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20 years later, this stone-cold classic still slaps.
A 3.7 puts its audio quality in the bottom third of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 49 of the 243 we've cataloged.
No one has reported on this one yet.
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Wired-3.5mm is the most common — on 47% of the 252 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 243).
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 201 of 243 we've cataloged.
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Sennheiser HD 650 Frequency Response (measured on a B&K 5128)
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Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -9.9 |
| 25 | -8.1 |
| 32 | -6.3 |
| 40 | -4.7 |
| 50 | -3.5 |
| 63 | -2.6 |
| 80 | -2.2 |
| 100 | -1.3 |
| 125 | -0.9 |
| 160 | -1.0 |
| 200 | -1.2 |
| 250 | -1.5 |
| 315 | -1.7 |
| 400 | -1.9 |
| 500 | -1.9 |
| 630 | -1.6 |
| 800 | -0.8 |
| 1000 | -0.4 |
| 1250 | 1.0 |
| 1600 | 2.2 |
| 2000 | 3.8 |
| 2500 | 6.7 |
| 3150 | 9.7 |
| 4000 | 7.2 |
| 5000 | 5.8 |
| 6300 | 4.1 |
| 8000 | 7.1 |
| 10000 | -0.2 |
| 12500 | -0.3 |
| 16000 | -2.4 |
| 20000 | -16.0 |
Sennheiser HD 650 Attenuation (measured on a B&K 5128)
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Solid lines: passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -1.9 |
| 26 | 0.7 |
| 33 | -0.1 |
| 41 | -0.1 |
| 52 | -0.1 |
| 65 | -0.1 |
| 82 | -0.3 |
| 103 | 0.0 |
| 130 | 0.0 |
| 163 | 0.1 |
| 205 | -0.1 |
| 259 | -0.1 |
| 325 | -0.1 |
| 410 | -0.2 |
| 516 | -0.1 |
| 613 | -0.6 |
| 772 | -1.1 |
| 972 | -0.8 |
| 1220 | -1.4 |
| 1540 | -0.6 |
| 1940 | 2.4 |
| 2440 | 5.2 |
| 3070 | 6.2 |
| 3870 | 6.8 |
| 4870 | 13.1 |
| 6130 | 12.7 |
| 7720 | 16.6 |
| 9720 | 19.6 |
| 12200 | 7.3 |
| 15400 | 11.0 |
| 19400 | 15.8 |
Sennheiser HD 650 MDAQS
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores, Scale 1 - 5
Virtual mean opinion scores (MOS) on a 1–5 scale, modeled from the measured response by HEAD acoustics’ MDAQS (Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score) model. Higher is better across timbre, distortion, and immersiveness — add other models to see where this one lands.
The verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is still an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reference quality open backed headphone that's comfortable and well designed. There's a reason it's been popular as long as it has.
✓Liked: Excellent sound quality, Very comfortable, User replaceable cable
✕Could be better: Sub-bass rolloff
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Own the Sennheiser HD 650?
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What readers ask about the Sennheiser HD 650, answered by the people who own it.
Nobody has asked the owners yet.
Ask the first question →Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
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Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributorThe 5 best headphones to look forward to in 2026Strap in — we're in for a wild year.Tom TriggsContributorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
3 of 5 would buy again
5 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
Comfort beat their expectations
Expected more from the fit and build
The battery beat their expectations
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Comfort beat their expectations
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · owners report ~55 h per charge vs 53.77 h claimed
The battery beat their expectations
