RIP Sennheiser?

[Grahame]

A link to a thread on the other site popped up in my Google News feed, where a certain Mr J had a conversation with the "Sennheiser Brothers" and felt much better for it. Other comments deconstruct the statements etc. Ad blockers advised.

[Sherwood]

As a person I've always liked Jude.  I know I'm in the house that "disagreeing with Jude" built, but as far as headphone villains go he's pretty low on my list.  That said, this interview is a little weak in the way of journalism.

[tkam]

If nothing else it'll be interesting to see what Sennheiser has coming out the next few years.  Jude certainly hints at there being something coming out that he seems pretty excited about.

An actual successor to the HD800/S would be a good place to start.  If they were smart they'd also cut down on the line up, they have way too many products.

[robm321]

^ Agree, especially about the large product line. Reminds me of Apple before Steve Jobs came back. 

Edited February 27, 2021 by robm321

[HiWire]

I missed their low-end prices (from the 90s), so I ended up getting the HD 599 SE... it's no HD 600, but it's much more versatile with portable devices. It's great for a $100 headphone, but not so much at $200+.

Their prices went into the stratosphere like everyone else's, but I think they lost the message regarding the low and mid ranges of the market. It's possible that Apple destroyed this area by including free EarPods with most of their devices and now I see "cool" people wearing the AirPods instead of the ubiquitous over-ear DJ-style headphones or earbuds that were more common years ago.

[Grahame]

Meanwhile ...

 

[HiWire]

My takeaway is that they sound muffled and the vocals are not great and they sound like the 800S... his impressions made me look up his equipment on the YouTube video because I was curious what kind of source and headphone amp he was using, i.e., "What, no chorus of angels?"

Edited March 10, 2021 by HiWire

[blessingx]

I'm having second thoughts on the HD8XX, not because of the above, but because I went to order replacement pads for the deteriorating cups and headband pads and can't find the latter anywhere. There's hardly a listing on search and Senn is out of stock. I was eventually browsing Croatian resellers, which I'd rather avoid if possible. I don't think Senn is in that much trouble, but anyone have a known source in the US? And yes, there are low-rated third party alternatives I'm unlikely to order.  

[tkam]

It's pretty common for dealers to not have stock of something like replacement pads.  If you don't want to deal w/ ordering directly from Senn I'd reach out to Justin and he should be able to do it for you.

[blessingx]

Thanks. Good suggestion. 

[tkam]

Sennheiser Consumer busines has been sold:  https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/7/22424367/sonova-buys-sennheiser-consumer-business-headphones-soundbars

Blog post from Senn:  https://en-us.sennheiser.com/newsroom/message-from-andreas-and-daniel-sennheiser-otoics

[skullguise]

Interesting.....I can't help but be a pessimist on this, but I guess the "wait and see" attitude needs to apply.

[blessingx]

Maybe Sonova can better help that guy in Sound of Metal now? 

[swt61]

I remember those little, lightweight, plastic headphones with the Yellow foam earpads that were so different than any other headphones out there in the 70's. You could actually listen for hours without your ears sweating.

They were definitely innovators. End of an era, but change is a constant. 

Edited May 7, 2021 by swt61

[ktm]

With hundreds of companies selling headphones, sooner or later there

will be a bloodbath.

Lets hope the Senn stuff hangs around for a while.

 

 

[Grahame]

In years to come, does it mean people will seek out pre-Sonova headphones they way some people seek pre-CBS guitars? 

[swt61]

Pre - AMF Harleys, pre - AMC Jeeps, pre - Huddler Head - Fi, pre - Hagar Van Halen and pre - Corona sex.

[blessingx]

Interesting that Sonova sounds a little Etymotics-like, who sold their consumer audio business recently. 

[skullguise]

4 hours ago, swt61 said:

I remember those little, lightweight, plastic headphones with the Yellow foam earpads that were so different than any other headphones out there in the 70's. You could actually listen for hours without your ears sweating.

They were definitely innovators. End of an era, but change is a constant. 

Yup....still got mine, and they lasted through my son's childhood for the road trips where he would watch movies.

 

[mwl168]

I am holding on to my pre-Sonova HD650 and HD800. Someday they'll worth enough to pay for my retirement. 

[swt61]

Absolutely!

Provided your retirement last no longer than a week. 

[Augsburger]

...and you retire in Kazakstan.

[blessingx]

So how much are the Drop HD8XXs worth now? 

[swt61]

$1.95

Send them to me for disposal. 

[mwl168]

19 hours ago, Augsburger said:

...and you retire in Kazakstan.

So they'll sell for enough money for me to retire abroad?