Sennheiser Hd 560s Review

Sennheiser HD 560S review: the HD 560S is an open-back, wired headphone launched at $199 that prioritizes a neutral, analytical sound for critical listening. Early impressions and side-by-side comparisons place it as a value pick for audiophiles who want a reference-style signature without paying high-end prices.

Top picks (quick)

Best for critical listening: Sennheiser HD 560S – neutral tuning,etailed mids, airy treble.

Best value alternative for detail with different timbre: HiFiMan Sundara – planar-magnetic clarity (see comparison table).
Best studio-focused alternative: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro – analytical and robust for mixing.
Best relaxed “fun” alternative: Sennheiser HD 650 or HD 660S – warmer, fuller low end for casual listening.

Table of Contents

How I ranked these options

I evaluated candidates by explicit criteria: sound signature neutrality, imaging and soundstage, comfort on long sessions, build quality and serviceability (including cable and connector design), amp dependency and sensitivity, and price/value at typical street prices. Each model was tested or compared using published measurements and multiple reputable reviews to verify consistent behavior across reviewers. Preference weightings put sound signature and imaging at 35%, comfort at 20%, amp dependence at 15%, build/serviceability at 15%, and price/value at 15%. Practical outcomes emphasize what buyers actually notice: clarity of instruments, ability to reveal recording flaws, and how forgiving the headphone is with laptop or phone sources.

Comparison table: Name, Price/Key Spec, Best For

Name	Price / Key Spec	Best For
Sennheiser HD 560S	$199 / Open-back, wired, angled dynamic drivers	Neutral listening, critical evaluation, audiophile practice
Sennheiser HD 650 / HD 660S	(higher-priced) / Warmer, more mid-bass presence	Long-session casual listening, vocals, relaxed sound
HiFiMan Sundara	(planar-magnetic) / Wider perceived soundstage, different timbre	Detailed instrumental clarity with a different tonality
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro	(studio-priced) / Bright, analytical, robust build	Mixing and mastering; clinical detail retrieval

what you get for $199

Sennheiser introduced the HD 560S as part of its 5-series open-back lineup. Retail positioning at $199 puts it directly against other sub-$300 analytical headphones. Fit and finish are plainly utilitarian with predominantly plastic construction, velour-lined ear cups, and cloth pads. Weight and size figures measured by third-party reviewers list the HD 560S at 0.62 pounds and dimensions of 7.8 x 4.4 x 12 inches, which translates to a light, fatigue-resistant wearing experience for most head sizes.

Cable and connectors deserve special attention because they affect long-term serviceability. The HD 560S uses a removable locking 2.5mm TRRS plug on the left ear cup, paired with a supplied cable that terminates in a standard jack/adapter. The connector approach reduces stress on the ear cup but also makes finding replacement cables less straightforward than with a conventional 3.5mm detachable setup. Buyers who value simple aftermarket cables should note this quirk before purchase.

How the HD 560S sounds – technical breakdown

Neutrality and tonality form the core appeal. Frequency response shows a deliberately flat midrange with slightly elevated presence in the upper mids and treble to emphasize clarity and articulation. Imaging and separation are standout traits for the price class; instruments sit in a transparent, layered soundstage that rewards well-mixed recordings.

Bass extension and slam are competent but not meant to imitate closed-back bass-heavy cans. Sub-bass reaches useable depth, while mid-bass remains tight and controlled. Listeners who want punchy, heavily boosted low end for electronic dance music or bass-heavy hip-hop may find the HD 560S lean. Treble extends crisply enough to reveal cymbal shimmer and string harmonics, but reviewers have flagged occasional sibilance on poorly produced tracks – proof that these headphones expose recording flaws rather than hide them.

Practical listening notes from side-by-side comparisons and measurements

Soundstage width and imaging are consistently better than most closed-back headphones in this price tier. Classical, acoustic, and jazz material benefit most because the headphones deliver air, decay, and micro-detail. Recorded vocals present with natural tonality and excellent presence, which explains why many reviewers recommend them for critical listening and near-field reference tasks.

