
Sennheiser HD 650 vs ZMF Auteur: 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 650 | ZMF Auteur |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $380 | $235 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | - | 2017 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 42 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-41kHz | 10Hz-25kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW | 97 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 103 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 260 g | 470 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
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
ZMF Auteur
The ZMF Auteur is an open-back, wood-crafted flagship headphone with a bright-neutral sound signature that balances technical detail with musicality. Its wide soundstage and intimate vocal presentation make it stand out, while its 300-ohm dynamic drivers deliver solid bass and treble presence. Though not purely clinical, it offers strong overall value and engaging fidelity in its price class.
- Pro:Wide, spacious soundstage
- Pro:Intimate and natural vocal reproduction
- Pro:Engaging, musical tuning with good bass and treble presence
- Con:Requires a capable amplifier due to high impedance
- Con:Bright-neutral signature may not suit all listeners
- Con:Heavier build at 470 grams
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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