Sennheiser's new closed-back headphones made in the midlands of Ireland
Sennheiser HD 620S closed-back wired headphones. Pictures: Sennheiser.
World-renowned audio brand Sennheiser introduced the latest addition to its popular HD 600 series: the HD 620S. The company says its new headphone sets a new standard for closed-back headphones, offering audiophiles an unparalleled listening experience without compromising sound quality or comfort.
"The hi-fi community has long awaited a headphone that combines the exceptional traits of our 600 series with the isolation needed for focused listening in various environments," remarked Jermo Koehnke, Audiophile Product Manager at Sennheiser. "The HD 620S not only meets this demand but exceeds expectations with its immersive soundstage and remarkable impulse response, delivering an unmatched listening experience in any setting."
At the heart of the HD 620S lies a custom-tuned 42mm dynamic transducer, meticulously crafted at Sennheiser's cutting-edge Tullamore, Ireland transducer plant. The firm says this transducer inherits the smooth, natural sound signature of the renowned open-back 600 series while introducing a modern, airy profile that perfectly balances transparency and powerful bass reproduction. With a high damping factor and a 150-ohm aluminium voice coil, the HD 620S is claimed to reproduce intricate details and dynamic range across the entire frequency spectrum, which should make it ideal for discerning audiophiles and avid gamers alike.
The new headphones will be familiar to HD 600 series fans. They are encased in the iconic chassis beloved by audiophiles and gamers alike. Sennheiser says the metal appointments enhance durability and serve an acoustic purpose, managing internal reflections for a more vivid and immersive sound presentation. The angled baffle design mimics the behaviour of open-back headphones, creating a spacious soundstage with precise imaging reminiscent of a high-end loudspeaker setup in an expertly tuned room.
While open-back headphones are favoured by purists for their natural sound reproduction, closed-back headphones like the HD 620S offer invaluable isolation from external distractions. Unlike traditional closed-back designs that often sacrifice sound quality for isolation, Sennheiser says the HD 620S has been designed to deliver an expansive soundstage without the drawbacks of a closed design. Many brands have tried, and some have succeeded in achieving this, so I will be keen to test them for a full review to see if Sennheiser has accomplished an open-back sound with a closed-back design.
The HD 620S is potentially a good option for gamers who need an expansive soundstage and the zero latency of wired headphones. I can also see them as a replacement for audiophiles looking for better sound quality on the go than Bluetooth headphones for their daily commute. How good the passive sound isolation is remains to be heard, but I expect it to be good enough for most scenarios.
Designed for longevity, the HD 620S features a metal-reinforced headband and earcup housings, ensuring durability and stability during prolonged use. The included storage pouch protects the headphones from dust, with ample space for the detachable cable. Speaking of which, the 1.8-meter cable terminates in a single-ended 3.5mm stereo plug with an integrated locking screw for the included 6.3mm adapter. Additionally, an optional balanced 4.4mm cable will be available for audiophiles seeking compatibility with hi-fi devices supporting the popular connector.
The HD 620S uses a cable, so it will last as long as you take care of it. This contrasts with Bluetooth headphones, which depend on a battery that will eventually die for their wireless functions.
The Sennheiser HD 620S is available for pre-order; shipping will commence on June 6th, 2024. It will be available from select retailers and online at sennheiser-hearing.com, with a recommended retail price of €350.
