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In the following article, we will be looking into two headset models from Sennheiser, a well-known audio hardware company. Namely, Sennheiser HD 201 vs HD 202. Now let’s see how they compare incompatibility, design, sound, and price. After that, we will measure the pros and cons before delivering the final verdict.
Sennheiser HD 201 vs HD 202 – Similarities
Quick Glance
Audio jack and variations
Headphones come with the usual 1/8″ (3.5mm) jack but can be altered with its 1/4″ (6.3mm) adapter, allowing compatibility with numerous devices, including a number of portable ones.
Warranty
Warranty is the same for both at a 2 years length, standard for headphones, although seeing how durable Sennheiser models have proven themselves they should last you far longer.
Same cable length
Cord length of 10 feet reduces the number of cases where you’ll yank on your cord while moving around at the personal computer.
Passive noise reduction
Found on HD 201 as well as HD 202, passive noise reduction mellows out the sound waves from the environment due to materials headsets are made out of. It is assisted by the over-the-ear form of the entrants. Passive noise reduction reduces the possibility of sounds from both environment and headphones interfering with the microphone.
Differences Between Sennheiser HD 201 and Sennheiser HD 202
Frequency
Frequency ranges of headphones are important. The better the range of your headphones, the wider the spectrum of reproducible sounds
Sennheiser HD 201
At 21 Hz low end of HD 201’s frequency range is pretty standard. Offering decent bass but nothing standout. On the high end it reaches 18000 Hz, equivalent to its competitor.
Sennheiser HD 202
Offering 18 Hz bottom limit on its frequency HD 202 provides a better bass experience. Despite numbers being marginally lower, the impact is rather noticeable. Presence and reproduction of bass are important for many songs hence why you’d prefer 18 Hz HD 202 offers rather than competitor’s 21 Hz. As far as the highest frequency goes it remains the same.
The Winner: Sennheiser HD 202
Read next – SteelSeries Arctis 7 vs Siberia 800: Which Gaming Headset is Better?
Appearance
Sennheiser HD 201
Some of the 200 series keep the 201’s unique appearance. Although stocky it does have a certain charm to it. This model from 2005 has a standard closed-back design, offering mild isolation. The dual-colored silver and black design along with smooth earmuff designs have proven to be enjoyable for most users, that said make sure the headband fits so you don’t experience discomfort.
Weighing only 5.82 ounces it is lightweight for its age. Dimension wise HD 201 has a frame of 9.50 x 4.00 x 7.00 inches. This is rather bulky for its series, as a comparison to HD 202 will show.
Sennheiser HD 202
A slick, new look for the series, HD 202 features earmuff and headband redesign. Change in style also comes with lighter weight at 4.59 ounces. We can also see a change in dimensions.
The relatively modern style of these headphones possesses dimensions of 9.40 x 3.00 x 8.00 inches, courtesy of reducing the headband’s girth and earmuffs’ thickness. Additionally assisting relaxation is an adjustable cord. This function assists with cable management at the desk, making sure you won’t get it tangled up with your other hardware’s cords, as well as when you are out and about. Lastly, it does feature replaceable leatherette pads so cleaning them will be easy.
Considering the lighter, more convenient design of HD 202 it takes the cake in this department.
The Winner: Sennheiser HD 202
Impedance
Sennheiser HD 201
At 24 Ohms HD 201 is rather standard resistance-wise.
Sennheiser HD 202
Going up to the 32 Ohm bracket Sennheiser’s newer model remains in the low impedance range, pairing well with portable devices as well as regular personal computers. Higher impedance also brings more resistance which affects quality of music proportionally, although it is not heavily felt with such a minor discrepancy.
All in all, a difference exists but isn’t meaningful.
The winner: Tie
Sound pressure level (SPL)
Sennheiser HD 201
Maintaining regular 108 dB of SPL may cause HD 201 to struggle with obtaining decently high volume.
Sennheiser HD 202
Occupying a much more favorable 115 dB bracket HD 202 provides higher sound volume, something multiple members of the 200 series struggle with.
The Winner: Sennheiser HD 202
Read next – Sennheiser HD 206 vs HD 201: Which Over Ear Headphones are Better?
Pros and Cons
Sennheiser HD 201
PROS:
- Big, comfortable earmuffs
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not loud enough
- Not tangle-free
Sennheiser HD 202
PROS:
- Good SPL
- Tangle-free
- Lightweight
CONS
- Noise reduction isn’t the best
The Final Verdict
Sennheiser’s 2005 model poses as decent headphones, with their standard specifications across the board and simple design, however when challenged by HD 202 cracks start to appear. The key department it gets overshadowed in is sound. Despite managing to maintain a shorter with other models in the series, such as HD 206, our good old HD 201 gets beaten out easily in this matchup. Be it SPL, minimum frequency, impedance, or technology HD 202 reigns supreme. Even tho some improvements are marginal they are still improvements. Comfort is another area HD 202 doesn’t slack in, redefining already established design theory into an ever more pleasant experience. Even when it comes to pricing you’ll often find these two models either sharing a price tag or HD 202 presenting a cheaper option.
With that, we can firmly conclude optimal choice lays in the more modern Sennheiser HD 202.