Let’s talk sound. This review took longer than planned because my immediate reaction to the HD630VB was a rather negative one. I realized, though, that I wasn’t being fair. This is where you really have to put your feelings toward the older HD6xx models aside. That warm, full bodied sound… gone! In its place, an extremely clean, linear sound (this is assuming you set the bass dial at a neutral spot, which I find to be around the second of seven lines). At first, I was really taken aback by the sound, but the more I listened, the more I fell in love with the sound. The level of clarity and detail over the other HD6xx models is astounding, particularly in the bass. It goes noticeably deeper, and adds a whole heaping gob of texture to the sound. The mids are linear and the highs extend a lot further. I actually feel that the HD630VB feels more open than the older models due to the greatly increased air up top and instrument separation. I could see someone preferring the older models on tonality, but the HD630VB is clearly playing on another level, so I figured I should step up the competition.
The HE-400i should do nicely, I thought. It sells for the same price ($499). It’s a planar which are known for their clarity. I love it. How did this fight go? From top to bottom, detail, clarity, instrument separation, air, sound stage, all go to the HD630, and still by a noticeable margin. This thing is really damn impressive. The HE-560 might be a closer match, but unfortunately, I don’t have one. Of course, the HE-400i has its advantages, too: more body, especially in the midrange, some warmth to the sound, more forgiving with weaker recordings. It is a much easier headphone to enjoy with a lot of music.
It is here where we find the weakness of the HD630VB’s sound. It is rather unforgiving. You connect it to some good gear, and play a well recorded piece of music (say, the Minnesota Orchestra’s recording of Beethoven’s Seventh), and it is heaven. But, should you push something less well recorded, and suddenly the highs can turn really harsh, the voices sound cold and lifeless . This headphone demands to be fed only good music. It is a glorious double edge sword.
The Bad
Although, the build on the headphone is excellent, I am a bit less enthused about the cable. It feels a bit thin, and I am a little worried about how it will hold up over time. This is made even more concerning as the cable is not replaceable. It seems odd that a headphone at this price range, one that is being marketed as a phone for both at home and on the go (more on that in a second), wouldn’t have a detachable cable.
And yeah, I really don’t find the Sennheiser HD630VB to be very comfortable. After long listening sessions, I find the top of my head feels sore. This could just be that I have a sensitive head, but I don’t find I have that problem with the HD650 or the HE-400i. The HD630VB is noticeably heavier than the HD650 (400g vs 260g), and although comparable in weight to the HE-400i (which is 375g), the HE-400i headband does a better job distributing the weight. Like I said,it could just be that I have a sissy head, but comfort is not one of the HD630VB’s strongest suits.
The… What, really?
There are two things about the HD630VB that strike me as rather odd. Not bad things, per say, just… odd. First, I think that this is a questionable headphone for the variable bass dial. With the cool, lean, detailed sound, cranking up the bass just feels odd. You suddenly have this bass body that is completely at odds with the rest of the sound. At higher levels, the bass really starts eating the midrange for breakfast, and dwarfs everything else. I may be in the vast minority on this one, but cranking up the bass ruins the reference type sound they, so wonderfully, created. The variable bass would be more useful, in my opinion, with a HD650 type sound, where you could dial back the huge bass body and maybe at some speed to the sound. Again I say, this is just one man’s opinion. I just happen to be the man writing this. At its worst, though, having the bass dial doesn’t hurt this headphone in any way.
The other thing that puzzles me about this headphone is the way it is being marketed. It is a great headphone for the home setup, but for on the go? Well, it is a closed back model and easy to drive, but that’s it. It is a full sized headphone, not terrible light or comfortable, why would I wear this out walking around? Size and comfort are two key factors when I am looking for an “on the go” headphone. It can fold up, and it does come with a nice case, but does me no good out on a walk, or taking the light rail downtown. Yes you CAN take it with you, but I don’t think it would be anyone’s first choice for portability. The cable does have a mic built-in, so if this is your go to choice, I guess there is that.
So, despite my nitpicks and poopoos, on sound quality alone, so long as you know what you are getting yourself into, the HD630VB earns an easy recommendation on me. I am going to be really sad to see this one go. With the right music, it is absolutely first class. The Sennheiser HD630VB is retailing for $499,95 on Amazon and that is the official retail price.
Edit Lieven: The Sennheiser HD630VB isn’t cheap and I can’t help but wonder how it stands up against the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro in example, a headphone we really liked, that has customizable bass as well and which goes for only $199 (it’s a bit cheaper in the EU). I have only listened to the HD630VB at shows but when I finally do get some time with it at home, I will for sure be comparing it to the COP and a few other closed headphones.
Rasmus Horn
“Click HERE or below to go to the rest of the article on Page Two” –> IT goes back to Page 1 🙂
Headfonia_L.
Fixed that, sorry. And Thanks!
Ben
Apologies in advance for slightly hijacking this thread but i’m looking for a relatively newbie recommendation for an over ear headphone.
Essentially i’m after a full sized over ear headphone, for long listening sessions at work, so comfort and not getting hot ears is a must. Musically I’d love something that sounds great with female vocals like Joanna Newsom and reveals lots of detail, making current Radio Head tracks sound fantastic. I also listen to streamed radio KEXP etc… so would happily avoid a set of cans that would murder the sound on a lower quality source. Happy to buy a DAC/AMP like the Chord Mojo for playback from a Mac and blow my mind.
Really like the site, lots of sensible information ,more so than anything else i’ve discovered to date. Keep up the good work.
Rasmus Horn
I have to say that I too was dissapointed with this headphone after giving it a short listen at CanJam in Essen last year. But reading this review makes me think it deserves a second chance.
