While it’s certainly not compulsory for DJs to don a pair of Sennheiser HD25 headphones when playing a set there’s no denying the fact that these iconic headphones have been used and abused by countless DJs around the world and are considered to be pretty much the “industry standard” cans.
If you’re looking to purchase a new pair of Sennheiser HD25’s you need to be aware that they now come in three different models, namely the original HD25’s, the HD25 Lite (the cheapest model) and the HD25 Plus (the most expensive model in the range).
In this article I’ll be going over the key differences between the HD25 and the HD25 Plus headphones starting with what is, to my mind, the most important question:
Do the HD25 Plus sound the same as the original HD25 headphones?
Yes they do! To be clear: There’s absolutely no difference sound-wise or build-wise between the HD25 and the HD25 Plus headphones. If you’re used to the HD25 sound then you can expect exactly the same from the HD25 Plus: 16 – 22000 Hz frequency response, 120 DB Max sound pressure and supraaural ear coupling.
Sennheiser HD25 price vs HD25 Plus price:
A pair of HD25’s retails at $149.95 while the HD25 Plus retails at $199.95. (Prices based on Sennheiser official store prices December 2021 and not including any applicable sales tax.)
What’s included with the HD25 Plus?
When you purchase a set of HD25 Plus headphones you get the HD25 headphones with coiled cable but with a number of extras:
- 1 Extra cable (1.5m straight cable)
- 1 pair of extra ear pads
- Black carry pouch
As with standard HD25’s you’ll also get 1 Screw on jack adaptor (3.5mm to 6.33 mm)
Does the HD25 Plus have an exchangeable cable?
Yes they do. The HD25 Plus comes with coiled cable which you can swap out for a straight cable.
Are the HD25 Plus worth it?
Regularly retailing at roughly $50 more than the original HD25’s it’s worth pausing to think if that extra outlay is really necessary. You’re paying $50 more for an extra cable, extra ear pads and a carry pouch. While the extra ear pads and cable are likely to prove useful in the long run the carry pouch is something of a missed opportunity in my opinion given that you can buy tougher hard shell headphone cases for around the $15.00 mark or even less.
HD25 Plus summary:
Given the number of years Sennheiser have been flogging their HD25’s for – I imagine – a nice profit, it’s a real shame they didn’t go the extra mile to make the HD25 Plus a true premium flagship model fit for the 21st century with a bit of a spec upgrade to reward/tempt those of us willing to pay an extra $50 bucks.
To be clear, the HD25 remain a fantastic and useful set of cans for DJs – it’s just that the ‘Plus’ version doesn’t bring anything new to the table.
Best alternatives to the HD25 Plus:
Somewhat ironically it’s the original HD25’s that are the best alternative to the HD25 Plus given they offer you the same specs for $50 bucks less!
If you’re on a tighter budget but determined to stick with the Sennheiser brand you could consider the HD25 Lite but the cheaper price point ($99.95) means some design compromises have been made so you’ll miss out on the original’s split headband and rotatable ear cup (which might not be a deal breaker for you).
More information: Sennheiser official site