Sennheiser HD438 Closed Circumaural Hi-Fi Headphone with Enhanced Bass

I've had these headphones about a month and I feel ready for review.

If you could choose two words to describe these headphones, words immersive and natural.

I have a couple other products from Sennheiser: HD560 and EH350. Comparing the three, the HD438 is my favorite. They are easier to handle than the HD560 and better sounding and more comfortable than the EH350.

Sources:
5.5g iPod 30 GB - Apple Lossless files
7g 160 GB iPod - Apple Lossless files
Denon PMA-250 integrated amp Powermac - Apple Lossless files

Sound Quality:
The detail is very important to me, and the HD438 does not disappoint. I hear all the little nuances in music that other smaller headsets (such as the EH350) tend to flatten out. The HD438 has a stage too big for a headset is also sealed. Instruments are well separated as well. They have good bass, better than the HD560 and EH350. I would say that the bass is neutral, not much bigger. Altos are clean and crisp but not hard anyway. These are the headphones you very much, listening sessions without fatigue. Before breaking the headset in the middle tones seemed a bit recessed, but as I entered the problem no longer exists. Music simply beautiful, immersive and detailed.

I hear a lot of electronic music, and I find very interesting and clear. Also a great jazz sound, cymbals sound very crisp and clear sound natural and other instruments. I also hear a little rock and ska, and I've been happy with his performance there. Bass is clear and strong and the other instruments sound as they should. Because it seems so natural, that are very close, as well as other styles such as folk and classical.

There is a downside of these headphones I've found (you can call it that). They are very revealing. If you have a burn or a source of bad player, you will know. I looked at some lower bitrate mp3s and AAC files (128-192kbps) hear the grain and artifacts that some other headsets without problems.

With my iPod 5.5 g, the bass is a bit low and the volume level is a bit younger than me. In my opinion, you have to climb past 75% for a reasonable volume.
With my iPod 7g, the bass is a bit fuller and there is a little more detail, separation and no room in a little more volume. I would say that 70% is where you would like to be a reasonable level.
My Denon PMA-250 has plenty of headroom. I have only to turn up the volume to 20% or 25% to reach a reasonable level. Since then it has fuller bass and louder when driving this powerful amplifier.

Overall, I think that sound as good as my HD560 audiophile, but have a profile slightly darker sound. I would say these are the headphones that will benefit from an amplifier, but is not required in most circumstances.


Design and isolation:
These headphones are very comfortable. I had several sessions of an hour listening and had no comfort problems whatsoever. The velvet cushions have a soft texture, but firm enough to the ears of the Cup, instead of sinking in the head.

These headphones are robust, with a single cable running to the left. Also included is a summary and a long cable that is easy to change depending on your needs. It also comes with an adapter 1 / 4. "At first I thought the project I was upset, but not as flashy as I thought it would be, what makes me happy.

In terms of sound isolation, to isolate a reasonable amount, but not enough to completely isolate the outside environment. They have a small amount of sound leakage, but really not much.

General:
I think this is a great pair of headphones. They come with a warranty of 2 years and have had very good luck with the quality of Sennheiser in the past. If you are looking for a great sounding closed headphones comfortable, beautiful and natural, a quality brand, would be a good choice!