Sennheiser PXC 250-II

Frequency Response (5.57)

The Sennheiser PXC 250-IIs had a decent frequency response, but it wasn’t perfect. It had a fairly even kiel through the bass frequencies, but we noticed the frequency response was a slightly erratic towards the low end.

At about the the 5kHz point, the frequency response drops off significantly, dipping below our lower limits. We don’t mind a dynamic frequency response, but changes exceeding a certain amount can give your playback oddly inconsistent volume levels. While the dip was a bit severe, it didn’t drop too far below the bottom limit. Afterward, the response picks up again, just in time for the all-important 7kHz band (the attack on drums), before hitting one last peak at about 10kHz, which the frequency band that gives a punch to spoken sibilance and the brilliance of instruments.

Overall, it’s not a bad response curve. It’s not particularly dynamic for most of the spectrum, but when it is, it was a bit harsh.

Of course, turning on the active noise cancellation gives you a slightly different curve! Let’s compare!

The low-end actually gets a bit more consistent when you turn the active noise cancellation feature on. The mids also get a slight boost, but overall, not much changes. This is one of those rare instances where the active cancellation actually gives you better audio quality.

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Distortion (10.30)

The PXC 250-IIs are yet another pair of Sennheiser headphones with next to no distortion. This is what Sennheiser does best.

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Tracking (5.85)

The PXC 250-II didn’t have the most consistent tracking. The left channel was slightly louder in the lower frequencies and the right channel was better at outputting higher ones. The swings here aren’t overly dramatic—you’re only looking at a few decibels in either direction, which isn’t particularly audible.

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.