Sennheiser HD 560 S review - Open-back audiophile headphones

Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Review

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Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Review – Short words

Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Review: Overall, the Sennheiser HD 560 S headphones are a well-rounded option that excels in sound quality, comfort, and versatility. They are particularly suited for those who value an immersive listening experience and want headphones that can perform across various audio tasks.

Sennheiser HD 560S Review

Sennheiser HD 560 S

wired over-ear (detachable), open-back design, velour earpads are soft and breathable, adjustable headband, comfortable fit, frequency response: 6Hz to 38kHz, impedance: 12o ohms, sound pressure level (SPL): 110dB, total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.3%, E.A.R. Technology for Wide Sound Field

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Having recently added the Sennheiser HD 560 S headphones to my audio gear, I’m excited to share my experience. As an avid music lover and occasional audio professional, I sought a pair of headphones that could deliver both comfort and exceptional sound quality. Here’s how the HD 560 S performed.

Sennheiser HD 560 S Review – The Sound Quality

Sennheiser HD 560 S review - Open-back audiophile headphones

The HD 560 S is known for its remarkable sound quality, and it truly lives up to its reputation. These open-back headphones provide a spacious and immersive listening experience.

  • Soundstage: The open-back design allows for an expansive soundstage that makes you feel as if you’re sitting in a live venue. Instruments are well-separated, which is particularly noticeable in orchestral music where the placement of each section is distinct.
  • Frequency Response: The frequency response is incredibly balanced. The highs are crisp without being harsh, making cymbals and higher-pitched instruments sparkle. The midrange is where these headphones shine—vocals are rendered beautifully, maintaining warmth and clarity. The bass is tight and controlled, adding depth without overshadowing other frequencies.
  • Genre Versatility: Whether I’m listening to classical, jazz, rock, or electronic music, the HD 560 S handles it all effortlessly. They allow you to hear subtle nuances in recordings, making them perfect for critical listening.

Comfort and Design

Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560S review

One of the standout features of the HD 560 S is its comfort.

  • Earpads: The velour ear pads are incredibly soft and breathable, which helps during long listening sessions. They wrap around the ears snugly, providing a good seal without excessive clamping force.
  • Weight and Fit: Weighing in at a mere 250 grams, these headphones are lightweight and easy to forget you’re wearing them. The adjustable headband accommodates different head sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended periods.
  • Build Quality: While the HD 560 S is primarily made of plastic, it feels solid and well-constructed. The design is minimalist and sleek, making them visually appealing as well.

Performance and Use Cases

  • Amplification: To truly unlock the potential of the HD 560 S, pairing it with a dedicated headphone amplifier is recommended. While they can be driven by portable devices, an amp enhances dynamics and overall sound quality.
  • Isolation: It’s worth noting that these headphones are open-back, which means they don’t provide much noise isolation. They’re best used in quiet environments, as sound leakage can disturb those around you.

Portability

where to buy Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560S headphones

These headphones are not the most portable due to their size and open-back design. They’re best suited for home use or studio environments rather than commuting or travel. However, the detachable cable makes storage easier and allows for replacement if needed.

Specifications 

  • Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
  • Transducer Principle: Dynamic, open
  • Frequency Response: 6 Hz to 38 kHz
  • Impedance: 120 ohms
  • Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 110 dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.3% (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL)
  • Weight: Approximately 250 grams (without cable)
  • Cable Length: 3 meters, detachable
  • Connector Type: 6.3 mm (1/4″) jack, with a 3.5 mm (1/8″) adapter included
  • Ear Pad Material: Velour
  • Headband Type: Adjustable and padded for comfort

