Sennheiser HD 25 Plus: The DJ Classic With Extra Kit
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Sennheiser HD 25 Plus: the same tech as the classic HD 25 DJ headphone, plus coiled cable, straight cable and spare pads. All specs and differences.
The Sennheiser HD 25 Plus is not a new model but the fully equipped version of a headphone that, according to the manufacturer, has been hanging in DJ booths and broadcast trucks for more than 30 years. Technically it is identical to the regular HD 25 – the difference is what comes in the box. If you want to hear every hi-hat for your blend between booth monitor and bass pressure, the specs are worth a close look.
At a glance
- Closed-back, on-ear headphone with 70 ohm nominal impedance and up to 120 dB sound pressure
- Around 140 g (without cable), rotating capsule for single-ear cueing
- In the box: coiled cable (1–3 m), straight cable (1.5 m), second pair of soft ear pads and a pouch
- Sennheiser article number 506908, two-year warranty
Why the HD 25 refuses to leave the booth
Sennheiser builds the HD 25 for loud environments: the closed design strongly attenuates background noise, and the capsule rotates for single-ear cueing. The manufacturer stresses clear reproduction of transients – exactly the attacks that let you pick out the kick while beatmatching in a bass-heavy club.
“If you've seen a DJ in a club, you’ve probably seen HD 25 headphones in action.”
— Sennheiser, HD 25 Plus product page
The headband is split: according to Bonedo it is 2.5 cm wide, padded with faux leather and opens in the middle so it sits well on different heads. The cable enters on the right side only, and spare parts such as cables, ear pads and headband pads can be replaced by you.
What the Plus adds in the box
As Bonedo shows in its comparison of the three HD 25 variants, the HD 25 and HD 25 Plus look exactly alike. The difference is the accessories: according to Sennheiser, the Plus ships with a detachable coiled cable (1–3 m), a straight cable (1.5 m), a screw-on jack adapter from 3.5 to 6.3 mm, a pouch and an additional pair of soft ear pads. Bonedo describes the extra pads as velour.
To swap the cable you need a very fine Torx screwdriver, Bonedo notes, because the cable sits in a screwed clamp on the right. If you want to travel even lighter, the Sennheiser HD-25 Light is the stripped-down variant with a simpler headband.
Specifications
| Transducer principle | dynamic, closed |
|---|---|
| Ear coupling | on-ear (supra-aural) |
| Frequency response | 16–22,000 Hz |
| Nominal impedance | 70 Ω |
| Load rating | 200 mW |
| Max. sound pressure level | 120 dB |
| Total harmonic distortion | < 0.3 % at 1 kHz |
| Contact pressure | approx. 2.5 N |
| Weight (without cable) | approx. 140 g |
| Cable length | approx. 1–3 m (coiled cable) |
| Connector | 3.5 mm, adapter to 6.3 mm |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Who the HD 25 Plus is for
Sennheiser lists DJs, camera operators, sound reinforcement, studio monitoring and ENG as applications – anywhere it gets loud and the headphone has to be tough. The low weight and single-ear cueing are aimed at long sets where you keep one ear in the room and one in the cue.
The Plus is for anyone who wants a second cable and spare pads anyway: bought separately, cable and pads cost extra according to Bonedo – the Plus already includes both. How to put the headphone to work in the mix is covered in our DJ tip on EQ transitions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the HD 25 and HD 25 Plus?
The technical specifications are the same. The Plus adds a straight cable, a coiled cable, a screw-on adapter, a pouch and a second pair of soft ear pads.
How heavy is the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus?
Sennheiser states approx. 140 g without cable.
How does the HD 25 Light differ?
According to Bonedo, the Light has a simple plastic headband, a frequency response of 30–16,000 Hz, 60 ohm nominal impedance, 114 dB maximum sound pressure and weighs 115 g.
Source: Sennheiser – HD 25 Plus, Sennheiser – HD 25 Plus spec sheet (PDF), Bonedo – HD 25, HD 25 Light and HD 25 Plus
