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An introduction to Sennheiser HD 560S, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The HD 560S features an open-back design that provides natural propagation of sound waves.
— Sennheiser official site
What is HD 560S?
The HD 560S is a wired open-back headphone from Sennheiser. The company presents it as a natural, accurate reference sound for analytical audio enthusiasts.
It uses an all-new 120 ohm transducer whose diaphragm is made of a specialized polymer blend, aimed at linear excursion and improved brilliance above 10 kHz, as described by Sennheiser's acoustics team.
Its angled drivers (E.A.R., Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) are designed to recreate the triangular listening position of a hi-fi loudspeaker setup, aiming for a wide soundstage without room treatment.
The comfort mechanics are based on the ultralight HD 599 chassis. It has velour ear pads, and the open design keeps the cups ventilated. The cable is detachable at 1.8 m, and a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter is included.
Open-back earcups
The open design lets sound waves propagate naturally. Sound leaks, so it is not suited to tracking, but it may help check space in mixing and listening.
New 120 ohm transducer
A new driver with a polymer-blend diaphragm and a high-strength magnet. Official figures: 6 Hz to 38 kHz and 110 dB (1 kHz, 1 Vrms).
E.A.R. angled drivers
Drivers are angled to the ear to mimic a loudspeaker listening position, which may help if you want to reduce the in-head feeling of headphones.
Light and ventilated
At 280 g with ventilated open cups, it is intended to be comfortable over long sessions.
Detachable cable and adapter
A 1.8 m cable with a 3.5 mm plug is detachable and a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter is included, for headphone amps and portable players.
Tuned for comparison
Sennheiser says the transducers are tuned for A/B comparisons of components, remasters and formats, and cites extended bass between 20 and 50 Hz.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Wearing style | Over-ear |
| Transducer principle | Dynamic, open |
| Impedance | 120 ohms |
| Frequency response | 6 Hz to 38,000 Hz |
| Sound pressure level | 110 dB (1 kHz, 1 Vrms) |
| Weight | 280 g |
| Dimensions | 198 x 111 x 300 mm |
| Connectivity | 3.5 mm (6.3 mm adapter included) |
| Cable | 1.8 m, detachable |
| SKU | 509144 |
What is included and system requirements
- HD 560S open-back headphones
- 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug
- 3.5 to 6.3 mm screw-on jack adapter
- Drawstring storage bag
How to use it
- Take out the headphones and cable.
- Plug the cable into the connector on the ear cup.
- Plug the 3.5 mm plug into the headphone jack, using the adapter for 6.3 mm jacks.
- Turn the volume down, start playback and raise slowly.
- Adjust the headband so the pads sit around your ears.
- Play music or a mix and check how it sounds.
- Store them in the supplied bag when not in use.
Checking mixes
The open soundstage may help with checking position and depth.
Listening and comparisons
It may help when comparing remasters or formats.
Mixing and editing at home
In a quiet room it may stand in for speakers as a checking tool (sound does leak out of open-back designs).
Games and film
The wide soundstage may also suit entertainment listening.
Who it may suit
- People who want an open-back headphone for mix and edit checks
- People who want to compare interfaces and headphone amps carefully
- People looking for a light, ventilated headphone
- People who want a detachable cable for long-term use
Good to know before you buy
- Being open-back, it is not suited to tracking because sound leaks into the mic.
- Impedance is 120 ohms, so low-output devices such as phones may not drive them loudly.
- The official price is from the US store and shows a sale price below the regular price.
- The THD figure is blank on the official product page.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See HD 560S on the product page
Sources: us.sennheiser-hearing.com jp.sennheiser-hearing.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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