Announcing the Sennheiser HD 505

Feb 10, 2025 at 11:21 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 148
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Hello Head-Fi!

Our HD 500 series audiophile headphone series is expanding today, with the HD 505. The headphone (and its name) deserves a brief intro, as our alpha-numeric system is receiving an update that will make it easier to identify our headphones going forward. Let's start with the fun stuff:

The HD 505 is a headphone welcoming those stepping into the world of audiophile listening. Those familiar with the HD 560S will find some tonal similarities here, but with a smoother top end that should appease longer listening with less fatigue. For those unfamiliar with that tuning, it is quite neutral and analytical. We think this will be an outstanding option for those wanting to get into this community and hobby with a strong price-to-performance ratio, or for the seasoned audiophile looking to add a lightweight "clean" option to fill out their collection.

hd_505_copper_iso_front_final.jpg


Let’s take a closer look.

Check out the Head Gear page

An Introduction to True Sound

At the core of the HD 505 is a 120-ohm dynamic transducer, which is precisely tuned and manufactured at our state-of-the-art audiophile facility in Tullamore, Ireland. The open-earcup design and angled transducers replicate the natural imaging of nearfield loudspeakers, offering an expansive soundstage that pulls you into the front row of your favorite music, movies, and games.

Timeless Design, Built to Last

The HD 505 inherits the trusted HD 500 series chassis, known for its lightweight build. The combination of a synthetic leather headband and metal mesh earcup covers gives it a sophisticated feel with plenty of protection for yourself and the transducers...weighing at just 237 grams, the HD 505 has a delicate touch with stability and a wide sweet spot over the ears.

Modularity is a key feature—the single-sided detachable 1.8m cable (~6 ft) with a 3.5mm plug (and included 6.3mm adapter) can be swapped out in seconds without tools--this allows for future upgrades like a balanced cable or an in-line microphone for added versatility.

hd_505_copper_exploded_view_final.png


Availability

The HD 505 is available for pre-order starting today at sennheiser-hearing.com and depending on where you are in the world, will be available from select retailers only.

@ericpalonen will be here to help answer any questions, with an HD 505 at the ready if you're looking for impressions, specific dimensions, or comparisons.

Specifications

  • Coupling – Over-ear (circumaural), fabric earpads
  • Acoustic principle – Open-back
  • Transducer – Dynamic
  • Frequency response – 12 - 38,500 Hz
  • Impedance – 120 ohms
  • SPL – 108 db @ 1kHz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion – <0.2% @ 1 kHz, 90 dB
  • Weight – 237g (without cable)
  • Cable – 1.8m (~6ft) detachable with 3.5mm (⅛-inch) stereo plug; includes 6.3mm (¼-inch) adapter; single-sided entry

--- --- ---

A note about naming: Like many audio brands, we use an alphanumeric system for many of our products. With an 80 year anniversary on our heels, we have no doubt amassed an enormous catalog of product names....some of the rules we have established have been bent as the markets and products evolve. As of this writing, we're simplifying the names so that it becomes a bit easier to classify our products. While not perfect (and not entirely retroactive) our next few releases are a great demonstration of the new naming methodology.

The first letters classify the headphone at the widest part of the funnel: "HD" stands for Headphone, Dynamic, as it always has. IE is an In-Ear (dynamic), HE is Headphone Electrostatic, etc. This remains unchanged.

The next number (in this instance, "5") places the headphone in a performance series: HD 500, 600, or 800..again, unchanged.

The numbers after that is where we are going to tighten things up.

✅ x20 will be reserved for closed-back models (example: HD 820, HD 620S)
✅ x50 and x00 will lean towards neutral tuning (example: HD 800S)
✅ x60 will lean towards a warmer tuning (example: HD 660S2)
✅ xx5 will, in most cases, indicate a retailer limited release in your market (example: HD 505)

Our back catalog is full of exceptions and nuances, so feel free to ask any questions if you have them, and thanks for coming along with us on the journey!
 
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Feb 10, 2025 at 11:52 AM Post #3 of 148
Feb 10, 2025 at 11:56 AM Post #4 of 148
Really digging the look, love the copper accent.
The numbers after that is where we are going to tighten things up.

