Sennheiser HD 560S, the best sounding $200 headphone yet!

[@VishnuPadmanabhan]

Just got my hand on HD 560s and I absolutely love it. Watched a lot of review but when I saw this review, it sealed it for me Steve. Thanks a lot!

[@brandonmcneal7659]

I've been delighted with this 560s. One VERY interesting listen for me was a CD of Pierre Boulez/ NY Philharmonic version of Stravinsky's Petouchka from 1971. Boulez has quite a reputation for emphasizing detail, and this headphone displays this in spades. I felt like I'd never heard it so completely before. One of the best jobs of multimiking I know of. Anyhow, I'm using these with a Marantz CD-38 CD player (with a tube in it) into a Liquid Spark amp, which the 560S seems to like.

[@paulstone9755]

I love the 560s also..

[@VladVexler]

That is a very fine recording.

[@aramb]

What label is that CD on? I can't find a Boulez/NY Philharmonic version of Petrouchka... Oh, I found a version (used) on Sony Classical. Is that the one?

[@spamcan9208]

I keep hearing that the 560 benefits from tubes. Any idea why that is? I've only had these a few months and I suspect I have a long way to go before I develop an ear good enough to appreciate the differences in DACs, amps, tubes etc. I do seem to get listening fatigue easier when I'm tired and I am sensitive to treble.

[@iancanuckistan2244]

Just a few weeks ago you were celebrating 100K subscribers. Already at 154K. Congratulations Steve.

[@aramb]

Recently bought a pair of the 560S and I'm not regretting it. A big upgrade in sound quality over my vintage 1979 HD414X (!). Playing a Pizzarelli CD on Telark, through my office system (an Advent 300 with a pair of KEF Coda 7). The Advent isn't exactly the quietest thing in the world, but the sound comes alive in the new headphones.

[@ericdaniel323]

I really appreciate that final comparison. My Sundaras literally arrived this morning and now I won't be second-guessing that purchase. Thanks!

[@ciaranleoghann5879]

the HD560s is also internally balanced, using a balanced cable works just fine. I use mine with a balanced cable with 4,4 (pentacon) jack and it rocks :-)

[@scottder]

Sorry for responding to an old post, where did you get the cable for these?

[@ciaranleoghann5879]

sorry i mentioned 4,4 jack in my original post but it was 2,5 my mistake !

[@wilcalint]

Steve mentioned this briefly in this video. FWIW in the eary 90's a project was launched by the Media Lab at MIT and the Boston Audio Society (BAS) to define and quantify why people preferred the sound of tube equipment vs all solid state equipment. $10's of thousands of equipment were used along with about 20 "Golden Ears". Yours truly being one of those. The results of that study were shared with a number of high end Audio Equipment manufacturers. They implemented their own solutions. The closest today can be found in the input stage of some of the PS Audio equipment. Accuracy was not part of the mixture.

[@TorToroPorco]

If I buy another headphone I might have to go into therapy. I’ve been loving Homefires as well, Neil at his mellow best. Joni’s live performances in Toronto’s Yorkville 60s folk scene as a raw talent are a real treasure.

[@Robert.Dickson]

I started listening to Homefires too, but it and Harvest have just been removed from Tidal.

[@smilelines211]

I don't know what it is about your videos, but I really love them. You are so much fun to watch. You're so positive and I can tell you really love this hobby. Makes me smile. Keep making these great videos!

[@PartySpock]

I totally agree .I bought the 560 s a month ago.Very good. Thank you . for this nice video

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

I like your comparison here. I’ve never been a fan of the HD6XX’s closed in/warm nature although I understand the value. I’ve gotten quite used to the Audeze and Focal sound over the years but I may take a look at the 560S. Well done Steve as usual 👍🏻

[@edwardbalboa5528]

??? 6xx are the best ...

[@Tripokaridos22]

U like Audeze sound and find 6xx warm ? :)

[@mrpositronia]

Thanks, Steve. I hope life is treating you well! :)

[@bobbydirtamiyer2151]

Oh wow, my dad used to have an old set of Sennheisers. They were the shit, but eventually broke. I miss those bad boys.

