the only reviewer who talks about how the thing sounds (which is what it's job is) for more than 20 seconds.. your explanation was precise and crisp and I got an idea without even listening!
I really enjoyed your detailed take on the HD 202's! Most people or (cough) audiophiles would not be interested in something so inexpensive but it was so refreshing to hear from a professional's point-of-view of a product that would normally go unnoticed. Personally, I've been spoiled with some great Sennheiser cans but like you said these are so budget-friendly they can be bought on a whim with no regrets.
These have been my most used cans for the past 5-6 years despite the fact that I have stuff like T1's, DT990/880/770, HD600/650, K701, etc. in my collection. They're just a perfect all rounder, been saying that for years now, and they punch WAY above their price. I think the main reason for that is the fact that they nail the sound in terms of timbre and how natural things sound on them. I'd say the vocals and instruments have better accuracy on them than in most of my other headphones. Heck, I can take them off and put T1's on and feel like instruments are a bit thin and artificially bright sounding. They just have a very pleasant, natural and full sound without being muddy, just a totally unoffensive sound that you can listen to all day long. They're also pretty much indestructible, both in terms of their build and in terms of the driver durability, you just wont blow the driver no matter how loud you play them, trust me, I actually tried to blow the drivers on purpose on an old pair. The thing you have to do though is to recable them, the stock cable sucks, it's thin, fragile, and compromises sound. I re-cabled mine with the German pro audio Sommer Audio Onyx instrument cable (about 3 dollars / meter), very similar cable to the one Beyerdynamic T1's ship with stock , and that took the sound to a totally different level, far better extension of bass and treble and feels like the headphones have more depth in them, they sounded bigger with a more opened soundstage, a clear improvement when A-B testing a pair with a stock cable and a pair with an upgraded cable.
That's interesting that you have so many top performing cans and still use the HD 202. I compared these to my HD 205 and I felt the 202 was a step down. I have a pair of Panasonic HTF-600 which are also better to the HD202 to my ears.
i can confirm, have a pair of them over 10 years old, and another one that is 2 years old. Tore out the wire multiple times by tripping on it over the years, and still they work like a charm lmao. Great headset!
Another thing is, and this is probably THE ONLY headphone where I can really say this for, the burn in is so fucking real with this. I remember when I first bought my first pair 6 years ago I literally laughed when I first listened to them, that's how bad they sounded to me, just totally muffled and slow, dark, mid and upper bass centric. After a few weeks the totally transformed. Now on my oldest pair that's got about 6 years of daily 5-6 hours of use on it, it sounds almost nothing like a brand new pair.
I converted a set of these to a very handy USB-C charged, Bluetooth-adapted headphones with a cheap part, and some soldering skills. Much shorter cable wires now, too. :) 10/10 - with the advice to stretch the living hell out of them! They're definitely "On Ear", so they need to be not tight.
HD202 on my head here right now. Cushions are foam only now, all the plastic is worn off. completely. Which is better because the plastic layer on the foam tended to get wet from sweat. And as long as this thing makes sound it will remain on my head. Not all the time of course LOL but it sounds perfect to my ears with fantastic response right down to deep bass.
I've had these for 10 years now and they still work. The earpads and headband are cracking peeling so I'm buying replacements but other than that I'm impressed how good they sound compared to my more expensive headphones and how well they've held up. I'm not a big fan of the super long cord but the take up piece really helps. I feel they're perfect on a computer desk for using with a PC or laptop. For all basic audio listening, they do the job.
Ying Lai I have the Audio Technica M50x and they're much better in every way than these Sennheisers. Although they were much more expensive too. I imagine the M20x are probably better in build and audio quality too but the Sennheisers are impressive for their price range. If you have a choice between the two, I'd go with the M20x. The Sennheiser hd202 are more expensive now than when I bought them. I only paid $20 for mine but wouldn't pay much more than that.
Thanks for your reply. You really helped me a lot since I was struggling which was a better choose between M20x and HD202 few days ago. I decided to buy M20x.