✅ x20 will be reserved for closed-back models (example: HD 820, HD 620S)
✅ x50 and x00 will lean towards neutral tuning (example: HD 800S)
✅ x60 will lean towards a warmer tuning (example: HD 660S2)
✅ xx5 will, in most cases, indicate a retailer limited release in your market (example: HD 505)
HD 605, 805 incoming *fingers crossed*
 
Feb 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM Post #5 of 148
With your 80th anniversary coming up, perhaps you would consider a series of limited edition reissues/reproductions of historic headphone products, such as the Sennheiser 580 Jubilee Edition (itself an anniversary model) and the Sennheiser HE60 "Baby Orpheus" electrostatic headphones.
A lovely idea but it is very tricky to bring back something from the dead (in most instances, but not all). Mainly, many of the components for very old products are obsolete and so you would have to reinvent the wheel to get a component that may or may not be identical in performance.
* takes notes in Amperior *
Really digging the look, love the copper accent.

HD 605, 805 incoming *fingers crossed*
Thank you! They also get a comfort upgrade as well; a refined clamp force (relaxed) and soft touch headband.
 
Sennheiser Stay updated on Sennheiser at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/SennheiserUSA https://twitter.com/SennheiserUSA http://www.instagram.com/sennheiser https://sennheiser.com/
Feb 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM Post #6 of 148
Thanks for the rundown, Eric!

Excited to get ears on these, seems like exactly the sonic direction I would've gone with this series, and I think the copper/black colorway looks smart too. Just bought a pair, should be here on Thursday.

Really digging the look, love the copper accent.
HD 605, 805 incoming *fingers crossed*
I and many others have wanted alternate colorways for the 6/8 series for so goddamn long. The sooner Sennheiser does it, the sooner I buy another Sennheiser headphone.
 
headphones.com Stay updated on headphones.com at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.headphones.com/ andrew@headphones.com
Feb 10, 2025 at 12:54 PM Post #8 of 148
How about an HE-1060?
That would be an "Headphone Electrostatic" in the 1000 Range (so above HD800 in the lineup) with a warmer tuning in a non limited release.

Did I apply that correctly?
80th anniversary would be the perfect date for a release of this

PS: I know thats exactly the He1 designation, but nobody uses it. Also a standalone HP with Stax connector would be dope
 
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Feb 10, 2025 at 12:59 PM Post #9 of 148
Definitely like the color scheme of these, always liked the black/copper color scheme. An HD 560S with tamer treble does sound appealing as I personally always found the HD 560S a bit much in the treble for my liking. Does this headphone use the same driver as the HD 560S but tweaked and/or using different damping?
 
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Feb 10, 2025 at 1:01 PM Post #10 of 148
Feb 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM Post #11 of 148
Feb 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM Post #12 of 148
Hello Head-Fi!

Our HD 500 series audiophile headphone series is expanding today, with the HD 505. The headphone (and its name) deserves a brief intro, as our alpha-numeric system is receiving an update that will make it easier to identify our headphones going forward. Let's start with the fun stuff:

The HD 505 is a headphone welcoming those stepping into the world of audiophile listening. Those familiar with the HD 560S will find some tonal similarities here, but with a smoother top end that should appease longer listening with less fatigue. For those unfamiliar with that tuning, it is quite neutral and analytical. We think this will be an outstanding option for those wanting to get into this community and hobby with a strong price-to-performance ratio, or for the seasoned audiophile looking to add a lightweight "clean" option to fill out their collection.

hd_505_copper_iso_front_final.jpg

Let’s take a closer look.

[Reserved for the upcoming Head Gear page]

An Introduction to True Sound

At the core of the HD 505 is a 120-ohm dynamic transducer, which is precisely tuned and manufactured at our state-of-the-art audiophile facility in Tullamore, Ireland. The open-earcup design and angled transducers replicate the natural imaging of nearfield loudspeakers, offering an expansive soundstage that pulls you into the front row of your favorite music, movies, and games.

Timeless Design, Built to Last

The HD 505 inherits the trusted HD 500 series chassis, known for its lightweight build. The combination of a synthetic leather headband and metal mesh earcup covers gives it a sophisticated feel with plenty of protection for yourself and the transducers...weighing at just 237 grams, the HD 505 has a delicate touch with stability and a wide sweet spot over the ears.

Modularity is a key feature—the single-sided detachable 1.8m cable (~6 ft) with a 3.5mm plug (and included 6.3mm adapter) can be swapped out in seconds without tools--this allows for future upgrades like a balanced cable or an in-line microphone for added versatility.

hd_505_copper_exploded_view_final.png

Availability

The HD 505 is available for pre-order starting today at sennheiser-hearing.com and depending on where you are in the world, will be available from select retailers only.