Even though I am used to bright and detail-oriented sound I still think it was too thin and had an almost metallic treble from the tube-amplifier I was testing it with. So I didn’t really think much if this headpone after that first short bad experience. I thought it was a desktop headphone and not a portable design. I will make sure to give it another try with my portable gear next time.
Headfonia_L.
I have to say it surprised me at Canjam as well. I expected something like the HD600/650 but a closed variant and that wasn’t the case. That doesn’t mean it is bad though, I’d love to try it at home to get a better idea of it.
Dave Ulrich
Like I said, it took me awhile to get used to it, and I can see how someone wouldn’t favor the sound, but I found it to be pretty darn good with the right recordings. I still don’t think it is portable, however.
dalethorn
With the not-right recordings, it’s probably just some peakiness in the treble. Find and EQ and enjoy more recordings that way is what I say. It looks like an awesome headphone.
Headfonia_L.
Custom Cable sennheiser worldwide spares specialists have taken apart the HD630VB and established the cable can be replaced and it is a spare part offered by sennheiser
Dave Ulrich
That is a plus. I still wish it were user replaceable.
Juan
I have a pair of HD600 and I don’t use them beause I found the pressure in my head extremely unpleasent… I’ve never tried the Hd650. Would you say that the HD630 are even more unconfortable than the HD600? I find surprising how people can stand this things for a very little gain in music quality 🙂 even more with the given prices. I had same problem with akg k518dj, this one at least was cheap.
Dave Ulrich
I actually find the HD600 and HD650 to be comfortable. So yes, I find the HD630 less comfortable than the HD600
Juan
Thanks for the answer. Definitely not for me then. I’m using the hd600 now to check what was on my memory and I can’t help but to open and close my jaw very frequently to alleviate the pressure in my temp and jaw… they sound quite good though.
Juan
… It’s been five songs and back to the box they go, I can’t stand them.
Dave Ulrich
Maybe give them a little more time. My HD650 doesn’t clamp hard
dalethorn
If they’re velour or fabric earpads, there may be a way to soften them.
Juan
… And not including a detachable cable It is just crazy stuff 🙂 I guess they can sell more of then when they brake or charge for them to be repaired. I can’t imagine other reason than that.
Pascual Villaseca
Between this and the oppo pm-3, which would you recommend as a whole?
Dave Ulrich
Sorry I can’t be of help. I haven’t head the PM-3.
Andrea Calabrò
Would you recommend the 630 or the Momentum Over Ear? Thanks.
Dave Ulrich
one is a headphone that can be had for less than 1/2 the cost of the other. I haven’t head the momentum, but I understand they are on the warmer end of things, and quite comfortable. The HD630 is very cool in its sound. You need to decide what works best for your music. I would recommend giving them both a try if you can.
Jin Y
I don’t give this headphone much attention because of its weight. I used PXC450 as daily headphone for 3 years in past and I sold it finally. PXC450 weighs about 290g, I think on-the-go headphone should keep weight below 250g. Now I more enjoy some light, open small headphones, PX95 for example, more than those closed, great sound giant headphones.
Dietmar Gsell
“per say “, pleeeeeese! It is “per se”!
dalethorn
It definitely kept me awake a night or two.
Dave Ulrich
Thanks for pointing that out. It is the kind of thing that would get under my skin, as well.
Malfunkt
Finally managed to get a pair, and they really are stellar despite a couple odd design decisions. The cable could have been made removable but perhaps this would have bene made a bit more complex thanks to the implementation of the iOS/ android controls. It think had it had a removable cable and no headphone controls, it may have been seen as a more ‘serious’ headphone. Truthfully, I’m not sure if this was a mistake as it may have sold well enough – it’s just not as popular with the headfi/reddit set.
Which is a shame, because these are truly audiophile-grade. The distortion levels alone are incredible, some ringing but not too serious, and the 630VB has a very-balanced sound that allows it to shine well with jazz/classical as well as play well with best recorded/engineered pop and electronic. The bass dial can tune the bass to below HD700 levels, but can also make it quite punchy. Bass is of very good quality and creates a ‘room-feel’.
There is some sculpting with the tuning, but not nearly as much as say something like the HD700. It is more natural but has plenty of sheen without the brightness you might get from say a D2000. If one wants something closer to the HD650 mid-range naturalness, get an HD250 which actually has a bit more treble and quite a bit more bass.
Great to have this level of performance and something that sounds this open in a portable closed-back. It is good enough quality to test DACs with, and while it doesn’t require much power, use a good DAP or quality phone at the very least. Pad quality is good, and like a number of headphone – HD650, HD25 included – after a bit of wear they are starting to become more comfortable. They still have a bit of clamp though, and while gigantic I’m happy to use these as a portable.
A misunderstood Sennheiser gem.
Dave
Glad you liked it!
Sp12er
This is basically a transportable Fullsize, a bit ahead of its time, now market only just now starting to open up to this kind of design with the CA Cascade, Sony Z7M2, Elegia(and Stellia), etc etc.
Robert
Late to the party by a few years : )… but having recently been looking into the Neumann headphones one inevitably comes across the HD630VB… got curious and acquired a new pair of these Senns (they’re still floating around for a decent price)..fascinating headphone all round…nothing in common with HD600 series so best approach them with a clean slate, base performance alone is IMHO worth the price of admission. Definitely endowed with an excellent driver and so lends itself to some mods to adjust its behaviour. Actually like the VB and works quite well and the IOS controls I could have done without but have actually used them on occasion.
My mods…
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sennheiser-hd-630vb-review-first-impressions.766311/page-48#post-17244689