Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 550 is an open-back, over-ear headphone built around a custom 38mm dynamic transducer manufactured at Sennheiser's audiophile production facility in Tullamore, Ireland. It delivers a neutral, balanced sound signature with punchy bass, lifelike midrange clarity, and controlled treble, designed for critical music listening, gaming, monitoring, and everyday high-fidelity use. The Duofoil laminate diaphragm and lightweight voice coil minimize unwanted resonances for accurate transient response across a 6Hz to 39.5kHz frequency range. The angled driver placement inside the open-back cup creates a natural, expansive soundstage by mimicking how sound is experienced in a real acoustic space rather than firing directly into the ear canal. Total harmonic distortion is rated below 0.2% at 1kHz/90dB SPL. At 150 ohms impedance, the HD 550 benefits from a dedicated DAC/amp but scales well with a wide range of hi-fi gear. The HD 550 is designed with replaceable parts and a microphone-ready build for long-term ownership. Velour earpads and a comfortable low-clamp headband make it suited to extended listening sessions. For comparison with other Sennheiser open-backs in the collection, see the Sennheiser HDB 630 for a closed-back wireless audiophile option at a higher price point. All in-stock orders placed before 5pm EST Monday through Friday ship the same day. Free ground shipping on all orders over $9.99 within the 48 contiguous United States. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Does the Sennheiser HD 550 need an amplifier?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The HD 550 can be driven by phones, laptops, and audio interfaces but benefits significantly from amplification. At 150 ohms impedance, a dedicated DAC/amp or headphone amplifier will improve dynamics, bass control, and overall headroom. An audio interface with a 6.35mm headphone output is a practical entry point."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How does the HD 550 compare to the HD 560S?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Both are open-back headphones at a similar price point. The HD 560S has a slightly brighter, more forward treble tuning. The HD 550 offers improved bass extension and a more balanced overall frequency response with a toned-down upper midrange. Reviewers consistently note the HD 550 as the more natural and forgiving of the two."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is the HD 550 good for gaming?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. The angled driver design creates a wide, natural soundstage that aids positional audio and spatial awareness in gaming. The microphone-ready design allows clip-on or boom microphones to be added. Note that open-back headphones provide no noise isolation and sound will leak to the surrounding environment, making them better suited to quiet home environments."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are the ear pads and cable replaceable on the HD 550?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. The HD 550 is built with a replaceable cable and replaceable ear pads, and Sennheiser maintains spare parts availability for the HD 500 series."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between the HD 550 and HD 505?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The HD 505 and HD 550 share a similar chassis and driver size. The HD 550 has more bass below 100Hz and uses a different dust filter baffle design. The HD 550 uses silver color accents; the HD 505 uses copper. Both are open-back, 150-ohm designs from the HD 500 series."}}]} Features 38mm Custom Dynamic Driver - Manufactured at Sennheiser's Tullamore, Ireland audiophile facility; angled placement for natural soundstage and spatial imaging Duofoil Laminate Diaphragm - Reduces unwanted resonances for accurate transient response and extended bass and treble performance Lightweight Voice Coil - Contributes to transparent, detailed sound reproduction Open-Back Design - Metal mesh earcups with acoustic foam for controlled bass response and airy, natural treble; eliminates reflections for wide soundstage Neutral Sound Signature - Punchy bass, neutral mids for voice intelligibility, and open treble; tuned for accuracy rather than consumer-oriented coloration 150-Ohm Impedance - Benefits from amplification; pairs well with headphone amps, audio interfaces, and DAC/amp units Microphone-Ready Design - Compatible with clip-on and boom microphone accessories for gaming and communication setups Replaceable Parts - Built for long-term ownership with available spare components Velour Earpads - Breathable, comfortable for extended listening sessions Detachable 1.8m Cable - 3.5mm jack included; 6.35mm adapter included for amplifier and interface connections Lightweight Build - 237g for reduced fatigue during long sessions Specs Brand: Sennheiser Model: HD 550 Driver: 38mm dynamic, custom (Tullamore, Ireland) Diaphragm: Duofoil laminate Frequency response: 6Hz to 39.5kHz Impedance: 150 ohms SPL: 106.7dB at 1mW THD: <0.2% (1kHz / 90dB SPL) Weight: 237g Cable: 1.8m detachable, 3.5mm jack Includes: 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, drawstring bag Design: Open-back, over-ear Ear pads: Velour Color: Black What's Included Sennheiser HD 550 headphones 1.8m detachable cable with 3.5mm jack 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter Drawstring bag