[@The_Dionysus_One]

The first decent headphones I ever had was these ~14 years ago. I had an amazing experience once when I was sober (rare for a teenaged me) and listening to Shpongle's first album laying down in my bed, and- on no drugs at all- I reached a pinnacle moment in which I felt that my body was rising and lifting itself up out of the bed in a circular, slightly dizzying and exhilarating sensation of transcendece put of my body and towards the heavens, fully synced with the music as my body continued spinning and rising towards the heavens. That event marked among my first recollections of being notably impressed by a pair of headphones. They served me many years and I loved the way they sounded and even the way the on-ear contact with the speaker *felt* as well. I remember being legitimately afraid to even listen to an album one time 😂 After hearing a couple tracks from¹ Shpongle's "Nothing Lasts... but Nothing is Lost"", it was tickling my brain so intensely and seriously that I actually had to take them off, recuperate, and prepare myself to dare to continue listening to the record. Quite a piece of nostalgia that model was. I probably will never forget the impact such small headphones did for me on multiple occasions. Good stuff. 👍

[@paullazarro4295]

I love my HD560s , especially paired with the Modi3 and Vali2. All recommended by Steve! I couldn't be happier! Thanks Steve!

[@blockaderunner]

@Ten O they are more than decent for gaming, but you must take out the harshness of the 8kHz band lowering it a few notches ~ it had my ears ringing ..a younger person may have less problems with treble

[@blockaderunner]

@Ten O modi3 is shiit for DAC fiio better DAC

[@dipanjanbiswas6580]

I've owned the Sundara for a while now and was kind of looking for a bit of variation. Also - I had got some budget/entry-level tube amps recently - and while I enjoyed pairing them with the Sundara - the change was not that huge. I had a Grado SR80e before the Sundara. Went back to that. Tried pairing with the tube-amps - again no huge difference. An upgrade was not an immediate option as I kind of understood that to do better than the Sundara - I'd have to spend significantly more. So I kept going through reviews. I had actually seen this review earlier also - the Sundara was a relatively newer purchase then - and I had really focused on the last bit that the Sundara was more resolving. I was really into the resolving sound then - and didn't care much for low end or the "warm" sound. I revisited this video - and decided to take a chance based on Steve's observations regarding the bass and the overall comparison with the likes of HD 6xx - which seemed to be the de factor choice for most reviewers. I was a bit apprehensive - fervently hoping that the sound would not be a let down (given that my go-to cans are the Sundara). And I wasn't disappointed!!! I'm enjoying my new 560s - the bass and the warmth - have given me the variety I was looking for!!! Will I go back to the Sundara - sure I will - I'm sure that at some point I'll start getting "used to"/"bored" by the sound of the 560s and will probably go back to the Sundara - but now at least I have two options and that excites me !!! Finally - if it is of any help to anyone - I paired the 560s with the Magni 3+, the iFi Zen Can (not Signature) and the Xduoo MT-602 (tube amp). The Xduoo pairing is by far the best for that lush and warm sound. Even Zen Can's XBass and 3D Surround (which work wonders with the Sundara) - is not close. So I have my two combos now - Sundara+ifi Zen Can and 560s+Xduoo MT-602

[@spamcan9208]

What tubes are you using in the Xduoo? I just got mine after seeing how many reviewers all said the 560 goes well with tubes. I've noticed the stock tube has removed some of the bass presence that I enjoyed when listening to things like those large orchestral bass drums.

[@dipanjanbiswas6580]

@@spamcan9208 Riverstone JAN 564W matched pair - these are essentially GE tubes

[@spamcan9208]

@@dipanjanbiswas6580 thanks

[@dipanjanbiswas6580]

@@spamcan9208 Welcome :-)

[@mvv1408]

These are the best price/performance headphones since PortaPro imho. Good job, Sennheiser!

[@scottyo64]

Not a fan of headphones but I still watch to get my Steve fix!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!

[@cdyow]

Just pulled the trigger on these. Taking first step into something beyond consumer audio. Will be paired with a Topping DX3 Pro. Wish me luck.

[@gylfi6369]

Good Luck.

[@bigblueocean]

Loving these longer, more detailed reviews. Can't get too much Guttenberg.

[@vyathaen]

4:25 for a moment there I thought you are going to say you took the headphones off to check if Neil Young is in the room :D :D

[@MrKayaktom]

Steve, would love to see a video on recommended headphones for under $300, would like to see recommendations for open and closed back. Really enjoyed your video on speakers under $1000, I ended up going with some open box uni-fi towers.

[@Mac11700]

Whilst I am late to this review, I do trust your opinions Steve..and just ordered the 560's. I bought these for home usage for my theater setup. These will be my first set of open back cans. I hope my experience is as good as yours with them. You have been so spot on with your reviews regarding speakers and amps and other gear that I am excited to hear these.

[@chrysio7]

How are they 4 months later?

