Sennheiser CX 500 headphone: specifications and reviews

German firm Sennheiser is known asmanufacturer of high-quality audio equipment for amateur and professional use. Its full-format acoustic systems regularly fall into the ratings of the best sets, along with the products of other front-rank workers of the segment, however, in the headphone category the company's successes are not always obvious. Actually, the output of the Sennheiser CX 500 was partly due precisely to the attempt to eclipse not the most successful development in the performance of the CX 300. In many respects it turned out, and the new generation headphones surprised users with a general quality, but there were some offensive mistakes.

General information about the model

External performance with its pluses and minusesalmost completely duplicates the shape of the model CX 300. And this is fully justified, since the merits of this design are much greater, and in special adjustments there was no sense. Is that the materials do not correspond to the status of the premium brand, as the company is positioned. But there is also an explanation for this, since the model nevertheless continues the concept of a budget device. Sennheiser CX 500 headphones are made of matte plastic, which, despite its cheapness, is practical - it does not break under the influence of casual household loads and leaves no fingerprints. Worthy and shows itself and wire - the thin cord is elastic, easy to use, keeps the shape and does not douche in the cold. As for ergonomics, then with this problems are extremely rare. Ambushes organically take the shape of the auricle and do not cause inconvenience for hours listening.

Main characteristics

Fans of the company are well aware that thecharacteristics can be safely shifted to the practice of application. This model fully confirms this rule, therefore, even at fairly average nominal values, German headphones have more chances to win a competitive struggle from another device with similar parameters. So, the frequency range varies from 17 to 22000 Hz. Again, the spectrum will not impress the music lover with high demands, but the lower and upper registers do enter into the sound picture, which is covered by the Sennheiser CX 500 headphones. The characteristics in terms of sensitivity are also quite average and are 113 dB, but this is the optimal level for the device budgetary level. Also worth noting the resistance, which is 16 ohms, and a distortion factor of 0.2%.

Sound Quality

Again, it is worth starting with a feature that makesthis model with version CX 300. But in this case, the comparison will be with a negative shade. Like the previous model, the CX 500 version sins with weak sensitivity, because of what details in complex compositions may suffer. But with regard to the balance of the sound over the frequency range, the headphones show themselves worthily. On the lower spectrum of the Sennheiser CX 500 produces unexpectedly powerful playback, with no distortions typical for the budget line. Praise deserves the upper register, where there is a significant recovery without blockages. Here it is worth noting and the peculiarity of using the model. The fact that its best sound quality, it manifests in conjunction with stationary equipment. In particular, interference, minor noise and the effect of frequency nonlinearity are eliminated. Also, you can not say that the headphones as such are poorly implemented noise insulation, but, as practice shows, there are also models with a more reliable system of external noise cancellation.

Modifications

In the CX line, you can find dozens of differentversions, which, in essence, copy one particular model. In particular, the performance of the Sennheiser CX 500 II practically does not differ from the standard edition, but it has some differences in terms of bundling. The second generation is usually characterized by the expansion of the number of replaceable ear pads.

But special attention should be paid tospecialized modifications, oriented to a certain lifestyle. For example, in the family there are versions of Street, Sport and Style. Accordingly, the emphasis is on street use with improved noise reduction, sports - with the use of more durable materials, and the original stylistic expression, which is achieved through bright colors. If we talk about quality work changes, then the optimal version is Sennheiser CX 500 II Precision, which is distinguished by the purity of the sound and the detail of the signal.

Positive reviews

The opinions of users of these headphones in generalpositive, despite the shortcomings, which largely explains the very membership of the model to a low-budget group. In particular, the owners note a very worthy reproduction of music, an interesting design solution, which, again, got from the previous model, and the reliability of the design. We can say that this is a durable and unpretentious device for ordinary lovers, without any special claims to quality. However, much in the estimates depends on the conditions in which the Sennheiser CX 500 is used. The reviews mostly favor the basic modifications, which are better revealed when listening in the home with the connection to the same stationary audio equipment.

Negative feedback

Critical reviews are mainly focused ontwo points - a price tag and accessories. As for the cost, it averages 2.5 thousand rubles. This is really a considerable amount for this class, but it explains exactly the model's belonging to the firm Sennheiser. Another thing is that in this same price segment it is quite possible to find a device similar in characteristics with an equally worthy sound. Claims for accessories are ambiguous. One part of the users negatively speaks about the inconvenience of the ear pads, and the other criticizes the low quality of the cover for the Sennheiser CX 500, which, incidentally, is presented in two versions - leather and silicone.

Signs of the original specimen

In the domestic market there are many fakes of productsGerman manufacturer, and the CX 500 is no exception. Recognize the original device can be primarily through the embroidery of the brand, which is always realized with high accuracy and accuracy. Next, you should pay attention to the quality of materials. In real headphones, the wire is rarely confused and does not differ excessive stiffness. In addition, you can note the lack of cod in the plastic of the original Sennheiser CX 500. How to distinguish a fake sound? Most often, experienced users indicate the presence of uncharacteristic harsh colors during playback. In this case, using the volume control of fake headphones can completely silence the sound. By the way, the most obvious external sign of conformity of the model to the brand-name manufacture is the design of the plug made at a 90-degree angle.

Conclusion

From the point of view of the user who needssimple, but high quality headphones for everyday use, this model can be considered as optimal. Although it does not produce a sound at the level of premium headphones, it shows unequivocal success in its class. And even if you reject the sound quality with a wide range of frequencies, the Sennheiser CX 500 can win against strong competitors due to stylish design and ergonomics. Despite some claims to the ear cushions and the shape of the cases, most of the users still note the comfort in handling this model. And more importantly, it is the quality of materials that do not wear out, do not crack and retain their performance properties in any weather. In other words, these are universal and practical headphones for everyday use for every day. Unless the cost is disproportionate to this proposal, but here the issue is controversial. As already noted, the characteristics can be found and similar options, and at a more affordable price. But Sennheiser products are just different in that all formal parameters are best reflected directly in the practice of use.