Sennheiser unveils affordable HD 550 open-back headphones
Sennheiser has announced the HD 550 open-back headphones designed for gamers and music lovers of modern hits. The acoustic mesh over each ear cup allows the sound to flow freely, creating an expansive soundstage that closed-back headphones cannot achieve.
The HD 550 uses 38 mm drivers that reproduce a wide frequency range of 6 Hz to 39.5 kHz with less than 0.2% total harmonic distortion (THD) at 150 ohms. The extended frequency range allows detailed reproduction of high resolution audio files from streaming music sources such as Qobuz.
The padded, fake-leather headband with low-clamping force, coupled with soft earpads, allows music lovers and gamers to comfortably wear the HD 550 for hours, as the headphones weigh just 237 grams (8.4 oz.).
For gamers, its long 1.8 m (5.9 ft.) cable can be connected to 3.5 mm plugs, or with the included adapter, to 6.35 mm plugs. This eliminates the annoying lag experienced with Bluetooth wireless headphones, as well as any concerns about running out of battery charge.
The Sennheiser HD 550 has an MSRP of $299.95 when it ships in April, and it will also be sold through the Sennheiser store on Amazon.
The new HD 550 brings a compelling new choice to audiophiles and gamers seeking next-level capability that outshines its price tag.
Wedemark, Germany – March 19, 2025 – The Sennheiser brand today unveiled the HD 550, a hi-fi headphone that balances revealing performance with effortlessly smooth tuning. Boasting sprawling stereo imaging and an ultra-light build, the HD 550 is an open invitation to unpack the lush layers of today’s music and games for hours on end.
"Audiophiles looking for featherlight headphones with honest voicing and deep bass extension are in for a treat,” said Klaus Hanselmann, Sennheiser Audiophile Product Manager. "While the HD 550’s airy detail is obvious, customers will fall in love with its delightfully polite touch – perfect for listening for hours on end."
A Deeper Audiophile Experience
The heart of the HD 550 is its custom 38mm transducer, made at Sennheiser’s audiophile production facility in Tullamore, Ireland. Its speedy performance yields exceptional clarity from 6 Hz to 39.5 kHz, all while producing less than 0.2% total harmonic distortion. At 150 ohms, it’s an ideal match for a wide variety of hi-fi gear, scaling with ease when paired with premium audio gear such as Sennheiser’s own HDV 820.
The fully open-back design utilizes a new acoustic mesh that protects the transducers while removing any remaining barriers between the listener and their music. Their angled arrangement creates an expansive soundstage that drops the listener into the epicenter of the recording. Gamers will experience superb, lag-free spatial awareness and immersion for both competitive and casual sessions. True to the Sennheiser brand’s heritage, the HD 550 delivers punchy bass, crystal-clear transients, and neutral mids without straying from the truthful voicing that audiophiles prefer.
Built for Comfort
Situated in chassis renowned for its long-term comfort, the HD 550 features a more relaxed clamping force compared to other 500-series stablemates. Weighing less than the most popular gaming controllers at a mere 237 grams [8.4 oz], the HD 550 practically disappears on the head. A soft-touch textured headband and ventilated metal mesh earcup covers keep the listener comfortable without sacrificing durability.
Like other models in the 500 series, the HD 550 features a modular design, allowing for easy swapping of cables and earpads. It ships with a 1.8 m cable terminating with a stereo 3.5 mm jack plug with a 6.35 mm adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. A range of additional cables—sold separately—makes it easy for listeners to adapt to balanced sources and mic-enabled jacks, for example.
Availability
The all-new HD 550 is currently available for pre-order, shipping the first week of April at an MSRP of $299.95 USD and $399.95 CAD.
Press_Release_Sennheiser_HD_550_EN.docx
DOCX - 1.7 Mb
Download
Press_Release_Sennheiser_HD_550_EN.pdf
PDF - 356 Kb
Download
High-Res Images for Web
Eric Palonen
PR Manager, Sonova Consumer Hearing
M. +1 860 908 1210
W. www.sennheiser-hearing.com
