Sennheiser HD 202 Headphones Reviews

• great deal

  
  By A3FX9KYW53MRBD on 2002-11-17
  I do not like small earphones that go into the ear. After a very short time I find them very uncomfortable. I also hate anything pressing on my head.

  I was looking for a set of over the ear phones which were light weight, comfortable, had excellent sound fidelity, a longish cord so I can be comfortably away from my stereo, and effectively blocked outside sounds. My primary motivation for buying these phones was so that I could listen to opera and really hear the phrases. I wanted all this for under $30.00

  These head phones delivered. As soon as they arrived, I tested them on a variety of music types at a variety of volumes. The phones are very comfortable and except for a bit of warming of my ears, which was rather pleasant, I barely noticed them. The cushion on the crosspiece is thick enough so that you don't really feel it.

  Sound fidelity is excellent. I was actually able to hear parts of music and instruments that I had never noticed before. This was especially true with classical, opera and jazz. The balance between bass and treble was very good, although if you really like loud thumping base, you may be a bit dissappointed.

  I was not able to get the volume up loud enough to notice any distortion before it was too much for me, so I can't really say that there will be no distortion if you like really loud music.

  If you are looking for headphones that are a good bargain for the money and have a limited budget, these are it.
  
  

• Unbeatable Budget Headphone for Traveling with iPod

  
  By A3J3TE3QPDNYD2 on 2005-10-08
  I own a couple of pairs of headphones for different purposes, the Sennheiser HD202 is for listening to my iPod. I'm living in a city where mobile-zombies are addicted to incessant cell phone chatting in the public. The headphones' ability of providing isolation from outside annoyance is of utmost importance when I consider purchasing a pair of headphones for travelling purpose. The HD202, sealed in design, excels in that functionality. Most noises are decently blocked away from my listening pleasure. The HD202 is mid-sized, and I don't find portability a burden. The headphones are circum-aural, for my average-sized ears, which contributes a lot to the good isolation. The pleather ear-pads and cushion under the head-band are comfy, no complaints for extended wearing for me.
  
  Sound-wise, I found the HD202 performing unexpectedly well for headphones in this price range. These cans could be driven by the iPod with ease. Judging by listening impressions, I found the HD202's frequency response even and flat, with a little emphasis on the bottom and a bit roll-off on the high end. Bass-heads might found its lows less then head-bombing, but it's just adequate for me, allowing mids and highs passing through to paint a balanced sound profile. Since the HD202 is a sealed-type design, notes above the mids are not as open and airy as its open counterparts. Details are of cuz not as good as the Sennheiser HD600, my reference phones, but it's totally acceptable for a pair of travelling cans. The Grado SR-60 has more details, but its highs are, surprisingly, harsher than the HD202, and it just fails to block any noise from outside which defeat the very intention of evading the roaring of the zombies.
  
  My listening spectrum is broad, ranging from classical, operas, chansons francaises, jazz, old rock, psychedelic, indies, metal to trip hop. Although not perfect (what could be anyway?), the HD202 performs satisfactorily in every genre I have tried through it, and favors music with heavy beats, like Portishead and Morcheeba. It also sounds good with Doors, Cream, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. It's best for dance, pop and rock. For classical fans, the HD202 could also bring smile on your face. It's not the smoothest phones in the world, but its shortcomings (a bit dry and inability to retrieve full details) are forgivable and it could let you forget hi-fi and dive into musical nirvana. Gieseking's Debussy piano readings from his 78r/m era are just magical, and the pluckings of the double-bass in Munch's "Symphonie Fantastique" (1954 version) are tangible and rich. The HD202 also "Rings", pun not intended, well with Wagner. The Bayreuth acoustics are understated, yet remains beautiful, through the HD202. I enjoy every bow across the strings and the "Ho-jo-to-ho!" by the Walkures. For jazz, both vocals (Lady Day) and instrumentals (Monk and Coltrane) swing.
  
