Sennheiser HD560S Review (Headphone)

[Chagall]

As I see you not really familiar with Sweep test. So just find out the information to completely understand what it is. Ask professional people about it. Its well known old-school method, i told you. Not perfect. But I knew some people who still using it to tune the sound. Not only sound engineers, even musicians to investigate their mixes. For me it always works better than any over pre-rendered EQ.

Edit: This principle is the same that used in automation FR measurement. But instead of microphones you are using your years. Not easy from very first try, but!

Ok, I’ve asked you several times now how you actually did it, but you’re still being intentionally vague and dismissive. I asked about your listening methodology, but all you’ve listed are various sweeps. How would anyone repeat your process? You're making claims but not providing any real explanations, and I don't think this will change.

 

[MarineSolder]

Ok, I’ve asked you several times now how you actually did it, but you’re still being intentionally vague and dismissive. I asked about your listening methodology, but all you’ve listed are various sweeps. How would anyone repeat your process? You're making claims but not providing any real explanations, and I don't think this will change.

Correct.
Cause you created a similar image to me... "intentionally vague and dismissive".
I need meat, I need food for discussion. I have to understand that my conversation partner knows what we are talking about. Otherwise, this could take a long time.
You could try again, Im absolutely open for sharing. Ask a specific question, not a vague question (too general).
By the way if somebody really interested we could create different topic for this.

 

[Chagall]

Correct.
Cause you created a similar image to me... "intentionally vague and dismissive".
I need meat, I need food for discussion. I have to understand that my conversation partner knows what we are talking about. Otherwise, this could take a long time.
You could try again, Im absolutely open for sharing. Ask a specific question, not a vague question (too general).
By the way if somebody really interested we could create different topic for this.

I simply asked what you did - and if that came off as rude, I apologize.

But you have to understand: your review reads like this. Let me give you an analogy:
“I calibrated my OLED by staring at test patterns for 30 days, relying on my eyes rather than a colorimeter, using ‘by-eye methodologies.’ Here is my calibration. It’s not for everyone. Overall rating: 7.5/10.”

Then I ask, “What by-eye methodologies?”
And you respond: “Well, I looked at red patterns, blue patterns, green patterns… cyan, magenta, yellow… and some other custom techniques....”

Maybe you did account for all the pitfalls of tuning with sweeps by ear - who knows. But the basic question of what you actually did for 30 days shouldn't be difficult to explain or "too broad".

However, you also said you’re not here to prove anything, so I guess we’re done.
Enjoy the EQ.

 

[MarineSolder]

I simply asked what you did - and if that came off as rude, I apologize.

But you have to understand: your review reads like this. Let me give you an analogy:
“I calibrated my OLED by staring at test patterns for 30 days, relying on my eyes rather than a colorimeter, using ‘by-eye methodologies.’ Here is my calibration. It’s not for everyone. Overall rating: 7.5/10.”

Then I ask, “What by-eye methodologies?”
And you respond: “Well, I looked at red patterns, blue patterns, green patterns… cyan, magenta, yellow… and some other custom techniques....”

Maybe you did account for all the pitfalls of tuning with sweeps by ear - who knows. But the basic question of what you actually did for 30 days shouldn't be difficult to explain or "too broad".

However, you also said you’re not here to prove anything, so I guess we’re done.
Enjoy the EQ.

Ok. the conversation alive (this message was sent against my will).
Sorry, I will edit my message later as it requires a very detailed response...

 

[MarineSolder]

Alright Chagall, I’ve sent you a PM to start more in-depth explanation. Since this will take more than one or two messages, I prefer not to elaborate on this topic here. It’s not directly related to the HD560S. I respect the members of this forum and avoid engaging in off-topic discussions.

For everybody else: I will reiterate that I have already provided a basic answers to this question before.

Im using a sweep audio tone generation method, alternating between linear/ logarithmic modes, direct/ inverse sequences. Additionally, I add sessions with pink noise and without (tone masking). The process involves listening to a slowly rising tone from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 0 dB level, identifying regions of perceptible deviation, and then drawing a compensation curve. The procedure is repeated in several passes, each time with more precise evaluation. This continues until the results are satisfied me within a ±0.5 dB tolerance.

Afterward, I take breaks, switch headphones for distraction, and repeat the same process on room speakers to recreate a similar tonal profile in headphones. Then I take rest again. I invite friends to listen and compare their perceptions with mine to determine if they identify the same reference frequencies (dips/peaks) and volume levels of those frequencies. I also create a median line between my perceptions and theirs.
It take days, many days .. So I was doing this while I was mastering some audio material, thats was the reason for adjusting the EQ.
Many nuances, so not worth discussing unless you've similar experience; it’s hard to explain briefly.

In essence, it doesn’t really matter what I have done. Let me put it this way: I'm just unknown person with a random EQ. This approach minimizes bias and reduces psychophysical influence on the listener. No matter how is bad or good method that Im using. I need STATISTICS, not questions. Thats the real reason for forum conversation. Please give me your feedback about EQ - I like it, I dont like it, or a 50/50 impression. This will be much more helpful for me, and I already have an idea in advance why some may like it and others may not.

