HD 430

The Sennheiser HD 430 is an open over-ear dynamic headphone that debuted in 1979, serving as Sennheiser's flagship model until it was succeeded by the HD 530 in 1985. Characterized by its minimalist construction, the HD 430 features a sturdy headband made of a single piece of plastic with an adjustable plastic headrest. Weighing only 190 grams without the cable, it offers substantial comfort, though the pads can become warm during extended use. The headphone supports three different cable configurations, including a 2 DIN loudspeaker connector, a 3.5/6.3mm TRS jack, and a 5-pin DIN 'dice' plug, all terminating in 2-pin Sennheiser connectors. With a high impedance rating of 560Ω and a sensitivity of 97dB/V, it requires a capable amplifier to deliver satisfactory sound levels. Its frequency response does not emphasize bass, rolling off below 200Hz and prioritizing midrange and treble clarity. Though measurements indicate an audible neutral response, the HD 430's character can benefit from EQ adjustments, especially in the lower frequencies. Overall, while it represented the pinnacle of technology in its time, modern users may find it lacking in bass and detail compared to contemporary headphones.