[@Mac11700]

@@chrysio7 Very nice 👍 They balance well with all of my systems. Excellent for late night movies in the Theater or just zoning out next to the fireplace with some nice vinyl, or through my Oppo 203 and a small tube amp at my 2 channel area. I've even paired them up for some Amazon HD music through a Sonata HD pro on my Note 20 while lounging about on my deck with a cup of coffee watching the sunset...lol So to me they are a good investment and I can wear them for hours without any fatigue or pain.

[@bretspangler8717]

My favorite Sennheiser is my blue Amperiors, they do everything right, light, accurate, good isolation, comfortable to wear for hours. I love the sound, the bass is quick and fun.

[@circattle]

I just don't know what's going on at Sennheiser at the moment, but Amazon in the UK were recently offering the HD660s for a price I couldn't refuse. Well, what can I say, they really dig the emotion out of the music in a way my Quad ERA-1s could never manage. Yes, the Quads have the planar magnetic analytics and more detail but I absolutely adore the HD660s for their sheer musicality. Also love Quantic's 1000 Watts. It was one of my favourites when I first heard it a few years ago, and you've reminded me to check it out again.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

You might like music from Big Mountain.

[@AlanGonzalez-ev6ur]

you would probably like one of the lower models the hd 650/6xx or 600 more honestly, me and a lot of people seem to think they are more musical than the 660s, the 660s having better technicalities but a worse overall tone

[@ИванАйлов]

@@AlanGonzalez-ev6ur And many others would disagree. Me also. I just cannot stand the HD650 how much warm it is and veil also. I prefer HD660s by far.

[@saint6563]

Third rave review i've seen on KZbin. Thanks, Steve.

[@dasninjastix]

I have both the Deva and Sundara, and I just love the Deva for vocals. Anything vocals has a sweetness to it that I can get enough of. I bought the Sundaras with the expectations of replacing the Deva but I can't. Love it too much. I have a pair of HD599s but may pick up the 560s regardless.

[@Hjw673]

How do you like the 599s?theyre currently on a sale...

[@Ebu26]

I have the same question, what are your thoughts on the 599?

[@dasninjastix]

@@Ebu26 The 599s are not my cup of tea for music, I use them for gaming and for watching videos. I find them very dry, neutral, but clear and crisp. They're very lightweight and the pads are reasonably comfortable. I wear them with Dekoni nuggets in the corners of the headband arch as I find headbands that are evenly padded produce a pressure point at the top of my head. The pads are that stiff non-memory Sennheiser foam. I have a pair of faux leather replacement pads for them, and while far more comfortable, it does muddy the sound a bit. Sound staging/presentation is close and aggressive. This is NOT a wide sounding, relaxed headphone. The sound is well-controlled, I don't notice any grain or distortion in the treble or bass response. Bass is lean but composed, the mids and highs are neutral to my ear, the overall timbre is more natural sounding, especially with vocals. The dynamics are not going to rattle anyone's head but I don't think that's the intention of these headphones. I think they're exceptional for critical listening. I primarily use them for games where I need to hear environmental details or when I'm listening to ASMR. They provide a ton of details, great sound separation, and are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. For music, personally I can see using them for acoustic recordings, acapella, orchestral, maybe country, folk. Music where you want to pick out hidden nuances in the track. They lack depth and weight and punch imo for more energetic listening, like hard rock, hip-hop, electronica, etc.. They're also low impedance so you don't need much amplification and they're only going to benefit so much from higher amplification. I don't have tubes so I can't evaluate them on that end. It ultimately comes down to what you would use them for - I think they're a fantastic critical listening headphone to use with phones or game consoles. But I much prefer other headphones like the Deva or the Beyerdynamic TYGRs (300r) for music enjoyment. I do however much prefer the 599s to the Philips Fidelio XHR2. Even though the Fidelios have that spacious sound staging, the grain in the treble and bass is too distracting for me after a time. I'd rather the control and sound presentation of the 599s.

[@Ebu26]

@@dasninjastix Would the HD 599 be a good choice for music with a lot of stringed instruments like these: instagram.com/p/CCUHjPDjr79/?igshid=av5lvkrf1nxf 🤔 Or would the HD 560S or HD 600 be a better choice?

