Sennheiser HD 560S Headphones

Reference-Quality Sound at a Breakthrough Value

The Sennheiser HD 560S delivers linear, accurate reference sound tuned for the demanding analytical listener, revealing the truth in your recordings rather than flattering them with an artificially exciting tuning.

A newly developed 120-ohm transducer uses a specialized polymer blend diaphragm for linear excursion and genuine brilliance above 10kHz, delivering accuracy across the entire frequency spectrum in a genuinely honest way.

What Hi-Fi? magazine called it "a valid addition" to Sennheiser's award-winning catalog, "offering a perfectly acceptable and sonically detailed budget-conscious option" for listeners entering serious hi-fi for the first time.

Where the 120-Ohm Transducer Earns Its Keep

E.A.R. Design, Borrowed From Loudspeakers

Sennheiser's Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement angles the drivers to recreate the optimal triangular listening position found in a proper hi-fi loudspeaker setup, creating a wide, genuinely articulate soundstage without any room treatment at all.

That open-back design lets sound waves propagate naturally rather than reflecting inside a sealed chamber, letting you hear the neutral version of your music unaffected by the artifacts of a confined space.

Comfort Borrowed From the HD 599

While the HD 560S sound draws on the reference-level DNA of the HD 660S, its comfort mechanics are based on the ultralight chassis of the HD 599, keeping the fit distraction-free during long, analytical listening sessions.

Velour earpads keep every single contact point genuinely soft, and the ventilated cup stays cool without ever pressing directly against your ears, even across long hours of continuous, focused listening.

What Reviewers Are Saying

headphones.com's Jake Cheriff called the HD 560S "an incredible value," adding he'd take these over the "currently more expensive Sennheiser HD 650... because of the more elaborate soundstage and more articulate frequency response."

soundguys.com's Christian Thomas genuinely called it "a rock-solid choice if you're aiming to grab a set of headphones that live by the computer but don't break the bank."

Who Is the HD 560S Best For?

• You want honest, analytical accuracy over excitement: the linear tuning is built specifically for A/B comparisons and critical listening
• You do most of your listening at a desk: reviewers consistently recommend this as the computer-adjacent listening headphone
• You want a wide, articulate soundstage without room treatment: the angled E.A.R. driver design does that job for you
• You want the HD 599's comfort with a more resolving sound: the chassis is shared, but the transducer is genuinely newer and more accurate
• You want analytical precision — the HD 560S is Sennheiser's reference-tuned open-back

How Does It Connect to Your System?

A detachable 6-foot cable terminates in a 3.5mm plug, with a 1/4" screw-on adapter included for headphone amplifiers and other full-size home audio equipment, ready right out of the box.

At 120 ohms, the HD 560S plays from most sources, though a dedicated headphone amplifier reveals noticeably more of the detail this analytical transducer is capable of resolving.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around an HD 560S:

• Headphone amplifiers — reveals noticeably more detail and control than a computer's built-in output alone
• Digital-to-analog converters — an analytical tuning like this reveals differences in source quality clearly
• Headphone cables — the detachable design opens the door to aftermarket options
• Headphone stands — a proper resting spot next to your desk

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Not strictly. At 120 ohms, the HD 560S plays from a computer, phone, or audio interface. A dedicated amplifier reveals noticeably more detail and a more convincing soundstage.

How does this compare to the HD 550?

Both are open-back and accurately tuned, but the HD 550 uses a newer 150-ohm transducer and a lighter, more comfortable chassis with softer velour throughout.

Is this good for critical listening and A/B comparisons?

Yes, genuinely its whole purpose. The linear, uncolored tuning is specifically built to reveal differences between remasters, media formats, and components rather than flatter any of them.

Can I use these away from my desk?

Not really. The HD 560S is open-back and leaks sound significantly in both directions, so it's built for a quiet room rather than shared or mobile spaces.

Is the cable detachable?

Yes. The 6-foot cable connects at the earcup and terminates in 3.5mm, with a 1/4" screw-on adapter included for larger equipment right in the box.

Where is the HD 560S made?

The transducer is manufactured in Ireland, the same facility responsible for Sennheiser's entire high-end headphone lineup, ensuring consistent quality across every unit.

See It in Action

The Headphone Show presents Sennheiser HD560S Review - Is this the best value headphone in 2020?.

Joshua Valour presents New $200 Reference Headphones? | HD560S Review.

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