  For durability, the HD202 doesn't score too high. The cord on the left can has developed bad contact after 2 years' service. Since the cords are non-detachable, the ailment could not be remedied. I thought of buying a new set of HD202 but was bitten by the up-grade bug and bought a HD212pro instead. And boy what wrong I have done and feel regreted for my conversion. The HD212 might have deeper bass, but it doesn't come close to the HD202 regarding naturalness which I place high regarding music listening. It has TOO MUCH bass for my taste. Sounds are richer but somewhat artificial in the 212. I much prefer the 202 to the bass-exaggerated, unnatural and over-rated 212pro.
  
  For listeners not obsessed with bass fetishism and hi-fi-similacrum who want to enjoy music on the road, Sennheiser HD202 is highly recommended.
  
  

• Fine earphones

  
  By A3154RZHJMP24 on 2006-10-13
  I bought a set of Sennheiser HD-202 headphones through Amazon a few days ago, paid the $5.00 for 3 day shipping (couldn't find anything else to boost the total past $25.00) and the phones arrived today--well packed. I'm not an audiophile and can't say but that the headphones sound simply splendid, whether listening to CD's, tapes or radio, including FM transmitted XM radio reception. The bass is there, but not overwhelming. The overall experience of listening through these phones is remarkably different and richer than hearing the same music through radio or small boombox speakers. The balance and enhancement of the frequency range is just unique--though this is probably a quality of most any good headphone.
  
  I plugged the smaller jack into a variety of radios, a stero system and a boom box--all with fine, sound altering effect. The radios included a Tecsun PPL-550 and Grundig Satellit 800. It worked beatufully in a second-hand Sony CFD-S38 boombox and a new Panasonic stereo system. And it sure enhanced the TV audio.
  
  They fit comfortably, fit well over my ears and do not completely mask even subtle outside sounds--unless you turn them way up, which I'm inclined to avoid doing. The HD-202 headphones also enhance stray sound artifacts from less-than-ideal recordings or poor radio reception--but that's not the fault of earphones that seem to allow you to hear everything more clearly. All in all, a good product, so far, for a little over $20.00.
  
  

• Fuctional, not remarkable

  
  By ALLJT7S5QOFFZ on 2007-11-12
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IZ39Y171UPOT
  
  

• Not for people with big heads

  
  By A2F7RY6DS3U75V on 2006-08-31
  The sound quality is excellent for the price, however if you have a big head, you might want to look elsewhere, because the headphonse put a lot of pressure on your head.
  
  I've got an above average-sized head (7 3/4 male hat size, for reference) and get headaches/pains from the pressure put on my head by the headphones. They just cannot be expanded far enough to prevent this. The headphones should be great for average-sized heads though.
  
  
• Great Value!!!
  By A2VRWU67V781ON on 2004-10-01
  While I'm not an audiophile by any means, with age, I'm beginning to appreciate higher quality sound. Compared to my previous experiences with mediocre headphones (run-of-the-mill $20-ish Wal-Mart variety) these 202's completely blow away anything I've ever used before but, incredibly, only cost a few bucks more.
  
  As others have noted, these have very good bass response. So much in fact that I had to turn down the bass on my receiver while watching television. I could see how one might become annoyed with the routine of fiddling with settings but so far I don't mind. If it makes any difference, I didn't might the extra bass while listening to music. I just didn't care for big booming newscasts and sitcoms.
  
  Several reviewers also noted that the 202's were very tight fitting. I'm not calling them liars, as the topic is very subjective, but I have a fairly large head (7 3/4" hat size) and felt very comfortable wearing the Sennheiser's.
  
  I especially appreciated the extra care Sennheiser took in designing the packaging. Very easy to open. No scissors, knives, drills or chainsaws were necessary. Just popped open with my fingers.
  
  All said and done I'm VERY happy with my purchase. In fact I'm considering the purchase of second pair.
  
  BTW, despite the description not mentioning a 1/4" adapter being included, Sennheiser wisely include one as well as a belt clip to take up the slack on the generous cord. Unfortunately I wasted $5 and purchased an extra adapter from Amazon. Please correct the description Amazon!
  
