
HiFiMAN HE 560 V4 vs Sennheiser HD 650: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 560 V4 | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $229 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | 75 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-50kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 45 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | none | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 374.21 g | 260 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN HE 560 V4
The HiFiMAN HE 560 V4 is an open-back planar headphone that delivers a refined, detailed sound with a spacious stage, favoring nuance over punchy dynamics. It's lightweight and comfortable, but requires a capable amp to shine and has some build quality compromises in this version. Its neutral-leaning tuning and strong technical performance make it a solid value when discounted, though its treble can occasionally get bright and its tonal balance isn't for everyone.
- Pro:Detailed and spacious soundstage
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Near-neutral tuning with good technicality
- Con:Needs a powerful amplifier to perform well
- Con:Treble can be overly sharp at times
- Con:Build quality and headband materials feel cheaper
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone built for serious home listening. It delivers a natural, detailed sound with a comfortable fit, though its sub-bass rolloff and bulky design limit it to stationary use rather than portable or active scenarios. Its replaceable cable and balanced connection option add to its appeal for audiophiles.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable and balanced output support
- Con:Noticeable sub-bass rolloff
- Con:Not portable or suitable for active use
- Con:High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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