Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Review

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

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

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

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 560 S Review – Pros & Cons

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