare to the HD 250 Linear 1 ?
@@nicktan4530 I honestly can't give you any meaningful comparisons. I picked up the 540 not too long after I made this review, so it was at least 4 years ago, so I cant really recall. Perhaps ask in the HD540 thread on Head Fi?
@@headkarma Hence I did. Actually I was just asking in general only, not on specific and on depth. Some say the HD 540 is V shape and more neutral from what i heard.
@@nicktan4530 its def more neutrally tuned vs. the 250 I do not consider myself a basshead by any stretch of the imagination, but like I said, the 540 was too bass light for my tastes. I literally listened to it for a couple hours and posted it for sale and did not look back. That isnt to say it sounds bad, it just wasnt for me.
Great video. Spot on. Just one small point. If you are posting videos on uTube you might like to invest in some software to reduce your sibilance ;) Its a technical point but your content is great. Anyway - The Linear II's sounded less 'reference' / neutral etc for me. A little more HiFi maybe? I sold mine pretty quickly. I would love to own a 600 ohm 250! Im still burning in my pair of HD 300's - pretty big reduction in the main issue, the bloated reverby bass...time will tell. The treble and mids are similar to the HD 250 But as you say - You need to own an HD 250 :D
I purchased a pair based on your review. Unfortunately, they are not what I expected. They are extremely bright, to the point that I cannot listen to more than one song with them. I also have a pair of hd600, hd560, hd565, hd579, hd525, hd555 and hd 490 II (a gem in the rough), but none are unbearable like the hd250. They have all the acoustic material and I actually added extra, it helps but they are still too bright. Is there a way to check the driver to make sure I got the real thing. PS. Mine are Linear 1 600 Ohms.
What amp are you using to drive them? I use warm tubes which makes them sound like they have some extra energy in the highs,but not unbearable as youre describing. I would imagine a bright solid state amp might make them unpleasant though.
@@headkarma I use a Yamaha AX-700U Amplifier with a Fiio DAC. It serves for both headphones and loud speakers, it has phenomenal sound. I know it is not a dedicated headphone amp, but it is much better than anything I have heard under the $1000 range. I do not get those overwhelming highs with the other headphones. I should note that my hearing is well above what someone my age should be, i can still hear very high frequencies.
@@headkarma I guess it also depends on what you listen to, I heard some Credence a few moments ago and it was much better. My reference album is Thriller.
@@hectorg.7282 That's interesting as most of the CCR I own is mastered rather brightly. I usually only do trance with the 250s, which really shows off that sub bass
@@headkarma I am puzzled too. This has me wondering if a previous owner may have switched the drivers from another model to this one. There is so little about these out there that I do not know what to look for. But your tube amplification suggestion may be the key, I will look into it.
@@robertdaly6209 Hey, sorry Ive been super busy with my new ZMF reviews,and trying to get them done before I had to send the headphones back to ZMF. Perhaps you can upload it to Google Docs and share the link here so that anyone who is interested can have a chance at getting it?
Interesting. According to the Audio magazine the HD250 was introduced in 1987 and was retailed brand new for $199, adjusted for inflation that gives about $450 today. Look here page 286 www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Audio/80s/Audio-1987-10.pdf If you go just some page up at 280 the AKG 240DF is being advertised and is retailed for $135.
![Best Headphones for Mixing: $400 & Under [2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mPPmlXcrCOg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Best Headphones for Mixing: $400 & Under [2024]](/img/tr.png)
Cool to see these old headphones get some love. I bought mine when they came out. Still have them. The only issue was I replaced the cushions once. I also have the HD 485’s open type. Still like the HD 250’s.
Sennheiser makes a quality product.
They are super reliable and actually sturdy. My dad had 12 of them as the standard monitor headphone for musicians while recording (being closed back). He used the similar HD560 Ovation II for mixing and mastering. I still have 2 560's 1 250 Linear and 2 250 II Linear's
Hello Just bought a New Old Stock HD 250 mk I 600 ohm, from Poland in box, following your review. Just wow ! New Order , The Smiths never sound so good, compare to my others HP. It even match my Focal Elear mod pads for electronic music and even surpass it for some old stuff like Kraftwerk. It’s exactly as you described. Tell me on your picture the cable plugs are yellow/green and red, mine are all black. Is yours originals ? You know where i can get those ? Thank you
I own a pair of Senn's HD250 Linear 2 300 ohmn and absolutely love them, although I need some ear pad replacements (the stock ones are kinda disintegrated)
I have the 250 linear II. I changed the pads to brainwavz xl sheepskin and put felts in front of the driver to tame the brightness (diyaudioheaven). Now they are really really great headphones
Thank you much for this review, I have seen them on ebay and kept wondering if they stacked up to modern day headphones. Somehow you reached into my brain and pulled every question I had out and answered them. I am a tubeaholic and if they sound better than my 6xx then I will probably never buy headphones ever again. Again, thanks and you have just earned your 36th subscriber.