[@dasninjastix]

@@Ebu26 I haven't heard either the 560s or the HD600s to make that determination. I think it comes down to what you want out of the listening experience. Do you want to relax to that type of stringed music or do you want to try and hear everything you can? From reviews it seems like the 560s helps make sense of the 5xx lineup. I think if you want more "fun" or relaxed listening consider the 58x (the Jubilees) and if you want more critical listening then go with 560s. The 599s are likely a lesser version of the 560s but how much less I cannot say. I'm happy with the 599s don't get me wrong, but if I'm going to listen to string instruments like the sample you provided -> I'm going with my Deva. I prefer planar response and the "sweet" tuning of the Deva. But I'm also in my 40s and my ears may not be as sensitive to the treble as yours may be. What I find "sweet" may sound metallic or peaky to you, just keep that in mind.

[@metalman0708]

I was listing to Lynda Ronstadt on Tidal the collection was from Just one Look the other night on Tidal. The collection was produced in MQA that song Someone to Lay Down With. I love the piano intro on that tune. I have the Sennhiser HD 6xx driven by Shitt modi magni. It sounds pretty good.

[@brojohnmcd]

Now I want a Sundara even more!

[@ianmcsherry5254]

560s are currently going for under £170 here in the UK. I'm seriously tempted.

[@deadandburied7626]

I bought a pair, amazing value!

[@loiywer1292]

@@deadandburied7626 its now 150 euros in Belgium, damn so tempted

[@danboy77]

I ordered a HD6xx but unfortunately got lost in the post so I got a refund and spent the money on the 560s, it arrives tomorrow. Great review.

[@LA-db9xj]

Well??

[@danboy77]

@@LA-db9xj I prefer my Grado SR60

[@eddyagg]

Quantic is awesome! His albums are genuine masterpieces, especially when listened to in their entirety.

[@daysofgrace2934]

Bought a pair of Sundaras' and the 560S from Amazon with a view to keep one and returning the other. Longtime Sennheiser listener - PX100 v1 (open) & PX200 (closed). Been listening to both Sundara need EQ to overcome the deficient bass and over-cooked treble. Sundara definitely needs EQ applied. The 560S you could live with in stock form but a bit of EQuing to get them over the line with regard to the Harman target. 560s are £169 and the Sundara £300. Sundara's seem better but not quite twice as better but the 560s have better sub-bass. One thing this has shown me how good the PX100s version 1 (£50 in 2003) are, they are definitely the pound for pound champ. Used an E1DA 9038D DAC amp combo (180mW@32 Ohm, max voltage is 2.7v)...

[@rudiphoto]

I miss my PX100! Handed them down to a family member back when I thought they could be replaced easily. By the time I started seriously missing them, they were out of stock everywhere.

[@dsf5362]

I try out more new to me music by watching your reviews. I also based my budget system off of your under $1000 video from a while ago . Now I'm looking for good budget headphones so I can listen without bothering my wife. Your videos are informative and I like that you don't just review products at the high end but products for the average guy too.

[@gravitystorm61158]

Bought a Sennheiser back in ‘86. Got them at Matthews, top of the hill Daly City... they cost me $165.00 back then. Most comfortable headphones and sounded as good too. Long gone. But you rate these well. Now to find an audio store not named after a tree....

[@neilfisher7999]

I recently purchased a Beyerdynamic DT990 for under $200. I use an ifi hip-dac portable headphone amp and this combo sounds awesome. Not sure if you have reviewed this before. But if not, you need to take a look. They're comfortable and well made as well as sounding great.

[@bartkdt]

I’ve had a pair of HD555s for years now. The build quality has always been a let down. They don’t go deep but the openness and accuracy and sound stage have always been excellent. They have depth and are easy any inviting to listen to. I’ll check this new gear out. I only ocasionally dig them out. No harm in a look. Thanks Steve.

[@malfunkt]

The HD555 were the headphones that got me into higher end headphones. That was over 15 years ago. Don’t have them anymore but they had a very unique spacious yet warm magic. These new 560s are built on a similar chassis (with stronger plastics) but with completely different driver than the 555/595/598/579/585/599 series and by the sounds of this review much improved with more accurate tuning.

[@MrStevegibb]

Build quality a let down in what way? I have had the hd595 for 15 years in daily use and they are completely fine.

[@noth606]

@@MrStevegibb Old comment, but I suspect he refers to it being just about it being all plastic, I have the HD595 and Beyerdynamic DT880 to pick one, the DT880 feel more solid in the hand, but I think it's because they use more metal and are heavier. I don't have a preference in build of either really, both are fine, Sennheiser have been a tad plasticky for a long time, but from a weight perspective it makes sense, they feel very light. the DT880's you never forget having on.

[@PH-gm2qe]

I just baught the HD560s open box for 130euro with full 2 year guaranty. Really looking forward to test them... still several hours waiting to pick them up in the shop.

