Soundwise, the PX100-II has been a pleasant surprise from the first time I put it on. I was expecting more of the same of the old PX100, but I wouldn’t mistake the new PX100-II’s sound for the old PX100’s. The new sound is generally quite forward and grabs your attention but still in a relatively smooth Sennheiser way. The overall sound of the PX100-II is bassy, warm, and full-bodied, and the added heft makes it less upper-mid oriented than the PX100. The frequency range is more even and fleshed-out than the PX100 and also more detailed overall, particularly apparent when I played both through Jazz tunes and live recordings. Subtle sounds in the quieter passages of the songs are just more easily noticeable with the PX100-II. There is also more depth and layer behind the sound compared to the original PX100, and the volume swings in classical recordings are more believable with the PX100-II.
The most easily noticeable difference between the two headphones is bass and midbass. The PX100-II has more bass quantity and thump. I don’t find the bass to be too excessive most of the time, and it is sufficiently deep, an improvement upon the PX100. However, if you like bass to be tight and light, this bass can be an issue. But, if you like a rather full and thumpy approach, you will like the PX100-II.
The good sound of the PX100-II made me curious if it can compete with full-sized headphones. I first compared the PX100-II with my DT531, and though there are still gaps in many areas, it is clear that the PX100-II has a quite even mids and good mid detail. In fact, even when compared to other full-sized headphones I currently have including the HD668B and AD700, the PX100-II’s natural and warm tonal balance stands out.
Still, after listening to them for a while, I feel that there is one particular aspect of the sound that can be made better, although it took me a while to point them out. There is some noticeable cloud around the midbass area, which unfortunately, can sometimes intrude to other frequencies as well. It became more noticeable when playing through the busier parts of my songs as the cloud was masking some of the detail and snap of the bass. Part of this can be explained by the heavier emphasis that the PX100-II put in this area of the frequency range. The PX100 just doesn’t have as much bass and midbass quantity and doesn’t suffer as big of an issue. Because of this, the PX100 can sound perceptively clearer. Maybe I’m asking too much, but I personally would have liked the midbass to be punchy, full, and clean at the same time. Still, the bass issue is not a dealbreaker for me, and depending on your expectation, this might not be a problem. The overall sound of the PX100-II is still an upgrade from the original PX100.
So sound and build-quality wise the PX100-II is indeed very good. The price though has gone up from PX100’s. The PX100-II currently can be found for as little as $50 in the United States, but the actual MSRP is closer to $65. The PX100 is getting rarer these days, but they are still available for around $35. This means, for $35, you get an already nice-sounding headphone in a good package. But if you’re willing to pay a little bit more, you get an even better-sounding and better-made headphone. I will gladly recommend both the PX100 and PX100-II to anyone looking for portable and comfortable open headphones.
System for auditioning:
Headphones: Sennheiser PX100, PX100-II
Source: Ipod
Amplifier: Audiotrak Imamp
donunus
I posted a review of the px100-II here too in case anyone is interested in reading it
http://www.headphiles.org/index.php/topic,1203.0….
Mike
Thanks, donunus. The PX100-II is pretty amazing. I lent mine to a friend who uses it to play music from his Nokia cellphone. I asked him to take a listen, and it sounded phenomenal out of his E63 Nokia. I don't think I've ever heard the PX100-II being that good. It was very much like a baby HD650. Super-smooth!
donunus
They sound good to me out of any of my sources but a source with great synergy plus the headband loosened up really makes them something special IMO
Mike
Agree. The PX100-II are like baby HD650s.
alrick13
I'm planning to buy the px100ii to replace my old px100, just want to ask if the material for frame of px100ii is the same as the px100? Because I bought px200ii I thought the frame will be metal since it is also in the px series
Mike
The frame is not quite the same. I believe it still has a metal frame inside, but now it's covered with a beefier plastic. I think it's quite an improved built over the original version.
alrick13
thanks for the info = )
Jonskitch
PX-100 Mk2 has greater bass over PX-100 but can occasionally lose timing during busy part. Its matter of choice both are good.
Logan Waters
Thanks a lot for this comparo!
For those looking for the PX100, you’ll note that the price has escalated steeply (~$70-$80 US).
But… there is a workaround. The Sennheiser MM60 iP has the same specs as the P100, and adds a mic for use with cellphones.I just bought an MM60, and can confirm that it sounds the same as my old PX100 in a side-by-side.And the best part is that the MM60 can be had for ~$45 US. PX100 fans – enjoy. 🙂
Anonymous
Thanks, Logan.
Nets
thank you for sharing this! I love my px100 but it’s time to replace. i don’t even mind paying twice the original price of the px100 for the px100-ii, but reviews suggest they’re not quite as brilliant. had never heard of the mm60 until now (just ordered). thanks again!
Anonymous
Hi Nets,
When the PX100-II was first released I heard a lot of reports of it
being worst than the original. After owning the headphone, however, I
have to disagree and say that the PX100-II is a far improved model. In
fact I can’t imagine going back to the original model after owning the
mk II version.