My first headphones that I used for many years.They still play great today,1 cable has had to be re soldered at the driver terminals due to accidental pulling,the pad vinyl has all but worn away as has the adjustment steps and the cable at the y point has been repaired as well.I modded them by removing most of the plastic covering the driver ( a risky and tedious task btw)and made them sound better than stock.They don't get much use any longer due to me buying the superior HD558's.Highly recommend these if you are poor or need a beater set. :)
Thanks for that, My HD202 has a worn out driver (paper/plastic degradation I think) making weird cracking sounds and I need a replacement. Always been nuts about my 202 as the sound it gives is unbeatable for the price. The muddyness of the bass can be compensated by filtering everything under 40Hz with a moderate negative Q, something I'd recommend for headphones anyway. My stepson had a Sony gaming headset costing 300 euro and although the bass had a deeper, clearer response, it's high response was crap compared to the 202, and I am not even a true audiophile. I was missing instruments with the sony where I could hear them all clearly with the 202. I see it's the HD559 now, and the price is good! Getting that one, pretty sure I will not regret it. Since my first one I've never wanted anything but Sennheiser headphones.
Fantastic review as always, Tyll! I know an internet celebrity who's been using an HD 202 for years, and I've always wondered how good the headphone is. It definitely has fantastic build quality. Modular construction for $20?! It has a better build than some >$300 cans! The way you describe the sound reminds me of how people perceive the ATH-M50. Some "get used to it" while others can't. (Actually, I find the M50 quite natural sounding, just slightly tuned to a funner signature). Anyway, nice review! I rambled!
I'm curious about the earcup detachment system. It appears to be slightly similar to what is seen on the Portapro and KSC75/35 headphones. Do you think the HD 202 headband could be used with these Koss headphones? Actually, probably not because the Koss ones just kinda push into their locking system while the HD 202 has them slide down into a groove.
Once i tried to put drivers from a much expensive headphone on HD 202 and when i opened it, i found the drivers of HD 202 looked much better built than the drivers i had so decided to keep it in it's original condition.
Think 202's were my very first ever entry into proper headphone gear. Sennheiser were the most known Euro badge that offered a lot of really good affordable headphones among the sea of Japan branded ones in most retail outlets. Also during those times earphones ( or in-ear monitors now ) were the only one I used to buy, thought using headphones outside the house simply made you look dorky unlike nowadays when some brands are really portable, well designed/appealing to use out in the open.
I've had my set since 2007. Pads are badly worn but they still work and still serve their purpose quite well. I think I payed maybe $25 so I got my money's worth.
Same here, and have it on my head right now. The only thing that will make me dispose of it is when it conks out and I need to buy a new one. Which is soon because one of the drivers is seriously worn out and making soft cracking sounds with deeper bass. Cone material degradation or damage I think.
Well i've had mine for almost two years. They're great noise canceling. All music sounds great to me. I was blessed to find these headphones for $2.00 at my local good will.
gave then to my nephew a few years back. I almost kept them for myself. had a hard time giving them up. they sound better then the Philips Uptown right away but the extended play the Philips Uptown won out majorly.
$20 headphones. When I was a teenager, I saved up for some $50 headphones that Radio Shack sold. I do not know if the HD 202 was available then, but even if they had been, I would not have known about them.
I was wondering, which one should i get? these ones or the Sony MDR-XB450AP, i'm getting the XB450 a little cheaper than the Sennheiser, what i care more is about durability and sound quality
You should review more "value" headphones, really interested to hear the opinion of people who have heard the big-dollar stuff. I'm wearing HD-202s at the moment, made more comfortable now with the knowledge I can bend the headband 170º more than I had ever dared!!! ;^)
This is a good review video, Inner Fidelity. Can you by any chance compare these HD 202's to Superflux HD 681 Evo? I did saw a HD 681 review on your channel, but the high sibilance is a no go for me on the 681 and supposedly HD 681 Evo solved that problem. I saw HD 202 II and HD 681 Evo at the exactly the same price at my local retailer. Would love to hear your feedback on it if possible. :)
Confirmo! Hace 10 años los tengo, y son la combinación perfecta con mi reproductor de música HiRes Xduoo X3 y Música en formato flac. Prácticamente suenan mejor que unos Sony xm4 y unos Bose 700 HD (ambos conectados con cable). Son unos audífonos infravalorados 🤟🏻
Yey first good headphones.My jaw dropped when I heard it for first time,coming from earbuds and all.The difference just was massive!.Now though I have better ones than these,coming back to these is a pleasure.
