Short answer: the Sennheiser HE 1. It ranks #2 of 479 over-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $55,000 and is still sold new; the Sennheiser HE 90 ranks #148 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Sennheiser HE 1 is the better-sounding option. Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 99 with a 1.18 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 1.4 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. Watch for: Sub-bass is 2.6 dB short at 30 Hz, so deep bass lacks rumble.
Why pick the Sennheiser HE 90: A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 79 against the Harman target. The tradeoff: About 5 dB less bass than the Harman target below 150 Hz, which can sound thin on pop, hip hop and electronic music.
Buy the Sennheiser HE 1. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Sennheiser HE 90 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 99 with a 1.18 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 1.4 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
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A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 79 against the Harman target.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HE 1 | Sennheiser HE 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55,000 | $12,900 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 479 in Over-Ear Headphones | #148 of 479 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Connection | Wired | Wired (dedicated HV amplifier) |
| Driver Type | Electrostatic | Electrostatic |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 100kHz | - |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (550 g) | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 99 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.18 dB standard deviation | 1.86 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.80 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.6 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 38 Hz (-7.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Drivers | - | 1 Electrostatic push-pull |
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