  
• Comfortable, clear, and really cool
  By A37I2C8WJUTTVJ on 2002-09-10
  I've been listening to a wide variety of music with my Sennheiser HD 202s for a few hours now, and I definitely have no complaints with the quality of these headphones. For the price range, I would put it at the top of the list.

  First of all, they're from a company I can trust. The headphones were designed specifically for DJs, so I knew they wouldn't be (poor quality). And even when you compare the HD 202s with name brand headphones like the inexpensive Sony closed studio monitor headphones, you'll notice that the HD 202 is much more worth the 10 more bucks or so. The ear cups are bigger, so that means your ears won't get sore. These Sennheisers are also really light-weight, by the way, and there's a good combination of trebble and bass.

  Get them, they're good
  
  

• Sound great, but comfort is lacking.
  By A3FOWTOACN5TNU on 2004-12-07
  First the good: These headphones sound wonderful. I've used them to watch TV and play games on the computer. Sound quality is excellent, no complaints. The chord is also pretty long, around eight feet I'd guess...long enough to get from my TV to my bed. The overall construction is very high quality and they should last for a very long time. Sennheiser is a great company, and the quality of these headphones is excellent.
  
  Now the bad: Like some others have mentioned, they aren't the most comfortable headphones after an extended period of time. Here is why: The headphones are big enough to cover your ears...but they are not deep at all. What happens is the hard inside of the headphone (not the cushy padding surrounding it) ends up pressing on your ears. This is fine at first...but after about an hour it really starts to hurt.
  
  I can think of two situations that might make this better. If you have very small ears they might fit inside and not hit the hard inside. If you have very large ears, the cushy padding might rest on your ears instead of around them...keeping the hard inside away from your ears. I'd consider my ears of normal size, and my above "ideas" are probably wishful thinking.
  
  The only solution I've found is to wear a beanie during use. This provides a nice padding between my ear and the hard inside. Luckily it's cold right now, but during the summer this doesn't help much. :) Again, they sound great, but be wary of the comfort.
  
  
• Are these $20 headphones?
  By A3BW77TKOQANOW on 2005-06-05
  After reading several reviews, I did something I usually don't do - I ordered a pair of these headphones without listening to them first. I have ordered earphones (the expensive in your ear kind) and was disappointed in both cases. I returned each of them. But these babies are just what I was looking for. I use them with my iPod. I also have a pair of the very expensive Sennheiser HD600 headphones, and while they are more open and more accurate (for 22 times the price they should be!!); I was very surprised how great these sound. When I got these, I thought the earpiece seemed a bit small, but they covered the ear fully, and after using them for a while, I didn't even notice that. I have a very large head, and I have not felt that these are tight at all; in fact I have worn them for several hours, with no discomfort at all. They are very light-weight too!! I have trusted the Sennheiser name for years, and these continue to enforce with me that the trust I have in the Sennheiser name is not unfounded. If you want a pair of headphones that has strong, clean bass, and great sounding mids and highs - get these babies!! You will not be disappointed!!
  
  
• Great Buy
  By AB67797S69Q05 on 2006-11-12
  I bought these headphones a couple months ago to use with my mp3 player, and I've been very pleased. I wanted to buy a good pair of headphones and not spend a ton of money. I've used lots of Sennheiser equipment in the past, and I've always liked their products. The sound quality is very good, the only downside is that the mp3 player I have isn't great, so the sound could be better, but it has nothing to do with the headphones. If you're an average music fan and don't need the greatest pair of headphones ever invented, you'll be pleased with these. I was a DJ at a radio station for a while so I know what good sound is and what good equipment is, and these headphones are pretty good. Again though, if you're really looking for something with vastly superior sound quality, spend more money on a higher end product. Sennheiser makes nice stuff.
  
  
• Very Close to Being Absolutely Perfect!
  By A22K1F1KRI7UYV on 2003-04-03
  I recently bought these headphones after searching through all the Amazon.com reviews of every major brand and model. My top four choices for closed-ear headphones were the Sennheiser HD-212, Sennheiser HD-497, Koss TD-80, and these (Sennheiser HD-202).

