The German brand has revealed its latest hi-fi headphones, named Sennheiser HD-550, which are available for €299.90. This open-back model promises a detailed and balanced music reproduction, equally well suited to music, films and video games.
Included accessories
The Sennheiser HD 550 hi-fi headphones come with a unilateral detachable and lockable 2.5mm to 3.5mm jack cable as well as a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter. The headphones and accessories are kept in a soft pouch. For transport, however, we recommend using a hard case for better protection.
Presentation
Hi-fi design
The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are an open-back model, providing a more spacious and airy soundstage. You should note, however, that this design implies sound leakage and doesn’t isolate the listener from external noise. It’s therefore best to use these headphones somewhere calm to fully enjoy their acoustic qualities.
At the heart of the Sennheiser HD 550, a 38mm transducer made in Ireland promises an accurate, detailed sound reproduction. These headphones cover a wide musical spectrum with a frequency range of 6Hz to 39.5kHz and a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.2%, so that every nuance is faithfully reproduced, even at high volume.
Furthermore, with an impedance of 150 ohms, the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones can be connected to a gaming PC or an audiophile DAC. Naturally, they will reveal their full potential when paired with a dedicated headphone amp, such as the iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3, for example.
Visual design and comfort
The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones have the same timeless design as the rest of the HD 500 series. Their leatherette headband, velvet ear pads and metal mesh ear cups offer a good balance of elegance and sturdiness. They benefit from a meticulous build and a robustness that promises many years of musical enjoyment. Moreover, the headphones are durable, as the ear pads and cable can be removed without using any tools. Furthermore, their weight of 237 grams is evenly distributed across the listener’s head and ensures lasting comfort.
Connectors
The HD550 come with a detachable 1.8m single-sided cable equipped with a lockable (proprietary) 2.5mm plug to connect to the headphones, and a 3.5mm mini-jack plug for the source. A 3.5mm to 6.35mm jack adapter is also included for compatibility with any DAC or headphone amplifier.
Key specifications
| Design | Open-back, over-ear |
| Transducers | 38mm diameter dynamic (made in Ireland) |
| Frequency response | 6Hz – 39.5kHz |
| Nominal impedance | 150 ohms |
| Connectors | 3.5mm mini-jack + 6.35mm adapter |
| Weight | 237g |
Listening conditions
To test the Sennheiser HD550, we paired them with the FiiO R7 headphone amplifier, and with an Audioquest Dragonfly Red DAC that was connected to a computer. We listened to Hi-Res tracks on Qobuz.
Our impressions
With Time by Hans Zimmer (Qobuz 24/44.1), the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones revealed the full scope of their soundstage. Orchestral layers unfolded with a great sense of space, and every instrument naturally fell into place. Violins gained in intensity without becoming aggressive, while percussion instruments resonated with precision. The excellent spatial imaging was also an undeniable asset for video games, allowing us to easily pinpoint the various sound events.
With Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy (Qobuz 24/44.1), the bass was punchy and controlled, adding dynamism without encroaching on the rest of the spectrum. Note that it’s necessary to break in the headphones for a few hours to enjoy a noticeable improvement in bass and overall balance. The singer’s muted vocals were clear and detailed. The HD 550 also excelled in the midrange and the highs, as demonstrated with Sade’s Is It a Crime (Qobuz 16/44.1). The artist’s smooth voice was enhanced with a beautiful warmth, and the instruments retained their natural, realistic texture.
Sennheiser HD 550 VS FiiO FT3
The Sennheiser HD 550 and FiiO FT3 are both open-back headphones. The HD 550 deliver a spacious soundstage and balanced reproduction. For their part, with their 60mm transducers, the FiiO FT3 provide a more powerful and analytical sound signature, offering a little more detail and dynamism. Lastly, the Sennheiser HD 550 score extra points when it comes to comfort, with their lighter weight that’s more evenly distributed, as well as their wider ear pads which will suit those with larger ears.
Who are the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones for?
The Sennheiser HD 550 hi-fi headphones are designed for those who enjoy a natural sound and who are looking for an immersive and detailed listening experience. With their open-back structure, they’re ideal for listeners who prefer a spacious soundstage to fully enjoy their music, films or video games. With an impedance of 150 ohms, they sound best when paired with a DAC or headphone amplifier. However, their lack of phonic isolation means that they should be used in a quiet environment, making them ideal for critical listening at home.
Our verdict
The Sennheiser HD 550 open-back headphones impress with their spacious soundstage and balanced, detailed reproduction. We enjoyed great precision, with natural mids, silky highs and well-controlled bass. They are versatile and can be used for music, films and gaming, as long as you’re somewhere quiet. Their comfortable and lightweight design allows you to enjoy long listening sessions without any fatigue, and the build quality appears to be excellent. For lovers of open, detailed sound, these headphones are an excellent choice in their price range!
We liked
- The breadth of the soundstage
- The detailed and balanced reproduction
- How comfortable they were
- Their timeless design
We would have liked
- A hard carrying case
Sennheiser HD 550 – FAQ
Not necessarily, but an amp like the FiiO R7 or the iFi Audio ZEN CAN will always improve the dynamism and precision of the sound.
Yes, as long as it is equipped with a 3.5mm jack. However, it is recommended to use a DAC such as the Audioquest Dragonfly Red or FiiO KA13, or an amp, to enjoy the best performance.
No, their open structure means that you can hear surrounding noise. We recommend using them in the living room, office, or generally somewhere quiet.
Yes, but it has a proprietary 2.5mm lockable plug to connect to the headphones.
Breaking in the headphones for a few hours will improve the bass and overall balance.
These Sennheiser headphones provide excellent spatialization for video games, but aren’t equipped with a microphone, so you won’t be able to talk to your teammates.
