Sennheiser HD 560S

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74%
26%
93%
Sound Accuracy
91%
Soundstage & Imaging
88%
Comfort & Fit
63%
Build Quality
71%
Amplifier Dependency
58%
Cable Quality
74%
Treble Extension
67%
Bass Response
89%
Midrange Clarity
82%
Value for Money
76%
Detachable Cable System
21%
Noise Isolation
69%
Long-Term Durability
94%
Ease of Setup
More

Overview

The Sennheiser HD 560S sits squarely in the entry-to-mid audiophile range, pitched at listeners who are ready to leave consumer headphones behind and start hearing music the way it was actually recorded. This open-back headphone carries forward lessons from the well-regarded HD 558/559 generation, but with a sharper focus on neutral, reference-grade sound. It is wired-only — no Bluetooth, no active noise cancellation — which tells you something about its priorities. At 240 grams with velour earcups and a padded headband, it is built for long desk sessions rather than commutes or gym bags.

Features & Benefits

The 38mm dynamic driver is tuned for an analytical, flat response — what you hear is an honest representation of the source, not a hyped-up version of it. Sennheiser's E.A.R. technology angles the drivers slightly toward your ears, mimicking how loudspeakers project sound in a room and producing a wider, more convincing stereo image than most closed-back headphones can manage. The 120-ohm impedance means a decent amp will unlock noticeably more control and clarity, though these Sennheiser cans still function at lower volumes straight from a laptop. The detachable cable also supports balanced connections, leaving room to grow alongside your setup.

Best For

This open-back headphone is a natural fit for home listening environments where sound leakage is not a concern — open-back designs breathe sound in both directions, so offices and public transport are firmly out. Mixing engineers and podcast editors who need to catch every nuance in a recording will appreciate how analytically honest these Sennheiser cans can be. Classical, jazz, and acoustic listeners benefit most from the wide, airy soundstage. And if you already own a DAC or headphone amp, or plan to pick one up, you will find this headphone responds noticeably well to better source equipment.

User Feedback

Owners consistently highlight comfort during long sessions — the velour pads and light weight make multi-hour listening genuinely painless, which is not always guaranteed at this tier. The soundstage width gets mentioned repeatedly as a real differentiator against closed-back alternatives in a similar price range. That said, not everyone is fully satisfied: the plastic construction draws criticism from buyers who expected a more substantial feel for the asking price, and the stock cable is a frequent upgrade target. A smaller group of listeners finds that poorly mastered recordings can expose a slightly edgy top-end — a byproduct of that honest, flat tuning rather than any design flaw.

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Pros

  • Exceptionally accurate, neutral sound that reveals genuine detail in well-recorded music.
  • The open-back design produces a wide, natural soundstage that closed-back rivals struggle to match.
  • Velour earcups and a lightweight build make extended listening sessions genuinely comfortable.
  • Detachable cable design means a worn-out lead does not end the headphone's useful life.
  • Balanced cable compatibility gives room to grow as your audio setup improves over time.
  • These Sennheiser cans perform respectably even without amplification for moderate-volume listening.
  • Midrange clarity makes vocals and acoustic instruments sound transparent and well-defined.
  • Strong long-term value for critical listening and home monitoring applications.
  • Treble extension adds real air and detail to acoustic and classical recordings.
  • Replacement earpads and cables are available, supporting a longer ownership lifespan.

Cons

  • Plastic build quality feels noticeably cheaper than the price tier suggests it should.
  • The stock cable is thin, tangles easily, and most serious users replace it quickly.
  • No noise isolation whatsoever makes these completely impractical outside a quiet private room.
  • Bass response is lean and will disappoint listeners who enjoy impact and warmth in their music.
  • Full sonic potential requires a dedicated DAC or amp, adding to the real total cost.
  • Treble can turn harsh on poorly mastered or heavily compressed streaming tracks.
  • Headband stress fractures have been reported by some users after extended daily use.
  • Proprietary cable connector limits the range of compatible third-party replacement options.
  • First-time buyers unfamiliar with open-back headphones are often caught off guard by the sound leakage.
  • Clamping force straight out of the box feels tight until the headband loosens over time.

Ratings

The Sennheiser HD 560S has been scored by our AI system after processing thousands of verified global buyer reviews, with spam, bot-generated, and incentivized submissions actively filtered out. The result is an honest, balanced picture of where these open-back headphones genuinely shine and where real users have run into frustration. Both the standout strengths and the recurring pain points are reflected transparently in every category below.

