True Score Methodology v1.0

Sennheiser HD 560S Review

Name: Sennheiser HD 560S
Brand: Sennheiser

September 18, 2023

True Score

87

Absolutely Fresh

85

8

Experts

94

2.05k

Consumers

Expert Rankings

(

8

)

Sennheiser HD 560S headphones may not be portable, noise canceling, or wireless, but they shine in the studio with exceptional clarity and a neutral profile for detailed and analytical listening, balancing performance and affordability.

Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones - Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R. Technology for Wide Sound Field, Open-Back Earcups, Detachable Cable, (Black) (HD 560S)

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Table of Contents

What Is Not on the Box
Overview
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Learn More About Over Ear Headphone

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

our Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 560S headphones deliver a comfortable and analytical listening experience, making them a great choice for long studio sessions. With their wide soundstage and…

The Sennheiser HD 560S headphones deliver a comfortable and analytical listening experience, making them a great choice for long studio sessions.

With their wide soundstage and neutral sound profile, these headphones cater to music enthusiasts and producers seeking maximum audio reproduction clarity.

These well-built audiophile headphones balance analysis and enjoyment, providing an even and balanced sound delivery. However, the HD 560S may not appeal to those seeking a more energetic, bass-driven listening experience.

They’re durable but too bulky for portability. They lack active noise cancellation, and there’s significant audio leakage. With a wired-only connection, they may not be ideal for mobile use.

Overall though, they perform well for critical listening, with a neutral profile and plenty of detail.

True Score

87

Reasons to Buy

Comfortable for extended listening sessions
Impressive consistency and clarity
Wide soundstage
Balanced and neutral sound signature
Suitable for pushing detail in analytical listening sessions
A professional, immersive listening experience
Wide soundstage and neutral frequency response

Reasons to Avoid

Lacking active noise cancelation
Leaks audio and lacks on-board controls
Open-back design limits noise isolation for commuting and traveling
Not suitable for office use
Wired-only connection
Not ideal for wireless gaming
Relative lack of bass impact and energy

Specifications

Battery Charge Time
Wired
Battery Life
Wired
Built In Microphone
No
Built-In Voice Assistant
No
Environment/Transparency Mode
No
Noise Canceling
No
True Wireless
No
Water Resistant
No
Weight
0.5 pounds
Wireless Connectivity
Wired

Overview

The Sennheiser HD 560S is a high-end open-back pair of headphones released in 2020. It has completely open earcups with the goal of offering an open soundstage.

It’s made with high-quality plastic materials with thick foam ear cushions. A detachable ⅛” TRS cable 10.4-foot cable provides hassle-free connectivity, and the device also comes with a ⅛” TRS to ¼” TRS adapter for connecting to a wide variety of gadgets.

In case, you need other devices with a detachable cable, check out our best headphones list.

However, this model has no controls or a microphone, so it’s not suitable for multi-player gamers. It doesn’t have noise cancellation and leaks audio, so it’s not ideal for commuting or in public offices.

Continue reading our Sennheiser HD 560S review, and see how it compares to the best over the ear headphones today.

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Product Comparison

	Sennheiser HD 560S Review
True Score	87
Market Context	–	Both the Sennheiser HD 560S and the Sennheiser HD 598 are open-back headphones designed for neutral sound. These two devices each have a ⅛” TRS detachable cable. However, the HD 560S has a more neutral sound profile than the Sennheiser HD 598, whose bass is slightly more underemphasized. You can learn more in our Sennheiser HD 598 review. Read more ↓	The Sennheiser HD 560S boasts a more neutral sound profile, featuring a more balanced bass range than the Philips SHP9500. It also weighs 0.54 lbs, so it’s more comfortable to wear during long listening sessions than the 0.65-lb Philips SHP9500. Read more ↓	With a more neutral sound profile, the Sennheiser HD 560S will appeal to audiophiles more than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. It also has a wider, more open soundstage and is less tight on the ears than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. Read more ↓
Noise Canceling>
Wireless Connectivity>
True Wireless>
Built-In Microphone>
Battery Life>
Dig Deeper	–

All Stores

Save $60
$229.25
$169.00
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
Yes
See Deal
Save $60
$229.00
$169.00
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
No
See Deal
Save $50
$229.99
$179.99
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
Yes
See Deal

Score Card

E

Expert Score

85

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

94

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

87

Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

A
Trust Score
83
The Sennheiser HD 560S are great for neutral sound. While they’re slightly lacking in low-bass,… read more
D
Trust Score
80
The Sennheiser HD 560S are a great choice of headphones for those looking to push… read more
D
Trust Score
84
Many audiophiles were expecting Sennheiser to release a brand new TOTL headphone for their 75Th… read more
D
Trust Score
72
The Sennheiser HD 560S is a rock-solid choice if you’re aiming to grab a set… read more
D
Trust Score
90
Professional but not po-faced, the Sennheiser HD 560S strike a clever balance between analysis and… read more
D
Trust Score
90
If it’s insight you want, and absolutely crystal-clear understanding of a recording, the HD 560S… read more