Additional Features

  • Open-Back Design:
    • The open-back structure allows for a more natural sound experience, providing a wider soundstage and better spatial imaging. This design is ideal for critical listening, as it creates a more immersive audio environment.
  • Dynamic Drivers:
    • Equipped with dynamic drivers, the HD 560 S delivers clear and detailed sound across a wide frequency range, enhancing the listening experience for various genres of music.
  • Detachable Cable:
    • The headphones feature a detachable cable, which makes it easy to replace if it gets damaged. This also allows users to customize their setup by using different cables if desired.
  • Comfort-Focused Design:
    • The headphones include soft velour ear pads that provide comfort during long listening sessions, along with a padded and adjustable headband for a secure fit. This ensures that users can enjoy extended periods of use without discomfort.
  • Low Impedance:
    • With an impedance of 120 ohms, the HD 560 S can be driven effectively by various devices, including portable music players and smartphones. While they perform best with an amplifier, their low impedance makes them versatile.
  • Wide Frequency Response:
    • The headphones boast a frequency response of 6 Hz to 38 kHz, allowing for accurate reproduction of low and high frequencies. This is particularly beneficial for bass-heavy genres and high-resolution audio files.
  • Lightweight Construction:
    • Weighing approximately 250 grams, the HD 560 S is designed to be lightweight, making it comfortable for prolonged wear without causing fatigue.
  • User-Friendly Design:
    • The minimalist aesthetic is both attractive and functional, making the headphones suitable for various environments, from home listening to studio work.
  • Designed for Audiophiles:
    • Tailored for those who appreciate high-fidelity audio, the HD 560 S meets the expectations of serious listeners and professionals, offering a transparent and natural sound profile.
  • Compatible with Accessories:
    • The detachable cable allows for compatibility with various audio accessories, such as balanced cables or custom-length options, providing further customization for audiophiles.

These specifications highlight the HD 560 S as a high-quality audio tool, suitable for audiophiles and professionals seeking detailed sound and comfort. If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

Compare Sennheiser HD 560S to Similar Open-Back Headphones

Sennheiser HD 560S vs Sennheiser HD 660S Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2 Vs Sennheiser HD 650 Vs Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser HD 560S Review

Sennheiser HD 560S

Specs: over-ear, dynamic open-back design, dimension: 10.12″ x 4.25″ x 12.6″, weight: 250 grams, frequency response: 6Hz – 38kHz, impedance: 120 ohms,  sound pressure level(SPL): 110dB (1 kHz / 1Vrms), total harmonic distortion and noise (THD+N): <0.03% (1kHz, 100dB SPL),
Features: hi-res audiophile, exceptional accuracy and transparent sound, detachable conductivity wide soundstage from ergonomic acoustic refinement, comfort-focused design

 

Sennheiser HD 660 S

Sennheiser HD 660S

Specs: over-ear, dynamic open-back design, dimension: 10.12″ x 4.25″ x 12.6″, weight: 9.17 ounces (260g), frequency response: 10 – 41kHz (10dB), impedance: 150 ohms,  sound pressure level(SPL): 104dB (1 kHz / 1Vrms), total harmonic distortion and noise (THD+N): <0.04% (1kHz, 100dB),
Features: hi-res audiophile, exceptional accuracy and transparent sound, detachable conductivity OFC copper cable (signal integrity), versatile connectivity: 6.35m stereo plug/4.4mm stereo plug, supreme comfort: lightweight/airflow design/thick headband padding/soft velour ear cushions

 

Sennheiser HD 660S2 - Wired Audiophile Stere Open-Back HeadphonesSennheiser HD 660 S2 – Wired Audiophile Stere Open-Back Headphones

Specs: over-ear, open-back design, dimension: 3″ x 7″ x 7″, weight: 1.4 pounds, frequency response: 8Hz – 41.4kHz, impedance: 300 ohms, transducers type: 42mm high-performance transducers, total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.05%, detachable para-aramid reinforced cables with OFC copper
Features: wired audiophile stereo headphones, high-fidelity sound, extra sub-bass, ultra-light aluminum voice coil, excellent impulse response & great timbre, exceptional comfort: breathability & plush ear cushions provide max comfort, earcup: improved ventilation (uniquely powerful vented magnet system)

 

Sennheiser HD650

Sennheiser HD 650

Specs: dynamic, circumaural, open-back design, dimension: 12.4″ x 10″ x 4.3″, weight: 9.1 ounces, frequency response: 10 – 39.5 kHz, impedance: 300 ohms, SPL 103dB, THD (total harmonic distortion): 0.05%, jack plug: 1/4″ / 1/8″ (3.5/6.3 mm) stereo, wired
Features: dynamic hi-fi stereo, neodymium ferrous magnet system (optimum sensitivity, excellent dynamic response), sound quality (exceptionally natural, spatial & accurate), able to connect to stationary hi-fi components (SACD, DVD-A, and CD players) directly

 

Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser HD 600

Specs: dynamic, circumaural, open-back design, weight: 9.1 ounces, frequency response: 12 – 40.5 kHz, impedance: 300 ohms, SPL 97dB, THD (total harmonic distortion): 0.1%, jack plug: 1/4″ / 1/8″ (3.5/6.3 mm) stereo, wired
Features: neodymium ferrous magnet system (optimum sensitivity, excellent dynamic response), high-quality open metal mesh grilles (supreme transparent sound), extremely lightweight aluminum, detachable OFC copper cable, specialized acoustic silk controls airflow

