Sennheiser HD 25 Light - The 2020 Version Reviewed
The Sennheiser HD 25 has been considered the most popular headphone in the broadcast industry for decades, as well as among DJs and monitor technicians. Its compact and modular design in particular fueled its success, from which the HD 25 Light also benefited, albeit always remaining in its shadow. Its more affordable price was mainly due to the absence of the swivel joint, but also a weaker sound, which now belongs to the past.
Improvements in Detail
You don't change a classic, you improve it! Accordingly, the visual difference with the old HD 25 Light is very minimal - at least at first glance. As usual, it is defined by a very puristic yet appealing design. Only the model name along with the impedance on the top of the headband and the smart Sennheiser logo on the capsule slightly refresh the black look.
However, upon closer inspection, some visual changes are noticeable. The angular extensions of the headband now outline a cavity. The former stick-like capsule suspension, which still connects without an additional joint, widens and now resembles that of the HD 25. This allows the closed shells to click more securely into one of the fourteen positions. To adjust the over-ear capsules, with replaceable pads, to the ear position, there is a joint that tilts slightly on the Y-axis. The replaceable three-meter straight Y-cable with mini-jack plug plus 6.3-millimeter jack is connected to each left and right capsule with the respective wire.
Lightweight
With a weight of 120 grams, the word "Light" gains additional meaning. This lightweight is barely felt when worn, even though a dominant yet not unpleasant pressure on the head and ears emanates from the snug-fitting headband. Unfortunately, the padding of the headband appears somewhat cheap visually. Indeed, Sennheiser saved on an enhancing faux leather cover over the thin foam strip, but this does not diminish comfort. In fact, the narrow band ensures a non-slip and cushioned fit on the head. Since the HD 25 Light inherits the capsules of its larger sibling, it also benefits from the interchangeable, very softly padded earpads, covered in faux leather, which sit very close to the ears for direct signal feed.
Differences from the regular HD 25
Thanks to the rather small headband diameter along with the capsules adjustable in fourteen positions, the HD 25 Light fits even very small head sizes.
An important unique selling point of the classic HD 25 is its particular capsule joint for single-sided monitoring away from the ear. Unfortunately, the HD 25 Light has to do without this, which simultaneously constitutes the biggest difference between the two models and ultimately weighs heavily in the decision between the two.
But even without the joint, single-ear monitoring works: you rotate the extremely flexible headband and position one earcup behind the ear. The headphones fit comfortably snug and maintain their position.
Improved Sound
With the revision of the HD 25 Light, Sennheiser now gives the closed dynamic headphones the same sound profile as its larger sibling.
The frequency range, once from 30 to 16,000 Hertz, now extends to an impressive 16 to 22,000 Hertz. While the impedance increases from sixty to seventy ohms, this is compensated for by the increased sound pressure level from just under 114 decibels to 120 decibels. Compared to the previous model, the adaptive characteristics result in a more powerful, linear, and transparent sound. The low frequencies create a pleasant carpet on which mids and highs stack neutrally and without exaggeration. The subtle bass note thus underlines the clarity, homogeneity, and sobriety of its sound without masking it. However, in the bass range, the headphones reach their limits.
Those who prefer a warm HiFi sound will likely be disappointed. Because the HD 25 Light reproduces the supplied signal unchanged and honestly, making it suitable for its preferred use in the studio environment, where linear playback is essential for good headphones.
With its nominal capacity, the HD 25 Light excels in reproducing transients like hi-hats or kick drums, which are heard cleanly, disciplined, and undistorted, even at already dangerously high levels. Indeed, the HD 25 Light can be loud in any case - partly due to its high sound pressure level, and partly due to the direct contact of the drivers with the ears, which means the signal barely diffuses outward thanks to the exceptionally good padding shielding. This isolates it very well from environmental background noise that could contaminate the useful signal, especially in the DJ booth.
Conclusion
The update of the HD 25 Light pays off primarily in the significantly improved sound, which now puts it on par with its more powerful sibling. The closed supra-aural headphones are recommended for all applications where a powerful, yet natural and transparent sound is required. Additionally, they stand out for a very light but snug-fitting construction, ensuring comfortable wear even during prolonged use thanks to excellent padding.
The updated 2020 version of the HD 25 is available HERE in the shop.