PREMIUM WIRELESS AUDIO DONE RIGHT

Sennheiser's HDB 630 finally gives the storied HD series the wireless, high-resolution upgrade audiophiles have long wanted. Bundled with a BTD 700 transmitter for near-wired fidelity, deep app-based tuning, and superb sound quality, these $749 cans deliver class-leading audio performance—despite fussy touch controls and merely decent ANC.

- BY EZZHAN HAKIM

The HDB 630 is the newest addition to Sennheiser's acclaimed HD series, a lineage that includes legends like the HD 650. The historical problem with this lineup, however, is that it lacked an audiophile-grade wireless option. Those days are over. The HDB 630's party trick is its ability to stream high-resolution wireless audio from almost any source device, including iPhones. To make this possible, Sennheiser includes the BTD 700 wireless transmitter in the box. This dongle plugs into your source device via USB and transmits audio using aptX Adaptive and aptX HD high-resolution codecs—not quite true lossless, but remarkably close to wired fidelity. The result is a pair of headphones that combines convenience and uncompromising audio quality better than almost anything else at this price point.

At first glance, the HDB 630 looks eerily similar to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, utilising the same basic housing. However, meaningful refinements have been made. There is a new leatherette headband for durability, an anti-fingerprint coating on the earcups, and slightly deeper pads (4.5mm) for enhanced comfort. Weighing 311g, they are slightly bulkier than average and do not fold, which might deter frequent travellers.