These are our all-time favorite headphones. Apart from the weak bass response, there isn’t much correction required to get them absolutely perfect! Once calibrated, we can’t recommend Sennheiser HD 650 enough to anyone looking for production / mixing / mastering studio headphones. Just keep in mind the inherent drawbacks of the open-back design headphones – there’s virtually no sound isolation from the outside world and sound will leak out of the headphones. If these aspects concern you opt for closed-backs, if not – go for it!

HD650 FAQ (2025 Edition)

Is the Sennheiser HD650 still worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. Despite being released over two decades ago, the HD650 remains one of the most tonally correct open-back headphones on the market. Its midrange neutrality is still a benchmark — vocals, strings, and acoustic instruments retain a natural timbre few modern headphones match. Build quality is proven over millions of units, replacement parts are widely available, and the headphone community has standardized around it as a reference point. If you add modern calibration software, the HD650 easily competes with (and often outperforms) many new models at 2–3x the price.

Are HD650 good for mixing in 2025?

Yes — with caveats. Out of the box, the HD650 has a slightly warm tilt: the bass and low mids are a touch elevated, and the upper treble is rolled off. For recreational listening, this makes them smooth and fatigue-free. But for mix translation, that warmth can mask vocal presence and snare crack. That’s why many engineers combine the HD650 with calibration software to flatten the response. Once corrected, they become a highly reliable near-field substitute, especially in untreated spaces. They won’t replace speakers, but paired with crossfeed or virtual monitoring, they’re a serious mixing tool in 2025.

Sennheiser HD650 vs HD600: what’s the difference?

The HD650 is the more relaxed sibling: warmer low mids, smoother treble, and a touch more bass body. The HD600, by contrast, has a leaner bass profile and a more forward presence region (~3–5 kHz), making it feel crisper and sometimes harsher on poor recordings. Think of the HD600 as a surgical monitor and the HD650 as the more musical long-term companion. For critical neutrality → HD600. For fatigue-free listening sessions → HD650.

HD650 vs HD660S2 for studio use

The HD660S2 is essentially the modern re-tuning of this lineage: deeper sub-bass extension, improved dynamics, and a slightly blacker background with modern amps. However, the HD650 still offers a smoother midrange and a gentler top end, which many engineers prefer for long hours. For detail retrieval and speed, the HD660S2 has the edge. For balance and natural midrange timbre, the HD650 remains the gold standard. If your work involves acoustic instruments or vocal mixing, the HD650 still holds its ground remarkably well.

Best DAC/amp pairings for HD650

The HD650’s 300-ohm impedance demands voltage swing more than sheer wattage. Look for amps capable of delivering 5–9 Vrms into 300 Ω. Transparent solid-state amps (e.g., JDS, RME, SPL) will keep the tonality neutral, while high-quality tube or hybrid amps can inject extra spaciousness and warmth if desired. For DACs, neutrality is key: clean, linear converters let the HD650’s midrange shine without adding artificial glare.

Do the HD650 need an amplifier?

Yes. While modern dongles and integrated audio interfaces can drive them “loud enough,” they rarely supply the required voltage for full dynamics. Underpowered HD650s sound compressed, bass-shy, and flat. Proper amplification opens them up, restores transient punch, and gives them the effortless flow they’re known for.

Best EQ or calibration settings for HD650

The HD650 responds beautifully to gentle EQ. Most engineers find that:

• A low-shelf cut around 100 Hz (-1 to -2 dB) cleans up warmth.

• A presence lift around 3–5 kHz (+2 dB) restores vocal clarity and snare definition.

• A subtle high-shelf boost above 8 kHz (+1–2 dB) adds air.

However, manual EQ is only part of the story. Calibration software with model-specific correction curves gives a more precise, repeatable neutral target, flattening the small resonances you can’t fix manually. With calibration, the HD650 becomes one of the most accurate mixing headphones available.

How does pad condition affect the HD650’s sound?

Pad wear is the silent killer of HD650 accuracy. Flattened pads push your ears closer to the drivers, which boosts bass and dulls the treble. The headphone starts to sound darker, warmer, and less resolving. Replacing pads (with genuine or measurement-verified third-party pads) instantly restores balance, openness, and imaging. Engineers treating the HD650 as a reference tool should track pad age and replace them every 12–18 months under daily use.

What genres do the HD650 excel at?

Anything midrange-centric: vocals, acoustic, jazz, classical, folk, indie, singer-songwriter. The smoothness makes them forgiving of hot masters and modern streaming loudness wars. For bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop, you’ll want EQ or calibration to tighten and extend the low end.

Which alternatives should I consider in 2025?

If you want more sub-bass and dynamics → HD660S2.
If you want planar speed and slam → Hifiman Sundara or Edition XS.
If you want a more clinical sibling → HD600.
But for natural timbre, comfort, and long-term reference use, the HD650 still defines its category.

For more information about Sennheiser headphones, please read our other reviews – HD 560S, HD 200 Pro, HD 280 Pro, HD 300 Pro, and HD 600 S.

You can order individually calibrated Sennheiser HD 650 headphones from our store here.

Continue to discover our top recommended PRO studio headphones in our Top 30 list.