How would you explain the breathability score differences between the Sennheiser 6x models? The construction is pretty much the same so I think the breathability should be the same too. Especially between the HD 650 and the HD 600. It seems unfair to say the HD 650 is more breathable than the HD 600. The clamping force differs between the 2 samples used in the measurements.

I believe the test should be extended to take the influence of the clamping force and padding material out of the picture. I wonder how the 6x models would compare with the same clamping force and padding.

Clamping force is a different subject on its own. Hard to measure objectively because it depends on the shape of a persons head. Head bands also stretch over time and can be adjusted or bent in many cases.

Perhaps averaging the breathability measurement of 1 cup at a time with specified clamping force would give us a more accurate (secondary) score.

It would be interesting to hear your opinion on this matter.

Apr 29, 2024 02:37 PM By neercs

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How would you explain the breathability score differences between the Sennheiser 6x models? The construction is pretty much the same so I think the breathability should be the same too. Especially between the HD 650 and the HD 600. It seems unfair to say the HD 650 is more breathable than the HD 600. The clamping force differs between the 2 samples used in the measurements. I believe the test should be extended to take the influence of the clamping force and padding material out of the picture. I wonder how the 6x models would compare with the same clamping force and padding. Clamping force is a different subject on its own. Hard to measure objectively because it depends on the shape of a persons head. Head bands also stretch over time and can be adjusted or bent in many cases. Perhaps averaging the breathability measurement of 1 cup at a time with specified clamping force would give us a more accurate (secondary) score. It would be interesting to hear your opinion on this matter.

Hi there, thanks for reaching out! looking at the results, we’d consider both models you mentioned to be within acceptable margin of error for a test as the results are extremely similar.

As far as revisiting the test or improving it, this isn’t something we can make any guarantees about at this time as our breathability testing setup has been broken for a little while now. We may look to improve it, and revisit these results at that time, but it’s a bit too early to say. Sorry about that!

May 02, 2024 10:37 AM By  Dylan Crete

Hi there, thanks for reaching out! looking at the results, we’d consider both models you mentioned to be within acceptable margin of error for a test as the results are extremely similar. As far as revisiting the test or improving it, this isn’t something we can make any guarantees about at this time as our breathability testing setup has been broken for a little while now. We may look to improve it, and revisit these results at that time, but it’s a bit too early to say. Sorry about that!

Hi Dylan,

I appreciate your response! Acceptable margin of error, I agree. Strangely enough the breathability images of 2 high end open-ear headphones (Focal Clear Mg + HD 600) show the edge of the ears to be considerably “colder”. The Focal is supposed to be very breathable but the numbers disagree. Maybe something to look into as well…

Good luck fixing the setup!

Any progress on fixing the rig yet? Interesting info: https://www.flir.eu/discover/rd-science/infrared-camera-accuracy-and-uncertainty-in-plain-language/

This makes the results questionable considering the thermal camera used is one of the cheaper ones in their lineup. Relative measurements should be fairly accurate, but still…

Hi neercs,

Like mentioned in the other post, a headphone temperature/breathability test rework is planned to be worked on in 2025. To make sure we have accurate and repeatable data it is more productive for us to revisit this test from zero instead of focusing on fixing issues with our current setup. This new approach will ensure we consider properly the accuracy and uncertainty of infrared camera. Thanks for reaching out and for the great information!