When Rosmadi @Sennheiser handed over the HD 25 ALUMINIUM to me, he specifically mentioned that this is just a minor update Anniversary Edition, and that though there is an improvement gained from applying the Aluminum housing, the difference is marginal. Well that was to be expected, given the fact that everything else is the same except for the application of Aluminium for the housing material — following the footsteps of the Amperior. Based on his comment, I told him right there that I probably can’t write much about the headphone as I don’t think that there is much to be talked about and he understood and gave me the nod.
I still think that this should be a short article but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t let my excitement show. The excitement right from the first time I listened to the 25 ALU, it’s like first love to the HD25 all over again. Yes the difference is slight, but boy, the improvement produces the legendary HD25-1 sound and makes it even better. For those of you familiar with the DT770 LE review, this review is pretty much going to take on the same tone. There is more to this anniversary editions, it seems, and I wouldn’t be surprised if like Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser suddenly decided to make this a standard, non limited product on their line up.
Bass is now fuller and hits lower. Midrange is more refined, and while the HD25-1 treble has sounded a bit harsh compared to the newer headphones, the ALU makes a big improvement on that. I’ve been raving about the Vmoda M100, but it seems that the ALU is Sennheiser’s answer to the M100. I don’t even think they know they have such a big winner in their hands here, as I don’t hear them talking that much about the ALU.
The pace is still fast and aggressive, though less than the original 25 but still ahead of the Amperior. And unlike the newer Sennheiser portable closed backs, the HD25 ALU belongs to that camp of classic Sennheisers that has that gutsy, punchy bass for guaranteed toe tapping. For some reason, the background is also blacker on the ALU and the overall sound is cleaner and less grainy (the HD25-1 is quite grainy). The sound stage is still narrow and focused, but I think that’s part of the HD25’s character and strength (to focus the music). However among the improvements are a slightly improved sound stage and instrument separation.
The HD25 ALU may look like an attempt to put the Amperior (now discontinued) in a different packaging but it really is quite a different headphone. Tonally, the two are more alike to each other than to the original HD25-1, but that’s where the similarities stop. Sound quality is a step up from the Amperior and HD25-1 couple. And while I’ve always considered the Amperior sort of a side-step rather than an upgrade to the HD25-1, the ALU is definitely the version to get from the entire HD25-1 line up. I only wish for two things: black color finish on the Aluminums and actually if they could bring the weight down to the HD25-1 level, that would’ve been better.
Notable design decisions include the return of the sturdy steel cable which far beats the flimsy cables of the Amperior. The pads are also very much improved. Rather than the soft but brittle alcantara soft leather, Sennheiser now uses a much better quality, softer faux leather than the one found in the standard HD25-1. Likewise the headband pads also use the same leather.
I think Sennheiser has got a winner in their hands with this headphone, though the $329 MSRP is a little steep since everyone by now knows that Amazon sells the HD25-1 II for $199. It’s a bit tricky though as I definitely think it can compete with the best $300 portable headphones in the market (and that I’d happily take the 25 ALU rather than the M100), but it’s just that we’ve been so used to seeing the HD25-1 II at $199 that it becomes difficult to justify the 60% increase just for an aluminum cup (though the sound improvement is a totally different matter). Good thing that right now Amazon has them for $263.
Benjamin Benito
How does the HD 25 Aluminium compare with the Fidelio L2?
Mike
Well it’s very different. One is still a HD25 sound, the L2 is a semi-open headphone with a bigger, more spacious sound.
Joe Ramos
Alright Mike, bit of a continuation of my questions in the L2 review. For someone who wants a best in class, portable, detailed headphone with realistic dynamic impact…eq’d L2, M-100, Momentum, or HD25 Aluminum?
Mike
Between these three: M-100, HD25 ALU or the Aedle VK-1.
Anthony
so you actually like this better than the m100? thats a surprise, how about comparing this to the new t51p mike ? I think they are both extremely comparable to each other as an on ear headphone at this price range
Mike
Yes I like the 25 very much, always been a fan. I think the Vmoda still has the widest genre bandwith but personally I like the 25, maybe its the senn sound.
Mike
T51 is more detailed, more resolving. The 25 has beefier and weightier bass, darker tonal.
Anthony
I would have to agree based on how I compared the hd25 and the dt1350 , so they are actually still following their house sound ? I think i would want the HD 25 alu instead of the t51p based on your description
Mike
Yes they’re still following the house sound.. The T51 is just more refined and more linear top to bottom so you get less dips and peaks. Also bass hits lower than the 1350.
Anthony
Thanks for the answer mike, I tried to give it a listen at your store , the thing is extremely awesome, I like it so much that it might as well be my next target
Mike
The Aedle or the akg?
Anthony
no mike, i tried the hd25 alu , I haven’t listened to the Aedle
Viet Anh Pham
The finicky fit of the dt1350 spoiled the fun.
