Comfortable & Lightweight
Sennheiser today introduced the HD 560S open-back wired headphones. Priced at $199, they’re designed for budget conscious audiophiles looking for natural and accurate reference sound. The company says they’ll divulge every detail, complemented by an outstanding low-frequency extension, while providing a “barely there” experience on the head and ears.
Sennheiser further states the HD 560S is tailor-made for listeners who need to understand a tune in all its details, from the recording studio to the sound file. It aims to show how a track is intended to be heard, rather than delivering an interpretation offered up by a headphone’s sound design. The HD 560S’ transducers are specifically tuned for accuracy, offering dependable A/B comparisons of mixes, sources, and media formats. Its open-back earcups facilitate a natural expansion of sound waves, while their angled alignment recreates the optimal triangular listening position of loudspeakers for a wide, articulate soundstage — without the need for room treatment.
Offering a frequency response of 6 Hz – 38 kHz, the HD 560S reproduces the entire frequency range, complemented by smooth low-frequency extension. As a result, the headphones effortlessly reproduce the complex bass sounds found in modern music. At the same time, a high 110 dB/1V sensitivity and an extraordinarily low THD (<0.05% at 90 dB) offer an expressive dynamic range and clarity, even at a high SPL.
The HD 560S have a unique new driver that’s currently only available in this model. So although they are closely named to the HD 559 headphones, they are not a replacement. The HD 560S voice coil was also specifically developed to provide an exceptional experience regardless of the playback system, while the 120 Ω impedance allows them to be used with virtually any audio source. So they don’t require a headphone amplifier, although it shouldn’t hurt. For maximum versatility, the HD 560S is equipped with a detachable 3-meter cable, 6.3mm jack and a 3.5mm adapter with a flexible 15cm lead.
“We are excited to introduce the entry-level audiophile HD 560S headphones. In terms of bass response and value for money, this product represents a paradigm shift for open, dynamic headphones. With linear acoustics tailored to critical listening sessions, we have designed the HD 560S for audiophiles who evaluate a recording’s entire journey through the audio path.”
Jermo Köhnke, Product Manager at Sennheiser
Comfort
Extensive listening sessions require headphones that are extremely comfortable, or better yet, feel like they are not even there. The HD 560S uses an ultralight chassis for distraction-free listening. The open, around-the-ear design offers benefits beyond natural sound — the ventilated cup remains cool without touching the wearer’s ears. Even the velour earpads have been carefully considered to keep all contact points soft to the touch for comfortable long-term listening.
Price & Availability
The Sennheiser HD 560S will be available from September 29, 2020 for $199 at Crutchfield or €199 (MSRP).
See more Sennheiser headphones here.
