Sennheiser HD1 Wireless Around The Ear Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

German engineering has been a quality saying for decades. This saying can also be used with headphones, and Sennheiser is a good example of this. Now it’s time for Sennheiser’s HD1 Wireless Around the Ear Adaptive Noise Canceling Headphones. And in addition to German engineering, Sennheiser taps into premium materials.  MSRP is a huge bang for the buck at $399.

Features and specs:

Technical Data

Headphones

Color:  black, ivory 

Impedance:  passive: 28 Ω 

Impedance:  active: 480 Ω 

Frequency response (Headphones):  16 Hz – 22000 Hz 

THD, total harmonic distortion:  <0 .5="" nbsp="" o:p="">

Contact pressure:  Approx. 3.6 N 

Microphone

Frequency response (Microphone):  Wideband: 100 - 8,000Hz 

Frequency response (Microphone):  Narrowband: 300 - 3,400Hz 

Pick-up pattern:  Dual omni-directional microphone (2 mic beamforming array)

Sensitivity as per 121 TR 9-5:  -44dB V/Pa (1kHz) 

General data

Bluetooth Version:  Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR 

Supported Profiles:  A2DP + AVRCP + HSP + HFP 

Ear coupling:  Circumaural 

Jack plug:  3.5 mm, angled 

Cable length:  1.4 m (Detachable) 

Transducer principle:  Dynamic, Closed 

Attenuation:  Up to 25dB 

Charging time:  Approx. 3 hrs 

Operating time:  22hrs (HFP + ANC) 

Battery Specification:  Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer (600mAh) 

Codecs:  apt-X® 

NoiseGard™ noise compensation:  NoiseGard™ Hybrid technology with 4 pick-up microphones  

 The Sennheier HD1 Wireless Around the Ear Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones came in a nice color printed box with photos of the headphones as well and it’s features and specs. Opening the box revealed custom foam molding holding the case in place. Inside semi-hard neoprene zipper case was the headphones, held inside a soft cloth bag. Pulling out the headphones revealed an elegant product. Materials used were plastic, leather and metal. The headband was metal, wrapped in leather. The earcups were plastic with what appears to be a cream colored pearl finish. The pads were memory foam wrapped in soft leather. Quality of materials used was excellent, as was the fit and finish. The Sennheiser HD1 is definitely a premium product and it shows. Also included was the owners manual, charging cable, wired analog cable, and airline adaptor.

I love the design of the Sennheiser HD1. I loved the fact that it comes with a wired analog cable, because you never knew when your battery is going to be dead and you’ll need the analog cable. When I first saw the cable, I was disappointed, thinking, what, no mic? But then I thought…wait, this is Sennheiser. I then looked at the earcups and saw the multiple built-in mics. A small downside…whether you want it or not, the active noise canceling is always on, unless you use the wired cord. But the soft English leather, and memory foam are nirvana for your ears. It’s so soft and comfortable they could live on your ears! Now let’s see how well they sounded.

Why the People Like That – Vocals were very natural, smooth with great texture. Piano was very natural. Bass was very deep and played with tons of authority and kick. Percussion was crisp and clean. Harmonica was silky smooth with excellent dynamics.  Rhapsody in Blue – Clarinet was silky smooth with very good timbre, being able to make out the breathing and tonguing technique. Piano sounded very natural. Bassoon had nice texture and midbass harmonics. Brass was very smooth without being overly brassy. Dynamics were very good as was the imaging.  Earth Wind and Fire: Let’s Groove – Vocals were smooth like honey with great timbre and texture. Bass had excellent low end extension and hit like a sledge hammer. Brass was crisp and clean with excellent harmonics.  Katy Perry: Dark Horse – Bass had excellent low end extension, was really clean, and hit hard with serious authority. Vocals were smooth with excellent texture and timbre.

The Sennheiser HD1 Wireless Around the Ear Adaptive Noise Canceling Headphones is the full package.  The sound is not only stellar, but they also have excellent Bluetooth and hands free performance.  And they are so comfortable you could wear them for hours.  They are worth every penny!  Based on their design, features, quality, and performance,  the Sennheiser HD1 Wireless has earned our Editor's Choice Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.sennheiser.com.