Sennheiser HD 550 specifications and in-depth review

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer: Sennheiser

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones feature an over-ear design and an open-back construction, making them well-suited for users seeking natural, expansive sound. With a weight of just 237 g, they are designed for comfort during long listening sessions. These headphones come with a 1.8-meter tangle-free cable and are wired, ensuring a reliable connection for high-quality audio.

In terms of sound performance, the HD 550 offers a broad frequency range from 6 Hz to 40,000 Hz, delivering deep lows and crisp highs. While they lack active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation, they are designed to provide clear and immersive sound. Notably, the headphones also support a sound pressure level of 106.7 dB/mW, ensuring strong audio output for a variety of listening environments.

Pros
  • The over-ear design provides comfort for extended listening sessions.
  • The 1.8-meter tangle-free cable helps avoid frustrations with tangled wires.
  • The open-back design offers a more natural, expansive sound.
Cons
  • The headphones lack active noise cancellation, making them less suitable for noisy environments.
  • There is no water resistance, limiting use in damp or wet conditions.
  • They do not have a detachable cable, which could reduce durability over time.
  • The headphones do not support modern features like ambient sound mode or auto-pause functionality.
Who is this for?

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are well-suited for users who prioritize natural, expansive sound with their open-back design and are looking for a comfortable, over-ear fit for extended listening sessions. With a 1.8-meter tangle-free cable, they are ideal for stationary use in environments where wired connectivity is preferred for stable, uninterrupted audio.

Who is this NOT for?
active noise cancellation or water resistance for use in noisy or outdoor environments. The lack of a detachable cable and the absence of modern features like auto-pause or in-line controls also make them less ideal for those seeking more flexibility and durability in dynamic or mobile settings.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
weight 237 g
has a detachable cable
water resistance None
can be folded
is designed for kids
has a tangle free cable
travel bag is included
has an open-back design
cable length 1.8 m
has stereo speakers

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones feature an over-ear fit, ensuring a comfortable listening experience. With a weight of 237 g, they are designed for extended use without feeling too heavy. The headphones include a 1.8-meter tangle-free cable, providing convenience during use. However, they do not have a detachable cable, and the design does not include water resistance or a folding mechanism for portability. Additionally, there is no included travel bag, and the open-back design allows for a more natural sound, though they are not intended for use by children.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
lowest frequency 6 Hz
highest frequency 40000 Hz
supports spatial audio
sound pressure level 106.7 dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet
has passive noise reduction

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones provide a wide frequency range, with a lowest frequency of 6 Hz and a highest frequency of 40,000 Hz, ensuring detailed sound reproduction across both deep bass and high treble. While they do not feature active noise cancellation or passive noise isolation, the open-back design may offer a more natural listening experience. The headphones also support a sound pressure level of 106.7 dB/mW, providing a solid audio output without the use of a neodymium magnet or spatial audio support.

Power:

Has USB Type-C
Has a solar power battery

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones do not feature USB Type-C connectivity or a solar power battery. As a result, they rely on traditional wired connections without the added convenience of modern charging solutions like USB Type-C.

Connectivity:

connectivity Wired

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones feature wired connectivity, providing a stable and reliable connection for high-quality audio. This design eliminates the need for Bluetooth or wireless technology, ensuring that the audio signal is uninterrupted.

Features:

release date March 2025
has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has a mute function
Has an in-line control panel

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones do not include several advanced features such as ambient sound mode, in/on-ear detection for auto-pausing music, a mute function, or an in-line control panel. These features are not supported, offering a more straightforward listening experience without these added conveniences.

Final Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones offer a comfortable over-ear fit and a natural, expansive sound thanks to their open-back design, making them an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking an immersive listening experience. While they lack features like active noise cancellation or water resistance, these headphones excel in providing clear, reliable sound for stationary use. Overall, the HD 550 is well-suited for listeners who value sound quality and comfort over advanced features or portability.

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