Best headphones I’ve ever had personally
I own the hd 250 linear mk1 brought them on e bay for £30 absolutely amazing sound
Hi I bought them here in Germany in the early 80ties from my saved up pocketmoney for 249 DM (Deutsche Mark).
Hello,
I really liked this review. Based on what you said throughout the review, I was convinced to go and search for a pair of these headphones on eBay. Luckily, I found one and decided to purchase it not knowing whether it was 600ohm or 300ohm as the seller did have an idea. Anyway, I received them very recently and, upon your recommendation, immediately connected them to an OTL tubes amplifier (Xduoo TA 26). At first, I was not impressed at all, it sounded very bright and lacked bass. Then, I just noticed that I am not putting it properly on my ear and once I have fixed the position of the headphones... HOLY MOLLY it sounds unbelievably astonishing, and exceptionally balanced across the sound spectrum.
For house music, there is no doubt that these are my favourite pair. Nonetheless, for vocal and acoustic music I still prefer the HD 540 RG.
By the way, I tried to compare them with HD 230 (another closed-back Sennheiser, which employs two drivers for treble and for mid-low range) and I cannot decide which one is better.
By the way, I guess mine are 600ohms as they are really hard to drive (my HD540 are 600ohms as well).
You seem to have a wide knowledge and a lot of experience in this topic and I am happy to learn from your reviews. Thank you very much.
Yours sincerely,
Qusay
I own one with new pads and cable 3.5 mm jack; love them. originally bought them in the "80's.
I purchased the HD 250 Linear years ago new. I can't remember what I paid for them but, I've only had to replace the pads once in that time. I could guess I paid around $150 new but, not sure. Good headset no problems other than the pads. I'm looking for the manual I got with it. I never throw anything out.
@@EC-ki5wv I still use it on occasion. It's a great headset. but, if you need the manual i can send you a PDF of it.
Yep, you are right.I do not have the original pads and foam, but i will experiment.
Thanks for the review.... Brought these new for $349 AU (price sticker still on the box) in the mid 80s and loved them back then.
Have been sitting in the box for over 20 years unused so its time to get them out and check em again i think. Thanks for the inspiration.
I have the linear II , I brought it in 1992 for fl. 325,-- in euro...is approx. €145,-- and i still using it.
every part is replacable and with a little search. Quality and condition of the headphone is perfect....I also kept the original box from Sennheisser😊
Still can't believe that I've found these today in the trash can for electric waste at my working place.
In great shape too...
Wait,what? Are they in good shape?
@@headkarma looking and sounding like freshly bought
@@Sarvusify Wow! Nice score! Congrats! Someone probably tried to plug it directly into their phone and thought they were garbage.
@@headkarma i'd guess they have been forgotten over the year's and in a big inventory audit they were thrown away with other junk because they're old and many people just don't care about old stuff. I work a place that deals with the treatment of hearing loss, so expensive and old audio devices are practically everywhere.
Unfortunately One other pair of Sennheiser headphones got damaged in the trash, so there was no hope in saving them
Anyways: your video was really informative because I know nothing about audio devices in general, thank you!
@@EC-ki5wv I feel kinda bad for disappointing you but I won't sell them :(
These old Sennheisers are so good. I have a 540 ref. Still won't let go of it. When was the Linear II discontinued?
Btw, the Linear II were "£149.95 including VAT" according to Sound On Sound.
Nice review I've had a pair of these for a long time. Was thinking of replacing with some audio technica m50x. Think I I'll get a better amp. Thanks 👍
Just orderes them.I hope they have the same upper mids/treble timbre, which I had on my hd580.
I just bought a pair for 90 Canadian. I had no idea they were amazing when I bought them.
Helluva deal. What are you driving them with?
@@headkarma An Outlaw Audio 990. Do you think the HD250's would benefit from switching up to a dedicated headphone amp? And what I would need to spend?
@@tylerparsons32 I have no specific info on the Outlaw,but most modern AVRs use op-amps for headphone use. I would call Outlaw to confirm that though.
Have a look at my vintage receiver video,that should help explain a lot and perhaps save you some cash.
That being said,I think the HD250s sound their absolute best with tubes.
@@headkarma I read that the 990 uses an older better technology for the headphone output. I'll watch your vidio thanks! Also, do you think 500 mA would run the HD250's sufficiently? I'm planning to buying a "Dragonfly Red" to lead into a "Bravo Ocean" this week. Found a good deal on them used!
@@tylerparsons32 I honestly have no idea. I dont think the HD250 is a power hungry beast like some of the other headphones I own,but it does scale very well.
Some headphones sound essentially the same regardless of which amp one uses. Not so with the HD250.
Have you purchased the 990 yet? Out law audio has a toll free number you can call and ask about that receiver. Ask them if they use a resistor or an op-amp.