[@Guacamole1000]

I have been testing various headphones, mainly for mixing my own music and casual listening purposes. I first tried the beyerdynamic Dt 770 pros and while the soundstage was really big I thought the treble was too piercing and I couldn't stand the non detachable 1,000 foot cable (considering I'm right in front of my computer). I returned and bought the beyerdynamic DT 700 pro x which I was sure would be the answer because of all the raving reviews I heard, but honestly I thought the headphone was too heavy and had a really tight clamping force (my ears were also touching the inner foam pads in front of the drivers and I really didn't enjoy that). So I returned those and ended up stepping away from beyerdynamic and trying the 560s. This is my first open back headphone and on first listen I was FLOORED. I A/B tested the dt 700 pro x and the 560s and I did come to some conclusions. I know it doesn't make sense comparing open back to closed back, but anyway in my opinion the 700 pro x have more bass and actually a wider soundstage. However the 560s sound cleaner and more neutral all around. I then plugged my 560s into an old Yamaha amplifier/receiver and it sounded AMAZING. It brought a little more heft to the lower end of the headphone and in my listening just gave it an overall warmer sound while not drowning out any of the mids/highs. In the past week the 560s has become my musical companion handling many different styles of music very well. The clamping force is pretty tight still but I think over time they'll get better and I love that the pads are not round but instead ovular.

[@AudieLockhart]

I love the way you review!

[@RichardDurishin]

Wow! I'll have to try them listening to MQA via my LG phone.

[@supergranular]

I've realised today that I must accept buying any piece of equipment will come with the risk of you releasing a video the next day with something I should have bought instead.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

That''s a concern.

[@athathsonty2925]

Its only a few hours ago I have ordered a headphone and now comes this Video !

[@ShockDiamonds]

Make sure there is a Money Back Guarantee or some sites offer test drives. Just a thought.

[@marks.2769]

Purchased these headphones last week and they literally arrived today. Very encouraged by the review.

[@Harry-Giles]

LOL, so true.

[@larryeckerdt9750]

I just added the 6xx to contrast with my Sundaras. I chose 6xx over 560s due mainly to the 300 ohm resistance. I expect a Darkvoice will show up sometime next year.

[@greymurdock2]

Always love the references of song/albums you list. Much of them are the underrated more obscure records, which I love! One of the best raw recordings I’ve heard is joe Harper (take 2) by van Morrison. The band is so alive…

[@Geoduck.]

Significant value. Thanks Steve

[@nabdrumworks4719]

Great review and love the tape hiss reference (:

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Tape hiss is how we knew the song was over.

[@yellahbe]

I bought the HD 560S twice and sold them both. I feel like they’re too good, which makes them too overwhelming for my taste. Every instrument/sound is fighting for my attention and I can’t focus on the song anymore. I recently got the HD 660S and instantly fell in love with it. Compared to the HD 560S it sounds more relaxed yet detailed.

[@Responder117]

My first video I’ve watched from you, very very nice. Thank you. Great impressions, explanations, and outlook.

[@fardosh4193]

Very good video! Is it the same recommandations for 2024?? Thanks for your excellent positive video

[@Ps3luvr260]

Me: Buys a 6xx what could go wrong? Me: finds a 3 month old video I should have found yesterday

[@cosmic5789]

Honestly, it’s all personal preference. The hd6xx are still fantastic and according to a lot of audiophiles, scales better with nicer audio equipment.

[@mrcrunch8000]

Honestly owning both I think you made the better choice. The 560s can be fatiguing at times and seems to have a touch of grain that isn't there on the 6xx. Both are good though.

[@АрчиБальт-ъ7э]

Hi from Belarus. Thanks for this video 😊

[@6643bear]

Hi Steve , great informative video, the 560 now available around £130 in the Uk , I find a good all rounder , but I have hd660 also sounds just a bit better, I recently got these for £259 , S2 been out now so sennheiser dropped the price and at that price point it’s worth getting. The hd6xx from drop is also great performance at that price point £179 ($ 200) . However hifiman sundara is great too . Regards mark

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

The 560S is much lighter than the Sundara. There's no contest to me.

[@incognito7597]

I finally got my hands on some hd560s headphones,after using 559 for years,But i was not blown away like i thought i would be.560s elevate some songs,but at the same time some songs sound thin and poor.With the 559 theres more overall warm sound,560s seem thin,IF you turn your bass down on your hi-fi,and turn your treble up you get 560s sound,The sound is very detailed,but its not for every song.

[@urrakito-b1e]

amp dac ?

