Sennheiser HD 560S - Reference sound for analytical listening

The HD 560S is Sennheiser's reference open-back, built for listeners who want the recording itself, not a flavoured version of it. A neutral, linear tuning and a wide soundstage surface fine detail, while the low 120-ohm impedance keeps it easy to drive from interfaces, players and amps alike.

Key Features

• Open-back design: Wide, natural soundstage that lets recordings breathe.
• Angled transducers: Direct sound to your ears like a hi-fi speaker setup for accurate imaging.
• 120-ohm impedance: Easy to drive from audio interfaces, portable players and dedicated amps.
• 6 Hz to 38 kHz response: Deep, controlled bass and airy highs with ultra-low distortion.
• Velour earpads: Breathable comfort tuned for long analytical sessions.
• Detachable cable: Swap or replace the 3 m cable without tools.

Customer Benefits

If you mix, master or listen critically, the HD 560S keeps you honest. The open-back stage avoids the closed-in feel of sealed cans, and the linear tuning reveals where a track sits without hyping the bass or smearing detail. Angled drivers place instruments naturally across the stage, so panning and depth read clearly. Light at 240 g with plush velour pads, it stays comfortable through long sessions, and the modest impedance means it performs from an interface headphone-out as readily as from a dedicated amp.

Quick Specs

• Impedance: 120 Ω
• Frequency response: 6 Hz to 38 kHz
• Maximum SPL: 110 dB (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.05% (1 kHz, 90 dB SPL)
• Transducer: Dynamic, open-back
• Ear coupling: Circumaural
• Cable length: 3 m, detachable
• Connectors: 6.3 mm jack with 3.5 mm adapter
• Weight: 240 g (without cable)

In the Box

• Sennheiser HD 560S headphones
• 3 m detachable cable with 6.3 mm jack
• 3.5 mm adapter
• Quick start guide

Ideal For

• Critical listening and mixing at home
• Long, fatigue-free analytical sessions
• Audiophiles upgrading from closed-back headphones

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Neutral, revealing tuning that stays honest
• Wide, natural open-back soundstage
• Easy to drive from almost any source
• Light and comfortable for marathon sessions

⚠️ Cons:

• Open-back leaks sound, so not for shared or noisy spaces
• Linear tuning is honest about poor recordings

If you want a transparent window into your music rather than a coloured one, the HD 560S earns its place on your desk.