19 USD is like 10% of our minimum wage here in my country. I just want to punch you in the the face when you says it's the first headphone you buy in 5 years. But then I remember i love your vids and you deserve it :)
Really great review! Thanks! I use an old Sennheiser HD 407, and it sounds great. I'm looking for another headphone, and I don't know if I pick this HD 202 II or the Pioneer SE-MJ722T. Do you know if this Pioneer has a superior sound quality? It is for listening music at home, and nothing professional. Thanks!
What’s your input on best wired, best Bluetooth and best earbuds for sound quality and comfort? Do you have any thoughts on the new Bose quiet comfort earbuds just released? Thanks
Jim Proctor Like your reviews. I am motorcycle rider and I am thinking about buying Tork X-Pro Motorcycle Helmet Speaker. Have you ever tested helmet speakers? I don't think they have been tested before. I would like to hear your opinion. Thank You
i have hd203.i test hd202 short.in my opinion hd203 have better sound quality and they have a bit large different sound quality.i dont like the bass of hd202. i really recommend the hd203 in this price
InnerFidelity i would bought HD-202 but changed my idea and i bought philips SHL-3565.what do you think about philips?and HD-202 would be better or not?
i used to have this headphones for so long but broke it (bc i acciddentally step on it). Now i can't find it being sold anywhere, i wonder if it is discontiuned?
+besi art How can the cord be too long? Ever heard of folding or rolling? Cord being too long is the most ridiculous complaint people can possibly have.
+woopygoman He talks about cheap cans when he goes to CES and other events, guess it was only inevitable he gave a review for some! He does speak in more detail of his reasons on the website.
it all seemed perfect until they added the damn cable shortener. why tf does it have to be so long. why couldn't they add a more low-key cable shortener? that thing is so ugly HAHAHA
the only reviewer who talks about how the thing sounds (which is what it's job is) for more than 20 seconds.. your explanation was precise and crisp and I got an idea without even listening!
only thing that is missing is sound insulation.. and how much of the sound leaks outside
I really enjoyed your detailed take on the HD 202's! Most people or (cough) audiophiles would not be interested in something so inexpensive but it was so refreshing to hear from a professional's point-of-view of a product that would normally go unnoticed. Personally, I've been spoiled with some great Sennheiser cans but like you said these are so budget-friendly they can be bought on a whim with no regrets.
These have been my most used cans for the past 5-6 years despite the fact that I have stuff like T1's, DT990/880/770, HD600/650, K701, etc. in my collection. They're just a perfect all rounder, been saying that for years now, and they punch WAY above their price. I think the main reason for that is the fact that they nail the sound in terms of timbre and how natural things sound on them. I'd say the vocals and instruments have better accuracy on them than in most of my other headphones. Heck, I can take them off and put T1's on and feel like instruments are a bit thin and artificially bright sounding. They just have a very pleasant, natural and full sound without being muddy, just a totally unoffensive sound that you can listen to all day long. They're also pretty much indestructible, both in terms of their build and in terms of the driver durability, you just wont blow the driver no matter how loud you play them, trust me, I actually tried to blow the drivers on purpose on an old pair.
The thing you have to do though is to recable them, the stock cable sucks, it's thin, fragile, and compromises sound. I re-cabled mine with the German pro audio Sommer Audio Onyx instrument cable (about 3 dollars / meter), very similar cable to the one Beyerdynamic T1's ship with stock , and that took the sound to a totally different level, far better extension of bass and treble and feels like the headphones have more depth in them, they sounded bigger with a more opened soundstage, a clear improvement when A-B testing a pair with a stock cable and a pair with an upgraded cable.
+derbigpr500 lol
That's interesting that you have so many top performing cans and still use the HD 202. I compared these to my HD 205 and I felt the 202 was a step down. I have a pair of Panasonic HTF-600 which are also better to the HD202 to my ears.
derbigpr500 how do you replace the cable on the HD 202?
used it for 10 years..it made me a audiophile
It lasted 10 years? God damn...
KrishKrusher they say 201 is more accurate in terms of sound than 202..is it true?
i can confirm, have a pair of them over 10 years old, and another one that is 2 years old. Tore out the wire multiple times by tripping on it over the years, and still they work like a charm lmao. Great headset!
