They had annoying tangly cables (especially if you didn’t go with the HD25 IIs and their single-cup cable attachment) and weird swivel earcups. But by virtue of their light weight, virtual indestructible build, great sound and modular construction, Sennheiser’s HD25 headphones became a pro DJing staple for decade. However, you don’t see them so much any more, and maybe declining sales of an old model in expanding market is what has prompted Sennheiser to refocus on DJs with a new range of headphones. Enter the far more “normal” looking HD8 DJ, HD7 DJ and HD6 Mix headphones, just announced.
In Sennheiser’s words, “The HD8 DJ is dedicated to the needs of professional DJs with truly excellent sound reproduction, while the HD7 DJ offers an engaging, dynamic sound that’s perfect for playing live. Both delivering a mid-low end emphasis, the sound remains tight and never overwhelms, with clarity retained in the high frequencies.
“Meanwhile, the HD6 MIX, a model aimed primarily at studio-based music creation, delivers a balanced, accurate sound for mixing and monitoring work.”
Even down to the iconic budget-basement HD-201s, Sennheiser cans have a great rep, so it will be interesting to see if Sennheiser has kept the indestructibility while upgrading the aesthetics in this new range.
Otherwise, they face the danger of appearing like a “me too” exercise against the undoubted (if accidental) DJ love shown over the years for the HD-25s (which let’s not forget inspired copies like the AIAIAI TMA-1s). Hands-on when we have it.
Are you an HD-25 user? What are your first impressions of these new Sennheisers (from the two pics of one model we have)? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Phil Morse
