Headphones — Sennheiser HD 550

The HD 550 is an open-back over-ear headphone from Sennheiser, a well-established German manufacturer with a considerable reputation for accomplished dynamic driver engineering, built with a comparatively high impedance. The HD 550 brings Sennheiser's considered engineering to an open-back, over-ear format.

Key specs that matter

The transducer uses dynamic or isodynamic driver technology in an open-back, over-ear, wired configuration. Frequency response spans an exceptionally wide 6Hz to 39,500Hz within plus-or-minus 10dB. Connection uses a standard 3.5mm jack. Impedance is a comparatively high 150 ohms at 1kHz - a figure that benefits from a capable headphone amplifier for optimal dynamic performance. Weight is 237g.

Sound and use context

Expect the refined, accurate character Sennheiser's broader German high-end headphone catalogue is known for, with the comparatively high 150-ohm impedance benefiting from a capable headphone amplifier.

Pairing

The comparatively high 150-ohm impedance benefits from a capable headphone amplifier rather than a modest portable source for optimal dynamic performance.

Alternatives

Sennheiser's own HD 650 offers a related, more accomplished alternative within the same broader open-back catalogue.