# Congratulations Sennheiser, you played yourself - Sennheiser HD 550 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGCAVsYVvaA Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/lGCAVsYVvaA Generated: 2025-11-14T21:33:13.613+00:00 --- ## 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. ![Screenshot at 02:02: The reviewer holds up the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, highlighting that they share the exact same physical shape as the well-known HD 560s, emphasizing their consistent design lineage.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-02-02.png) **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. ### Unboxing and Accessories - Box contains the HD 550 headphones, a black floppy carrying bag, a 1.8m detachable 3.5mm cable, and a screw-on 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter. ### Build and Comfort - Headphones feature an all-plastic design, weighing only 237g with the cable, making them very light and comfortable; they use plush velour earpads and a synthetic leather headband. ### Design Notes - Earcup swivel is minimal, but the overall design is sturdy, sharing the shape of the HD 560s; the headband adjustment uses ratchets that are slightly hard to set precisely. ### Technical Specifications - Equipped with 38mm dynamic drivers and 150 Ohm impedance, making them sensitive and easily driven by portable devices like laptops. ### Frequency Response Analysis - Labs chart shows a very flat response through the mids and upper mids, but a significant bass roll-off (below 100Hz) outside the average listener preference area; treble shows some peaks around 10kHz. ### Sound Quality Impressions - Sound is described as neutral, clear, full-bodied, and naturally balanced, without excessive booming bass or harsh treble peaks, though some may prefer more bass presence. ![Screenshot at 00:02: The Sennheiser HD 600 headphone is shown in a product shot, providing context for the lineage the HD 550 follows.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-00-02.png) ![Screenshot at 00:10: On-screen text identifies the product being unboxed as the "Sennheiser HD 550".](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-00-10.png) ![Screenshot at 00:21: The inner packaging is revealed, showing custom cutouts for securing the components.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-00-21.png) ![Screenshot at 00:53: The reviewer examines the documentation included in the box, noting its presence.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-00-53.png) ![Screenshot at 01:24: The reviewer stretches the 1.8m detachable cable to demonstrate its length.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-01-24.png) ![Screenshot at 01:27: Close-up view of the 3.5mm connector on the cable and the included screw-on 6.35mm adapter.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-01-27.png) ![Screenshot at 02:27: A graphic overlay displays the weight of the headphones: 237g / 0.52 lbs with the cable.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-02-27.png) ![Screenshot at 03:39: Close-up on the earcup, showing the plush velour earpad and the exposed driver mesh underneath, characteristic of open-back designs.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-03-39.png) ![Screenshot at 04:47: The sponsor segment begins, showing the Wolfbox MegaVolt 24Air jump starter/air compressor being used to inflate a car tire to 36 PSI.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-04-47.png) ![Screenshot at 07:35: The frequency response and variation chart for the Sennheiser HD 550 is displayed, highlighting the bass roll-off area in yellow.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lGCAVsYVvaA/00-07-35.png)