I just bought one. I really hope that you are correct.
I bought a pair, but they are super bright (not in a good way). What is your experience with yours?
@@hectorg.7282 Very good headphones. I put inside foam for hd 540 gold. They sound like 540 refer 2 but with more bass, and a smaller soundstage, i enjoy them a lot, way better then hd600, hd 650.
@@constantinmihai1342 Wow! Awesome to hear!
Linear 1 apparently sound better and more balanced than Linear 2,which have kinda V shaped sound.mids are absent cause of too strong bass and highs
I have hd 250 l2 bought them new 20 something years ago £179.99
Have you heard HD 540 and HD250 Linear 1 and 2 ?
I have not heard any of the Linear 2 line.
I briefly owned the HD540, but I found it to be too bass light for me, so I sold it.
@@headkarma Hello thanks for the respond. Apart from the bass, what about the mids and treble as well as the imaging and soundstage for HD 540 compare to the HD 250 Linear 1 ?
@@nicktan4530 I honestly can't give you any meaningful comparisons. I picked up the 540 not too long after I made this review, so it was at least 4 years ago, so I cant really recall.
Perhaps ask in the HD540 thread on Head Fi?
@@headkarma Hence I did.
Actually I was just asking in general only, not on specific and on depth. Some say the HD 540 is V shape and more neutral from what i heard.
@@nicktan4530 its def more neutrally tuned vs. the 250
I do not consider myself a basshead by any stretch of the imagination, but like I said, the 540 was too bass light for my tastes.
I literally listened to it for a couple hours and posted it for sale and did not look back.
That isnt to say it sounds bad, it just wasnt for me.
Great video. Spot on. Just one small point. If you are posting videos on uTube you might like to invest in some software to reduce your sibilance ;) Its a technical point but your content is great. Anyway - The Linear II's sounded less 'reference' / neutral etc for me. A little more HiFi maybe? I sold mine pretty quickly. I would love to own a 600 ohm 250! Im still burning in my pair of HD 300's - pretty big reduction in the main issue, the bloated reverby bass...time will tell. The treble and mids are similar to the HD 250 But as you say - You need to own an HD 250 :D
Hello are you running this balance ?
No.
@@headkarma Even on a solid state ?
@@nicktan4530 yep
I purchased a pair based on your review. Unfortunately, they are not what I expected. They are extremely bright, to the point that I cannot listen to more than one song with them.
I also have a pair of hd600, hd560, hd565, hd579, hd525, hd555 and hd 490 II (a gem in the rough), but none are unbearable like the hd250. They have all the acoustic material and I actually added extra, it helps but they are still too bright. Is there a way to check the driver to make sure I got the real thing.
PS. Mine are Linear 1 600 Ohms.
What amp are you using to drive them? I use warm tubes which makes them sound like they have some extra energy in the highs,but not unbearable as youre describing. I would imagine a bright solid state amp might make them unpleasant though.
@@headkarma I use a Yamaha AX-700U Amplifier with a Fiio DAC. It serves for both headphones and loud speakers, it has phenomenal sound. I know it is not a dedicated headphone amp, but it is much better than anything I have heard under the $1000 range. I do not get those overwhelming highs with the other headphones. I should note that my hearing is well above what someone my age should be, i can still hear very high frequencies.
@@headkarma I guess it also depends on what you listen to, I heard some Credence a few moments ago and it was much better. My reference album is Thriller.
@@hectorg.7282 That's interesting as most of the CCR I own is mastered rather brightly.
I usually only do trance with the 250s, which really shows off that sub bass
@@headkarma I am puzzled too. This has me wondering if a previous owner may have switched the drivers from another model to this one. There is so little about these out there that I do not know what to look for. But your tube amplification suggestion may be the key, I will look into it.
I cant believe i threw away my Linear 2! When the 3rd cable broke and pads were gone i literally threw it into trash can, big mistake :/
Yup,I agree.
I found the manual. I paid $324.00 08/26/89. if you want the manual let me know
Love to have it. Damn they were expensive back in the day. How do I go about getting the manual? And thank you.
@@headkarma i can email it to you. Send me an email at
bobwdaly@mail.com
i'll send it to you as a pdf
@@headkarma If you're having problems sending let me know if there's another way to get it to you.
@@robertdaly6209 Hey, sorry Ive been super busy with my new ZMF reviews,and trying to get them done before I had to send the headphones back to ZMF.
Perhaps you can upload it to Google Docs and share the link here so that anyone who is interested can have a chance at getting it?
Interesting. According to the Audio magazine the HD250 was introduced in 1987 and was retailed brand new for $199, adjusted for inflation that gives about $450 today. Look here page 286 www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Audio/80s/Audio-1987-10.pdf If you go just some page up at 280 the AKG 240DF is being advertised and is retailed for $135.