God blesd Sennheiser.
that gives me a heart attack 2:42
Ditto! I didn't even know you could do that. *tries it on mine*
Another thing is, and this is probably THE ONLY headphone where I can really say this for, the burn in is so fucking real with this. I remember when I first bought my first pair 6 years ago I literally laughed when I first listened to them, that's how bad they sounded to me, just totally muffled and slow, dark, mid and upper bass centric. After a few weeks the totally transformed. Now on my oldest pair that's got about 6 years of daily 5-6 hours of use on it, it sounds almost nothing like a brand new pair.
Just bought this online after watching your review!
We use these cans at the radio stations, and I bought a pair for casual computer listening. They really are great phones and you can't beat the price.
I converted a set of these to a very handy USB-C charged, Bluetooth-adapted headphones with a cheap part, and some soldering skills.
Much shorter cable wires now, too. :)
10/10 - with the advice to stretch the living hell out of them!
They're definitely "On Ear", so they need to be not tight.
I'm not an audiophile, but you're really good at explaining. Thank You.
in the sea of ppl who do reviews i do enjoy spending time onn your vlog .great job thanks
HD202 on my head here right now. Cushions are foam only now, all the plastic is worn off. completely. Which is better because the plastic layer on the foam tended to get wet from sweat. And as long as this thing makes sound it will remain on my head. Not all the time of course LOL but it sounds perfect to my ears with fantastic response right down to deep bass.
I've had these for 10 years now and they still work. The earpads and headband are cracking peeling so I'm buying replacements but other than that I'm impressed how good they sound compared to my more expensive headphones and how well they've held up. I'm not a big fan of the super long cord but the take up piece really helps. I feel they're perfect on a computer desk for using with a PC or laptop. For all basic audio listening, they do the job.
Trucker_Pete how about if compare to Audio Technica M20X?
Ying Lai I have the Audio Technica M50x and they're much better in every way than these Sennheisers. Although they were much more expensive too. I imagine the M20x are probably better in build and audio quality too but the Sennheisers are impressive for their price range. If you have a choice between the two, I'd go with the M20x. The Sennheiser hd202 are more expensive now than when I bought them. I only paid $20 for mine but wouldn't pay much more than that.
Thanks for your reply. You really helped me a lot since I was struggling which was a better choose between M20x and HD202 few days ago. I decided to buy M20x.
Just paid $22 for a NEW set of the HD 202's (2/10/18) & I'm very pleased.They are lite & sound great.If needed I'd buy another set at that price.
My first headphones that I used for many years.They still play great today,1 cable has had to be re soldered at the driver terminals due to accidental pulling,the pad vinyl has all but worn away as has the adjustment steps and the cable at the y point has been repaired as well.I modded them by removing most of the plastic covering the driver ( a risky and tedious task btw)and made them sound better than stock.They don't get much use any longer due to me buying the superior HD558's.Highly recommend these if you are poor or need a beater set. :)
Thanks for that, My HD202 has a worn out driver (paper/plastic degradation I think) making weird cracking sounds and I need a replacement. Always been nuts about my 202 as the sound it gives is unbeatable for the price. The muddyness of the bass can be compensated by filtering everything under 40Hz with a moderate negative Q, something I'd recommend for headphones anyway. My stepson had a Sony gaming headset costing 300 euro and although the bass had a deeper, clearer response, it's high response was crap compared to the 202, and I am not even a true audiophile. I was missing instruments with the sony where I could hear them all clearly with the 202.
I see it's the HD559 now, and the price is good! Getting that one, pretty sure I will not regret it.
Since my first one I've never wanted anything but Sennheiser headphones.
Fantastic review as always, Tyll! I know an internet celebrity who's been using an HD 202 for years, and I've always wondered how good the headphone is. It definitely has fantastic build quality. Modular construction for $20?! It has a better build than some >$300 cans!
The way you describe the sound reminds me of how people perceive the ATH-M50. Some "get used to it" while others can't. (Actually, I find the M50 quite natural sounding, just slightly tuned to a funner signature). Anyway, nice review! I rambled!
+CaveManta No, I really like the ATH-M50x. Very good value. But this headphone is 1/5th the price. How the heck do you do that!?
