Confused about which Sennheiser HD 500 series headphones to buy? Trust me, I know the feeling. These open-back headphones have won over audio enthusiasts, and with good reason too – they deliver exceptional sound quality at different price points.

The HD 500 series comes with several unique models that each bring something special to the table. The Sennheiser HD 550 weighs just 237 grams, making it the lightest of all HD 500 models. It features a custom 38mm transducer mounted at an angle, designed at Sennheiser’s audiophile facility in Ireland. The Sennheiser HD 599 shines with its natural spatial performance thanks to its open-back design and large, comfortable ear cups.

These models share many features that make choosing between them tricky – they all come with open-back design, circumaural fit, velour padding, and lightweight plastic construction. The differences lie in their sound signatures, technical capabilities, and price points that matter based on what you need.

This piece will help you understand the key differences between the Sennheiser HD 559, HD 560S, HD 550, HD 599, and HD 505 models. You’ll soon know exactly which of these respected headphones belongs in your audio setup.

Each model in the Sennheiser HD 500 line has its own unique sound character that makes it suitable for different uses.

The HD 559 sits at the entry level with a darker sound profile. Its bass sounds bloated and muddy while the treble lacks sparkle. The headphone’s upper mids produce a rough, grainy quality that makes everything sound hollow. A frequency response of 14Hz-26kHz shows its budget-focused tuning.

The HD 560S marks a radical change toward a neutral-bright sound. This model produces extended bass with a subtle mid-bass boost that adds punch. Its defining trait—which might be a dealbreaker—comes from a strong 5kHz boost that can be too intense for long listening sessions. The 560S creates an impressive soundstage width that works great for gaming and live recordings.

The HD 550’s custom 38mm transducer achieves an excellent balance. It delivers punchy bass and crystal-clear transients while keeping the mids neutral and voices natural. The angled drivers create a wide soundstage that puts you right in the middle of your music. When compared to the 560S, you’ll hear deeper, more physical bass that builds slower and treble that sounds smoother.

The HD 599 takes a unique path by reducing sub-bass but emphasizing frequencies where bass instruments play. This unusual tuning for open-back headphones creates a warm sound where vocals shine but cymbals and snares can sound a bit hollow. The treble curve below 10kHz works well, but the emphasized low-mids can hide details in complex music.

The HD 505 provides the clearest analytical sound. It has less bass than the HD 550 but keeps the low-end tight, quick, and physical. The brighter treble occasionally becomes harsh. These headphones focus on critical listening rather than pure enjoyment. They weigh just 237 grams, making them the lightest option.

The open-back design helps all models with spatial audio, though the HD 550 and HD 560S lead the pack in soundstage width and precise imaging.

Physical differences between Sennheiser HD 500 series models might seem small, but they can make a big difference in day-to-day use.

The HD 500 family shares common traits. These headphones use lightweight plastic that’s surprisingly tough despite having minimal metal parts. This smart design choice makes them durable yet comfortable enough to wear for hours. The frame feels a bit flexible when you hold it, but this hasn’t hurt its reliability.

You’ll notice the weight differences right away between models. The newer HD 550 and HD 505 weigh the same at 237 grams, which is a lot lighter than the HD 560S at 280 grams. To put this in perspective, these lighter models weigh less than most gaming controllers you might have at home.

The grip strength varies between models. The HD 550 and HD 505 sit more gently on your head compared to the tighter HD 560S. This lighter pressure makes them perfect for long listening sessions, especially if tight headbands bother you.

Each model in the lineup uses similar oval-shaped velour ear cushions that snap on and off easily when you need to replace them. The ear cups fit most ear sizes well, though some users might feel the back edge touching their ears.

The headband comfort might be the most controversial feature. Some models don’t have enough padding or a center groove, which can create sore spots during long listening sessions. The HD 505 and HD 550 struggle with this more than older models like the HD 599.

These headphones employ Sennheiser’s special 2.5mm twist-lock cable system. This connection stays secure, but it means you can’t use just any replacement cable. Each pair comes with a standard 1.8-meter cable that has a 3.5mm plug and a screw-on 6.3mm adapter.

The modular design shows up in every model, letting you replace ear pads and cables easily, though finding genuine Sennheiser parts can be tricky sometimes.

Your specific needs should determine which Sennheiser HD 500 series model works best for you.

The HD 560S really shines in gaming applications. Players get a significant advantage from its wide soundstage and precise imaging, especially in competitive FPS games where audio cues like footsteps matter. The soundstage creates a “holographic 3D sound image” that gives players an edge in titles like Call of Duty. The HD 599 also delivers excellent gaming performance with accurate sound imaging that helps players pinpoint in-game audio cues.

The HD 598 (which came before the HD 599) doesn’t work as well for gaming because it emphasizes overall sound rather than specific elements like footsteps. Gamers might prefer the HD 558 since it provides a better mix of focused individual sounds and a decent soundstage.

Music listeners will find their ideal model depends on their favorite genres. The HD 550 excels with acoustic music thanks to its punchy bass and crystal-clear transients. The HD 560S features a “subtle bass shelf” that enhances harder music genres without compromising the signature Sennheiser sound. The HD 599 stands out as the most audiophile-friendly option with reduced bass roll-off compared to earlier models.

Professional monitoring demands vary by model. The HD 599 works well for casual critical listening but falls short of studio-grade accuracy. The HD 505 takes a different approach with its analytical signature that targets critical listening over enjoyment.

Each model has different power requirements. The HD 560S runs on most modern devices with its 120Ω impedance but really comes alive with a dedicated amplifier. Studio environments demand proper amplification for both the HD 550 and HD 560S. While interfaces like Focusrite Scarlett provide enough power, dedicated amps such as the Fiio K7 or iFi ZEN DAC 3 deliver better results.

The HD 560S emerges as the most versatile option, serving as a “one-stop shop for both gaming and music”. Dedicated gaming headsets like the PC38X might perform better purely for gaming, though.

A deep dive into the Sennheiser HD 500 series reveals clear differences between these open-back headphones that look quite similar. Each model brings something special to the table based on what listeners want and how they plan to use them.

The sound signatures show the most important differences between models. The HD 559’s darker, muddier sound marks the entry level, while the HD 560S makes a big move toward a neutral-bright sound with that characteristic 5kHz peak. The HD 550 hits a sweet spot with punchy bass and clean transients without the harsh edges you’ll find in other models. The HD 599 takes things in a warmer direction with its unique bass tuning. The analytical HD 505 delivers precise, quick bass response that works well for detailed listening.

The physical aspects play a huge role in picking the right pair. The weight gap between the HD 560S at 280g and the lighter HD 550 and HD 505 at 237g might look small on paper, but you’ll notice it during long listening sessions. The same goes for how tight they fit – the newer models feel more relaxed on your head compared to the firmer grip of the HD 560S.

Each model shines in specific situations. The HD 560S gives gamers an edge in FPS games with its precise imaging. Music lovers might lean toward the HD 550 for acoustic tracks or pick the HD 599 for its warm, vocal-focused sound. The analytical HD 505 works best for professional monitoring, though none of these are really studio-reference headphones.

Your choice should match what you listen to and how you like your sound. The HD 560S stands out as a great all-rounder. The newer HD 550 hits a nice balance with its lighter build and even-handed sound. The HD 559 might catch budget-conscious buyers’ eyes, but spending extra cash brings better performance across the board.

This complete series shows how Sennheiser created real differences while keeping their core design philosophy intact. Whatever HD 500 headphone you pick, you’ll get that legendary open-back sound that made these headphones a favorite among audio fans everywhere.