Sennheiser PX100 Headphones

Sennheiser PX100 Open-Air Headphones
Overall Rating: 10/10
Acquired June 2009

Overview:

The Sennheiser PX100 open-air headphones are headphones that Sennheiser has been selling for many years now. They’ve continued to update the ‘phone incrementally, such as adding a white version for Apple loyalists and changing the headphone plug to a “narrow” profile that will fit in the recessed jack in the 1^st generation iPhone. Despite these minor changes, the main focus of the headphones—the speakers—remains unchanged. And by unchanged, I mean absolutely phenomenal.

I bought the PX100 to listen to music while at work. But I find that I like them so much that I take them home and sometimes wear them on my commute.

Upside:

Simply put, the PX100 headphones sound incredible. The reviews I read before buying them for myself often compared the PX100 to the Apple earbuds. The PX100 headphones are so far and away better than the Apple earbuds that this is not a very useful comparison. In my opinion, the PX100 headphones sound better than the two other sets of headphones I own: the Sony MDR-V6 studio monitors and the Etymotic ER-6 Isolators (though I would choose the Etymotic ER-6 headphones for noisy environments).

The stand-out feature of these headphones, aside from the great sound, is their portability. The PX100 headphones fold up to fit in a hard case that is about the size of a sunglasses case. The PX100 case takes up relatively little space and protects the headphones well enough that you don’t need to worry much about them in a bag or suitcase.

The Sennheiser PX100 headphones are very lightweight. I wear them almost all day at the office, and they are so light and comfortable that I often forget they are even on my head.

The open-air design makes for extremely clean and warm sound. It also allows outside sounds to pass through. This allows me to enjoy my music and still be aware of my surroundings at the office.

For First-generation iPod owners (those of the dreaded recessed headphone jack), the PX100 will fit without an adapter.

I also very much like the retro look of these headphones. They remind me a bit of the original headphones that came with the early Sony Walkman.

Downside:

The only downsides could be better described as consequences of purposeful design decisions.

The open-air design of the headphones, which is the key to their incredible sound, is also the reason the headphones are incapable of blocking much outside noise. They also don’t contain their own sound very well either. As a consequence, your ability to fully enjoy these headphones will depend on the amount of outside noise you’re exposed to while wearing them. I’ve found that they are perfect for listening at moderate to low volume in a large office space.

The folding design and sturdy case are a great way to make the headphones more portable and well-protected during transport. However, the getting the headphones in or out of the case is just complicated enough to make it hard to do while walking. So, if you have the headphones closed up in the hard case, you will probably have to wait till you can stop for a minute to open them up and get the music playing.

Specifications:

• Collapsible open-air headphones
• Fold and flip: registered design allows the ear cups to be turned through 90° and fold the headphones closed (headphones will lock in open and closed positions)
• Fits into the shirt pocket: rugged transport case with cord take-up (145 x 75 x 27 mm)
• Warm natural sound for all types of music
• High energy driver system for max performance
• High-resolution sound due to Sennheiser "Duofol" diaphragms with spiral embossing
• Crisp and fast bass response due to system "twin damping" with 80ppi polyurethane and special perforated elements
• Easily replaceable ear pads and headband padding (ear cups and headband can be replaced by your dealer)
• Super lightweight design

Technical Data

• Audio transmission range..................... 15 – 27,000 Hz
• Cable length........................................ 4.6 ft. (1.4 m)
• Ear coupling........................................ On-the-ear
• Jack plug............................................. 3.5 mm stereo
• Nominal Impedance............................. 32 Ω
• Sound pressure level (SPL).................. 114 dB (SPL)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD).......... 0.1%
• Transducer principle............................ Dynamic, open
• Weight w/o cable................................. 2.1 oz. (60 g)

Verdict:

These are quite simply the best-sounding headphones I’ve ever listened to. I can’t recommend them highly enough.