Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Sennheiser HD 558 is the better pick: it ranks #87 of 523 over-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #315 (rated 3.4/5) for the Sennheiser HD 579. If you want one new, the Sennheiser HD 550 ranks #8 at $199.95.
The Sennheiser HD 558 is the better-sounding pick. An open back over-ear with a high preference score of 86 and a light 0.6 lbs (260 g) frame. The tradeoff: Sub bass rolls off early, falling 6 dB below target at 38 Hz, a 5.2 dB peak near 3.1 kHz adds glare, and dips near 10 kHz and 11.5 kHz dull the top treble.
Why pick the Sennheiser HD 579: Its tonal tilt of -0.60 sits close to the target, so the overall balance is neither dark nor bright. The tradeoff: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 558 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Sennheiser HD 550 instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
An open back over-ear with a high preference score of 86 and a light 260 g frame.
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Its tonal tilt of -0.60 sits close to the target, so the overall balance is neither dark nor bright.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 558 | Sennheiser HD 579 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 Discontinued | $199.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #87 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones | #315 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (1 squig.link measurement, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 68 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.38 dB standard deviation | 2.94 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.60 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 38 Hz (-8.8 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB | - |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) | 0.6 lbs (250g) |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 28kHz |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 38mm dynamic |
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