Sennheiser HD 540 Gold

I used this headset from December 1988 to December 2013. I bought it because it was the best (in terms of sound quality for) those that I tried, and to replace my Koss ESP9 that ran into small pieces, despite its extremely high price, which m had disgusted electrostatic headphones.
What I liked most about these headphones is the sound quality and enjoyment of port. What I like least is the poor quality of the plug cord.
Purchased 1,700 F in December 1988, which corresponds, taking into account inflation, € 410 late 2013.
Report excellent quality / price if one refers to the sound quality, means if one refers to the strength.

I use this headset to listen to all kinds of music (but mainly classical music and jazz). Very comfortable to wear, both by weight and by its very soft coatings, even for several hours, airy. No significant pressure on the ears. But this comfort is at a price: the height adjustment is a little loose and headphones tend to fall easily, if you stir a lot.

The main shortcoming of this headset is its fragility. The cord can be disconnected, but the connection is fragile it is recommended to disconnect automatically. Also avoid moving the head suddenly and to volunteer or not pull on the cable, because it creates bad contacts.
Over time, the leatherette padding around the earphones crackled. When this happens, it is best to completely remove and do no harm.
Regarding performance, no degradation over time.

The sound output is excellent, significantly higher than the headphones sold currently (2014) at prices of around € 150-300. Compared to the Sennheiser HD800, current flagship of Sennheiser (and sold € 1,200!) That I have to replace the reference 540 Gold, even rendering bandwidth, very neutral, but with a serious extreme suspicion and "presence" less.
The sound insulation is obviously very low, its principle "open". But it has advantages because it allows, without really being bothered by the environment or interfere with it, support the headset for several hours without sweating. No comparison in this respect there with electrostatic headphones Koss ESP9 that I had before, headphone completely closed and completely waterproof, impossible to support more than one hour in winter, and impossible to wear during scorching.
Sound level is good, but probably not take it allows levels of 100 dB and more steady. It is a headphone to reproduce as faithfully as possible to the music, and not to generate a riot of decibels to destroy a hearing.