Laptop and phone pairing are workable. Reviewers who measured system sensitivity and real-world usage note that you can get about 90% of performance from a decent laptop headphone jack or smartphone at reasonable volume. Adding a dedicated headphone amp or an audiophile DAC/amp improves dynamics and low-end extension noticeably. Audiophiles who plan to push the headphones for high-resolution playback or who prefer headroom should budget for an amplifier.

Comfort, fit, and long-session usability

Velour ear pads and light clamping force deliver hours of comfortable listening for the majority of users. Some early units reported tighter clamp force out of the box that relaxes over time; a few listeners described an initially “firm” fit that became comfortable after break-in.

Open-back design means significant audio leakage and poor isolation. Use-case constraints include: no travel, no shared or public spaces where leakage would annoy others, and rough environments where external noise will intrude. Home listening, quiet studio room, and desk use remain the intended contexts.

which headphone for which buyer

Best for critical listeners and engineers: Sennheiser HD 560S. Neutral tuning, transparent mids, and detailed treble make it an effective near-field reference where you need to judge edits and mixes.

Best for relaxed long-session listening: Sennheiser HD 650 or HD 660S. Warmer tonal balance reduces fatigue and makes casual listening more forgiving of compressed sources.
Best for mixing/monitoring with studio workflow: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro. Built for clinical assessment, with robust physical design and accessories built for pro use.
Best for planar-magnetic clarity: HiFiMan Sundara. Planar drivers offer a different timbral character and a fast, articulate transient response that some find more neutral for instrument separation.
Best budget alternative for openness: consider older open-back models in the used market if price pressure is primary; the HD 560S frequently discounts below launch during sales.

Individual option reviews (short)

Sennheiser HD 560S – Verdict on the sound

Sennheiser designed the HD 560S to be revealing and neutral, and listening tests confirm that intent. Instruments sit in a crystalline, detailed space, and the upper mids provide vocal clarity without artificial warmth. Drums and percussive elements retain snap but lack the visceral slam of closed, bass-forward models. Imaging accuracy and stage width exceed many competitors at the price point.

Sennheiser HD 650 / HD 660S – quick note

These models trend warmer and thicker in the mid-bass and lower mids. Good for listeners who want a smoother, more forgiving presentation. Soundstage tends to be more intimate rather than aggressively wide; comfort and build are both highly regarded in long-session contexts.

HiFiMan Sundara – quick note

Planar-magnetic drivers present a different balance: faster transients and even-handed frequency extension that some listeners prefer for acoustic and orchestral work. Treble can vary depending on exact model and iteration.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro – quick note

Engineered for studio environments, the DT 1990 Pro trades a bit of comfort for accuracy and ruggedness. Bright, very revealing treble and dense imaging make them suitable for analytic listening or mixing.

What you give up with the HD 560S

Open-back limitations. Sound leakage and poor noise isolation make the HD 560S impractical for commuting or noisy rooms. Leakage also means you will disturb others at moderate to high listening levels.

Portability and modern conveniences are absent. No Bluetooth, no active noise cancellation, and no onboard controls. Sennheiser prioritized sound over lifestyle features, so users wanting wireless convenience should seek other models.

Cable connector quirks. The left ear cup uses a removable locking 2.5mm TRRS plug that’s not the standard 3.5mm detachment many aftermarket accessory makers expect. Replacement cables are available, but compatibility requires attention to the nonstandard locking interface.

Tolerance for poor recordings. These headphones do not mask compression, low bitrate artifacts, or harsh mastering. Low-quality sources will sound thin or brittle, so buyers who stream heavily compressed audio should either use EQ to compensate or consider a more forgiving headphone signature.

Amp dependency for maximum performance. While you can drive these well enough from modern laptops and phones to get 90% of the sound, a dedicated DAC/headphone amp improves dynamics and bass control. Audiophiles planning to extract full performance should budget for an amp.

How to pair and set up the HD 560S for best results

Use a quality source: connect to a DAC or amp when possible to improve dynamics and bass extension. Portable DAC/amps are a cost-effective step up from phone output.

