Digital Trends

When trying to pick a good set of headphones, the common response for anyone seeking advice is, “It's all subjective. Listen before you buy!” That's fine if you live in the Gumdrop Kingdom, but back in reality, your options are to either audition a half-dozen overused, half-functional display units or play the “satisfaction guaranteed” exchange game with the few remaining on-line stores that allow simple returns.

In order to maximize the chance that you are getting a set of cans best suited to your listening patterns, you read reviews like this one. We will look at all the most important variables: comfort, build quality, price, general sound quality, unique sound features, and best performing music categories.

It should first be mentioned that the MSRP for the HD435 is only $70, which places this set of headphones at the lower-middle-end of Sennheiser's offerings. As of publication, it is very difficult to find the HD435 in any brick-and-mortar store, and internet prices tend to hover around $55.