[@manuchaves9511]

Steve great video. a question, in your opinion which is better the HIFIMAN he400se or the sennheiser hd 560s? I am not sure which one to choose as I have seen that both are excellent and have a similar price. but I would like your personal opinion on which is better.

[@MadMensDen]

Thanks a bunch Steve. I was looking for new pair of cans, and was in between meze 99 neo, 560s and the SUNDARA. I have the he 400i, pro 82s and ksc75, so I want something with better mids, flat and engaging, like an evolution of the Ksc75s in a way. So this'll really help me i buying.

[@Elazarko]

How's it? Also consider the AKG K371

[@Robert.Dickson]

Loved this video, listened to the Neil Young track, loved it and listened to the album Harvest. Now both have been removed from tidal 🙈🙈

[@MrAhuraMazda]

The Monoprice M570 are $199 now too. They are incredible

[@brandon1941]

Need Advice. Too make a long story short, I'm an old guy (almost 80) who enjoys music. I have listened to an Onkyo system since the early 1990s, but recently Steve Guttenburg convinced me to give headphones a try. So got a Schitt Modi and Magni and a pair of Hifiman Sundara. And the music came alive. Then I got a good deal on a pair of Klipsch RM600 speakers. Now I'm looking for a new amplifier. I have it down to two choices. The Schitt Aegir and Saga or the Outlaw RR2160. I am mostly listening to streaming music on Amazon Music HD, although I do have a CD collection. The records went to my son a long time ago. Living space is at a premium. I hesitate to post this here, but I don't no where else to go for advice. No audio stores where I live. Thanks.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Brandon, Schiit or Outlaw are both excellent. The Outlaw is more flexible...

[@MyNorthAmetican40]

I’m also Thi about the Klipsch 600 speakers. What was your initial reaction after making the change.

[@JazzInvaders66]

Just got the Aegir driving 4 ohm KEF speakers (92dB at 2m on reference axis for a pink noise input of 2.83V anechoic conditions) and love it!!!! More than enough power for me with great clarity.

[@brandon1941]

@@MyNorthAmetican40 The rave reviews including Steve's are right. After listening with headphones, which I like, what really impresses me when I listen to the Klipsch's is that you feel them physically-- Look around for sales, they often go on sale.

[@MyNorthAmetican40]

@@brandon1941 You're not helping...plus they're currently on sale.

[@vincedinga3070]

Hey Steve, I just bought a pair of Grado SR325e (upgraded from SR80e, I'm forever converted to the sound of Grado and Klipsch thanks to you) and I'd love to get a DAC to pair it with. Would you recommend the Schiit Modi or rather something else for -mostly- digital streaming? Also, I know the SR325e doesn't really need an amp, but would there be any benefits to adding a Vali 2 or another little tube amp to it? Thanks a lot for all the great content and wish you all the best from Amsterdam, NL.

[@biancadupont2931]

IFI xdsd. it's an amplifier and DAC plus MQA. great sound not to expensive small enough to carry around , I use it with my phone at work.

[@AlbertWeijers]

I bought this this week for 145 euro, That's 155 dollar. Really happy with that.

[@anonymousdonor8084]

Ok, sold! Thanks

[@Dankzzz]

Thank you so much for this review. :)

[@MrLogic85]

I like the fact that you bring up the Sundara as a sidenote, because many reviews of gear are so fixed at the pricetag? You don't listen to the pricetag, you listen to the music through the gear you have. So adding some cheaper and more expensive stuff in a review like this helps a lot. I've had this question in the back of my mind a lot; I'm hunting for a pair of entry level open back headphones, do I get always better wired headphones if I get a $600 pair compared to a $200? You rarely see the comparison being done. The same goes for amps and dacs. I have the Dragonfly red, what am I expecting to hear if I instead get a $750 desktop dac/amp? Still new to this and am consuming way too much KZbin at the moment :), will be heading to my rather local HiFi have this weekend to have a listen. Just wanted you to know that as a beginner, am I very much confused about the difference between gear with different pricetags. Keep up the good work, love you channel.

[@mo5328]

Hello, I really enjoyed this review. Have you tried the HE200i 2020 version and how you compare them?

[@jackdanyal4329]

great review and a lot of nice music choises, really liked them. I'm thinkin about this purcahse, but I'm owning Fostex T60rp. Does it make sense to purchase HD560s? how they are in compare with fostex?

[@MarkDavidMcCoskey]

560S + ifi Zen DAC-Amp V2 for < $400. 👍

[@urrakito-b1e]

thanks !

