Drivers for HD560S and HD505 differ.
The HD560S has a 'bass port' in the middle of the driver magnet where the HD505 driver does not have this.
This affects bass extension and the 5kHz peak (a little).
The 'open' netting used in the HD620S is used on the HD505 giving the HD505 more sparkle.
Indeed closer to HD600 but with a different 'brightness'.
No plans for review as my contact at Sennheiser does not work there anymore.Do you have any plans to review them? I’m curious to see how they measure on your flat-plate coupler. To my ears, the 7-9kHz region is somewhat boosted compared to the HD560S, but on GRAS/B&K pinna rigs, that range is prone to measurement artifacts. Differences in measurement methodology especially placement can make direct comparisons tricky.
Which one do you mean was updated?I still need to hear the updated version though.
In your opinion, if I already have the HD 560S, am I missing out much compared to the HD 550 if my main priority is "sound as neutral as possible"?Bought the HD 550 as I was curious.
It is a more comfortable and very good sounding alternative to a HD 560S.
When one already has a HD 560S and is fine with the clamping force I see little reason of replacing it with the HD 550.
When you don't own the HD 560S but was always wanting to buy one and is not hindered by the price than the HD 550 is the better option.
Is the increase in comfort worth twice the price of HD 560S one has to determine themselves.
The Sennheiser HD 550 is a very good headphone in this highly competitive price segment (€ 300.-).
It is not completely flawless but does come close to it, even without EQ.
when looking for an excellent and realistic sound reproduction with a wide stereo image, detail the HD 550 is a headphone that should definitely be on your list.
Lower clamping force (better comfort), slightly (and I mean barely) 'warmer/fuller' sound than HD 560 with a bit more 'sparkle' up top.
My review is here:
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HD550
back to Sennheiserback to measurementshome published: July-11-2025 NO SMOOTHING is applied to the shown plots. Most measurement sites have some smoothing applied which ‘irons flat’ sharp peaks and …diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com
Bought the HD 550 as I was curious.
It is a more comfortable and very good sounding alternative to a HD 560S.
When one already has a HD 560S and is fine with the clamping force I see little reason of replacing it with the HD 550.
When you don't own the HD 560S but was always wanting to buy one and is not hindered by the price than the HD 550 is the better option.
Is the increase in comfort worth twice the price of HD 560S one has to determine themselves.
The Sennheiser HD 550 is a very good headphone in this highly competitive price segment (€ 300.-).
It is not completely flawless but does come close to it, even without EQ.
when looking for an excellent and realistic sound reproduction with a wide stereo image, detail the HD 550 is a headphone that should definitely be on your list.
Lower clamping force (better comfort), slightly (and I mean barely) 'warmer/fuller' sound than HD 560 with a bit more 'sparkle' up top.
My review is here:
![]()
HD550
back to Sennheiserback to measurementshome published: July-11-2025 NO SMOOTHING is applied to the shown plots. Most measurement sites have some smoothing applied which ‘irons flat’ sharp peaks and …diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com
If it weren't for the clamping force I would have a hard time telling them apart other than the HD550 having a bit more 'sparkle'.In your opinion, if I already have the HD 560S, am I missing out much compared to the HD 550 if my main priority is "sound as neutral as possible"?
I'm quite happy with my 560S and I actually like the high clamping force because I tend to move my head quite a bit while playing and recording my guitar or keyboard, so the high clamping help them stay in place. The only reason I'm interested in the HD 550 (or maybe 505) is if they are more neutral, but being almost double the price for maybe just a very small difference in sound makes me hesitate.
If the difference in sound is so small, as the measurements suggest, I may get the Audio Technica R50x instead just for the sake of having more variety (and also because I love the way they look).
Thanks in advance. I love your website and the effort you make.
Clamping force is lower, headband padding differs.I'm surprised there's a difference in comfort between the 560s and 550.
Sennheiser appear to use the same "chassis" for quite a few of their models. The HD5xx and HD6xx line-ups in particular, all look pretty much alike, albeit with different finishes and bits of trim.