Sennheiser HD 550

Positioning within the Product Line and Differentiation from the HD 505

Sennheiser has decided on revised labeling for their models. The numbers now indicate the series (500), the sound category (neutral), and the distribution channel (standard), differing from older models like the HD 599, HD 569, and HD 560S. A direct comparison to the also-new HD 505 Copper Edition is apt, since it, too, serves as an entry-level offering in Sennheiser’s audiophile collection and is available at a similar price.

According to Sennheiser’s product specialist Klaus Hanselmann, the HD 505 is tuned more analytically and is sold exclusively via Sennheiser direct and Amazon. Unfortunately, I was not able to make a direct comparison. According to the manufacturer, the HD 505 has a slimmer bass, with a slight emphasis on the lower treble, which makes it sound more open, but also more forward. The HD 550, on the other hand, is less spectacular but more neutrally tuned.

In practice

With its elegant design, the Sennheiser HD 550 is clearly part of the 500 series. The plastic housing is solid and robust, though less elaborate than the more expensive 600 series. Nevertheless, both the cables and the earpads are replaceable to ensure longevity. The weight is a modest 237 grams.

The wired Sennheiser HD 550 are clearly designed for music playback: plug in, press play. The open-back design means that external isolation is predictably low in both directions, making the headphones ideal for stationary use. The open rear of the driver is well protected by a perforated metal grille.

The fit is pleasant. This is due to the secure, but not overly tight, pivoting and slightly swivelling oval ear cushions with soft velour padding. They sit comfortably on the ears without generating unpleasant heat. A length-adjustable, leatherette-covered headband helps prevent unintentional movement. The target market is music listeners with higher demands but a smaller budget. As already mentioned, the Sennheiser HD 550 can be upgraded with a balanced connector for use with high-end headphone amplifiers. A cable with an integrated microphone is also available for office use.

The Sound of the Sennheiser HD 550

Inside the Sennheiser HD 550 you will find a 38 mm dynamic driver made in Ireland with an angled mount and a Duofoil sandwich diaphragm. It scores with low distortion, high volume handling and a well-balanced sound profile. In fact, whether it be classical, jazz, pop, rock or EDM, the HD 550 immediately delivers a coherent reproduction of your chosen source – provided you have a decent mix.

For me personally, the groove on Larkin Poe’s Easy Love Pt. 1 is immediately palpable. With the DAP Shanling M3X you don’t have to worry about getting enough volume. Don’t be fooled by the 150 ohm impedance, which alone is not a direct indicator of output level. At one volt output, the HD 550 produces a sound pressure level of 107 dB. However, the open-back design means that you’ll probably want a quiet environment and perhaps a slightly higher volume setting to enjoy the full sound.

The Sennheiser HD 550 manage to combine detail with a pleasant warmth. In typical Sennheiser fashion, the bass is contoured and extends down to the sub-bass without being overly thick. The tonality, decay and dynamics of the variously tuned 808 bass drums on Adel Tawil’s Katsching are well defined.

The midrange ensures that acoustic instruments and vocals sound authentic, while the treble provides solid detail and spatial resolution. On Benny Andersson’s Midnattsdans, the Fazioli piano takes on a wonderfully warm timbre.

Thanks to its softer top end, the Sennheiser HD 550 never sounds overly bright or aggressive. Mixes that border on the harsh, such as Britney Spears’ Toxic, do not irritate. At the same time, the sound remains open enough to convey transients and nuances. Even highly distorted metal mixes such as Meshuggah’s Bleed or Exodus’ Shovel Headed Kill Machine won’t overwhelm you. The spaciousness of Yello’s Pan Blue is also impressive.

All in all, the Sennheiser HD 550 are a real pleasure to listen to, especially considering their price. Sure, there are differences compared to the HD 660S, but the latter is considerably more expensive. As I recall, the in-house competitor, the HD 505, actually sounds a bit more airy, while the HD 550 stands out for its balance.

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 550 impresses with a well-balanced sound and high wearing comfort. The manufacturer has really kept its promise of an entry-level model in the audiophile segment. The headphones eschew flashy looks and extravagance, but perform remarkably well for their price. The overall tuning follows Sennheiser’s relatively lean bass profile. Nevertheless, there are differences compared to the current HD 505 Copper Edition. Here the HD 550 shines with exemplary neutrality.

The Sennheiser HD 550 joins the HD 505 Copper Edition as another successful entry-level over-ear product for the sub-€300 audiophile market. The HD 550 scores points with its explicitly neutral, balanced and slightly warm tuning, which enables detailed enjoyment across a wide range of genres. If you want to get away from the codecs at home and delve deeper into music reproduction, these open-back headphones are definitely worth considering.