Is the T51 better in this regard? Which one is better is better for hiphop and electronics? Thanks for your impressions!
R12wan
Hi Mike. Would you say that the HD25 ALU is better than the Amperior for iPhone/ipod use without additional amping?
Mike
Oh yeah
George Lai
Herr Sennheiser, could you consider renaming the phones as HD26, HD27? It’s hard to keep track.
dalethorn
That’s a great suggestion.
Fabio_Rocks
Hi Mike. As an Amperior owner I am a little upset with Sennheiser after reading your review. If I upgrade from the Amperior to the ALU what I get more? Thanks
dalethorn
Just imagine what would happen if Sennheiser released everything they have in their labs. In a way I would like to see more things, but then it would get crazy.
BGZ
I recently bought HD 25, what do you consider to be the best DAC to my headphone. Normally i listen to my headphone through Macbook pro 2011
Mike
There are a lot of good DACs.
Try the fiios for starters
MAMPH
Hi Mike,
I wish to ask for advice. I read your review on the Aedle headphones and I’m very interested in purchasing a pair, however I’m cnsidering the AKG K3003, have you tried these? How would the Aedle compare to the AKG’s? I’m new to audio and need all the advice I can get, I’m looking to truly make a good investment in quality.
Thanks!
Mike
Well those two are very different, both very good. I am not a fan of the BA-dynamic mix on the 3003 but it’s a popular IEM.
I think if you’re new to headphones, the K3003 is probably going to be easier to appreciate than the Aedle.
MAMPH
Thank you for your advice. But can the Aedle compete with K3003 quality wise? I know that K3003 do cost. How do you mean easier to appreciate? I also wonder what you would recommend otherwise, as well as if I should invest in IEM or headphones? I mainly listen to classical as well as opera, jazz, acoustic and old folk. From Philip Glass, Steve Reich to Billie Holiday and Moving Star Hall Singers. Thanks again MIke, I’m sorry to bother you with all of these questions.
Mike
I think most newcomers would hear the akg as being more impressive, having more treble detail etc. The Aedle is not so spacious and is relatively darker compared to the akg, harder to appreciate.
Marc
Hey Mike,
How would these compared to the V-Moda M-80 and the ATH-ES10 in terms of bass and speed/PRaT?
Rather out of the topic of the Sennheiser, how does the ATH-ES10 fare against the Beyerdynamic DT770 AE?? I’m looking for something to contrast my L2 for genres such as Hip-Hop instead of just buying a dark amplifier. I guess I understand your “more headphones = better” philosophy more now.
Cheers,
Marc
Evan_Beezy
vs the ath-es700
AllahModeEngage
Which pair of closed portable cans best compliment the HD25 ALU?
dalethorn
What feature or features are you looking to complement?
AllahModeEngage
I just want something that can cover the genres that the HD25 ALU isn’t so good at, such as having a better soundstage and a warmer sound. I have already tried the NAD HP50 and they didn’t work for me because of comfort issues.
dalethorn
I hope your budget is good – it really improves your choices. The closed designs are best for isolation of course, but a good soundstage narrows the choices for closed types.
AllahModeEngage
Yes, my budget is good enough for me to consider the B&W P7 and Sony Z1000
dalethorn
I’m thinking of 4 headphones – the B&O H6, the ATH ESW9a, the Beyer DT1350 (refresh), and possibly the Philips L2. Portability is a bit nebulous, but for me it’s just a matter of convenience rather than a specific function. The H6 has a great sound and is very portable, but the midrange color or tonal balance you’ll have to hear to know for sure. The ESW9a is my wife’s favorite and is very portable, has a very nice warm bass and perfect mids, with a soft treble. Not very rugged though. The DT1350 refresh I haven’t heard, but I owned 2 DT1350s before that, and if you were good with the new signature (somewhat analytical) it may be a great choice, and is very portable and rugged. The L2 may be a little too warm or bassy, so that’s to keep in mind. I think the B&W P7 is good, but rather bulky and the bass is loose or boomy.
AllahModeEngage
Would the VK-1 be a good choice? I don’t need a particularly big soundstage, just a reasonably-sized one and the VK-1 seems to provide that.
dalethorn
I haven’t heard it, but the review here and the comments are pretty thorough, so I think you can rely on that.
AllahModeEngage
Alright thanks for your help.
Mike
The VK-1 is not a soundstage headphone.
AllahModeEngage
That’s ok because I’m finally getting used to my HP50’s fit and it’s soundstage is fabulous.
Markus Köhner
i think the momentum might be a good choice if you are looking for a more relaxed sounding headphone that is comfortable to wear. i dont think i found a closed can with better comfort than the momentum so far. also the soundstage for a closed can is pretty good.
