The open-back, wired Sennheiser HD 560S headphones are designed for neutral listening. They deliver audio consistently and have a well-balanced sound profile that should suit most musical genres. Additionally, they are extremely comfortable, with a relatively lightweight design and ample padding. Like most open-back headphones, they are ill-suited for use on the go due to their poor noise isolation, high audio leakage, and bulky design. They’re an excellent choice if you’re looking for a pair of comfortable headphones with a neutral sound profile.
On the left earcup, there is only a single cable entry. There is a 3.5mm connector on the headphone side with a twist-and-lock mechanism. This makes sourcing replacement cables difficult. The yokes have limited lateral mobility. However, the ear cups rotate approximately 15 degrees front-to-back, so I believe the majority of users will have no trouble achieving a good seal. In addition, a rubber nub prevents the cup from striking the yoke.
Sonically, Sennheiser promotes these headphones as the closest alternative to its three-times-more-expensive HD 660S, whereas the company compares their comfort to that of the reputable HD 599. Due to the velour earpads and ample padding on the headband, these headphones are surprisingly comfortable. And at 240g without the cable, their relative lightness belies the size of these large earcups, which do indeed wrap around the ear.
Fortunately, the balance that Sennheiser has achieved with the HD 560S is quite pleasing. Obviously, they are intended primarily for listeners who wear them for purposes other than ‘enjoyment,’ such as monitoring, mastering, mixing, etc. Yes, they have a relatively flat frequency response that makes comparing sounds ‘A’ and ‘B’ relatively simple, and they are detailed and perceptive enough to make even minor differences in mixes of the same recording audibly apparent.
This article could be littered with references to the adjective “detailed.” When handled by Sennheisers, music is loaded with information, and no detail is too fleeting, too minor, or buried too deeply in the mix to escape notice. The lowest frequencies are deep, clean, and straight-edged, with no overhang and, as a result, no effect on the midrange above. Given the right content (such as Jennifer Warnes’ “Ballad of the Runaway Horse”), the midrange is absolutely captivating; every inhalation, every palate noise, and every technique quirk of a singer are presented for your consideration. And at the top of the frequency range, the HD 560S is bright, crisp, and detailed.
The extensive back catalogue of five-star and Award-winning headphones from Sennheiser spans over five decades. This wired pair of open-back over-ear headphones is a valuable addition, providing a perfectly acceptable and sonically detailed option for those on a budget. Those seeking audiophile-grade sound quality, as claimed by the company, will find these headphones lacking in punch, zeal, and enthusiasm.