Sennheiser HD 228 Closed back On ear Stereo Headphones - Black

I have used Sennheiser headphones for many years and although, like most things, today's models are manufactured in China they are still designed in Germany and can suit European listeners more than some Japanese designed ones may do.

Don't be put off by Sennheiser's phrases like Explosive Bass, and Feel the Beat, Rumble, Vibe on the packaging of these HD 228s, they are really quite a subtle and detailed listening experience! I have used Sennheiser's PX 100s for most portable applications for a couple of years now, and find them excellent with my iPod and laptop - but because they are open-backed they can let sound in and out. For those occasions when that is a problem I use Sennheiser's HD 201s - not quite such a good sound as the PX 100s, and quite bulky, but fully enclosed.

The HD 228s fall somewhere between these other two models - like the PX 100s they fit on the ear not over like the HD 201s, but they are closed back like the HD 201s. I would have no hesitation in recommending any of these three models of Sennheiser headphones but each would be better for certain uses. The PX 100s are the most sensitive and give the best volume and bass when used with an iPod, the HD 228s are quieter, with less bass, but give a more detailed and subtle sound - the HD 201s are quite good but probably too bulky.

Similar results with a laptop, but using around other people closed back headphones may be better for everyone! The HD 228s are comfortable for long periods of use and disturb others less than the PX 100s and are better sounding than the HD 201s.

The HD 228s have a single 1.4m cable which enters the left phone, a 3.5mm jack - no adaptor for large jack is provided. They are light, comfortable, stylish and well made and I will use them a lot with my laptop and iPod. They are not as loud or portable as the PX 100s which are still just about my favourites for those uses, but the HD 201s are currently less than half the price of the other two if that is a factor.

For other uses when you can turn up the volume and bass to suit yourself then the HD 228s will be my first choice - they have brought out a lot of detail from my WiFi radio for example. Sennheiser have a large choice of headphones available and getting the right ones can be difficult - you might end up with more than one pair! A visit to Sennheiser online lets you compare models against others to help your decision. However, these HD 228s are a good quality all-rounder and deserve five stars.

I must admit I should have read the top review where it was mentioned that these headphones where more quiet than other versions but I took the 'they are more expensive so they should be better' approach. How wrong I was.

My friend has only just bought a pair of the HD202's and after putting them on my head I was so excited to the arrival of mine! I'm now wishing that I had got those instead.

It's not all bad with these headphones however as the sound is crystal clear and if you aren't terribly concerned with the amount of bass your headphones put out then you will be more than happy with these. I myself love my beats and these headphones unfortunately for me, just didn't deliver.

Get the HD202's if you are after cheaper alternative with quality sound with the real 'Explosiv Bass'.

These are the less expensive version of the Sennheiser HD 238 headphones, which I also have a pair. The closed back of the HD 228's make the sound a much richer quality and much more accessible within outdoor environments.

I would definitely recommend these if you are travelling via train, bus or underground as they shut off less outside noise and allow for a better sound in a noisy environment.

They are comfortable, fairly foldable and good value.