Sennheiser HD 550
This product is no longer available for sale!
Similar products from Sennheiser
Awards
EISA Awards: Award-Winning Product
Each year, dozens of European journalists gather to select the best electronic products of the year. Awarded by a diverse and impartial jury, the EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) awards recognize exceptional products for their performance, design, or ergonomics.
Overview
The new HD 550 from Sennheiser represents a remarkable fusion of two often distinct worlds: high-fidelity audio and gaming. This wired open-back headset is built on proven technical expertise to deliver exceptional sound quality while providing the comfort needed for long usage sessions. With its custom 38 mm transducer and impressive frequency range, the HD 550 stands out as a benchmark for discerning listeners who refuse to compromise, whether for music listening or gaming.
Open architecture for an expansive soundstage
The fully open design of the HD 550 is one of its main strengths. This design allows sound to flow freely, creating a much wider and more natural soundstage compared to closed-back headphones. The low-impedance acoustic grille reduces unwanted reflections and prevents resonances that could affect audio quality.
This open architecture offers a unique sensation: instead of feeling like the music is confined inside your head, you experience the sounds as if they are surrounding you in space. Instruments seem precisely positioned around you, creating a spatial representation akin to that of high-quality speakers.
Additionally, the transducers are angled inside the headset to mimic the triangular arrangement of near-field speakers, enhancing the sense of space and depth. For gaming, this feature is particularly valuable, allowing precise localization of sound sources.
Comfort designed for long sessions
Weighing just 237 grams, the HD 550 stands out for its remarkable lightness. Sennheiser has clearly paid special attention to comfort, a crucial element for a headset intended for extended wear.
The soft-touch headband easily adjusts to different head shapes, while the ear cushions made of foam with a synthetic velour surface provide a pleasant feel. These materials also have the advantage of absorbing sound resonances inside the headset, further improving perceived audio quality.
A particularly notable aspect is the reduced clamping force compared to previous models in the 500 series. This adjustment directly addresses user feedback, as some audiophile headphones were considered too tight for prolonged use. The HD 550 avoids the sensation of pressure on the ears, ensuring lasting comfort even after several hours of use.
Audio performance: precision and balance
At the heart of the HD 550 is a custom 38 mm transducer designed to deliver a sound signature that is both precise and balanced. The extremely wide frequency range (6 Hz to 39.5 kHz) reproduces subtle nuances in deep bass as well as crystal-clear highs, far beyond the standard human audible spectrum.
The 150-ohm impedance, inspired by the design of the HD 620S, offers excellent dynamics and ensures optimal performance with various equipment. This technical feature delivers detailed and precise sound without interference or quality degradation, whether you’re using a dedicated amplifier or high-fidelity audio equipment.
For gamers, this sound quality translates into faithful reproduction of game environments, where every sound detail matters. Footsteps, dialogues, and special effects are rendered with clarity and precision, providing a significant tactical advantage in competitive gaming.
Modularity that extends lifespan
The modular design of the HD 550 is a major asset for its durability. The detachable 1.8-meter cable with a 3.5 mm jack connector can be easily replaced in case of wear or damage, avoiding the need to replace the entire headset if this part fails.
Similarly, the ear cushions are designed to be replaceable, significantly extending the product’s lifespan. This modular approach aligns with a more sustainable philosophy, allowing the headset to be used long-term while maintaining optimal performance.
The included screw-on 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter expands the headset’s compatibility with various professional and audiophile audio equipment, while the provided drawstring pouch protects the headset during transport or storage.
What the press says
Ultimately, we would describe the HD 550 as almost entirely neutral. It delivers sufficient bass, without boosting it like a closed-back headphone or overwhelming it, but simply with a clear reproduction. The mids are not dripping with beauty or heart-melting depth, but they are well balanced in relation to the higher, crisp frequencies that never shout, avoiding any specific sense of roll-off or the closed-in feeling of closed-back headphones, even if they may shimmer a bit more at the top.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
With the HD 550, Sennheiser introduces headphones that combine the values of traditional hi-fi with a more universal approach. It is presented as headphones that can be worn for hours and are capable of handling music, games, or movies with ease. A bold claim, but its simple and streamlined design, without seeking extremes, makes it perfectly suitable for everyone. If you’re looking to discover the best headphone solutions, the Sennheiser HD 550 is a versatile, well-designed headset that is pleasant to the ear and comfortable to wear.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Documentation
French
Technical Specifications
Acoustic Features
- Acoustic principle: open
- Transducer type: electrodynamic (moving coil)
- Frequency response: 6 Hz – 39.5 kHz
- Sound pressure level (SPL): 106.7 dB (1 kHz / 1 Vrms)
- Impedance: 150 Ω
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL)
- Magnetic field strength: 21 mT
Physical Features
- Wearing style: headband with cable
- Ear coupling: circumaural
- Ear pad material: synthetic velour
- Weight (without cable): 237 g
Connectivity and Accessories
- Audio cable: 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm mini-jack plug, detachable, left side
- Audio adapter: 3.5 mm mini-jack to 6.35 mm jack adapter, screw-on
Packaging Information
- Product packaging dimensions (L x W x H): 237 x 191 x 96 mm
- Headphone weight with packaging: 611.2 g
- External package dimensions (L x W x H): 508 x 408 x 280 mm
Box Contents
- HD 550 headphones
- 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm mini-jack plug
- Screw-on 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter
- Drawstring pouch
- Safety guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the HD 550 and the HD 505?
The HD 550 has a higher impedance (150 ohms compared to 120 ohms for the HD 505), which gives it slightly different sound characteristics, particularly in terms of dynamics. The HD 550 also features a wider frequency range and additional refinements in materials and comfort.
Do I need an amplifier to fully enjoy this headset?
While the HD 550 can work directly with most audio sources, its 150-ohm impedance means that a dedicated amplifier will deliver the best results, especially in terms of dynamics and bass control. When used with a smartphone or tablet, the sound will be audible but not necessarily optimal.
Is this headset suitable for studio mixing?
Yes, its neutral sound profile, extended stereo soundstage, and ability to faithfully reproduce details make it a valuable tool for mixing, particularly for assessing the spatial placement of instruments and the depth of a production. Many sound engineers appreciate open-back headphones like the HD 550 for their natural representation of the soundstage.
Is this headset compatible with gaming consoles?
Yes, the HD 550 can connect directly to modern console controllers via its standard 3.5 mm connector. For gamers who want to communicate during gameplay, Sennheiser offers an optional cable with an integrated microphone, specifically designed for compatibility with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: 700455
- GTIN / EAN: 4260752333498
