Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear vs RHA MA750 In-Ear Headphones Review

These are two of my favorite headphones in the $100 price range. The Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear headphone is a classic, and the first expensive-ish headphone I ever bought. And even though I’ve upgraded since then, I still use them to listen to some of my mixes after I’ve recorded a track.  But recently, my ears fell upon the RHA MA750. And I have to say, it’s one of the most fun earphones I’ve tested in this price range. So, which is right for your ears and your musical taste? Let’s find out in this Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear vs RHA MA750 In-Ear Headphones Review.

Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear vs RHA MA750 In-Ear Headphones Review

IN the BOX

FIT

One big difference between these two headphones is the fit. The MA750 uses an around-the-ear memory wire, while the HD1 is a simple pop-in design. If you tend to have problems keeping your buds in place, your ears might want to go with the MA750. It’s got 10 different ear tips to choose from, and the over-ear fit adds to its secure feel. But in terms of sound isolation, both earphones do an equally good job at eliminating outside distractions. Don’t walk into traffic, kids.

DESIGN

The great thing about Sennheiser is that they don’t discriminate. Android and iPhone users in need of a mic and remote are both welcome. However, the only RHA MA750 with a mic and remote is the the MA750i for iPhone. Android users will have to get the remote-free MA750. The struggle is real. (Android users, check out the MA650 for Android)

Sennheiser guarantees all of its products for 2 years. RHA offers a 3 year warranty, which is unusually long for an in-ear headphone. With the MA750, you’ve got stainless steel housing, a stainless steel connection with coiled reinforcement and a super thick cable. The MA750 looks almost indestructible. The Sennheiser HD1 also has a partially stainless steel design, but it lacks the solidity and weight of the RHA MA750. But I will say, from experience, Sennheiser is extremely reliable when it comes to fulfilling their warranty obligations. 

SOUND

You’ve got the warmth and transparency of the HD1 versus the speed and spaciousness of the MA750.

Lows

Both headphones have a great low frequency response. But the HD1 has a more subby, resonating bass. The lows on the MA750 are not as deep, but they have a more grip. And in terms of speed or punch, I found the MA750 to be a snappier headphone. Therefore, it works better than the HD1 for those who mostly listen to pop, hip-hop or EDM.

Mids

The HD1 is more evenly balanced in this range. And listening to big rock choruses, the HD1 offers a warmer, more full-bodied sound. Furthermore, the HD1 conveyed a lot more detail and resolve on acoustic guitars, while the MA750 was less nuanced in general. So, for folk music or anything involving acoustic instruments, the HD1 is preferable.

Highs

The highs on the HD1 are more transparent. Listening to strings, I heard more texture and subtlety on the HD1 than I did on the MA750. So, if you listen to a lot of classical music, the HD1 is hard to beat. That being said, soprano brass instruments were a little less piercing on the MA750. They didn’t have the clarity and detail of the HD1, but the smooth, slightly rounder feel was easy to listen to.

Soundstage

If the MA750 wins in any department, it’s the soundstage. If you like a really spacious, multidimensional feel, you can’t go wrong with the MA750.

SUMMARY

Man, it’s tough to beat Sennheiser at this price. Perfectly balanced, with a huge amount of detail and full bodied goodness, there’s nothing to dislike. Certainly, rock, folk and classical sound the best on the HD1. In fact, I would say it’s the superior all-rounder. But, if you mostly listen to pop, hip-hop or EDM, you’ll definitely prefer the lively, punchy feel of the MA750.

You can find these headphones for the best price at:

Use our promo code “majorhifi” to get 10% off at Audio 46.

Audio 46: RHA MA750 In-Ear Headphones

Audio 46: Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Headphones

Amazon: RHA MA750i Earbuds: Hi-Res Stainless Steel Noise Isolating In-Ear Headphones with Apple Remote & Mic

Amazon: Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Headphones (iOS version) – Black Chrome

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SPECIFICATIONS