Short answer: the Sennheiser HD 599, if you are buying new. The Sennheiser HD 555 measures as well as it (#194 vs #188 of 382 over-ear headphones, 3.6/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Sennheiser HD 599 is still sold new at $189.95.
What the Sennheiser HD 555 does well: 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.
The case for the Sennheiser HD 599: A preference score of 73 and a modest 2.74 dB deviation from the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement make this a fairly smooth open back. The catch: Sub-bass falls about 6 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the extra warmth sits higher up and the deepest rumble is missing.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 599 if you want one new; the Sennheiser HD 555 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 555 | Sennheiser HD 599 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $189.95 |
| Ranked | #194 of 382 in Over-Ear Headphones | #188 of 382 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz | 12Hz - 38.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.22 dB standard deviation | 2.74 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.42 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 75 Hz (-10.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-9.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Sensitivity | - | 106 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms) |
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The Two Headphones In Full
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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Sennheiser HD 599: $189.95 Amazon $189.95 eBay
Same family: the Sennheiser HD 569 (lower-end model, ranked lower, rated 1.6/5).
Pros: A preference score of 73 and a modest 2.74 dB deviation from the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement make this a fairly smooth open back. Bass runs about 2 dB above target and the lows through the low mids are about 2.7 dB up, which gives vocals and guitars a full, warm body. At 50 ohms and 106 dB sensitivity it is easy to drive, and at 250 g it is light.
Cons: Sub-bass falls about 6 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the extra warmth sits higher up and the deepest rumble is missing. A 9.6 dB dip near 9.8 kHz and about 3.5 dB less air above 10 kHz take the sparkle off cymbals, while a 3.7 dB peak near 5.7 kHz can add some edge to vocals. The open back leaks sound and offers no isolation.
Full Sennheiser HD 599 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.74 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 38.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-9.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.42 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.2 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 | +6.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 152 Hz | -4.3 dB | 0.59 |
| Peak | 1,751 Hz | +4.4 dB | 1.45 |
| Peak | 4,485 Hz | -1.9 dB | 2.72 |
| Peak | 40 Hz | +1.0 dB | 3.06 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,629 Hz | +6.0 dB | 1.71 |
| Peak | 5,771 Hz | -2.8 dB | 5.56 |
| Peak | 3,175 Hz | -2.0 dB | 4.70 |
| Peak | 3,690 Hz | +0.7 dB | 4.38 |
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