HyFa Sennheiser HD 560S Review: Analytical Open-Back for Less
The Sennheiser HD 560S occupies a critical price point in the headphone market. At around $130-$150, it promises open-back analytical sound that previously required spending twice as much. After extended listening sessions comparing it against Sennheiser’s own HD 600 and several competitors, here is how it performs.
Sennheiser HD 560S Review: Analytical Open-Back for Less
Build and Design
The HD 560S follows Sennheiser’s established HD 500 series design language. The plastic construction is lightweight at 240 grams, which contributes to excellent comfort but feels less premium than the HD 600 series. The matte black finish is understated and practical.
The headband uses the same spring-steel slider mechanism as the HD 599, with soft foam padding wrapped in fabric. Clamping force is moderate out of the box and loosens to an ideal level after a few weeks. Ear pads are velour, providing breathability that synthetic leather cannot match during extended sessions.
The cable terminates in a single-sided entry point on the left ear cup using a proprietary 2.5mm locking connector. The included cable is 3 meters with a 6.3mm plug and a 3.5mm adapter. The long cable suits desktop use but is excessive for portable setups.
Sound Quality
The HD 560S is tuned for analytical listening. The frequency response is flat through the midrange with a mild bass roll-off below 60 Hz and a presence peak around 6 kHz.
Bass is fast, clean, and honest. It will not satisfy bass-heads. Sub-bass extension is limited, with audible roll-off below 50 Hz. Mid-bass is flat and free of bloom. This tuning reveals bass lines clearly rather than making them felt.
Midrange is open and transparent. Vocals are presented naturally without coloration. Acoustic instruments sound true to life. The midrange competes directly with the HD 600, which is remarkable given the price difference.
Treble is the most divisive aspect. The presence peak around 6 kHz adds clarity and detail retrieval but can become fatiguing with bright recordings. Sibilance is occasionally present on poorly mastered material. For reference mixing and analytical listening, this treble presentation reveals everything in the recording.
| Specification | HD 560S |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 38mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 120 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL/V |
| Frequency Response | 6 Hz - 38 kHz |
| Weight | 240g |
| Cable | 3m detachable, 6.3mm |
| Design | Open-back, over-ear |
Driving Requirements
At 120 ohms impedance and 110 dB sensitivity per volt, the HD 560S is more demanding than its price might suggest. A smartphone can drive them to adequate volume, but dynamics suffer. A dedicated headphone amplifier or DAC/amp combo, even an affordable one like the JDS Labs Atom or Schiit Magni, unlocks their full potential with better bass control and dynamic range.
Comparison with HD 600
The HD 600 remains the reference standard at $300-$350. Against the HD 560S at less than half the price, the differences are real but smaller than the price gap suggests.
The HD 600 has a smoother, more refined treble that is less fatiguing. Bass on the HD 600 is slightly warmer. The midrange on both is excellent, though the HD 600 has a more intimate, rounded character while the HD 560S is more clinical.
For mixing and reference listening, the HD 560S is arguably more useful because its revealing treble catches problems that the smoother HD 600 might mask.
Comfort
Comfort is a genuine strength. The 240-gram weight with velour pads and moderate clamping force makes the HD 560S disappear during marathon listening sessions. The open-back design eliminates heat buildup. These are genuine six-hour headphones.
The only comfort issue is the headband padding, which is thinner than ideal. Users who are sensitive to top-of-head pressure may want to add aftermarket padding.
Who Should Buy the HD 560S
The HD 560S is the best entry point into analytical open-back headphones. It rewards careful listening with detail and transparency that closed-back headphones at this price cannot approach.
Buy if: You want open-back analytical sound without spending $300+, you mix or master on a budget, or you want to hear what your music actually sounds like.
Skip if: You need isolation, you want powerful bass, or you listen primarily from a smartphone without a headphone amp.
Key Takeaways
- Midrange transparency competes with headphones at twice the price
- 120-ohm impedance benefits from a dedicated amp despite the budget price
- Treble presence peak around 6 kHz adds detail but can fatigue with bright recordings
- 240-gram weight and velour pads deliver exceptional comfort
- Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Next Steps
If you want the smoother, more refined step up, read our [INTERNAL: sennheiser-hd600-review]. For a closed-back alternative at a similar price, see the [INTERNAL: beyerdynamic-dt770-pro-review].