  After much careful deliberation, I chose the HD-202 because it was under $... and the reviews sounded good. The only thing I was concerned about was comfort --- which most of the negative reviews reflected.

  However, after testing out these headphones, I am very glad I bought them. I plugged the headphones into my computer speakers (Logitech Z-340), and they sounded awesome. The bass and treble were perfect, illuminating just about every mp3 I was playing.

  As for the comfort, I can see why there is criticism. The size of the cups are small; for people with small to regular ears, there will be no problem. But for people with big ears, these headphones might not fit properly (that or they'll likely be uncomfortable). (* Note, if you can try these on before buying, do it. The cup size is about the same as the Koss TD-60.)

  I'm giving these headphones a very high 4 for sound quality and price. I definitely think the cups should be larger though, but for most people it should suffice.
  
  

• all this for 19 bux- price of one bad meal
  By A3HN7TKQ80CKW9 on 2005-05-21
  Sennheiser is serious about sound- just checkout their history. This is a trickle down product of the hd2xx series of phones. I have so many < 100 headphones because I love headphones. Plus, I listen late at night and have sensitive neighbors. For my whole 19 bux, there is no equivalent closed, full headset on the market. They fulfill the sound isolation quota as much as anything under $100. There are some ingenious touches like the wind up spool, extra long cord, comfy design, replaceable components and "braille" dots for finding the left side quickly.
  
  Sonically, in general, the highs are not super crisp, the mids are a little thin - just slightly, and the bass is like 2 clicks up on the volume. Movies are enhanced and so are games. The mids are adequate and detailed, but sound a little thin. Highs are somewhat truncated so that the music sounds a little thin and "hollow". In comparison, the Sony V150 sounds more muffled, but it is flatter overall (the Sony doesn't have as low and as much bass). My Grado SR-60's are so much more lively and airy and fuller sounding (warmer, too), but they aren't sound isolating. My Sony V700's are much more detailed, but have some of that same thin, quick responding mid/highs, but they don't have the low, lows of the HD202.
  
  Overall, the bass is a bump higher, but let's you hear "detailed" low bass, if that even makes sense. The midrange is average and is a little thin, but I can hear that it is detailed. The highs don't sparkle- they don't go to the stratosphere, but at least they don't sound unnatural. These phones are much fuller sounding than any earbuds, but not as detailed as Etymotic E6's. Sound isolation is important for me because my desktop is noisy and I have a noisy air conditioning unit and air filter. Also, I plan to use them outdoors. For 19 bux, it sounds great and the quality is there even though everything is plastic. The sound is pleasant and because of the sound isolation, I hear detail even though it is not super crisp.
  
  After a few songs, you start get get used to the bass boost a little and the lack of ultra highs (with very low bass, there is some resonance, tho). Also, after burning-in for >20 hours, the bass mellowed out and the mid/high tones smoothened out. The highs were still a little truncated, tho, but the bass is a tad less booming. For general purpose listening and when you want to isolate yourself, the are a remarkably good buy.
  
  
• These are best used like ear muffs...
  By ALJLL1X1B7W26 on 2005-11-04
  after wearing them for a minute, your ears will get hot! It is true the band is too tight, causing discomfort. This is especially true since the pad rings are too small to go over the ears. They basically smooshes your ears down. Sonically, the tilt is towards bass. It is not the cleanest bass, and sounds rather boomy through my audiophile ears. But for $20, the negatives are to be expected, I guess.
  
  
• One of the BEST budget headphones!
  By AI56FNGA6VRNG on 2006-12-03
  Sound engineer in Los Angeles. I LOVE these headphones and use them for everything - MIXING, airplanes, recreational listening, ect...
  
  Cons: Not too many. Tight on big heads. Cups may feel small on big ears.
  
  Pros: Rugged as heck - extremely durable construction. Silky smooth and pretty darn FLAT sound. Highs are rolled off just a tad. This is not ideal for mixing but it's GREAT for LOUD listening, as you can crank them UP without yielding a 'tinty' sound.
  