[@saedamad]

Thank you Steve

[@Hjw673]

Steve, would you ever review the Philips x2? It'd make my week..

[@BigTacious]

I really like the 560s, but prefer the hd 6XX's warmer presentation. To me it's just a more comfortable sound signature, and I think I get just a bit more detail out of vocals and string instruments. I really do prefer the 560s for gaming, its wider sound stage and impressive accuracy and imaging make it arguably one of the best headphones for gaming at this price point on the market imo.

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Great choice in headphones to compare this to. You clearly prefer bright, detailed sound

[@malco49]

this is on the short list of my next headphone. i really want the grado 325 , but already have used grado's and have not had a sennheiser in years.

[@mattmiller2761]

I just got the 325x. they're my favorite Grados of all time. Not a lot of reviews out there yet.

[@symphonysoup]

love these just got mine but the left ear buzzes on alot of frequencies, mainly just commentary, sfx and music is perfect.

[@bornfalcon4020]

Which schiit amp is best for this one? The heresy or magni 3+?

[@itellsri]

Steve ….you are my reference for all things audio. I got both the monoprice cheap headphones ( cnet suggestion) along with the Sennheiser 560s. I am in audio heaven. Your references are spot on. Need your input for a good dac and amp. I want something analog and organic sounding. If you have a portable option that’s even better. Please let me know. My budget is around $300. I have used the apple usb c dongle and I like the clean sound. But just wanted to expand my horizons. Please advice.

[@greymurdock2]

Hahaha loved the intro!

[@aesthetic4829]

Just got these about a month ago now and they’re some of the best sounding audio I’ve ever owned. I’m new to the audiophile community so I don’t have much experience, but im hearing instruments in the mix that I’ve never heard before, mainly backing vocals and instruments in the high end, and all the instruments feel well spaced out, nothing bleeds into one another. Amazing pair of headphone, off topic but does anyone recommend a pair of headphones that are a bit warmer with similar clarity and maybe even sound staging?

[@6643bear]

Hi Steve , great video just bought one £130 , only got one as now but dac and streaming hi res on apple . Sounds petty good, I wonder if you come across hd575 , I also found that my Rotel a11 drives these 120ohm very well and I think sound better than my momentum 2.0 . , I also noted that my 560 has a thicker lead as well. Like yiu steve I had Sennheiser phones for some time ie had 485 420sl and 600ohm hd420 . Regards mark

[@progressiveguy9959]

I had a cup of Polymer Blend this morning. DELICIOUS!

[@karigori6415]

🤣

[@MrAhuraMazda]

The Monoprice M570 is $199 now. That thing insane for the price. It may not be quite as good as the Sendy Aiva it's a clone of, but that's $600 (and considered a steal there too). At $199, the M570 is incredible.

[@TheSteve57]

Does running headphones balanced improve the sound, very varying views on this !!

[@johnsweda2999]

You should mention the ollo s4r is about $200 what is better than the Sennheiser what can be easily cheap upgraded to the higher model spec x reference, as well, what's better than the hd 650 and good as the 800

[@completestrangeronline7284]

I prefer the HD 600 to the 560. Actually I prefer the HD 599 to the 560 also

[@Electheo]

Now... how does it compare to the AKG K550? Which is also very transparant

[@QoraxAudio]

Looks interesting, how's the comfort when wearing glasses?

[@adriancastaneda9088]

Not an issue. Very soft padding.

[@prasheelcheruvari101]

Great review !! Where can I buy one ? I’m based in Canada. Tx

[@distractionchannel4954]

...merci beaucoup 😊

[@hakanpersson6524]

How do these compare to Beyerdynamic DT 880 600 Ohm ? I love these because they are very neutral and comfortable.

[@jaredferguson2999]

If you have an amp that pairs well with that headphone (they are rare, even really premium amps don't necessarily do them justice) then your 600 ohm dt880s should blow them out of the water.

[@mosne123]

whats your opinion on bang & olufsen? audiophile or overhyped?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

from my experiences, overhyped.

[@dwaynehendricks7842]

Wayyyy overhyped!!

[@johngaspar4425]

You always have a qualifier

[@MichaelPohoreski]

**UPDATE:** As of 1-3-21 Neil Young is no longer on Tidal due to Tidal lying about his masters and about the audio degradation with MQA. He wrote an article called _WHY I’M NOT ON TIDAL_ GoldenSound published a video on Apr 15, 2021 called _I published music on Tidal to test MQA - MQA Review_ that shows SERIOUS problems with MQA.

