Back to Back: Introducing the HD 550

[arielext]

Quick note: in the US there is a free upgrade to a balanced cable with a pre-order from sennheiser-hearing.com. Limited to the first 150.

Why limited to the USA?

 

[Sennheiser]

Why in the world does this have a non-replaceable headband? Are the pads replaceable?

You can remove the headband by taking off the four screws that clamp the cover plate to the headband. Takes about 45 seconds and a small phillips head. The headband does have adhesive so that it stays in place but you can peel it off. Yes, pads are replaceable.

 

[Sennheiser]

Why limited to the USA?

Short answer is that each region has a bit of autonomy for promotions, but those promotions are dictated by other factors like available stock, local laws, consumer demand, and a dozen other things.

 

[jbarrentine]

ok, that's reassuring. Odd design choice given the existing 560S pads though.

 

[Potoroo]

While both the HD 505 and HD 550 pick up where the venerable HD 560S left off,

The HD560S is not venerable. It was only released in 2020. The HD600 is venerable.

 

[Narayan23]

The HD560S is not venerable. It was only released in 2020. The HD600 is venerable.

If we´re getting semantic I´m guessing Sennheiser was thinking of the spanish meaning of the word: worthy of veneration and respect, rather than the english one: calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments.

 

[JonM78]

Soo, this was sent to me for review, but I have no monetary exchange w Sennheiser, nor do I use any special affiliate links.

Having said all that, this is the best 500 series headphone I've personally used. It has the same clamp force reduction of the HD 505 I loved, but with a slightly less forward 2-3k region than the 505. As a result, this is perhaps one of the safest recommendations I can make for a $300 headphone.

It still has more sub bass than the 6x0 line, and I think it dances beautifully between what I like about the HD 560S and the 6xx. The sound stage is wider than the 6x0 line, while still preserving excellent timbre characteristics. I can see a large majority of people liking this sound profile, and with improved comfort, really enjoy it. By far one of my favorite headphones I've heard in a long time, especially at this price.

Wise choice by Sennheiser to do that. Excellent review as always on your part!

 

[KaiFi]

Pre-ordered!

The HD505 didn't really sound like my cup of tea, but the 550 sounds more like what I'm looking for, and the reviews I've seen so far give me hope. Though I'm primarily a closed-back user, I'm moving into a much quieter apartment next month and I think I may finally have more of a place for open-back headphones in my life. The HD598 was my first "hi-fi" headphone and part of what got me into this hobby in the first place.

 

[ericpalonen]

Pre-ordered!

The HD505 didn't really sound like my cup of tea, but the 550 sounds more like what I'm looking for, and the reviews I've seen so far give me hope. Though I'm primarily a closed-back user, I'm moving into a much quieter apartment next month and I think I may finally have more of a place for open-back headphones in my life. The HD598 was my first "hi-fi" headphone and part of what got me into this hobby in the first place.

Thank you for the preorder! I've always loved the HD 598 (and still have it), but think you are in for a treat We appreciate you giving us another slot in your collection

 

[jbarrentine]

My "what the hell" anxiety is pretty high given that I just bought a 490 and love it, but if the 550 is actually better....

 

[ericpalonen]

My "what the hell" anxiety is pretty high given that I just bought a 490 and love it, but if the 550 is actually better....

Enjoy the HD 490, it's awesome! The HD 550 isn't going away anytime soon, so if you get a chance to try it you can decide then.

 

[jbarrentine]

Enjoy the HD 490, it's awesome! The HD 550 isn't going away anytime soon, so if you get a chance to try it you can decide then.

I'd rather decide while I'm in my return window when do these actually release? I don't see a date anywhere.

 

[ericpalonen]

I'd rather decide while I'm in my return window when do these actually release? I don't see a date anywhere.

Should ship in early April, in most regions.

 

[jbarrentine]

Sticking to the 490, will hear the 550 some day

 

[voja]

Sennheiser need to release a sequel to the Hd800 with a more solid bass foundation.

Focal and ZMF have taken lead for dynamics drivers headphones, sennheiser has to do something about it imo.

No offense to ZMF or Focal—both created great headphones loved by many—but nobody can compete with Sennheiser, except for maybe Beyerdynamic. Sennheiser's expertise in headphones is unmatched, and combine that with the company capital and the most advanced R&D facilities. If you've seen Focal's factory tour, it's nothing to brag about...

Sonova is making all the right decisions. Sennheiser is in good hands. For one, they are actually listening to the community, and for two, look at the pace they are releasing new products. There's no doubt that the HD8𝑥𝑥 series will be getting new models as well. People just need to be patient.