  WHAT A DEAL. As good or better than phones around $100. Buy these now, you will not be disappointed. My primary set that I take everywhere.
  
  
• Great sound. Good price.
  By A26F9R9BU88198 on 2002-06-01
  These headphones are very good. The sound is phenominal and they effectively block out most backround noise. The bass and treble are very well balanced. The chord is a bit long but that's not an issue as it can be wound up. The headphones also came with a jack which allows me to plug them into my guitar amp etc. I would highly recommend buying these headphones.
  
  
• Ear cups rest atop most ears
  By AHROSV6WJOEGY on 2004-08-21
  I rated this four stars, but now that I've used them for a while I'd give 'em five stars. I have a pair at the office, but at this price I'm going to order ANOTHER pair for home.
  
  The cups are not large. I eventually got my ears inside them as the cups stretched a bit. I think others would find the headphones partly on the ear. That might be a problem for sensitive pinnae (eg. mine!). The relatively small size of the ear pieces (for an "over the ear" headphone) may be part of what makes them work well with the low energy iPod -- less air to move.
  
  These are a "steal" for the price. Wow.
  
  
• Doesn't hold up to wear
  By A34AZW4M9ZHAIJ on 2005-07-15
  Sure, the price is great and the sound is good, while they last! I've gone through two of these. One lasted 18 months, the next 6 months. In each case, the right side failed, I assume because of a bad connection. I don't mistreat them, they just don't wear well. I guess you get what you pay for.
  
  
• Great all around quality
  By A3DX7OKKHREWQU on 2005-10-17
  I read through most of the reviews here before deciding on the Sennheiser HD 202 headphones. I was a little worried about the fit on the ear as some people had mentioned, but decided to go for it anyway since the price was great for such nice quality. I've had them now for about 3 weeks and I am *very* impressed. And surprisingly enough, the detail I was most worried about is the thing I love most. I would say I have average sized ears (for a female) and these headphones gently cup the outer, upper lobe and rest comfortably on the rest of the ear. They have been worn for extended periods of time listening to music as well as gaming and I just haven't had them feel hot or tight at all. All I can guess is that some people are just accustomed to the fit and feel of earbuds.(?)
  
  Overall, I'm glad I took the chance with these since I had no way of trying them out before buying. I ended up with a really sweet set of headphones with phenominal sound and fit. Glad I didn't break down and go for the $40 up price range since these are perfect for what I need.
  
  
  
• hd 202 vs hd 201
  By A1USRNDLBC7TJF on 2006-02-04
  I bought both and each are plugged into a computer in den where TV is also. People watching TV cannot hear music from either which is good. hd202 cancels out a little more external sound than hd201. Hd 202 is preset at a higher volume, higher bass, higher treble setting. If you have a sound card you must raise the bass, treble, and volume for the hd 201. The hd 201 will then sound almost as good as the hd 202. If you do not have a sound card, purchase the hd 202. Both have long cords for computer use. With a sound card I prefer the hd 201 for listening over 1 hour because if fits over the ear and has more volume for air circulation in each muff. The hd 202 fits on the ear and is less comfortable (personal preference) and seems to accumulate condensation/moisture quicker. Both are sturdy but the hd201 seems the better chance to last longer. If I buy another for my bedroom computer- I will probably buy the hd 201 since I have a sound card to adjust volume bass & treble on that computer also. Sound is almost identical after adjustments. Comfort is not adjustable enough. The sound is probably 4 + on each but I do not have any $100 sets to compare these to. Sound is much better than ear buds.
  
  
• Somewhat unexpected results
  By A3FCLAA66G81RN on 2007-02-02
  Well, I ordered these cheaper alternatives to the HD 280, which I was thinking of buying. Now to list my thoughts:
  
  Pro:
  1. Sleek, although big.
  2. Cheap, thought not free.
  3. Pretty clear sound, although not crystal yet. Maybe after a couple of days it'll "burn-in."
  4. Strong Bass, relatively speaking, when compared with my old headphones.
  5. Good packaging, I didn't even have to get the scissors.
  