@ericpalonen will be here to help answer any questions, with an HD 505 at the ready if you're looking for impressions, specific dimensions, or comparisons.

Specifications

  • Coupling – Over-ear (circumaural), fabric earpads
  • Acoustic principle – Open-back
  • Transducer – Dynamic
  • Frequency response – 12 - 38,500 Hz
  • Impedance – 120 ohms
  • SPL – 108 db @ 1kHz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion – <0.2% @ 1 kHz, 90 dB
  • Weight – 237g (without cable)
  • Cable – 1.8m (~6ft) detachable with 3.5mm (⅛-inch) stereo plug; includes 6.3mm (¼-inch) adapter; single-sided entry

--- --- ---

A note about naming: Like many audio brands, we use an alphanumeric system for many of our products. With an 80 year anniversary on our heels, we have no doubt amassed an enormous catalog of product names....some of the rules we have established have been bent as the markets and products evolve. As of this writing, we're simplifying the names so that it becomes a bit easier to classify our products. While not perfect (and not entirely retroactive) our next few releases are a great demonstration of the new naming methodology.

The first letters classify the headphone at the widest part of the funnel: "HD" stands for Headphone, Dynamic, as it always has. IE is an In-Ear (dynamic), HE is Headphone Electrostatic, etc. This remains unchanged.

The next number (in this instance, "5") places the headphone in a performance series: HD 500, 600, or 800..again, unchanged.

The numbers after that is where we are going to tighten things up.

✅ x20 will be reserved for closed-back models (example: HD 820, HD 620S)
✅ x50 and x00 will lean towards neutral tuning (example: HD 800S)
✅ x60 will lean towards a warmer tuning (example: HD 660S2)
✅ xx5 will, in most cases, indicate a retailer limited release in your market (example: HD 505)

Our back catalog is full of exceptions and nuances, so feel free to ask any questions if you have them, and thanks for coming along with us on the journey!

Such a good colour scheme, would love to see this used more in various headphones from now on! Maybe even IEMs :P
 
Feb 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM Post #13 of 148
Wait. So the 560s will become the 550s? And then the new 599 will be the 560s? 569? Which was the closed-back, which would be updated to the 520... 529? That would also mean that the 559 would also become the 569, which is the closed-back. And what if a closed-back has a warm tuning? Would it still be a 520, or a 560? Maybe you could introduce a new number to differentiate, e.g. 540 for warm, 520 for cold.

Regardless. A new 599... I mean, 560 would be great. Assuming it sounds better than the current 599.
 
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Feb 10, 2025 at 1:49 PM Post #14 of 148
Definitely like the color scheme of these, always liked the black/copper color scheme. An HD 560S with tamer treble does sound appealing as I personally always found the HD 560S a bit much in the treble for my liking. Is this basically the same driver as the HD 560S but a tweaked driver and/or damping?
Thank you! It's a classy looking can. I know it's a minor thing but the headband upgrade and clamping force reduction are very pleasant. The 505 has a different transducer and also a different acoustical treatment in the front volume but shares a lot of DNA with the 560S and you can easily hear the relation. That said, "not as spicy" is a fair way to say it, but it is not a warm headphone either--it still has some sheen to it without being considered sweet.
Wait. So the 560s will become the 550s? And then the new 599 will be the 560s? 569? Which was the closed-back, which would be updated to the 520... 529? That would also mean that the 559 would also become the 569, which is the closed-back. And what if a closed-back has a warm tuning? Would it still be a 520, or a 560? Maybe you could introduce a new number to differentiate, e.g. 540 for warm, 520 for cold.

Regardless. A new 599... I mean, 560 would be great. Assuming it sounds better than the current 599.
The HD 560S and HD 599 are still available--no name changes on the horizon for those (and no retroactive name changes throughout the lineup), as they have quite a bit of equity. We'll have a bit of overlap in the naming structures for a little while but in time will be more predictable. There was a time when different tuning flavors weren't as integral of a part in the messaging, and open/closed was much simpler (travel & studio = closed; audiophile = open) but consumers have far more choices now so we have to try and move away from some of the old rules and exceptions.
 
Sennheiser Stay updated on Sennheiser at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/SennheiserUSA https://twitter.com/SennheiserUSA http://www.instagram.com/sennheiser https://sennheiser.com/
Feb 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM Post #15 of 148
I love the looks of these, but I'll wait until they're slightly cheaper. I like having a headphone with one connection that's easy to drive with a DAP for use while around the house without resorting to IEMs.
 

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