Short answer: the Sennheiser HD 560S. It ranks #8 of 429 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $199.95. The Simgot EP5 ranks #223, rated 3.5/5, at $97.99, $101.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Sennheiser HD 560S is the better-sounding option. It scores 93 on the Harman preference model, with the midrange and presence region (200 Hz to 6 kHz) within about 0.2 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound very natural. The tradeoff: Bass is lean, with sub-bass about 5 dB under target and 60 to 200 Hz about 1.2 dB under, which can sound thin on pop, hip hop and electronic music.
The case for the Simgot EP5: The median of 7 hobbyist measurements gives it a solid Harman preference score of 70 with a 2.38 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.9 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. Watch for: Treble sits about 4 dB low, so it sounds a little dark.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 560S. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $101.96 you would save on the Simgot EP5 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 560S | Simgot EP5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 | $97.99 |
| Ranked | #8 of 429 in Over-Ear Headphones | #223 of 429 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 93 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 70 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.58 dB standard deviation | 2.38 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.89 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 120 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 V) | 113 dB/Vrms |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
| Frequency Response | 6Hz - 38kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 50kHz |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
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How Sennheiser HD 560S compares with other leading options:
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- Sennheiser HD 550 vs Sennheiser HD 560S
- Sennheiser HD 560S vs HIFIMAN Edition XS
- Sennheiser HD 560S vs Sennheiser HD 505
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The Two Headphones In Full
Sennheiser HD 560S: $199.95 Amazon $199.95 eBay
Pros: It scores 93 on the Harman preference model, with the midrange and presence region (200 Hz to 6 kHz) within about 0.2 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound very natural. At 240 g it is the lightest of the top group, and the open design gives a wide soundstage. Its 120 ohm impedance is still manageable from most modern sources.
Cons: Bass is lean, with sub-bass about 5 dB under target and 60 to 200 Hz about 1.2 dB under, which can sound thin on pop, hip hop and electronic music. Treble is also pulled back, with a deep 8.5 dB dip near 9.8 kHz that softens cymbals and sibilance. The open back leaks sound and provides no isolation.
Full Sennheiser HD 560S review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.58 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 6Hz - 38kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 93 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 120 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 V) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.6 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 | +9.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,983 Hz | +4.4 dB | 2.63 |
| Peak | 54 Hz | -5.4 dB | 0.48 |
| Peak | 1,148 Hz | -1.5 dB | 2.38 |
| Peak | 491 Hz | +0.6 dB | 1.23 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 7,451 Hz | +2.0 dB | 3.91 |
| Peak | 4,502 Hz | -1.7 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 1,937 Hz | +0.9 dB | 3.93 |
| Peak | 5,639 Hz | -0.9 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Simgot EP5: $97.99 Amazon $97.99 eBay
Pros: The median of 7 hobbyist measurements gives it a solid Harman preference score of 70 with a 2.38 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.9 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. Bass sits close to target and holds down to 20 Hz, so low end sounds full without bloat. It uses 1 x 50mm dynamic with an easy 32 ohm load.
Cons: Treble sits about 4 dB low, so it sounds a little dark.
Full Simgot EP5 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.38 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 50kHz |
| Harman Preference Score | 70 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.89 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples