Do you know Sennheiser HD206 has replaced the HD 201? Well, it may be a sad moment for all tech lovers, but the replacement headphone is loaded with many improved features. I have used the former headphone for quite a long time and recently upgraded it with HD 206. In this regard, I have encountered their slight yet unavoidable differences. Hook on the comparison article of Sennheiser HD 201 vs HD 206 to make your choice.
Sennheiser HD 201 vs HD 206 have almost identical features, such as appearance, comfort, and weight. They mark a slight difference in sound quality as the HD 206 is known to produce a subtle bass boost than the 201.
This article will reveal the fundamental differences between the two Sennheiser headphones. In addition, you will also learn whether the headphones exist or are discontinued by the company.
Sennheiser HD 201 vs HD 206 – Overview
The two headphones are the best entry-level headphones and belong to Sennheiser, so the quality and comfort are equally up to the mark. If the two headphones’ features are the same, what makes them different? Please read the article and reveal it on your own. The majority of the similar specifications HD201 or HD206 share are:
Specifications
- Impedance: 24 ohms
- Design: over-ear
- Type: closed-back
- Sound Output: stereo
- Frequency Range: 21 Hz-18kHz
- Connectivity: wired
- Cable Length: 3m long
- Material: Plastic
Comparative Analysis
Do you look for affordable Sennheiser headphones? There must be various options, but choosing the best may take time. It makes no difference for which purposes you want headphones, but they must conform to your expectations in producing acceptable sound quality or not eat up the head. For this purpose, there is a comparison article on Sennheiser HD 201 vs HD 206.
Design
Sennheiser HD 201 is an over-ear headphone that matches any other premium studio headphones. They also comprise a sleek design that features a black matte finish with a silver outline on the oval ear cups.
Plastic material and the leatherette padding on earpieces and headbands make the headphones’ build more durable. Although the cups are not rotatable, you can freely wear these for several hours due to their 166 g weight.
Sennheiser HD 206 is an over-ear headphone sharing the same black and silver finish on ear cups with a logo on top of it. Due to the design, they offer higher noise reduction so that you can enjoy the rich sound quality privately. These are more comfortable to wear than HD 201 and are slightly heavier (215 g) than the former.
Both the headphones included the 9.8ft non-detachable cable with a 3.5mm jack.
Comfort
To start with the clamping force, the HD201 AND HD206 have headbands of a wider circumference. It allows me to wear them for long hours. Initially, they look skeptical about comfort, but when you adjust the swivel ear cups on the ears, they do not displace from the position.
Point to be noted: I found the HD201 more stable than HD206 as it does not dislodge from the position while doing sports, jogging, or even violent shakes.
Connectivity
HD 201 comes with a 9.8ft non-detachable cable. To make the best use of headphones, connect the 3.5mm jack to the headphone output of the desired device. The long cable length allows you ample freedom to roam while mixing songs or live performances.
You can use HD 206 with cell phones, tablets, computers, audio players, and studio recorders. Furthermore, the twin-core cables connected with the ear cups are separated below the chin to provide you with enough movement.
Sound quality
While discussing the sound quality, you can use the HD201 or HD 206 for listening to vocals, orchestras, folk songs, and instrumentals.
The primary difference I notice is the boxy sound coming from HD 201. It is noticed once you get a pair of HD 206 and listen to the audio. There is also an over-emphasis on upper mids and low ends. Thus, the headphones could be more efficient in producing deep bass but offer clean and reproduced sound.
The headphone has a closed back, so there is enough noise isolation to listen to excellent audio reproduction and increased signal levels. The sound quality of HD 201 is perfect for live performances, disc jockeys, and working on computer or studio recordings.
On the other hand, Sennheiser HD 206, in contrast to the 201, produces dynamic sounds. The bass is enhanced to some extent, and there are many more fine lows, mids, and highs. The headphones offer you a wide soundstage and punching details between 100-200Hz.
HD 206 has found its best use in studios or DJ sessions. What else do you need at a lower price than crisp and balanced audio?
Performance
Apart from casual listening, I found both Sennheiser headphones as the best reference headphones for studio mixing and recording. These headphones have their work in identifying flaws in the original audio before the final edit.
Moreover, they are excellent at preventing excess sound leaks. Except for low volume issues or lack of bass, these excel with other headphones in this price range. Sennheiser HD 206 ranks above 201 because they produce a subtle bass boost.
Portability
Sennheiser HD 201 and 206 are mid-sized headphones offering no rotatability. For this reason, the over-ear headphones do not fit well in traveling bags and are thus unsuitable for commuting purposes. In addition, they do not come with a safety case.
Amplification
Sennheiser headphones usually do not need amplifiers. They work seamlessly on a low impedance of 24 ohms. If you still want an amp, you have to upgrade the headphone.
Accessories
Sennheiser HD201 contains the following accessories
- Sennheiser Hd 201 – Circumaural Closed-Back Dynamic Stereo Headphones
- 1/4″ Stereo Phone Adapter
Sennheiser HD206
- HD 206 Stereo headphones
- 3m symmetric cable
- 3.5 mm straight plug
- 6.3mm adaptor plug
- user guide
Price
Sennheiser HD 201 and HD 206 do not increase the load on the budget and offer the best approachable range to get your hands on these headphones for their features.
- Sennheiser HD 201 is available under $50
- Sennheiser HD 206 costs you at most $70.
My Final Verdict
I have used Sennheiser HD 201 and HD 206 and concluded that HD 206 successfully maintains its reputation only because of its predecessor. Undoubtedly, HD 201 set significant milestones, and now the improved 206 is meeting great expectations.
Sennheiser HD 206 is a versatile pair of headsets with better bass sound quality. The only improvement I want in headphones is the wireless technology and control features.
Akg k52 vs Sennheiser HD 206
Sennheiser and AKG conform to high-quality sounds. Both headphones are closed back and come with non-detachable cables. However, some features make HD 206 more approachable.
- Less in price than Akg
- Offer passive noise reduction
- Sennheiser has 8 ohms lower impedance as compared to Akg
- Provide 0.5 m longer cable
Sennheiser HD 206 vs Sennheiser HD 400S
When you buy Sennheiser headphones, you have no tension about the sound quality, durable materials, and thick wires. HD 206 and HD 400 S are indeed different from each other. But the carrying case is still missing for safety purposes.
HD 206 is 2 g lighter than its competitor, and the frame is not foldable. It does provide passive noise reduction but is available in a cable that cannot be detachable. Moreover, listening to higher powers requires more power (24 ohms).
HD 400 S is heavier (217 g) than the former and offers detachable cables with folding ear cups. In all the features, I found HD 400 S is superior to HD 206. The headphones work at a lower impedance and reduce outside noise passively.
Why is Sennheiser HD 400 S better than Sennheiser HD 206?
- Offer in-line control panel
- You can fold it for commuting
- Provide 6 ohms lower impedance than HD 206
FAQs
Is Sennheiser HD 206 Good?
Sennheiser HD 206 is a dynamic headphone you can use either for casual listening or in studios. The headphones are comfortable, provide crisp audio with better bass response, and come in an affordable range.
Does Sennheiser HD 206 Have a Mic?
The HD 206 is a supra-aural wired headphone but without a microphone. Thus, only appropriate for listening and not for phone calls. However, the critical factor to look for in headphones is the sound quality and comfort, while other features become secondary.
Conclusion
Who is the winner of the argument in Sennheiser HD201 vs HD 206? The features that Sennheiser HD 201 and HD 206 provide at this price range are commendable. These devices are stable and offer lasting comfort. But the HD 206 is superior, offering outstanding performance and noise cancelation. What are your thoughts?
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