Over-Ear
AKG K551
Not yet scored
$330
Full review dataAKG K551 vs Sennheiser HD 650: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the AKG K551 vs Sennheiser HD 650, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 650
85Outstanding
$380
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K551
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K551 | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $330 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2012 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 50mm | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 12Hz-28kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 305 g | 260 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | No | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
AKG K551
The Austrian K551 is a closed-back, wired over-ear headset aimed at listeners seeking a reference-style sound. It features large 50mm drivers and passive isolation to block ambient noise, plus an in-line remote and mic for taking calls on iOS devices. With a lightweight build and high sensitivity, it's designed for detailed listening on the go, though it lacks wireless and active noise-canceling features.
- Pro:Accurate, reference-style sound with large 50mm drivers
- Pro:Effective passive noise reduction for a closed-back design
- Pro:Lightweight at 305g for comfortable extended wear
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity
- Con:Cable is not detachable, limiting replacement options
- Con:Controls only work fully with iOS devices
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone built for serious home listening. It delivers a natural, detailed sound with a comfortable fit, though its sub-bass rolloff and bulky design limit it to stationary use rather than portable or active scenarios. Its replaceable cable and balanced connection option add to its appeal for audiophiles.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable and balanced output support
- Con:Noticeable sub-bass rolloff
- Con:Not portable or suitable for active use
- Con:High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.