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Sennheiser HD 424Image © tonepublications.com

Sennheiser HD 424

35/ 100
Weak
HearWiki score

Poor value

$52
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Sennheiser
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
1970

Score breakdownweak overall

Sound4.3

The Sennheiser HD 424 is a vintage open-air headphone from the early 1970s, featuring yellow foam ear pads and a more spacious soundstage with better deep bass resolution than its predecessor, the HD 414.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Sennheiser HD 424 is a vintage open-back dynamic headphone known for its remarkably high 2000-ohm impedance and spacious, full-bodied sound. It offers a larger presentation and improved bass detail compared to earlier models, but its demanding electrical load means it truly shines with a dedicated amplifier rather than a portable device. This makes it a compelling choice for retro audio enthusiasts who value a wide soundstage and are willing to pair it with appropriate gear.

What works

  • Spacious, open soundstage
  • Fuller and more detailed bass response
  • Lightweight at 180 grams
  • Classic vintage design with good build
  • Works at modest volumes on portables

What doesn't

  • Very high impedance requires powerful amplification
  • Not suited for high-volume listening without an amp
  • Open-back design offers no noise isolation
  • Vintage model may need recabling or refurbishment

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Sennheiser HD 424
Driverdynamic
Driver typedynamic
Drivers per side1
Frequency response16 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance2000 Ω

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonia.com

The reviewer ranks the HD 424 as the strongest of the three vintage Sennheisers discussed, highlighting its larger and fuller presentation with improved soundstaging. They also note that it is difficult to drive and benefits from amplification, especially for louder listening.

Read the full review

stereophile.com

The measurement-oriented review shows the HD 424 as a very high-impedance headphone that needs substantial voltage to reach normal listening levels. Its measured response and isolation data support its vintage open-back design and emphasize that it is not an easy load for portable gear.

Read the full review

tonepublications.com

This review says the HD 424 is a worthwhile step up from the HD 414, with a more spacious soundstage and better deep-bass resolution. It also says the headphone can work at modest volumes from portable devices, but listeners wanting high volume will want an amplifier.

Read the full review

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