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Austrian Audio Hi-X50 vs Sennheiser HD 650: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 650 - Outstanding overall at around $380.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Austrian Audio Hi-X50
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Austrian Audio Hi-X50 vs Sennheiser HD 650
SpecAustrian Audio Hi-X50Sennheiser HD 650
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$232$380
HearWiki score82 / 100 · Great85 / 100 · Outstanding
Released2020-
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size44 mm42 mm
Drivers per side-2
Frequency response5Hz-28kHz10Hz-41kHz
Impedance25 Ω300 Ω
Sensitivity118 dB/mW99.8 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)118103
Wireless
Bluetoothnone-
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Battery
Wireless chargingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
ANC typenone-
Transparency modeNo-
Companion appNo-
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionNo-
Controlsnonebuttons
Design
Weight285 g260 g
Water resistancenone-
FoldableYesNo
Detachable cableYesYes
USB-CNoNo
Balanced connection-Yes

What reviewers said

Austrian Audio Hi-X50

The Austrian Hi-X50 is a closed-back, on-ear studio headphone designed for professional use, featuring a lightweight yet sturdy build and a detachable cable. With its low-impedance 44mm dynamic driver, it's easy to drive from various devices, delivering clear, detailed sound that suits monitoring tasks, though comfort may be a minor concern for some users. Overall, it's a solid, no-frills option for studio work rather than a feature-packed consumer model.

  • Pro:Excellent sound clarity and detail for studio monitoring
  • Pro:Rugged, professional-grade construction with a foldable design
  • Pro:Low-impedance, high-sensitivity driver works well with portable gear
  • Con:On-ear fit may become uncomfortable during long sessions
  • Con:No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, limiting portability
  • Con:Lacks any built-in controls or app support

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.

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