Sennheiser HD-540II (c. 1992)
The HD-540II is sold in period catalogues as the HD 540 Reference II. It is one of the more thoroughly documented Sennheiser headphones in the archive, because Audio ran a full test report on it (June 1992, p.106). The reviewer called it a dynamic, circumaural open-air design, continuing the "open-air" earphone concept Sennheiser originated. There is no tight seal at either the rear or the front of the diaphragm. A brushed-chrome ring separates the gray outer housing from the velvet cushions, and slots in the housing let the rear of the transducer breathe.
The same report recorded a DC resistance of 290 ohms and positive absolute polarity. The 9-foot cord runs from both earcups and ends in a stereo mini-plug with a 1/4-inch adapter. The headband slides in a detented bail. Weight was 6 oz. The asking price in mid-1992 was $199. Audio found the HD-540II an excellent choice for long-term listening and, at that price, an excellent value (June 1992, p.108).
Known specs from the period report:
- Dynamic transducer, circumaural open-air coupling
- DC resistance: 290 ohms; positive absolute polarity
- 9 ft cord with stereo mini-plug and 1/4-inch adapter
- Weight: 6 oz
- Price at test: $199 (1992)
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