Mount carefully: align your ears with the centers of the drivers. Several reviewers noted timbral shifts when ears sit forward or back in the cups due to driver angling.
Keep EQ conservative: small treble dips around the presence region can tame sibilance on bright masters without sacrificing clarity.
Break them in: allow a week or two of regular listening as clamp force sometimes softens slightly with use.
Store safely: being open-back, they require dust protection and careful handling during transport.

Pairing recommendations (specific setups)

Budget desk rig: integrated headphone jack → portable DAC/amp (e.g., small chittyp device) → HD 560S for cleaner power and less noise.

Desktop Hi-Fi rig: desktop DAC/amp with balanced outputs if you pursue aftermarket cable/balanced adapter options. Balanced chains can reduce hiss and provide headroom.
Laptop/phone casual use: laptop headphone jack is acceptable for moderate listening; avoid high-gain settings on noisy sources.

Common buyer mistakes to avoid

Choosing the HD 560S for portable use. These headphones leak and pick up external noise; they are not travel-friendly.

Ignoring cable compatibility. Pulling the locking TRRS plug without care can stress the connector.
Expecting boosted bass. Buyers who want sub-bass emphasis will be disappointed; the HD 560S favors accuracy over bass fun.
Failing to audition with good sources. Because they expose recording flaws, demo them with high-quality tracks that you know well.

How the HD 560S compares to the HD 650/HD 660S in real-world use

HD 560S gives a more analytical, forward mid and crisper treble profile than the HD 650/660S family. Those looking for vocal warmth and a forgiving mid-bass will prefer the HD 650/660S; listeners who want clinical separation, tighter imaging, and evaluation-friendly neutrality will pick the HD 560S. Soundstage on the HD 560S is wider in perceived terms; depth and layering on higher-priced HD 600-series headphones can feel more three-dimensional to some listeners.

Price and value considerations

Retail launch price and street pricing affect the decision calculus. The HD 560S launched around $199 and is frequently available near that figure, with sales sometimes bringing street prices below launch. Buyers weighing total cost should also include the potential expense of a DAC/amp if full dynamics matter. When comparing to rivals, include used-market prices for older open-back models and factor in whether you value modern conveniences like wireless or portability.

At-a-glance purchase

Confirm listening environment is quiet and private.

Plan for a DAC/amp if you want the last 10% of performance.
Test with both bright and warm recordings to check treble tolerance.
Inspect the locking 2.5mm TRRS connector and ask the seller about included cables/adapter.
Compare with warmer models if you prefer forgiving sound for compressed streams.

FAQ

Are Sennheiser HD 560S good for gaming?

They work well for positional audio because imaging and separation are strong, but open-back leakage and lack of an integrated microphone mean they suit desktop gaming in quiet environments rather than on-the-go or streaming setups that need mics built into headsets.

Do the HD 560S need an amplifier?

You can use them from a laptop or phone and achieve near-optimal levels, but an amplifier or DAC/amp improves headroom, dynamics, and bass control. Audiophiles seeking maximal performance should include an amp in their budget.

Are the ear pads replaceable?

Yes, ear pads can be replaced, but buyers should match velour pads to preserve the intended sound signature. Replacement quality and fit can affect comfort and tonality.

Will they work with mobile phones?

They will work, and modern phones can power them to usable volumes, but some phones may reveal hiss depending on gain and output circuitry. A portable DAC/amp provides a cleaner, more powerful feed.

How do they compare to the old HD 650?

HD 650 trends warmer and fuller in the lower mids and bass, making them more forgiving for casual listening. HD 560S aims for neutrality and greater midrange clarity; the choice depends on whether you want analytical accuracy or a more musical, relaxed tone.

Final recommendation

If you want a neutral, revealing pair of open-back headphones at a realistic price and plan to listen at home in a quiet space, buy the Sennheiser HD 560S. Audition them with good-quality tracks you know well; add a modest DAC/amp if you want stronger dynamics and bass extension. If you prefer forgiving bass and warmer vocals for long listening sessions, compare the HD 650/660S before committing.

Next step: audition the HD 560S at a local retailer or order from a retailer with a flexible return policy, then test using a handful of well-recorded and poorly recorded tracks to confirm whether you prefer its revealing neutrality or a warmer alternative.