Over-Ear
Audio-Technica A550z
72Good
Price n/a
Full review dataAudio-Technica A550z vs Sennheiser HE-1: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HE-1 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 95. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HE-1 - Outstanding overall at around $50000.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HE-1
95Outstanding
$50000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica A550z
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Sennheiser HE-1
Sound10.0
Value1.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica A550z | Sennheiser HE-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | - | $50000 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 95 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 2.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-35kHz | 8Hz-80kHz (-3dB), 4Hz-100kHz (-10dB) |
| Sound signature | - | Harman neutral |
| Impedance | 40 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 114 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 360 g | 550 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica A550z
The Audio-Technica A550Z is a wired closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers a neutral, balanced sound with strong value for its price. Its 40-ohm impedance and 100 dB sensitivity make it easy to drive from phones, laptops, or dedicated amps, though it lacks modern conveniences like noise cancellation or detachable cables.
- Pro:Neutral, well-balanced sound signature
- Pro:Easy to drive from portable devices
- Pro:Solid build with comfortable fit
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless support
- Con:Fixed cable cannot be replaced
- Con:Non-foldable design limits portability
Sennheiser HE-1
The Sennheiser HE-1 is an ultra-premium electrostatic headphone system that delivers an exceptionally transparent and balanced sound, closely matching the Harman target curve. It combines a featherweight electrostatic driver design with a massive frequency extension, offering a level of detail and airiness that is virtually unmatched in the realm of personal audio. While its astronomical price places it in a category of its own, its technical performance sets a benchmark for neutrality and resolution.
- Pro:Reference-grade tonal accuracy with near-perfect Harman neutrality
- Pro:Exceptional transient speed and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Impressively wide frequency response extending beyond human hearing
- Con:Extremely high cost limits accessibility
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier and DAC, adding setup complexity
- Con:Heavier than average at 550g, potentially affecting long-term comfort
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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