Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Yamaha HPH-50B
Technical assessment of Yamaha’s on-ear closed-back headphone model HPH-50B
Yamaha
- Stereo headphones
- This is what customers who viewed this product bought
- Accessories & matching items
- 80Customer ratings
- Compare options
- Smart Navigator
Spec Sheet
- Dynamic
- Supra-aural
- Closed
- Impedance: 35 Ohm
- Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz
- Max. input level: 1000 mW
- SPL: 103 dB
- 38 mm Driver
- Two-sided cable management
- 90 Degree swivel joints at the ear cups
- 2 m Cable with 3.5 mm jack and 6.3 mm adapter
- Weight with cable: 133 g
- Colour: Black
Studio Log
| Available since | July 2015 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 361657 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | On-Ear |
| System | CLosed Back |
| Impedance | 35 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20000 Hz |
| Adapter | Yes |
| Replacable Cable | No |
| Marrone/Argento | Black |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Weight | 133 g |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
[META]A detailed review of Yamaha HPH-50B headphones covering sound quality, comfort, design, and durability for budget-conscious users.Introduction
The Yamaha HPH-50B is an on-ear, closed-back headphone designed for users seeking a cost-effective option for monitoring, music listening, and instrumental practice. Released in July 2015 and priced at £31, this model positions itself as a budget-friendly headphone delivering decent sound performance with essential features.
Design and Build
The HPH-50B features a lightweight design, weighing just 133 grams including its cable. Its on-ear supra-aural earcups with 38mm dynamic drivers provide a compact form factor ideal for users who dislike larger, over-ear headphones. The closed-back system offers passive noise isolation suitable for recording and monitoring tasks.
Build quality is utilitarian, mostly composed of plastic components to maintain a low price point. The adjustable headband lacks cushioning padding, which can cause discomfort during prolonged use, particularly on the top of the head. The earpads themselves have relatively firm foam covered in leatherette, providing moderate comfort but less yielding than premium alternatives.
The 2-metre fixed cable is terminated with a 3.5mm mini-jack, complete with a 6.3mm adapter, facilitating connection to various audio equipment. Cable durability is a concern raised by some users, with reports of fragility near the jack plugs and a tendency to tangle despite the silicone rubber design. Note that the cable is not replaceable, which impacts long-term maintenance.
Audio Performance
The frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz covers the full audible spectrum, delivering a reasonably balanced sound signature. The sensitivity rating of 103 dB and an impedance of 35 Ohms allow efficient use with low-power devices such as laptops, smartphones, and digital pianos.
Users report a clear midrange and well-defined treble with adequate bass for a headphone of this size and price. The bass is present but not overwhelming, avoiding mudiness, which is advantageous for monitoring vocals and electric guitar performances. This makes the HPH-50B particularly suitable for musicians needing accurate playback during practice or recording sessions.
However, under high volume or professional studio environments, the headphones may sound harsh or sterile, lacking the warmth and depth found in higher-end models. This limits their application for critical listening or detailed mixing work.
Comfort and Usability
The on-ear design ensures less ear sweating compared to over-ear alternatives, making the HPH-50B tolerable for extended wear, especially in warmer conditions. The swivel feature on the ear cups enhances fit and facilitates one-ear monitoring.
Some users find the headband area mildly uncomfortable over prolonged sessions due to minimal padding. The headphones are generally praised for their light weight and overall ergonomic fit, though those with larger heads may require adjustment for steadiness.
They do not include replaceable cables, and the lack of right-left labelling can be slightly inconvenient during setup or quick swaps.
Durability and Practicality
Plastic materials dominate the construction, which reduces weight but compromises ruggedness. There are cases of cable wear and damage after regular use, a foreseeable limitation given the modest retail price.
The headphones come with a 6.3mm adapter, adding versatility for connection to various audio devices, and their fold-flat swivel design aids transport and storage. Overall, the HPH-50B suits quiet environments well but offers limited external sound isolation.
Conclusion
At £31, the Yamaha HPH-50B headphones provide excellent value for individuals seeking affordability without complete compromise on sound or comfort. Their balanced and clear audio, combined with lightweight design, make them appealing for casual musicians, keyboard users, and general listeners engaged in non-professional contexts.
They are less suited for professional studio monitoring due to limited durability, sound refinement, and isolation. If durability and premium comfort are priorities, spending more on competitors such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x may be warranted.
, Yamaha has produced a lightweight, modestly comfortable headphone with respectable audio performance for its price segment, ideal for home practice, basic monitoring, or leisure listening.
