Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Review | 93 Data compared

The Sennheiser HD 380 Pro is a professional-grade headphone measured with an average impedance of 61.9 ohms and a high average sensitivity of 114.5 dB/V SPL (102.4 dB/mW SPL) across the core frequency bands. Tested on the specialized HDM-X binaural microphone stand, its raw acoustic profile aligns with the RAA v1 base curve combined with the low-frequency corrections of the 2018 Harman Target Curve. The electrical measurements demonstrate excellent channel matching, with the left channel averaging 61.1 ohms and the right averaging 62.6 ohms. Its exceptionally low voltage requirement of just 0.060 V_RMS to hit a loud 90 dB SPL makes it highly efficient and easily driven by standard professional audio gear. A major strength of these headphones is their high sensitivity and low power demand, ensuring robust volume delivery without requiring specialized, high-output external amplification. The highly stable electric phase deviation, which averages under 4 degrees across the 40 Hz to 15 kHz spectrum, ensures a clean, consistent load for the connected amplifier. However, a notable drawback highlighted by the report is the structural unevenness in the high-frequency response...

The Sennheiser HD 380 ProGo is a closed-back, professional monitoring headphone praised for exceptional passive noise isolation and a natural, balanced soundstage, featuring a lightweight 220g design with angled drivers. Users highlight its high comfort for long listening sessions, enabled by spacious oval ear cups. Conversely, the headphones are noted for a heavy, cumbersome coiled cable and high initial clamping force that can cause discomfort until broken in. Furthermore, the analytical sound signature may lack sub-bass for some, and the unit requires proprietary, non-detachable cable replacements.

The Sennheiser HD 380 Pro is a pair of closed-back, around-the-ear professional studio headphones reviewed by Rex, who evaluated them as a smaller, more collapsible alternative to traditional full-size cans. Weighing exactly half a pound, they feature dynamic neodymium magnets, a frequency response of 8 to 27,000 Hz, an impedance of 54 Ωcap omega𝛀, and a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.1%. The reviewer tested them across various audio sources—including home stereos, iPads, and laptops—and noted that their lower resistance allows them to reach high volume levels without requiring a dedicated amplifier. The main pros highlighted in the review include their exceptional 32 dB of passive attenuation, which prevents sound leakage and provides excellent isolation in noisy environments like airplanes. Additionally, they provide practical convenience through replaceable earpads, a detachable 10-foot coiled cord, a protective zippered carrying case, and a flat-folding design. In terms of sound, they deliver clear highs alongside a crisp, powerful, and well-balanced bass. The primary con mentioned is a distinct boost in the upper midrange frequencies, which, while pleasant for rock and blues, departs slightly...

The Sennheiser HD 380 Pro headphones are highly praised as a superior, higher-end sibling to the classic HD 280 Pro model, offering a significant performance leap that justifies their higher price tag of $145–$199. The reviewer notes that the 380s sound remarkably better than the 280s, delivering a wider and more open soundstage due to their angled speaker design. Additional pros include a lighter build that applies less pressure to the head for improved long-term comfort, a design that folds flatter, and the inclusion of a semi-hard travel case. They also retain the excellent passive noise isolation of the previous model, leak no sound to coworkers, and can easily be driven to high volumes directly by low-power devices like iPhones or MacBooks without needing an external amplifier. On the negative side, the headphones come with a heavy, coiled, and unwieldy cable that can be cumbersome for users. While the cable itself is replaceable, a major con is the lack of official or readily available shorter, straight alternatives to swap it out with. Additionally, they are primarily suited for stationary use...

Sennheiser HD 380 Pro headphones are highly regarded on Head-Fi as specialized, analytical tools for professional monitoring, praised for an exceptionally flat, linear sound signature that exposes mixing errors. Users value the, deep ear cups, durable construction, and excellent passive noise isolation provided by the thick pads and flat-folding, swivel design. Conversely, the headphones are noted for a very high initial clamping force that can cause discomfort for users, particularly those with glasses. Additionally, the bulky, 3-meter coiled cable is criticized for being cumbersome, while the neutral, uncolored sound is often described as boring or lacking energy for casual, non-analytical listening.

The Sennheiser HD380 is a folding, closed-back headphone designed to deliver audiophile-grade sound for professionals requiring critical monitoring, as well as traveling music enthusiasts looking for private listening in noisy settings. Featuring a comfortably padded headband and earpieces alongside a low 54-ohm impedance, these headphones are optimized for highly portable setups and mobile devices. Sonically, the headphones excel with a remarkably clean, low-distortion output that resolves impressive musical detail, particularly shining when playing rock, upbeat jazz, and lively pop. The review highlights several specific advantages, identifying great portability, affordable pricing, and overall decent sound quality as the primary pros. Testing also revealed excellent bass response with fantastic weight and control, alongside a substantial reduction in outside noise and very minimal sound leakage. Conversely, the main con is a small amount of acoustic coloration, specifically a slight boosting in the upper midrange. This specific coloration makes the headphones less suited for classical music, as the genre exposes the hardware's minor frequency irregularities.