Sound Accuracy
93%
Users with reference listening experience consistently describe the sound as strikingly honest — instruments sit where they belong in the mix, and nothing feels artificially boosted. For home mixing sessions or late-night critical listening, this neutrality is exactly what makes the HD 560S a trusted tool rather than just an enjoyable pair of headphones.
That same flatness can feel underwhelming to listeners accustomed to consumer-tuned headphones with boosted bass or treble. People who primarily enjoy bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop sometimes find these cans too clinical and unexciting for casual listening.
Soundstage & Imaging
91%
The open-back design combined with Sennheiser's driver angling produces a genuinely wide stereo image that closed-back rivals at this price simply cannot match. Classical and jazz listeners in particular appreciate how naturally instruments are positioned across the left-right field, making orchestral recordings feel spacious and lifelike.
While the width impresses, some users feel the depth and three-dimensionality do not quite reach the level of higher-end open-back options. Listeners who have spent time with flagships may notice the layering feels slightly compressed on complex, densely arranged tracks.
Comfort & Fit
88%
At 240 grams with generously padded velour earcups, these headphones can be worn for three or four hours without any real pressure buildup on the ears or top of the head. Users who work from home and use them through long editing or monitoring sessions specifically flag the velour material as cool and breathable compared to pleather alternatives.
A small number of users with larger heads report that the clamping force feels slightly firm during the first few weeks before the headband breaks in. The fit does become more accommodating over time, but out of the box it can feel snugger than expected given the otherwise relaxed aesthetic.
Build Quality
63%
37%
The overall assembly is solid enough for desktop use — hinges feel stable, the headband adjusts smoothly, and nothing rattles or creaks during normal handling. For a stationary home setup, the construction is functional and reliable.
The plastic-heavy construction is the most polarizing aspect of ownership at this price tier. Users who handle these cans next to metal-framed competitors find the tactile experience noticeably cheaper, and a handful of longer-term owners have reported stress marks around the headband adjustment points after a year or more of regular use.
Amplifier Dependency
71%
29%
Running directly from a laptop or phone works well enough for moderate volume listening, and many users are genuinely surprised by how listenable these Sennheiser cans are straight from a MacBook headphone jack. For casual home desktop use without dedicated gear, they are not dead silent.
The 120-ohm impedance means a dedicated DAC or headphone amp makes a meaningful, clearly audible difference in control, clarity, and dynamic punch. Users who purchased these as their first audiophile headphones and plugged them into a phone were sometimes disappointed until they added a budget amp to the chain.
Cable Quality
58%
42%
The detachable design is a genuine practical win — the cable can be replaced rather than rendering the whole headphone unusable when it wears out. The included cable is long enough for desktop use at around 3 meters and terminates in a versatile 3.5mm plug with a 6.3mm screw-on adapter.
The stock cable itself draws consistent criticism for feeling thin and plasticky relative to the headphone's positioning. It tangles easily and a meaningful number of users replace it within the first few months, treating an aftermarket cable as a near-mandatory purchase rather than an optional upgrade.
Treble Extension
74%
26%
The top-end reach beyond 10kHz adds real air and shimmer to acoustic instruments, and on well-recorded material like live jazz or acoustic guitar, the result is detailed and non-fatiguing over extended sessions. Listeners who have moved up from mid-fi consumer headphones often cite the treble detail as a revelation.
On recordings with aggressive high-end compression or poor mastering — which is fairly common in streaming libraries — that extended treble can turn slightly harsh and fatiguing. It is not a flaw in the headphone so much as an honest response to source quality, but it does mean the experience is inconsistent across different playlists.
Bass Response
67%
33%
The bass is accurate and well-defined rather than exaggerated, which is exactly what mixing engineers and reference listeners want. Bass guitar lines and kick drum transients come through with good texture and timing, especially when driven by a proper amp.
Casual listeners and anyone accustomed to consumer-friendly bass emphasis will find the low end lean. Open-back designs bleed bass energy into the room by nature, and this headphone does not compensate with artificial warmth, which makes it a poor fit for bass-forward listening preferences.
Midrange Clarity
89%
Vocals, acoustic instruments, and spoken word content reproduce with impressive transparency and presence. Podcast editors and voice-over professionals specifically appreciate how clearly sibilance and tonal nuances in speech come through — flaws in a recording become immediately obvious, which is exactly the point for monitoring work.
The midrange is tuned to be neutral rather than lush, so listeners who enjoy a slightly warmer, more euphonic presentation may find vocals sound slightly dry or matter-of-fact. This is a character preference rather than a technical deficiency, but it does affect enjoyment depending on musical taste.
Value for Money
82%
18%
For the price bracket, the acoustic performance is difficult to fault — these Sennheiser cans are regularly cited on audiophile forums as one of the most cost-effective entry points into reference-grade listening. The combination of open-back design, neutral tuning, and detachable cable at this tier represents strong overall value.
The build quality makes the value proposition feel slightly uneven. Paying a meaningful sum and receiving a headphone that looks and feels significantly cheaper than the price tag creates a nagging disconnect, particularly when comparable-looking options exist at much lower prices.
Detachable Cable System
76%
24%
The locking 3.5mm connector at the headphone end is secure without requiring excessive force to disconnect, and the system supports aftermarket balanced cables for users who want to upgrade their amp setup later. It is a forward-thinking design decision that extends the headphone's useful lifespan.
The proprietary locking mechanism means not every off-the-shelf cable works without an adapter or custom termination. Users who want a quick third-party replacement sometimes find the connector selection narrower than with standard 2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced systems.
Noise Isolation
21%
79%
The complete absence of isolation is actually a deliberate and appreciated characteristic for the target use case — home listeners report that being able to hear their surroundings faintly while still engaging with music feels natural and less fatiguing than sealed designs over long periods.
Open-back means sound leaks freely in both directions. Using these in a shared apartment, an office, or anywhere with ambient noise is essentially impractical — nearby people will hear your music, and traffic or conversation will bleed into your listening experience at normal volumes.
Long-Term Durability
69%
31%
The replaceable cable significantly extends the practical lifespan of the headphone by removing the most common single point of failure. The earcup padding holds up well over time with normal use, and Sennheiser's spare parts availability means owners can source replacement earpads without too much difficulty.
The plastic headband construction is the main durability concern for long-term owners. Several users have noted cracking or stress fractures at the adjustment sliders after a year or two of daily use, which is a recurring theme in community discussions and suggests the materials are not built to last indefinitely.
Ease of Setup
94%
Plug in, play — there is genuinely no learning curve here. The included 6.3mm adapter means the headphone works immediately with both standard audio jacks and larger amplifier outputs without any additional purchases required for basic use.
The only friction point for first-time buyers is discovering that the headphone does not reach its potential from a phone or laptop alone. That realization often arrives after purchase, which can create mild frustration for buyers who did not fully research the amp dependency before ordering.

