Back to Back: Introducing the HD 550

[Sophonax]

As an exercise in exploring the new naming convention, in an ideal world where Sennheiser could go back and rename all their current production 500 series headphones, how would they be named? Something like this?

HD505 --> remains HD505
HD550 --> remains HD550
HD560S --> HD500 (probably classified as a more neutral tuning)
HD569 --> ?
HD599 --> HD560 (probably classified as a warmer tuning)

This raises a couple other questions about the new naming convention:

• Will there be any way to distinguish the cheaper models in the series? For example, would 5x0 be the flagship of the series with that "x" tuning, and then maybe 5x1, 5x2, etc. would indicate models with similar tuning but decreasing price points? Not sure how many numbers would be needed for this, as it probably doesn't make sense to have SO many models in the 500 series lineup, but I imagine Sennheiser might want to preserve something like the current HD569 to hit a lower price point.
• When it's time to release an update to an existing model, for example the HD550, how would the updated headphone be named? Doesn't seem like there are enough digits to capture this information, so would you do something like HD550S2? HD550p2? HD550 Mk II?

 

[ch1525i]

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.

watched your video this morning, it was great (as always). I have pre-ordered a set based on the input, I have and really like the 6xx as well, so this should be a good addition.

 

[ericpalonen]

watched your video this morning, it was great (as always). I have pre-ordered a set based on the input, I have and really like the 6xx as well, so this should be a good addition.

Thank you so much! We appreciate you giving it a spot in your rotation.

 

[Rainblind]

@ericpalonen I have a question about the naiming. Am I understanding right that 00s & 50s would fit in the spectrum of neutrality, but the 00s would leans more "true neutral" and 50s would go closer to "neutral warm"?

 

[jbarrentine]

Naming doesn't matter. People will learn a little about the product and buy what they need or want. No one is out there buying a car based on the name. I don't understand the constant worry about naming. Let it go.

 

[Rainblind]

@jbarrentine

I have no problem with Sennheiser's nomenclature whatsoever, and have even publicly praised recent moves in this matter. So if you're writing about some kind of constant worry about naiming, I'm certainly not the one to address it. All I'm asking for is some clarification that will make my life easier.

 

[earmonger]

I'm really hoping someone will A/B the HD550 with the ATH-R70X. Very similar graphs with more bass and more air for the HD550.
https://gadgetrytech.squig.link/headsets/?share=Audio-Technica_ATH-R70X,Sennheiser_HD_550

 

[GadgetryTech]

watched your video this morning, it was great (as always). I have pre-ordered a set based on the input, I have and really like the 6xx as well, so this should be a good addition.

Thanks for giving the video a watch and for the kind words! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

 

[gavinfabl]

The 550 look very exciting

 

[Metalingus]

wow you release same crap for 13th time WITH SAME DRIVERS AND DESIGN amazing very innovative oh wow

 

[headmasterfunkercookie]

I’ll get these only if they are better than my 660s2 which are my favorite sennheiser headphone and my favorite headphone ever…. Unless sennheisers makes an hd660s3 which I’m waiting for.

 

[Drrizzt]

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.

I'm sorry but you sound like a marketing boy. Empy words.

Is there any sennheiser that can compete with the Utopia and the ZMF's ? For how many years they let the competition taking the lead without even trying to do anything about it?
The hd800s were released in 2010.
In 15 years the whole market has dramatically shifted, and they did (almost) nothing.

What happened to them?

I'm not even sure they want to try to compete with the other big boys.

 

[SchwizzelKick66]

Welp, ordered a pair. I also bought the HD505 at launch and love them- though I do find them just a tad dry. It sounds like the HD550 might be a better fit.

I still love the HD560s, but I'll likely decide which of the 3 I like best and keep that one. Time will tell!

 

[Syan25]

This looks awesome. If only it came with a modular cable. I guess there are plenty of after market cables out there.

I'm going to have to get one.

@Drrizzt

I've never enjoyed a ZMF can. Ever.
Not a fan boy of Sennheiser either. But it's not necessary to spend over £1000 to get good sound. Yes, there are so many options for great sound. I do agree Sennheiser can do more. But they also keep the price reasonable. I'm not up to spending Meze or Focal money. And ZMF are really not that great tbh. It's hype I can live without.

Even Hifiman didn't wow me and I listened to the Susvara and others. Didn't blow my mind.

 

[kman1211]

I'm really hoping someone will A/B the HD550 with the ATH-R70X. Very similar graphs with more bass and more air for the HD550.
https://gadgetrytech.squig.link/headsets/?share=Audio-Technica_ATH-R70X,Sennheiser_HD_550

It does look similar, that 4-6khz increase should help perceived clarity. Of the new HD 5xx headphones this is the one I want to try out the most even though I do personally prefer the black/copper color way of the HD 505.