Sennheiser HD550 Review

In this review, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the Sennheiser HD550 headphones, evaluating their build quality, sound performance, and overall value. The Sennheiser brand has long been known for delivering quality audio products, and the HD550 is no exception. Let’s see how it stacks up in the world of headphones.

Build and Comfort

The Sennheiser HD550 features a plastic design, but despite this, it’s impressively lightweight, which contributes to its comfort. Compared to the HD505, which we briefly reviewed in our first impressions, the 550 feels just as comfortable, if not more. However, there is one slight misstep in its design—similar to the 505. The headband lacks a divot, which is present on the 560s and makes them the most comfortable in the latest 5-series lineup. The 560s’ headband design provides a better fit, but the HD550 still maintains comfort overall, even if it falls short of the 560s in this regard.

Sennheiser seems to have opted for a more premium headband feeling with the HD550, using a wrapped design instead of the more basic plastic headband found on the HD560. While the 550 doesn’t surpass the 560s in comfort, it’s still an extremely comfortable headphone, and being a Sennheiser product, it has the reliability to back it up.

Bass Performance

When it comes to bass, Sennheiser has always focused on delivering a natural, pleasing sound, though it may not be as hard-hitting as some users might prefer. This trend continues with the HD550. While the bass extension is more significant compared to older models, it still doesn’t match the low-end performance of some competing headphones. However, the tonality and texture of the bass remain pleasing and natural, making the listening experience enjoyable.

For those seeking more bass, you can tweak the sound through EQ adjustments or by using a good amplifier. For instance, pairing the HD550 with an amp like the Magni Pi could provide a noticeable improvement. That said, the headphone sounded excellent when paired directly with a MacBook Pro, showing that you don’t need a high-end amp to get great sound. This makes the HD550 a good choice for users who don’t want to invest heavily in amplification.

Despite other Sennheiser models, such as the PC 38X and the HD600, offering stronger bass, the HD550 still provides a natural bass response that will likely satisfy those searching for neutrality in their sound. However, if you are after deep bass extension or punchier low-end, you might find better options in Sennheiser’s higher-end offerings or from other manufacturers.

Mid-Range Excellence

The mid-range performance of the HD550 is one of its standout features. Sennheiser’s 5 and 6 series headphones have consistently excelled in this area, and the HD550 is no exception. In fact, when comparing the 550 to the HD600, the two are neck and neck. This is high praise, as the HD600 is widely regarded as one of the best headphones for vocals.

The mid-range on the HD550 is incredibly natural and full, with excellent head presence. The vocals come across as clear and intimate, something that even some higher-end headphones like the Sundara and Edition XS can’t quite match. The frequency response of the mid-range is linear, with no noticeable dips or peaks, which helps to create a rich, full sound. This makes the HD550 ideal for those who want a natural, lifelike vocal performance.

Treble Response

The treble response of the HD550 is where the headphone begins to show some limitations compared to its competitors. While the treble is well-tuned and balanced with the rest of the frequency range, it lacks the level of detail and clarity found in some of its competitors, such as the HD600 or the Sundara. Headphones like these have a slightly brighter treble response that gives them a “sparkly” quality, making them more detailed and clear in the high frequencies.

The HD550’s treble is smoother and more pleasing, which some users may prefer, particularly if they dislike harsh or sharp high-end frequencies. That being said, the lack of detail retrieval in the treble is a slight downside. The treble response on the HD550 is smooth and natural, but it doesn’t match the clarity and sparkle that some other headphones, like the AR5000 or Sundara, can provide.

One area where the treble boost on the HD550 benefits the listening experience is in its overall sound signature, which feels more vivid and lively compared to the 505 model. The slight boost in the high frequencies helps bring a more engaging, dynamic character to the sound, while still maintaining the overall neutrality that Sennheiser aims for.

Soundstage and Imaging

The soundstage on the HD550, while not lacking, is somewhat limited compared to some of its competitors. The headphone has a solid three-dimensional sound with well-defined center imaging and decent separation between the left and right channels. However, it lacks the depth and expansive width seen in headphones like the AR5000 or the Sundara.

In terms of soundstaging, the HD550 is more focused on creating a tight, defined listening experience. It doesn’t extend as far in terms of forward and backward depth or lateral width as some of its planar magnetic counterparts, but it still performs well enough for most uses, including gaming and movie watching. The headphone’s imaging is accurate and pleasant, though it might not offer the same level of spaciousness as some of its more technically advanced competitors.

Overall Impressions and Buying Advice

Sennheiser headphones, including the HD550, always give a feeling of familiarity and comfort. It’s like wearing a favorite, well-worn sweater that provides warmth and reassurance. The HD550 is a headphone that delivers a fantastic listening experience, with a strong emphasis on natural sound and comfort. While it doesn’t necessarily outshine the competition in every category, it strikes a strong balance between performance and affordability.

When choosing between Sennheiser’s latest 5-series models (HD569, 599, 560s, 505, and 550), the HD550 is likely the best choice for most people. It provides a more engaging, lively sound signature compared to the HD505, and its performance is superior to the 560s when it comes to overall sound quality. However, if comfort is your highest priority, the 560s might still be a better fit for you. For those who prefer a more linear frequency response, the 505 might be a better option, but the HD550’s slight coloration will likely be more pleasing and engaging to the majority of listeners.

Article Summary

The Sennheiser HD550 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a balanced, comfortable, and natural-sounding headphone. Whether you’re listening to music, gaming, or watching movies, the HD550 delivers a compelling experience that is hard to beat at its price point. Thanks for reading, and I hope this review helps you make an informed decision when considering the Sennheiser HD550 for your audio needs.

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