Thank you.

 

[usern]

You've tuned your EQ mainly to your own physiology - good for you, but not that useful for others that might have other resonances or hearing loss factors. Besides, what settings are you using on Zen DAC and Zen CAN? Those things have tone adjusting buttons.

 

[MarineSolder]

You've tuned your EQ mainly to your own physiology - good for you, but not that useful for others that might have other resonances or hearing loss factors. Besides, what settings are you using on Zen DAC and Zen CAN? Those things have tone adjusting buttons.

Good to know. Some still believe Harman curve (which one?) lacks from such flaws.
I will answer your question after your feedback about EQ.

 

[MrBrainwash]

It looks like slight boost to lows reduced ear gain and hyped 7-8Khz details.

For me it sounds the same as it looks. What we get is coloured mids esp. vocals. First impression is listening underwater kind of. But it easy to get used to it. And I understand why someone might like it. For me personally it's not a big step up from stock tunning. Usually I am using Harman preset modified to PEQdB target:
Oratory1990 preset
+

Filter: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 0.6 dB Q 1.4
Filter: ON PK Fc 140 Hz Gain 1.8 dB Q 0.5
Filter: ON PK Fc 430 Hz Gain -1.3 dB Q 1.3
Filter: ON PK Fc 2800 Hz Gain 1.3 dB Q 2.0
Filter: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -2.2 dB Q 1.2
Filter: ON PK Fc 15000 Hz Gain 4.6 dB Q 0.5

@MarineSolder did you audit hifiman headphones? You might like it for scouped mids and sparkle in highs.

 

[SergeiF]

Dear owners of 560s, please recommend headphones for the phone, the same inexpensive and with high-quality neutral sound

 

[staticV3]

Dear owners of 560s, please recommend headphones for the phone, the same inexpensive and with high-quality neutral sound

Do you mean earphones or in-ear monitors?

If so: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/

 

[SergeiF]

Do you mean earphones or in-ear monitors?

My phone only has type c, do I need a DAC?

 

[ShadowBoxer]

My phone only has type c, do I need a DAC?

Yes, if your phone doesn't have a headphone (analog) output Jack.

Something like the Apple usb-c to headphones adapter would be an ok starting point. ($10)

A reminder that this thread is regarding the HD560 headphones.

 

[ciccio1378]

I have 560S and DT 700 Pro X - Beyerdynamic feels a lot heavier and less comfortable.

Seems like people who do not have comfort problems with 560S are blessed - good sound, low cost, light and not sweaty. Cheapness feeling is quite subjective as well, my pair is going strong after almost 5 years with heavy daily use. Just recently ordered new pads with free shipping from Sennheiser even!

I also have the HD560S. Do the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X sound better?

 

[usern]

I also have the HD560S. Do the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X sound better?

Wrong question. Sound is not the issue with both of them. I use DT 700 Pro X when I need to block outside noise. Otherwise I use 590S because they are lighter, better ventillated and cooler.

 

[ciccio1378]

Wrong question. Sound is not the issue with both of them. I use DT 700 Pro X when I need to block outside noise. Otherwise I use 590S because they are lighter, better ventillated and cooler.

Was it so difficult to express an opinion on their audio quality, given that you're part of a forum where quality is often discussed?

 

[solderdude]

I also have the HD560S. Do the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X sound better?

The question is what you mean with 'sound better' ?

They sound different and have different comfort and use cases.
All headphones sound different and what is 'better' to person A may not be so for person B.

So while person A (and others) may find the DT700 PRO X to 'sound better' it may or may not be so for you or other folks.
There can be compelling reason(s) to own both or just one of them.

 

[usern]

You can also use EQ to make the tonality similar, which I do. If they pass the test of not having unfixable issues, then tonality of each one doesn't really matter. There's also the matter if you prefer closed or open back sound space our sound stage.

However, there have been released lighter closed back headphones that I would choose over DT 700 Pro X now.

 

[solderdude]

similar-ish in frequency response for those specific copies on a specific test fixture in a specific seating and seal condition sure ...
Not similar when measured with EQ on other fixtures or on actual ears.
But arguably would be closer in tonality than 'as is'.

 

[Robbo99999]

I also have the HD560S. Do the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X sound better?

From measurements I'd say the HD560s would sound better after EQ because the DT700 Pro X seems to have a cancellation null in a section of the treble that can't be EQ'd up, here's frequency response measurements of both headphones:

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

In terms of using them without EQ that could be a judgement call, DT700 Pro X is generally more "screwed up" in terms of frequency response so you might notice a few areas where certain frequencies are over represented or under represented, whereas the HD560s doesn't have quite same problem - but the DT700 Pro X will sound darker than the HD560s so that could be related to personal taste issue. Overall HD560s is the headphone with overall more potential for better sound quality I would say.

 

[Berwhale]

I noticed the HD560S are £96 on Amazon UK at the moment. I think that's the lowest they've been on there, not as good as the £80 I paid back in March direct from Sennheiser, but still a good deal I think...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08J9MVB6W

*edit* They were £95 and sold by Amazon earlier today. The current price is not sold by Amazon.