[@vassili87]

I have an AKG K182, that I hadn't found a way to get back in shape (living in Europe sometimes sucks when it comes to replacement parts), a Panasonic with "Clear Voice" mode (that I use for multi channel tv audio via BT) and a Sony WH-1000XM3, which is my to go to "Noise Cancelling" pair. I'd like to try my 1st medium/high impedance (neutral sound/monitoring) headphones to pair with a FiiO K3 headphones High-Res DAC/Amp, to check the balanced out and its capability. Would you recommend this as my 1st pair to enter the game of balanced audio and playing around with cables?

[@bobo0215]

我用HD560S，你推薦的歌曲我都聼了，謝謝

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Hi Steve, thank you for this great review! Would the Schiit Magni Heresy be a well matching headphone amp?

[@krypto_9872]

They should have plenty of power to drive them :)

[@st0ve93]

I have the 560s and the Heresy and they sound great together!

[@sebastianbachert9528]

@@st0ve93 thank you!

[@animatedalbumcovers]

I just bought a pair of HD 700 and had to return them. Just for the sake of playing with it, I connected to my iPod and Metallica at maximum volume sounded terrible, extremely low, I could barely hear Fade to Black, Master of Puppets.. I got so disappointed I had to return them. Now I just got my money back and am wanting to know what to buy. I want to stick with Sennheiser because I don’t know other brands, always had Sennheiser’s.. The best I had was the HD 590. Then the HD 650, which was like so-so. Something was missing from the experience I remembered from the HD 590. I’m almost looking for the 590 again. Can’t stand this search anymore. I need someone to help me. Bass is definitely a must. The HD 700 playing games on my laptop was awfully terrible. Even at maximum volume, everything was missing, specially bass. It’s like I was wearing a pair of shitty headphones. My wired little in-ear Bose sounded stupidly better than the HD 700. There was definitely something wrong with that headphone. I’m looking after the HD 600 and the 660S. Can’t afford any HD 800 now. I’m actually trying to decide between the 600 I never had. The 650 I had and the 660S I’m willing to try. Somebody help me! 🆘

[@dunkkusaarinen]

😆 you need power with those headphones so buy an headphone AMP. Higher ohm headphones need power, this is basic stuff or are you trolling here?

[@animatedalbumcovers]

@@dunkkusaarinen Yeah, I did buy a DAC Amp (FiiO Q3) after some research and actually kept the headphone instead of returning it. My first and second Sennheiser’s (HD590 and HD650) didn’t need one to work properly, for some reason.

[@dagohoyting2417]

Is this way better on music listening against the closed back akg k371? Pls be honest

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

They're smooth but could use a bit more treble. Like most Sennheisers, they are all midrange. I will take Shure 440 and 840, Samson 850, Superlux 668B, Sony 7506, M50X, and AKG 361s over them any day. Beyer 770s as well. Maybe with some EQ I would find them more immersive. They are good, but not particularly detailed. Basically they make flat headphones and I like a more V shape.

[@h-dawg6462]

you've obviously never used them! 😆

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

@@h-dawg6462 I literally have a pair. I might sell them because all my other headphones sound better. Shure 440 and 840, Samson 850, Rockville M50, Superlux 68B, AKG 361. Even Sony 7506. Sennheisers always sound muted to me. Like someone threw a blanket over a speaker. But of them, 560s are ok. Preferable to 58x, HD 200, HD 599 and 600. 560s don't seem to cut treble as much as the other so they aren't as boring.

[@h-dawg6462]

@@baronvonlichtenstein because they are for production, not enjoyment. if the tracks you listen to sound dull, it's because they are! 560s reveal that.

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

@@h-dawg6462 So are Shure 440s and 840s. So are Sony 7506, ATH M50x, Samson 850, Superlux 681, Rockville M50. All are studio headphones and sound better than any Sennheiser. Headphones don't have to sound muffled to be useful in a studio.

[@Tripokaridos22]

I have 6 and 5 series , to me its 660s>650>600>550s>58x

[@superuser8159]

Is this headphone capable of being used balanced? If the answer is in the affirmative could you kindly please suggest any cables?

[@JuanCruz-et8so]

I like this review

[@danielcarter3928]

in 2022 would you still recommend the HD560S for a headphone around $200 to use without an amp?

[@JP1050x]

My HD560s’ sound nice directly connected to my iphone. I recently picked up a Schiit Magni 3 Heresy + Modi 3+ stack, and it sounds really good for around the $200 price point. I’d like to try the FIIO K5 Pro or the K7 with a balance Audio cable.