The sound is much more smoother and refined, micro detail level and
frequency extension is also improved on the Mk2. Lastly the build
quality is also much better than the original. The PX100-II along with
the V-Jays remain two of my favorite ultra portables, and these are
definitely better than the old favorites such as Portapro or PX100
original.
Livequaker
I am proud user of PX100 for 7 years and i am thinking of switching to px100 II but i thing i`ll miss that hard case of the original model. I am using it always [everyday pucking and unpacking] and I thing it is the main reason that only thing that I needet so far was to replace old ear pads. I searched web for any additional accesory like that hard case…but so far nothing….and because of thicker frame I do not thing that px100 II will fit to the old hard case.
Anonymous
Yes I don’t know why they had stopped shipping the PX100 with the hard case. I think many people miss it too.
Anonymous
hi Mike,
you mentioned two baby HD650 on headfonia, the one is HD202-ii, the other one is PX100-ii. HD650 seems had many babies here. hooray~
one thing for thought is, do PX100 got speed for fast paced music? or it is still ‘slow sennheiser ‘veil’ sound?
Anonymous
The PX100 is always pretty slow for fast paced music.
Anonymous
safe choice for majorities, actually. since (i think) fast paced music not widely popular.
uhm, one thing, did you serious commenting that PX100 oversold 25years KOSS’ KC75s Portapros & (perhaps) Grado sales ?
How old actually PX100?
Johnwood70
I owned the original PX100’s for 3 years and loved them. I just got the PX100 II’s and have to say that the sound has been improved in every way, I can listen to them for hours.
Can anyone tell me, would the PX100 II’s, being a small headphone, benefit from amping, say the Fiio E6 or E11 for example? Has anyone tried.
I am playing FLAC files from my sansa clip+, electronica, Bjork, Gorrilaz and some jazz and slower rock.
Anonymous
Hi John,
The PX100-II is one of the ultraportable that I use a lot. If you add an amp to it, you’ll find that the bass punch will improve but don’t expect major sound quality upgrades.
Kiwidave
I had to make a decision in a “hurray” as my Bose MIE2i’s died all of a sudden, so based on the favorable review here I made a “D” to buy the PX100 II”s.
Have had them for around 3 hours now – using them with Fiio E11 / L9 LOD & iPhone 4 — sounding quite good.
Will try them tonight with my Nuforce uDac2 / E11 — will be interesting to see how they sound.
Now I really wish I had kept my HD 600’s all those years ago (“binned” them when cable issues started after about 4 years of use 🙁 )
Mike
The PX100-II is very enjoyable to listen to, despite the sometimes bass being loose.
Dylan Yamakazi
I just have to say that my PX100 is unbelievable. I am actually comparing it to my Beyer DT880 (:O). Of course, the texture isn’t as clear as in the Beyer. As you may know, the PX100 has supreme bass. I’ve only come across one headphone that beats it in bass, and that’s the Monster Cable Studio Beats. But the Beats’ bass washes away the mid a bit. Also, it is so convenient to be able to put the PX100 in my pockets. I am no audiophile, but I was just dying to make this comment.
Mike
Thanks Dylan.
pi
worst headphone review ever…… um how do they sound?
Mark
You do realise that there is a second page to the review……..
Mike
Thanks, mark.
Mike
Is that a bose logo on your avatar?
Lieven V
Is it safe to conclude Bose fans can’t read very well? 😉
Bora Bora
We can, just enough to know there are idiots such as you out there!
Headfonia_L.
Hello. goodbye.
Jason
Great review. Have wanted 100s for a couple years now but think i’ll grab me some 100 ii s after reading this. Thanks 🙂
Mike
Nice.
SoundEskimoo
Mike, my friend asked me portable recommendationHow you measure px100-ii to px200-ii , hd219 229 & steroid 239? I didn’t get long term impression with px200-ii.
If you have to choose which one will give you most pleasures?
dalethorn
If you have ipod or iphone and use “Rock” EQ setting with the PX200ii, the sound in my opinion is as good as anything up to the v-moda M80. A very, very good improvement. Not all headphones respond well to simple EQ settings, but the PX200ii is one such example.
SoundEskimoo
Actually my question focused on how the sound signatures & musicality between three (sub-$100) & which one will satisfy most. I will ask comparison on V/M80 on dt1350/HD25 segment, since they were on same segment & price range.
Do you have any idea for this one? thanks
dalethorn
Then what was the purpose of the question? Because the musicality of the PX200ii cannot be equaled by the others. Is that not the focus of your question?
SoundEskimoo
Considering to buy Sennheiser portable, that’s why I didn’t mention M80 here. I’m curious about how px200, HD portables especially 239， compared to px100.
