With CanJam NYC 2025 less than 2 weeks away, headphone manufacturers are starting to pull back the curtain on some new models and the focus based on what we’ve been given access to so far is trickle down technology into headphones that are either rather affordable like the new Sennheiser HD 505 or 1/2 of the price of the brand’s premium products.
Meze, Sennheiser, and Grado have some great new offerings coming — and that’s all we can say about the Romanian and Brooklyn-based manufacturers until the 19th.
Sennheiser is definitely aiming for the entry-level customer with the HD 505 and that’s perfectly fine when you look at the options below $300 in the passive headphone category.
Providing a blend of analytical tuning, precise detail, and all-day wearing comfort, the HD 505 is designed to provide an essential Sennheiser experience for both critical listening and gaming needs.
From Sennheiser Audiophile Product Manager: “The HD 505 is for anyone ready to experience the audio awakening a great set of Sennheiser headphones is known for,…There is something truly special in here that puts serious listening within arm’s reach of the emerging audiophile or gamer.”
What’s on the Inside
The Sennheiser HD 505 features an open-back design incorporating a custom 120-ohm transducer (transducer size not indicated) produced at their factory in Tullamore, Ireland.
With a wide 12 to 38,500 Hz frequency response and THD (total harmonic distortion) of less than 0.2%, the HD 505 supports rich detail and a balanced overall presentation.
The HD 505 is designed to support a tonally even sound signature with “punchy” bass, natural mids, and non-fatiguing treble. The transducers are angled to replicate the triangular positioning of a set of nearfield loudspeakers.
This results in a wide, realistic soundstage that enables listeners to sit in the front row of their favorite music, movies, and games.
What’s on the Outside
The HD 505 is built on Sennheiser’s HD 500 series chassis, known for its all-day comfort and lightweight fit (only 237 grams). The HD505 has a synthetic leather headband and metal mesh earcup covers.
The HD505 comes with a detachable 1.8m (6 foot) cable, with a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug and a 6.3mm adapter for connection to several audio sources like amplifiers, sound cards, audio interfaces, and A/V receivers.
Just as with all 500 series headphones (such as the HD 560s released in 2020), a variety of cables and ear pads, ranging in length, application, and plug type can be easily changed out.
This modular design lets the HD 505 adapt to the wearer’s changing setup over time such as incorporating a balanced audio source or adding an in-line microphone.
Specifications
| Model | HD 505 |
| Wearing Style | Wired headphone |
| Ear Coupling | Over-ear (circumaural) |
| Frequency response | 12Hz – 38.5kHz |
| Sound Pressure Level (SPL) | 107.9dB (1kHz / 1Vrms) |
| Impedance: | 120Ω |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.2 % (1kHz / 90dB SPL) |
| Magnetic Field Strength | 21.2m |
| Weight (w/o cable) | 237g |
| Audio Cable | 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, detachable, left side |
| Audio Adapter | 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm jack adapter, screw-on type |
The Bottom Line
Sennheiser didn’t provide full technical specifications for the HD 505, but based on what has been provided listeners can expect these affordable headphones to offer a rather robust bass range, relatively neutral sounding midrange, and somewhat elevated treble to boost their appeal with younger listeners.
At only 237 grams, the Sennheiser HD 505 are also rather lightweight which will increase their appeal to those who are looking for a compact pair of headphones for their laptop bag or knapsack.
Price & Availability
The Sennheiser HD 505 wired headphones are available now for $279.95 at Amazon and sennheiser-hearing.com.
Related Reading
- Audio-Technica’s R-Series Open-Back Headphone Lineup Now Features the ATH-R70xa and R50x: NAMM 2025
- FiiO FT1 Pro Open-Back Headphones Review: Shaking Up the Entry-level Category For $200
- Beyerdynamic’s Open-Back MMX 330 PRO Headset Promises Enhanced Spaciousness and Comfort During Gameplay: IFA 2024
- Meze Audio’s 105 AER Headphones Feature Trickle Down Technology For Only $400
HW
February 11, 2025 at 1:28 am
Need to change headband design around the name area so it won’t crack after a few years. Common problem.