  Con:
  1. I have big ears (huge), but I can't blame Sennheiser.
  2. When it came out of the box, the left "phone" wouldn't produce as good sound as the right.
  3. I almost broke the connector when yanking it out of the box, in my excitement.
  
  Possibly Pro, Possibly Con:
  1. Long cord, which is usually a good thing, but can sometimes tangle. I keep mine rolled up until I need it (which is never).
  2. Gets relatively warm, but in polar regions that's a pro. If you sweat like an animal, it's a con.
  3. Not open headphones. Closed headphones are good for insulating sound, but will not produce as good sound as open ones.
  
  Final words:
  If you want good sound quality, go with open headphones.
  If you want good sound insulation, go with closed headphones (these).
  If you want the best fit, get earbuds. They'll never be too big or small for your ears, unless your ear canal is really that small.
  Personally, for good sound quality, I'm going to go with the HD 495's or maybe high-quality earbuds. For closed headphones, these will suffice, and I don't think the HD 280s are much better. So get these already, and don't yank the stuff out of the box like I did.
  
  
• Big Heads need not apply
  By A2766P672ZC0YL on 2005-08-04
  Well, I was optimistic when I ordered these. They were comfortable after the simple adjustment to fit my head. They fit tight around my ears and the sound was really great. Nice bass, and the mids didn't drift to the high end like some others.
  
  However, after wearing these for a half hour, I found that the tension squeezing these on my head gave me a headache. They're too tight.
  
  
• BASS JOLT!!!!!
  By A2KPU0XVOSP54S on 2006-01-12
  Let me at the outset clarify that the 5 star rating is intricately related to the fact I bought these for $20.99. But price aside these cans pack a Bass Jolt not for frail hearted.
  
  Prior to thse I have owned the Sennheiser hd433 ( http://www.avland.co.uk/sennheiser/hd433/hd433.htm ).
  The best part of the 433 was the perfect reproduction of sound. They were crystal clear !!.. and I had bought them in INDIA for a dollar equivalent of $50. That was back in 2002 and they still sound great apart from the fact their acoustic leak has increased too much.
  
  So I went ahead and bought the 202 and man do they rock !!! .. They sound almost like packed with internal bass booster equalizer circuits. The sound reproduction is NOT "as is", as in that I am listening to my 25GB mp3 collection all over again. There is tremendous bass boost which I should add that some might find more heavy than required. Contrary to my belief that I would like electronic dance music better in these, Rock and Hip-Hop seem to dominate my list now. Rock songs sound incredible so if you're a rock fan don't miss these. I have personally been through some of the rock "stages" from metallica to rob zombie and from pink floyd to scorpions and all these now have a new sound.
  
  As of now I'm into Paul Van Dyk stuff and these cans put me in the crowd with him there. The club effect is very high on these and I severly (& critically) recommend NOT to use these as your 1st Hi-Q headphones (instead try something like the HD 433).
  
  PS:Please do not fall for the "too tight" or "low sensitivity" reviews. They get "loose" by use and we simply cannot blame Sennheiser for not knowing each of our Head sizes.
  
  
• good sound versus flattening ear lobe to head
  By A2YDG1I9WHSKJF on 2003-02-24
  I am in an office where the desks are quite close to each other. Sound travels abundantly. I purchased these headphone in an effort to cut out ambient sound and keep in audio sound. These headphone definitely meet the task. The sound is quite good. I am hearing instrument I didn't even know were there. The thing is they really crush my ears. I am not aware of any over growth in this area. I imagine there are others with ears as big (and perhaps bigger!). This is truly subjective, but I will tell you that every day I have to weigh out the pain of the headphones versus filtering out the ambient office noise. This seams like an unreasonable daily dilemna. My advice would be to try on a headphone (closed one that is) before purchasing it.
  
  
• Great sound, Sub-par Fit
  By A2D2A5KXA763PK on 2005-04-19
  I ordered a set of HD202s for use at work. I'm quite happy with the sound that they produce. I listen to a lot of talk radio, and these headphones work just fine for that purpose. When listening to music, the bass response is wonderful as well. They also block out a lot of the sounds from other people from around my work area. I sit in a cube with people all around and these do a good job at blocking the sounds of their voices, typing, phones, etc.
  