I'm curious about the earcup detachment system. It appears to be slightly similar to what is seen on the Portapro and KSC75/35 headphones.
Do you think the HD 202 headband could be used with these Koss headphones?
Actually, probably not because the Koss ones just kinda push into their locking system while the HD 202 has them slide down into a groove.
Once i tried to put drivers from a much expensive headphone on HD 202 and when i opened it, i found the drivers of HD 202 looked much better built than the drivers i had so decided to keep it in it's original condition.
Think 202's were my very first ever entry into proper headphone gear. Sennheiser were the most known Euro badge that offered a lot of really good affordable headphones among the sea of Japan branded ones in most retail outlets.
Also during those times earphones ( or in-ear monitors now ) were the only one I used to buy, thought using headphones outside the house simply made you look dorky unlike nowadays when some brands are really portable, well designed/appealing to use out in the open.
One of our local libraries in Northeast Wisconsin makes Sennheiser HD 202s available for patrons in the computer lab.
Great review. Didn't know the cups came off or you could stretch them light that..and would have been scared to try without seeing it done.
Very informative video, you know your stuff hd202's are heading to my xmas tree. ( NOT TO BE OPENED TILL XMAS DAY) thanks InnnerFidelity.
BTW. - try the HD203 as well, it's identical in terms of build but has a very slightly different sound, a bit less warm, a bit brighter up top.
the HD201 still amazes me how good it is for £15
Very similar chassis to my old HD477s. They also do not get embarrassed by much more expensive stuff.
I've had my set since 2007. Pads are badly worn but they still work and still serve their purpose quite well. I think I payed maybe $25 so I got my money's worth.
Same here, and have it on my head right now. The only thing that will make me dispose of it is when it conks out and I need to buy a new one. Which is soon because one of the drivers is seriously worn out and making soft cracking sounds with deeper bass. Cone material degradation or damage I think.
Well i've had mine for almost two years. They're great noise canceling. All music sounds great to me. I was blessed to find these headphones for $2.00 at my local good will.
Goodwill does know how to price their stuff!
In all the videos, if you see Tyll smiles at the beginning, you know that he loves that can.
I use to take my HD25s to work every day. Now I take these. In fact I leave them on my desk. I don't miss my HD25s.
I endorse this product.
gave then to my nephew a few years back. I almost kept them for myself. had a hard time giving them up.
they sound better then the Philips Uptown right away but the extended play the Philips Uptown won out majorly.
Holy shit. Finally headphones that don't cost over $300 on your channel. It's been months, probably years now.
$20 headphones. When I was a teenager, I saved up for some $50 headphones that Radio Shack sold. I do not know if the HD 202 was available then, but even if they had been, I would not have known about them.
Seems like the perfect HP for teachers to supply to their students..
Tyll is 60 here. Looks great
nice to see that you review beginner headphones
that'd be my kind of price range.. I'm cheap.
I was wondering, which one should i get? these ones or the Sony MDR-XB450AP, i'm getting the XB450 a little cheaper than the Sennheiser, what i care more is about durability and sound quality
You should review more "value" headphones, really interested to hear the opinion of people who have heard the big-dollar stuff. I'm wearing HD-202s at the moment, made more comfortable now with the knowledge I can bend the headband 170º more than I had ever dared!!! ;^)
This is a good review video, Inner Fidelity. Can you by any chance compare these HD 202's to Superflux HD 681 Evo? I did saw a HD 681 review on your channel, but the high sibilance is a no go for me on the 681 and supposedly HD 681 Evo solved that problem. I saw HD 202 II and HD 681 Evo at the exactly the same price at my local retailer. Would love to hear your feedback on it if possible. :)
Confirmo!
Hace 10 años los tengo, y son la combinación perfecta con mi reproductor de música HiRes Xduoo X3 y Música en formato flac. Prácticamente suenan mejor que unos Sony xm4 y unos Bose 700 HD (ambos conectados con cable).
Son unos audífonos infravalorados 🤟🏻
I had a pair of these. Best tiny bit of money I've ever spent.
Yey first good headphones.My jaw dropped when I heard it for first time,coming from earbuds and all.The difference just was massive!.Now though I have better ones than these,coming back to these is a pleasure.