 

 

Sennheiser HD 560 S Review – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional Sound Quality:
    • Balanced Frequency Response: The HD 560 S offers a natural and balanced sound across the spectrum, making it suitable for various genres.
    • Wide Soundstage: The open-back design creates an immersive listening experience, providing depth and clarity that makes you feel like you’re in a live performance.
  • Comfortable Fit:
    • Plush Earpads: The velour earpads are soft and breathable, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions.
    • Lightweight Design: At around 250 grams, these headphones are lightweight, which reduces fatigue during extended use.
  • Build Quality:
    • Sturdy Construction: The materials used, while primarily plastic, feel durable and well-constructed, giving confidence in their longevity.
    • Adjustable Headband: The headband is easily adjustable, accommodating various head sizes for a secure fit.
  • Versatility:
    • Great for Critical Listening: Ideal for audiophiles and professionals, they excel in providing detailed audio, making them perfect for studio use or critical listening.
    • Good for Various Genres: They perform well across different music styles, from classical to rock to electronic.
  • Detachable Cable:
    • Convenient Replacement: The detachable cable feature allows for easy replacement if it gets damaged, adding to the overall longevity of the headphones.
  • User-Friendly Design:
    • Minimalist Aesthetic: The sleek design is visually appealing and fits well in various environments, whether at home or in a studio.
  • Low Impedance:
    • Easy to Drive: With a low impedance rating, they can be driven effectively by various devices, including smartphones, though they benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Cons

  • Sound Leakage:
    • Open-Back Design: The open-back structure allows sound to escape, which means they are not ideal for use in shared or noisy environments. Others around you may hear what you’re listening to, and external noise can interfere with your experience.
  • Limited Isolation:
    • Poor Noise Isolation: Due to the design, they do not provide good isolation from external sounds, making them less suitable for use in public spaces or during commuting.
  • Bulkiness:
    • Not Portable: Their size and open-back nature make them less convenient for travel. They aren’t foldable, which can make them cumbersome to carry around.
  • Requires Amplification for Best Performance:
    • Impedance Consideration: While they can be driven by portable devices, to get the best sound quality and dynamics, a dedicated headphone amplifier is recommended. This adds to the overall cost for those who may not have an amp.
  • Limited Features:
    • No Inline Controls or Microphone: The HD 560 S lacks inline controls for volume or playback, and there’s no built-in microphone for calls, which may be a drawback for users who want multi-functionality in their headphones.
  • Cable Length:
    • Long Cable: The 3-meter cable is great for stationary use but can be unwieldy in smaller spaces or when used with portable devices. It may require additional management to prevent tangling.
  • Price Point:
    • Higher Cost: While they offer excellent quality, the HD 560 S might be considered pricey for casual listeners or those who don’t need high-fidelity sound.
  • Break-In Period:
    • Needs Time to Sound Their Best: Some users report that these headphones require a break-in period for optimal sound quality, which may be off-putting for those who expect immediate performance.

While the Sennheiser HD 560 S headphones excel in many areas, their open-back design and other limitations might not suit everyone’s needs. They are best for those who prioritize sound quality and comfort in a quiet setting but may not be the best choice for users seeking portability or noise isolation.

Sennheiser HD 560 S Review – Final Verdicts

In summary, the Sennheiser HD 560 S over-ear headphones offer an exceptional audio experience with outstanding comfort and build quality. They are perfect for audiophiles and casual listeners alike who prioritize sound fidelity. While they may not be the best choice for on-the-go listening due to their open design, they excel in quiet settings where you can truly appreciate their capabilities. If you’re serious about your music and want to invest in quality headphones, the HD 560 S is a fantastic option that won’t disappoint. Thank you for reading the Sennheiser HD 560 S review, and I highly hope you will get useful information for buying.

Where to buy Sennheiser HD 560S 

Sennheiser HD 560S ReviewSennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560S:

wired over-ear (detachable), open-back design, velour earpads are soft and breathable, adjustable headband, comfortable fit, frequency response: 6Hz to 38kHz, impedance: 12o ohms, sound pressure level (SPL): 110dB, total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.3%, E.A.R. Technology for Wide Sound Field

 

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