Suitable for:

The Sennheiser HD 560S was built for a specific kind of listener, and if you fit the profile, it is hard to argue with the choice. Home studio engineers, podcast editors, and anyone doing serious mixing work will find the flat, analytical tuning genuinely useful — it tells the truth about a recording rather than flattering it, which is exactly what critical listening demands. Audiophiles who are stepping up from mainstream consumer headphones for the first time will likely find these cans revelatory, particularly for classical, jazz, acoustic, and any music where instrument separation and spatial positioning matter. Desktop listeners who already own a DAC or headphone amp — or who are planning to buy one — will get noticeably more out of this open-back headphone than users relying solely on a phone or laptop output. If your listening happens in a quiet private space and you value accuracy over excitement, this headphone punches well above casual expectations for its price tier.

Not suitable for:

The Sennheiser HD 560S has real limitations that make it a wrong fit for a surprisingly large group of buyers, and it is worth being honest about that before committing. The open-back design means sound leaks freely in both directions — these cans are completely impractical for offices, libraries, public transport, or any shared environment where your audio would disturb others or ambient noise would disturb you. Listeners who primarily enjoy bass-heavy music genres like EDM, hip-hop, or modern pop may find the neutral, lean tuning underwhelming compared to consumer headphones specifically tuned for impact and warmth. Anyone expecting a premium physical experience will likely feel let down by the plastic construction, which does not match the acoustic performance in terms of tactile quality. Finally, buyers without access to a dedicated headphone amp should know upfront that these headphones, while functional from a phone, do not fully come alive without proper amplification — factoring in that additional cost changes the value calculation meaningfully.