Thanks
Still having some confusion here.
dalethorn
Mike did explain the darker sound of the PX-100ii pretty well, and we have both the 100 and 200 ii’s here in the house. The PX-100ii will play well without EQ in my opinion if you like that signature OK, but if(!) you are willing to use EQ, you will get a more audiophile-like sound from the PX-200ii.
Mike
Generally the PX200-II is a better headphone than the PX100-II. And it does sound more refined and more audiophile.
Still there are things like timbre where the PX100-II is better than the PX200-II. I think it’s also related to the closed vs open back design, the open back usually sounding more natural.
dalethorn
My wife uses the PX100ii so she knows the deal for sure.
SoundEskimoo
small form factor make px200-ii had many weaknesses & limitations , so it needs to be EQ’ed?
dalethorn
I don’t look at it so much that way. That’s a negative way of seeing a real opportunity to make a $50 headphone (current price) sound like a $200 headphone. All you have to do is try it and see. Like I said before, most headphones don’t get that much better with simple EQ, but the PX200ii is a rare exception. It doesn’t mean you will like it, but clearly to me it improves greatly, and that is a free upgrade if you see what I mean.
SoundEskimoo
Will you be satisfied with px200-ii on mainstream music? Hiphop, R&B, trance, etc
dalethorn
Yes, if it is EQ’d as I describe, since the bass is strong and the balance is right for that music. Try v-moda Musique channel – excellent.
SoundEskimoo
Never heard Musique channel is it IEM?. Only heard LP2 & V/M80, even tough they’re not available here
dalethorn
Look up vmoda Musique on Google and they can connect you.
SoundEskimoo
Will try, thanks!
SoundEskimoo
Considering to buy Sennheiser portable, that’s why I didn’t mention M80 here. I’m curious about how px200, HD portables especially 239， compared to px100.
Thanks
Mike
Personally I like the PX100 best. But that’s just personal taste and I realize a lot of people think that the PX100 is too dark.
SoundEskimoo
First of all, i did like sound character of px100-ii & hd202. Sound so good! Two baby HD650.
Here two products I need to know more:
Why you thought ‘px100-ii on steroid’ didnt impress that much? Isnt it supposed to be “a better px100”? The third baby HD650, perhaps?
What’s the deal with px200-ii anyway? Is it more like baby HD600? What genre do px200-ii will perform best&worst?
Perhaps you can enlightment me a bit about this. Thanks
Mike
Alright the HD238 you mean? I think it’s technically better than the PX100-II on all aspects. Why I am not such a big fan of it? Simply the fit and the build. I like the fit of the PX100-II better. It’s lightweight, it’s small and not bulky, it doesn’t press my ears too hard. Little stuff like that. When I want a more full size sound, I’ll go to the HD25-1 or the HD650.
The PX200-II is a more neutral headphone overall with better clarity than the PX100-II. I think it’s a good headphone, but generally I prefer darker signatures hence the PX100-II. If you read the ultra portable comparison article you’ll see me talking about the two there.
SoundEskimoo
Yes I have read your ultraportable shootout last time. Won’t buy px200-ii for now, I saw articles about small closed tend to have many limitations, hence open small will perform freely
Back again, perhaps I forgot Mike. HD238 is old gen PX100 on steroid or new gen PX100-ii on steroid? I might be have wrong perception here. It’s a huge difference.
I want to have focus on sound & comfort rather than size, under $100. Are the earpads very soft & comfy?
andy dude
I have not yet own the PX100-II may I know how to replace the ear pads of PX100-II? any chance that we can get PX200-II ear pads like cushion for PX100-II?
dalethorn
I’m pretty sure there are some reliable vendors on eBay who sell the replacement pads, which are very easy to replace.
Muhammad Harith Ahmad Daud
Hey Mike, were you playing AAC or ALAC during the session? How would you describe the sound if the headphone didn’t connect to an amplifier, just straight from iPod? Thanks a bunch.
SallyMaeSusan
Playing ALAC and 256Kbps AAC straight from Pod and iPhone, the sound is great.
I listen to a lot of ECM jazz which has tons of ‘space’ and ‘atmosphere’ around the music and these ‘phones are superb.
I do tend to use the Bass Reducer on the EQ though.
Mike
Don’t remember but AAC or ALAC don’t really matter for a PX100 vs PX100-II article, I suppose.
Muhammad Harith Ahmad Daud
thank you guys, now I can let myself calm.hehe
SallyMaeSusan
I love the PX 100 2. Bass a bit on the heavy side? Select the ‘Bass Reducer’ EQ on your pod or phone. Result? Superb with no loss of mids or highs. Got Apple devices? Then the remote is a must!
Mine has been round the world with me quite a few times. Oh, and I’ve had them for over 2 years now.
Kevin Woodard
Personally, I prefer the PX100 over the newer version. I don’t like the more bass heavy sound of the new release over the original…even though I listen to a lot of bass-heavy tracks. That cloud he was talking about in the article bothered me way too much. Sounds in that frequency area seems to get confused and falls away. The originals don’t have that issue.