HD 477

The Sennheiser HD 477 is an open over-ear headphone designed primarily for home use. It was manufactured between 2002 and 2006, targeting consumers looking for an affordable audio solution at approximately €40. The design focuses on lightweight comfort, weighing just 135 grams, with a height adjustment range of 40mm. The headphone features enough swivel and tilt to accommodate various head sizes, although its clamping force ranges between 2N and 4N, which may impact comfort depending on individual head shape. The internal padding of the ear cups is relatively shallow at just 11mm, potentially leading to discomfort over extended listening sessions due to pressure on the ear cartilage.

The HD 477 uses a proprietary dual-sided 2.5mm TS cable, which is 3 meters long and terminates in a nickel-plated 3.5mm connector. The cable is replaceable, but can be sensitive to microphonic noise, transmitting sounds from cable movement to the ear. The dynamic drivers come with a 35Ω impedance and a sensitivity rating of 113dB/V, enabling reasonably loud playback from portable devices.

In terms of sound quality, the bass is generally present but lacks extension, offering a warm tonal profile that some may perceive as woolly. The mids may sound lifeless or dull, though they possess decent clarity. Treble is present but does not stand out due to a lack of finesse, displaying a somewhat rough character in certain genres. Frequency response exhibits a small channel imbalance, but it is unlikely to be noticeable during regular use, and overall sound character can change significantly based on positioning on the head. Isolation from ambient noise is minimal, and external sounds are perceptible, consistent with an open design.