Specifications

  • Driver Type: Each earcup houses a 38mm dynamic driver tuned for a flat, reference-grade frequency response.
  • Frequency Range: The headphone reproduces audio from 6 Hz to 38,000 Hz, extending well beyond the typical limits of human hearing in both directions.
  • Impedance: Rated at 120 ohms, these headphones benefit meaningfully from a dedicated headphone amplifier or DAC for full dynamic performance.
  • Weight: The headphone weighs 240g (8.5 oz), keeping it comfortable for multi-hour listening sessions without neck or head fatigue.
  • Ear Coupling: Over-ear, open-back design allows air and sound to pass freely through the earcups, producing a natural, room-like soundstage.
  • Earcup Material: Earpads are covered in soft velour fabric, which remains breathable and cool against the skin during extended wear.
  • Headband: The headband is constructed from padded plastic with an adjustable slider mechanism to fit a range of head sizes.
  • Cable Length: The included detachable cable measures 3 meters, sized for stationary desktop use rather than portable listening.
  • Connector: The cable terminates in a 3.5mm plug and ships with a screw-on 6.3mm adapter for use with standard amplifier outputs.
  • Balanced Output: The headphone supports aftermarket balanced cables, allowing compatibility with 4.4mm or 2.5mm balanced amplifier outputs.
  • Noise Isolation: The open-back construction provides zero passive noise isolation, making these headphones unsuitable for noisy or shared environments.
  • Connectivity: Wired-only connection with no Bluetooth, wireless, or active noise-cancellation circuitry of any kind.
  • Cable Design: The cable is detachable via a locking 3.5mm connector at the earcup, allowing replacement or upgrade without tools.
  • Color: Available in matte black with dark grey earcup grilles and matching headband padding.
  • Recommended Use: Designed primarily for critical listening, audio monitoring, home studio mixing, and reference-grade playback at a desktop setup.
  • Compatible Devices: Works with any device featuring a 3.5mm or 6.3mm audio output, including DAC/amp units, audio interfaces, and computers.
  • SPL Sensitivity: Rated at 110 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms), indicating a reasonable sensitivity level that benefits from amplification at higher volumes.
  • What's Included: The package contains the headphones, a 3-meter detachable cable, a 6.3mm screw-on adapter, and a user manual.

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FAQ

Your phone will technically drive them, but you will likely find the volume ceiling lower than expected and the overall sound a bit flat and unengaging. At 120 ohms, these headphones respond noticeably to a dedicated DAC or headphone amp — even an affordable desktop unit makes a real audible difference in control and dynamic punch. Think of a budget amp as a near-essential companion purchase rather than a luxury upgrade.

Yes, clearly. Open-back headphones allow sound to pass through the earcups in both directions, so anyone sitting within a few meters of you will hear what you are listening to at normal volumes. These are strictly a private, quiet-room headphone — they are not suitable for offices, libraries, or shared living spaces if sound leakage is a concern.

The difference in sound philosophy is significant. Consumer and gaming headphones are usually tuned for excitement — boosted bass, emphasized highs, and an overall signature designed to sound impressive on first listen. The HD 560S is tuned for accuracy, which means it sounds flatter and more neutral by comparison. That can feel underwhelming at first if you are switching over, but once you adjust, the level of detail and spatial honesty becomes very hard to give up.

Yes, Sennheiser sells replacement earpads for this series, and third-party velour options are also available. The pads attach via a straightforward friction-fit mechanism and can be swapped without any special tools. Replacing them is a practical way to extend the lifespan of the headphone significantly.

It is, which is one of the more practical design decisions here. The cable connects via a locking 3.5mm jack at the earcup end and detaches with a firm pull and twist. Replacement cables are available from Sennheiser and third-party suppliers, and since the connector is a locking 3.5mm format, options are reasonably accessible, though not quite as universal as some other connector standards.

For most people, yes. The velour earcups stay cooler against the skin than pleather alternatives, and the 240g weight means there is minimal pressure on the top of the head. The clamping force is slightly firm straight out of the box, but the headband loosens up naturally after a few weeks of regular use. Long-term owners frequently highlight all-day comfort as one of the strongest practical aspects of ownership.

Classical, jazz, acoustic, folk, and any genre where instrument separation and spatial positioning matter most. Vocal-forward music also benefits from the transparent midrange. Genres that rely heavily on bass weight and low-end impact — like EDM, trap, or modern hip-hop — tend to feel lean and underwhelming on these cans, simply because the tuning does not compensate with artificial warmth or bass boost.

They are a solid choice for the price tier, particularly as a reference tool for checking stereo width and midrange balance. The flat tuning means you are hearing your mix honestly rather than through a colored lens. That said, experienced engineers often use multiple reference points — these headphones work well as part of that toolkit but are unlikely to replace proper studio monitors entirely for a professional setup.

Functional and reliable for desktop use, but the plastic construction is a genuine long-term concern. Some users who have owned these for one to two years have reported stress cracking around the headband adjustment sliders, which is a known weakness in the design. Treating them as a stationary desktop headphone rather than something you fold up and carry around will help considerably with longevity.

None at all. Plug the cable in and it works immediately — no drivers, no companion apps, no firmware to update. The included 6.3mm adapter covers the most common amplifier output standard, so basic use is completely straightforward from the first minute. The only decision that requires any planning is whether you want to add an amp or DAC to the chain, which is optional but recommended.