Sennheiser takes a closed in approach to audiophile quality

 

Sennheiser's first closed-back audiophile headphones, the HD 630VB Image Gallery (3 images) Though open high definition headphones like Sennheiser's wonderful HD 598s or the mighty HD 800s can offer greater spacing and a more natural airy feel than closed-back designs, they can't really be used in anything but the quietest of environments so listening on the move is simply not an option. The German audio brand says that it's new HD 630VB headphones offer hi-res music lovers a balanced, airy and audiophile-grade listening experience with the benefit of effective passive noise isolation. Introduced last week at the High End Show in Munich, Germany, the HD 630VB circumaural headphones feature a new proprietary high performance transducer that provides the power for high resolution music file listening with "an impressively spatial sound image." Aluminum coil wire, combined with a reported total harmonic distortion of less than 0.08 percent (at 1 kHz and 100 dB SPL), promises precise, unaltered sonic reproduction across a large frequency range of 10 Hz to 42 kHz. Though if your tastes run to more bass-heavy listening, Sennheiser has also included a rotary dial to tweak the amount of thunder coming through the drivers. Playback and volume levels can be controlled via the right ear cup, too, and users can take calls with the help of an omnidirectional microphone integrated into the oxygen-free cable. Robust and classy aluminum ear cups, headband and sliders contribute to a scale-tipping weight of just 400 g (14 oz), the HD 630VBs can be collapsed down for travel and a 23 ohm impedance makes them mobile music device-friendly. Sennheiser's first closed-back audiophile headphones are due for release next month for US$549.95. Product page: Sennheiser HD 630VB