The German company Sennheiser is known as a manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment for amateur and professional use. Its full-fledged speakers regularly fall into the rankings of the best kits along with the products of other leading manufacturers in the segment, however, in the headphone category, the company's success is not always obvious. Actually, the output of the Sennheiser CX 500 was partly connected precisely with an attempt to overshadow the not very successful development in the performance of the CX 300. In many ways, this happened, and the new generation headphones surprised users with overall quality, but there were some offensive mistakes.
Model Overview
The external design with its pros and cons almost completely duplicates the forms of the CX 300 model. And this is completely justified, since this design has much more advantages, and there was no point in special corrections. Except that the materials do not correspond to the status of the premium brand in which the company is positioned. But there is an explanation for this, since the model still continues the concept of a budget device. The Sennheiser CX 500 headphones are made of matte plastic, which, despite its cheapness, is practical - it does not break under the influence of random household loads and leaves no fingerprints. The wire is also worthy of itself - a non-thick cord is elastic, easy to use, holds its shape and does not tan in the cold. As for ergonomics, problems are extremely rare with this. The ear pads organically take the shape of the auricle and do not cause inconvenience during hours of listening.
Main characteristics
Fans of the company are well aware that the characteristics declared by it can be safely transferred to the practice of application. This model fully confirms this rule, therefore, even with fairly average nominal performance, German headphones are more likely to win the competition with another device with similar parameters. So, the frequency range varies from 17 to 22000 Hz. Again, the spectrum will not impress the music lover with increased requirements, but the lower and upper registers really are included in the sound picture that the Sennheiser CX 500 headphones cover. The characteristics in terms of sensitivity are also very average and amount to 113 dB, but this is the optimal level for the device budget level. It is also worth noting the resistance, which is 16 ohms, and a distortion factor of 0.2%.
Sound quality
Once again, it’s worth starting with a feature that makes this model similar to the CX 300. But in this case, the comparison will be with a negative connotation. Like the previous model, the CX 500 version has a weak sensitivity, which can cause details in complex compositions. But with regard to the balance of sound over the frequency range, the headphones show their worth. On the lower spectrum, the Sennheiser CX 500 delivers unexpectedly powerful playback, without the distortions typical of the budget line. The upper case deserves praise , where there is a significant rise without blockages. It is also worth noting the peculiarity of using the model. The fact is that she shows her best sound quality in conjunction with stationary equipment. In particular, interference, minor noise, and the effect of frequency nonlinearity are eliminated. It is also impossible to say that the headphones as such have poorly implemented noise isolation, but, as practice shows, there are models with a more reliable system of external noise reduction.
Modifications
In the CX lineup you can find dozens of different versions, which, in essence, copy one particular model. In particular, the performance of the Sennheiser CX 500 II practically does not differ from the standard edition, but it has some differences in terms of configuration. The second generation is usually characterized by an increase in the number of interchangeable ear pads.
But special attention should be paid to specialized modifications focused on a certain lifestyle. For example, in the family there are versions of Street, Sport and Style. Accordingly, the emphasis is on street use with improved noise reduction, sports - using more durable materials, and on the original stylistic expression, which is achieved through vivid color solutions. If we talk about high-quality working changes, then the optimal version is the Sennheiser CX 500 II Precision, which is distinguished by clarity of sound and detailed signal processing.
Positive reviews
The opinions of users of these headphones are generally positive, despite the shortcomings, which largely explains the very membership of the model in the low-budget group. In particular, the owners note a very worthy reproduction of music, an interesting design decision, which, again, came from the previous model, and the reliability of the design. We can say that this device is durable and unpretentious in use for ordinary fans without any special claims to quality. At the same time, a lot of evaluations also depend on the conditions in which the Sennheiser CX 500 is used. Reviews for the most part give preference to basic modifications that are better disclosed when listening at home with connection to the same stationary audio equipment.
Negative reviews
Critical reviews are mainly focused on two points - the price tag and accessories. As for the cost, it averages 2.5 thousand rubles. This is indeed a considerable amount for this class, but it is explained precisely by the model belonging to Sennheiser. Another thing is that in the same price segment it is quite possible to find a device similar in characteristics with no less worthy sound. Claims for accessories are mixed. One part of users speaks negatively about the inconvenience of ear pads, while the other criticizes the poor quality of the case for the Sennheiser CX 500, which, by the way, is presented in two versions - leather and silicone.
Signs of the original copy
There are a lot of fakes on the domestic market of German products, and the CX 500 is no exception. The original device can be recognized primarily by brand embroidery, which is always implemented with high accuracy and accuracy. Next, you should pay attention to the quality of materials. In real headphones, the wire is rarely tangled and is not too stiff. In addition, we can note the absence of cod in the plastic of the original Sennheiser CX 500. How to distinguish a fake in sound? Most often, experienced users indicate the presence of uncharacteristic hues in the playback process. At the same time, using the volume control on fake headphones can completely muffle the sound. By the way, the most obvious external sign of compliance of the model with a branded manufacturer is the design of the plug, made at a 90-degree angle.
Conclusion
From the point of view of the user who needs simple, but high-quality headphones for everyday use, this model can be considered as optimal. Although it does not produce sound at the level of premium headphones, it shows unambiguous success in its class. And even if we discard the sound quality with a wide range of frequencies, the Sennheiser CX 500 model can beat strong competitors due to its stylish design and ergonomics. Despite some claims to ear pads and the shape of the cases, most users still note the comfort of handling this model. And even more important - this is the quality of materials that do not wear out, do not crack and retain operational properties in any weather. In other words, these are universal and practical headphones for everyday use for every day. Unless the cost is disproportionate with this proposal, but here the issue is controversial. As already noted, the characteristics can be found and similar options, and at a more affordable price. But Sennheiser products are distinguished by the fact that all the formal parameters are best reflected directly in the practice of use.