The HD 518 open, circumaural headphones prove that quality and affordability can go hand in hand. They are fitted with Sennheiser’s innovative E.A.R. technology to ensure accurate channeling of audio signals into your ears while their sophisticated Duofol diaphragms reduce unwanted resonances to an absolute minimum. And to amplify your listening pleasure even further, their ear pads and headband cushion provide outstanding wearing comfort, even for long listening sessions.
Features

High-end open circumaural headphones with E.A.R. technology for excellent sound reproduction with deep rich bass
Sennheiser's innovative “Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement” (E.A.R.) design channels audio signals directly into your ears
State-of-the-art, advanced Duofol diaphragms for transparency and minimal distortion
Highly optimised, field-strengthened neodymium ferrous magnet systems for an excellent dynamic response
Lightweight aluminium voice coils for high efficiency and excellent dynamics
Soft, crackle-free ear pads and headband cushion provide outstanding listening comfort
Distinctive grille-like ear cup casing design
Excellent connectivity, also with home Hifi equipment

Delivery Includes

1 HD 518
1 3.5 mm adapter




Transducer principle
Dynamic, open


Ear coupling
Circumaural


Frequency response
14 – 26000 Hz


THD, total harmonic distortion
< 0.2 % (1 kHz/100 dB SPL)


Sound pressure level (SPL)
108 dB (1kHz/1Vrms)


Impedance
50 Ω


Cable length
3 m OFC single-sided, exchangeable


Jack plug
6.3 mm


Weight
255 g



 

Recenzija - Trusted Reviews




TechRadar rating
5/5
FOR

Comfortable, lightweight design
Excellent sound quality

AGAINST

No inline mic for iPhone users
Not great with low bit rate MP3s


Cons: Plastic material (still feels and looks good though)

Design - The louvered design is something people will either like or hate. I personally like it since it gives it a very engineered look, just like a German car. The color combination is stylish and gives it a high end feel, very nice use of graphite and black with some silver highlights. I personally prefer these colors versus the 598.
 
Comfort - The velour pads have an edge in the inside but are still very comfortable, but the 558 pads are still a little bit better, they're rounded on the inside edges and are not as 'springy'. I can still listen to these cans for hours on end though. I also wanted to add that one of the reasons (I assume, aside from making it more affordable) Sennheiser chose to use plastic versus metal, is because it has less weight and therefore has less stress to the head and neck resulting in hours of listening pleasure.
 
Audio Quality - The mids and highs are clear, the sound stage is excellent! You can actually hear the little nuances in the different instruments being played (Have a listen to the Cure's - A Forest, the acoustic version or something similar) and where they are positioned. In terms of bass these cans actually have good bass, albeit more on the laid back side (also one of the reasons these headphones are not tiring to the ears when listening for hours) when played without an amp. Speaking of amps, when used with one it starts to really shine. I used my fiio E11 and the overall sound becomes warmer and tighter, the bass becomes fuller and deeper. Remember this still has the Sennheiser signature 'veiled' sound but with more presence.
 
Value -  For it's current price of $120 I think it's a winner, though if you could get these for somewhere around the $100 mark you're golden! It sounds fantastic and with the sound quality you won't feel like you over paid (unless you're a bass head that just wants deafening lows). Another plus with these cans is it can be powered by a portable amp with no issues like the fiio E11. Once paired, you can't go wrong! Remember though, even without one as long as you setup your EQ properly it still sounds excellent (not for bass heads though)!
 
NOTE: These cans (as with most 500/600 series HP) tend to highlight poorly recorded or low bit rate recordings. You will hear the imperfections in the track if you don't use flac.
 
Overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars