Short answer: the Sennheiser HD 505. It ranks #31 of 382 over-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $205.55 and is still sold new; the Sennheiser HD 555 ranks #194 (rated 3.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Sennheiser HD 505 is the better-sounding option. A preference score of 88 in oratory1990’s measurement puts it among the closest to the Harman target, with the midrange from 200 Hz to 6 kHz within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural and unforced. Watch for: Sub-bass under 60 Hz sits about 6 dB below target, so deep synth bass and kick drum weight are thin.
The case for the Sennheiser HD 555: Measured response gives it a solid Harman preference score of 73 with a 3.22 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. The catch: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 505. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Sennheiser HD 555 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 505 | Sennheiser HD 555 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205.55 | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #31 of 382 in Over-Ear Headphones | #194 of 382 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 88 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.85 dB standard deviation | 3.22 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.17 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 32 Hz (-6.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 75 Hz (-10.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 120 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 107.9 dB SPL/V | - |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (237 g) | 0.6 lbs (260 g) |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 38.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 28kHz |
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The Two Headphones In Full
Sennheiser HD 505: $205.55 Amazon $205.55 eBay
Pros: A preference score of 88 in oratory1990’s measurement puts it among the closest to the Harman target, with the midrange from 200 Hz to 6 kHz within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural and unforced. The 120 ohm impedance and 107.9 dB per volt sensitivity let it run from a decent DAC or portable amp, and at 237 g the open-back design is light.
Cons: Sub-bass under 60 Hz sits about 6 dB below target, so deep synth bass and kick drum weight are thin. A narrow 9 dB dip near 9.9 kHz and treble running about 2.7 dB low soften cymbals and make it a little dark on airy recordings. Being open-back it leaks sound and offers no isolation.
Full Sennheiser HD 505 review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.85 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 38.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 88 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 120 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 107.9 dB SPL/V |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 32 Hz (-6.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.17 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (237 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.3 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +7.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,030 Hz | +3.9 dB | 2.25 |
| Peak | 84 Hz | -2.7 dB | 0.44 |
| Peak | 560 Hz | +1.1 dB | 1.13 |
| Peak | 1,256 Hz | -1.5 dB | 1.71 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 3,218 Hz | -1.8 dB | 2.89 |
| Peak | 5,479 Hz | -2.6 dB | 4.99 |
| Peak | 4,145 Hz | +2.5 dB | 5.93 |
| Peak | 6,870 Hz | +2.4 dB | 5.70 |
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Sennheiser HD 555 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Measured response gives it a solid Harman preference score of 73 with a 3.22 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
Cons: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used. Sub-bass is 10.7 dB short at 30 Hz, so deep bass lacks rumble. Treble sits about 6.2 dB low, so it sounds a little dark.
Full Sennheiser HD 555 review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.22 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 75 Hz (-10.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.3 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,770 Hz | +6.5 dB | 0.18 |
| Peak | 235 Hz | -2.1 dB | 0.68 |
| Peak | 3,192 Hz | -8.7 dB | 1.46 |
| Peak | 1,085 Hz | -2.8 dB | 1.57 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -6.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,370 Hz | -2.7 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 4,426 Hz | +1.9 dB | 5.91 |
| Peak | 6,356 Hz | +2.3 dB | 5.93 |
| Peak | 65 Hz | +0.8 dB | 4.09 |
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