I have been tempted to buy the HD 202 on several occasions. I just might actually pick them up for my wife.
19 USD is like 10% of our minimum wage here in my country. I just want to punch you in the the face when you says it's the first headphone you buy in 5 years. But then I remember i love your vids and you deserve it :)
wow unbelievable price!!
Have anyone told you that you look like Chuck, the brother of Jimmy on the Better Call Saul series?
Really great review! Thanks! I use an old Sennheiser HD 407, and it sounds great. I'm looking for another headphone, and I don't know if I pick this HD 202 II or the Pioneer SE-MJ722T. Do you know if this Pioneer has a superior sound quality? It is for listening music at home, and nothing professional. Thanks!
m40x review pls and im damn sure its sounds miles better then m50x and m70x combined!
The SBAF + Hawaii shirt suits you.
$19 HD800!
What ?
+Hi-Fi Insider what the heck, not again lol
no again? what did i miss.
What’s your input on best wired, best Bluetooth and best earbuds for sound quality and comfort? Do you have any thoughts on the new Bose quiet comfort earbuds just released? Thanks
Tyll can you give me the link to your awesome shirt with the dog wearing what appears to be HD600/650s
I picked them up for £20. Good cans for that price.
Jim Proctor
Like your reviews. I am motorcycle rider and I am thinking about buying Tork X-Pro Motorcycle Helmet Speaker. Have you ever tested helmet speakers? I don't think they have been tested before. I would like to hear your opinion. Thank You
how does the Panasonic HTX7 compare then?
Nice shirt!
They might be labelled "durable", but if the cable gets damaged, you are screwed. And this is exactly what happened to mine.
you have to try the 201s
i have hd203.i test hd202 short.in my opinion hd203 have better sound quality and they have a bit large different sound quality.i dont like the bass of hd202.
i really recommend the hd203 in this price
InnerFidelity i would bought HD-202 but changed my idea and i bought philips SHL-3565.what do you think about philips?and HD-202 would be better or not?
When are you going to review focal listen.?
can you compare the sound quality in between motorola pulse s505 & Sennheiser HD 202 ???
i used to have this headphones for so long but broke it (bc i acciddentally step on it). Now i can't find it being sold anywhere, i wonder if it is discontiuned?
they said 202 is muddy sounding compared to 201...so which is better?
Awesome - you have the SBAF shirt.
I gotta order one. xE
Hi
Could I have your opinion regarding isolation on this 202s?
How does the Sennheiser HD 202 compare to the Noontec Zoro HD?
David Gilmour making headphone reviews... unbelievable
With the beard he's Ernest Hemingway.
can you review the hifiman HE 350?
Nice and oowsm head phone
great headphones sounds good but cord is really long ,don't recommend it on the go.
for 20$ u should pick one up.great for gaming.
+besi art How can the cord be too long? Ever heard of folding or rolling? Cord being too long is the most ridiculous complaint people can possibly have.
+besi art I braided my HD 202's cable, now it looks cool and easy to manage.
How do these compare to Sennheiser PX100 2?
can i use hd 201 and 202 for my smartphone
yes if it has a 3.5mm jack.
matt edet yes
How does the HD201 compare to these?
review the philips shp 9500
That about 2nd version?
HD 202 vs 206 what is the diffrence?
Repairment of these is usually simple with a tin welder also
had to do that like 10 times already, great headset, unbrakable xd
These or audio technica ath m20x ????
Tudor Renegade these
Found the ear-pieces just a tad too snug for my ears
i want to buy hd 201 n 202?
202 is the new one, i would get that, no idea what sound difference.
It is a great headphones. I had it for over 10 years. At that time, I paid $199 for this. Yes, $199!
Subscribed lol
Isn't it a bit odd to review an old $35 headphone after reviewing all these shiny new $1k to $4k headphones? Great review nonetheless.
+woopygoman He talks about cheap cans when he goes to CES and other events, guess it was only inevitable he gave a review for some! He does speak in more detail of his reasons on the website.
MacroPheliac Yeah I should have read the article 1st :/
it all seemed perfect until they added the damn cable shortener. why tf does it have to be so long. why couldn't they add a more low-key cable shortener? that thing is so ugly HAHAHA
This is a very weird name for a RUclips channel