  The only reason I'm rating these 3 stars is that they hurt my ears. I have a small head and small ears, so when I read other reviews related to the tight fit, I was hoping they would work for someone like me. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I need to remove these every 20-30 minutes because of the uncomfortable pain they cause.
  
  While these headphones sound great, I wouldn't recommend them due to the tight fit.
  
  
• Sennheiser HD202
  By AMKHVKCDPXPBP on 2005-06-07
  These headphones represent the best money I have spent on music in the past 12 month - and I buy CD's every week. I have always used earbuds and thought they sounded good - what a mistake - its like the difference between dipping your toe in a muddy puddle and swimming in the Ocean - The sound quality of these babies are nothing short of stunning. I can now hear things in my music that I could never hear before. The bass response is awesome with warm mids and sweet but solid highs.
  
  I paid $50 AUS on Ebay for these brand new - less than some of the less reliable asian brands and if I lost them today, I would go right out and buy another pair.
  
  The reason I chose Sennheiser is their reputation amongst professional Sound Engineers, DJ's and Audiophiles - they have always been a little out of my league price wise until I found these. .
  
  
• Great sound quality for the price, but my ear sores for long period use
  By A35FTT02MHZ7OZ on 2006-02-24
  I have read every single review about HD 202 here before I bought it. Some people complained about its tight fit and ear sore, but bought it anyway because I knew Sennheiser's reputation. After I tested it for about two days, I decided to return it.
  
  For the sound quality and its look, it was awesome! There are a lot of good reviews about the sound quality, so I will not talk about it any more here.
  
  However, if you need it for long listening, you may want to re-consider to buy it. I emailed Amazon.com about this tight fit problem. According to their reply, it seems that some other people complained of the same problem and Amazon.com agreed that it is a real problem. The below is the email they wrote to me. I hope it will be helpful to you.
  
  "As it seems that the problem with this item is more widespread than we originally thought, we would also refund you for the return shipping charges upon return of the "Sennheiser HD 202 Headphones"
  
  
• Uncomfortable Headphones
  By on 2003-04-20
  These are uncomfortable -- too tight and the ears really are too small for normal adults (as others have said). I can't stand wearing them.
  
  
• Very nice
  By A3Q9EFGCGOJ8VM on 2004-10-06
  These are some of the best headphones I have ever listened to. They are nearly as good as my Boston speakers I have on my computer . The highs and lows are great, and the cord length is awesome. I
  can plug them into the back of my computer and still move around in my chair out to about 9 feet. This cord is as long the extension cord I got for my other pair of headphones. The only bad thing that I can find about these headphones is that the sound bleeds just a bit. If I'm in a quiet classroom and I want to listen to music, I can't go above a certain level because it can be easily heard by others at that point.
  
  don't let that drive you away fom buying these headphones, though, because I know my $25 were well spent.
  
  
• really a zero star rating
  By A388HRVM4Z8JIX on 2006-02-03
  at first i thought these headphones were great. but, only after 2 months of use these headphones no longer function properly. they only function properly if i push down on the plastic casing surrounding the audio connector.
  
  i know somebody may say, "what do you expect at this price?"
  
  still, i am so shocked by the poor quality of these headphones i will probably never buy any sennheiser headphones again. these headphones are so poor, it reflects badly upon sennheiser and amazon.
  
  i am recommending that nobody should ever buy these headphones. and i am recommending that amazon should no longer sell these headphones.
  
  
  
  
• Good moneys worth to the last cent
  By A1N1AQKQE07THQ on 2006-12-03
  I've had these headphones for about 5 months now and they've been working flawlessly. the main con of this product is its tightness when it comes out of the box, unfortunatly it was irritating for me also. what you really have to do is to stretch it out a bit until the plastic is use to the flexibility. i would suggest something like a bowling ball. but be sure not to overdo it, you might break it all together. overall the sound quality is great. this product is one of the best investments i've made on a headset.
  
  

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