I recognize the curve appears bumpy, but the deviations in the bass through mid-range are mostly +/- 5db. Solderdude explains it well why this measures properly and he sums it up "The sound quality of this headphone is quite good and nearing HD600/HD650 quality". He has always been on-point with his measurements and I haven't seen a more thorough analysis. But I can see why some might not like its sound. It isn't an easy listening headphone for sure.
The step response is quite good, where many headphones show a significant roll off in bass.
That 120hZ hump is not too significant, and gives it punch, but it still extends very low in the subs. The headphone truly comes into its on own when you are wearing it out, where its fit, isolation, and frequency curve just cuts through any environmental noise. It's an oversized Amperior
I've been through many closed-backs, and I could see how this headphone isn't an ideal 'home can'. It isn't designed for it, with its short cable, tighter fit and bulk. I enjoy its clarity and relatively neutral (but stylized) signature that can still allow me to enjoy dynamic recordings on the go.
Relevant to this discussion, for those look for a Sennheiser closed backs:
Looking for a tonally neutral closed back, that is punchy and balanced? Sennheiser HD25 1-II - still incredible. Will work with almost all genres but pianos will sound compressed. Extremely rugged and compact with very good isolation being an on-ear.
The classic HD250 is fantastic. Revived a couple times with variations in each edition, it is a bit hard to come by in premium shape. It is much more even-handed in the mid range than the 630VB and more tonally accurate. Accented lows and highs but they still gel well with the sound. Also very comfy.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sennheiser-hd250-linear-impressions-micro-thread.845221/
Incredibly, Sennheiser is creating a spiritual sucessor that shouldn't break the bank - the HD 300. Coming this August I believe.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sen...ressions-thread-hd-250-linear-revival.877568/
The modern Sennheiser sound changed when Axel took over. With the move towards the HD580 and onward, Senn changed its sound, away from the slightly drier, harsher, analytical precision and faithful reproduction of headphones such as the HD540 (of which the 250 driver design and tonality is similar). Hopefully, the HD 300 is return to this earlier sound, which will be first in decades. The HD700, 800 and 630VB for that matter have a bit of 'sheen' or sparkle.
That said, I absolutely love my HD800, and it works well for the classical, electronic and ambient genres I listen to. But put on some funk, soul, or classic jazz - and the 540 surpasses it tonally. Even still, the 800 can still be preferred as it's modern diffuse-field is so relaxed and expansive that it brings a naturalness of its own.
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