Congratulations Sennheiser, you played yourself - Sennheiser HD 550

Quick Overview

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are highly recommended as a neutral-sounding, lightweight, and comfortable open-back option that outperforms more expensive models, despite having a slight bass roll-off outside the average listener preference area, which the reviewer personally enjoys.

Key Points: The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are recommended despite having a bass roll-off outside the average listener preference range. The headphones weigh only 237g (with cable) and feature an incredibly lightweight, all-plastic design. They include a detachable 1.8m cable terminating in a 3.5mm connector, along with a screw-on 6.35mm adapter. The frequency response chart shows the headphones are very flat, especially in the mids and upper mids, but feature a distinct bass roll-off below 100Hz. The drivers are 38mm dynamic, and the impedance is 150 Ohms, making them sensitive enough to drive easily from a laptop. The reviewer found the sound reproduction to be clear, neutral, and naturally balanced, with no apparent distortion or excessive high-end sparkle.

Context: The video reviews the Sennheiser HD 550, a pair of open-back wired headphones released in the 1990s, positioned in the product line below the flagship HD 600 series. The reviewer compares the HD 550 favorably against its lineage, focusing on build quality, comfort, and frequency response analysis provided by Apos Audio Labs, ultimately concluding they offer excellent performance for their price point.

Detailed Analysis

The reviewer praises the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, noting that Sennheiser has maintained a consistent design aesthetic since releasing the HD 600 in the 1990s, with the HD 550 line living in the shadow of that monument. The unboxing reveals the headphones, a carrying pouch, and a detachable 1.8m cable ending in a 3.5mm connector, plus a screw-on 6.35mm adapter. The reviewer finds the carrying bag disappointingly floppy and notes the headphones are almost entirely plastic, making them incredibly lightweight at 237g, which aids comfort. The earpads use plush velour, and the synthetic leather headband is deemed sufficient. The headphone design features a ratchet adjustable headband, though precise adjustment is noted as slightly difficult. Sonically, the headphones are described as very neutral, with an impedance of 150 Ohms, making them easy to drive even from a laptop. The frequency response chart from Apos Labs shows a very flat response across the mids, but a bass roll-off significantly outside the average listener preference below 100Hz, which the reviewer finds subjectively acceptable or even preferable, as it prevents muddy bass. The treble shows some peaks around 10kHz, which some sensitive listeners might notice, but overall the sound is clear, full-bodied, and naturally balanced. The reviewer strongly recommends them, especially considering their usual retail price of $349.95 CAD, noting they are often found on sale for $249.95 CAD, offering excellent value.