AllahModeEngage
Tried the momentum, was alright but preferred the HD25 ALU over it. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Mike
Well maybe you’re not really looking for something to complement it since that would mean a totally different sound from the HD25 ALU.
You should try the VK-1. I compared the ALU to it and found that it makes the ALU sounds light and hollow. Nasty comparison.
AllahModeEngage
I just pulled the trigger on the VK-1 yesterday so I will have a chance to do this comparison when they arrive. Perhaps it’s not the best idea to ABX them after reading what you put!
Mike
Momentum or B&O H6.
Fabio_Rocks
I just sent a facebook message to Sennheiser. Basically I want to know if i can swap the Amperior drivers with the ALU drivers, and get the ALU sound. And of course the cost for that.
DrForBin
hello,
if these came with the carrying case in the box, is there a Sennheiser part number for the case? (my standard HD-25’s like to come along with me, 🙂 )
Alex
would the Aune T1 pair well with this headphone?
Alex
would this pair well with the Aune T1?
kucki
Hi Mike,
Just wondering do you think some of the differences you have pointed out between the HD 25 ALUMINIUM and the Amperior could be as a result of the different ear pads?
L.
It’s a possibility, the pads have a big impact on the sound
kucki
Well I guess I got to go with the Amperior and buy the original pads because the HD 25 is like 100$ more expensive in my country 🙁
Also getting a remote with these which I can use for my iPhone which would also cost 40$.
dalethorn
$100 for such improvements isn’t bad, if you’re going to keep it for a long time.
kucki
Would these 70Ω impendance on the HD 25 drive as good as the Amperior on my iPhone or do I have to buy an amp for that?
L.
70ohm is certainly do-able but of course the result would be much better with a small amp
kucki
Thanks for helping me out but I think I go for the Amperiors as a head-fi newbie I won’t hear the differences anyway + I get a smart remote for my iPhone which I really like 🙂
Anouk Radix
Hi Mike,
I am looking for a new headphone (preferrably small portable and closed) to use with my iphone and laptop.
I am thinking of the beyerdynamic t51p, the hd25alu or the hd28pro.
Are you thinking of reviewing that last one? I would love to know the differences in sound between these two and there is not much available on them as of yet.t
I have not heard any of beyerdynamkcs portable models. I know the original hd25 and i liked it although the treble could be a bit aggressive and the sound a bit congested and narrow. Also, after a while those cups would hurt on the head.
Greetings, Anouk,
dalethorn
I can’t find anything on HD28 Pro, but there is a HD26 Pro, which I’m ordering for myself.
L.
Anouk. I would recommend the t51p. Its a great headphone and I prefer It over the hd25. I dont have any plans to review the new senn pro yet. Maybe in a few months
SoundEskimoo
Hi, L
aside of technicality, which one is more fun & bassier?
T51p abit more ‘laid back’ and didnt do EDM quite well
dalethorn
I wouldn’t describe the T51p as fun, unless fun means enjoying music with an intimate presentation. It doesn’t have the punchy bass or sparkly highs, but it is a Tesla, so when you relax and listen closely you hear that Beyer/Tesla detail. But some people won’t like that anyway since it doesn’t have the big excitement factor.
SoundEskimoo
T51p play very safe , warmer, the vocal abit laid back (vocal less shining than dt1350), the trebles very tame, more bass.
the last Tesla i liked is DT1350 (more trebles which i felt too bright but great vocal & deep bass)
dalethorn
I put T51p earpads on my DT1350’s, so now I have most of the T51p warmth, and a better treble – all around it’s better than the stock T51p and either of the DT1350 versions.
Headfonia_L.
I will take the t51p over the hd25 anytime. It is technically better and sounds more fun to me. And comfort is akot better
SoundEskimoo
the driver on HD25 really old-tech isnt it?
I already demoed T51p , what I feel is T51p not quite all arounder?
dalethorn
The T51p is definitely not all-around. The HD25 is more all-around. But as per my other comment, try the DT1350 with T51p earpads – it’s the best of all these.
Anouk Radix
Thanks for your replies,
Sorry i did indeed mean the hd26pro.
Greetings, Anouk,
dalethorn
I ordered the HD26 Pro, but it will be 2 to 3 weeks. I’ll post an impression here then.
Pedro Oliveira
Hi mike…
Hows the bass of the h25 alu compared with the hd25 but specially with the amperior? Is it much fuller and hard hitting? The objective is edm…. 🙂
Eugen
Between the Amperior and the ALU, which one has cleaner bass? Would you say the ALU completely cures the HD25 brightness?
Yaroslav
Mike, would you say these are the best portable headphones for electronic music so far? TMAs, M-100, other DJ headphones seem to be direct competitors, as are Ampeior and old 25s. M-100 seems to have a much wider soundstage, at least.
Is it the top pick for somebody who drowns in Trance/EDM at day and IDM/Ambient an night?
Thanks in advance