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Sennheiser HD 560sImage © Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 560s

79/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Exceptional value

$200
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Sennheiser
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2020

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound8.6
Value9.0

The HD 560S indulges the audiophile evaluating their music’s entire journey through the audio path. This open-back headphone is tuned to reveal the truth in your music without sacrificing the gratifying bass response needed to reproduce complex modern music—all at a breakthrough value. Its transducers are angled to recreate the optimal triangular listening position for a wide, articulate soundstage.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Sennheiser HD 560S is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone designed for critical listening, offering a neutral and highly detailed sound with a wide soundstage. Its lightweight build and plush velour earcups ensure long-lasting comfort, while the 120-ohm impedance allows it to be driven easily by most devices. It prioritizes accuracy over excitement, making it a solid choice for purists, though it lacks noise cancellation and a microphone.

What works

  • Wide, open soundstage
  • Neutral and analytical tuning
  • Very comfortable for long sessions
  • Can run without an amplifier
  • Detachable cable for easy replacement

What doesn't

  • Not an energetic or fun sound signature
  • Open-back design leaks sound
  • No built-in microphone
  • Requires quiet listening environment

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Sennheiser HD 560s
Driver40 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size40 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response6 Hz - 38 kHz
Impedance120 Ω
Sensitivity99 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)110

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

whathifi.com

80

What Hi-Fi? describes the HD 560S as an even, analytical listen with an expansive presentation. Their rating summary reflects very strong comfort and build, while also pointing out that the headphones are less energetic and less fun than some alternatives.

Read the full review

headphonesty.com

Headphonesty calls the HD 560S a neutral, reference-style headphone with a balanced tuning. They list the 40 mm dynamic driver, 120-ohm impedance, and 240 g weight, and describe the set as a solid all-around option for listeners who value accuracy.

Read the full review

techradar.com

TechRadar frames the HD 560S as a revealing, highly detailed headphone aimed at listeners who want accuracy over excitement. They praise its light comfort and clarity, but say it is not the most entertaining choice and can be somewhat leaky.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

10:03

HD 560S The New Standard! - REVIEW

DMS380.4K viewsSep 2020

The reviewer is extremely impressed with the Sennheiser HD 560S, calling it the most neutral headphone he has heard and a new standard for the brand. He believes it outperforms the HD 600 series in detail, bass extension, and soundstage while maintaining excellent vocal intimacy, making it his top recommendation for analytical listening and mixing.

15:56

Sennheiser HD560S Review - Is this the best value headphone in 2020?

The Headphone Show288.4K viewsOct 2020

The reviewer finds the HD560S to be a strong value at $200, offering excellent detail, speed, and soundstage compared to the HD6 series, with improved bass extension and a well-tuned frequency response. However, he notes a slight treble peak that can cause an aggressive edge, and he sees it as a worthy alternative to the HD6XX, though the HD6XX still excels in instrument separation and timbre.

11:48

New $200 Reference Headphones? | HD560S Review

Joshua Valour185.2K viewsOct 2020

The reviewer finds the Sennheiser HD 560S to be an excellent entry-level audiophile headphone under $200, offering a neutral, well-defined sound with great imaging and comfort, though it lacks bass impact and has a slightly etched treble. It's a worthy successor to the 500 series and a strong alternative to the HD 6XX for those prioritizing soundstage.

26:51

REVIEW! Sennheiser HD 560S - Legit... But Better?

Super* Review61.7K viewsNov 2020

The reviewer finds the Sennheiser HD 560S to be a solid, well-built open-back headphone that offers good value at $200, with a comfortable fit and a sound signature that stands out against similarly priced Sennheiser models like the HD 58X and HD 600. While the included 10-foot cable and lack of a portable-friendly adapter are drawbacks, the overall performance and aesthetics make it a compelling choice in its price range.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.