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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Sennheiser HD 560S and HD 599 are both wired, open-back, over-ear headphones, but they are aimed at different listening priorities. Sennheiser positions the HD 560S for analytical listening and the HD 599 around comfort and spatial presentation. Neither is a universal “best” choice: consider how you want music to sound, how each fits, what your device can connect to, and whether sound leakage is acceptable where you listen.
How the HD 560S and HD 599 differ
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 560S | Sennheiser HD 599 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer’s positioning | Analytical, neutral/reference listening, including comparisons of components and media; this is Sennheiser’s positioning, not an independent finding. Sennheiser product page | Comfort and natural spatial performance, as presented by Sennheiser. Sennheiser product page |
| Design | Open-back, over-ear | Open-back, over-ear |
| Impedance | 120 Ω, as stated in Sennheiser’s 2020 launch announcement. Sennheiser announcement | 50 Ω, according to Sennheiser’s product specifications. Sennheiser product page |
| Weight | 280 g, according to Sennheiser’s current product specifications | 250 g, according to Sennheiser’s current product specifications |
| Connection and cable details | 3.5 mm connection with a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter included, according to Sennheiser | Sennheiser lists detachable 3 m and 1.2 m cables and 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm connections |
| Practical consideration | Open-back construction lets sound escape; it is a poor fit when you need isolation. What Hi-Fi? | Open-back construction also means you should not assume sound isolation. |
The specifications describe products, not a head-to-head listening verdict. Sennheiser’s descriptions of neutrality, accuracy, and spatial performance are manufacturer claims; they do not establish which model will sound better to you.
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Which one suits your listening?
Choose the HD 560S if you want an analytical presentation
Sennheiser describes the HD 560S for neutral, analytical listening and for comparing audio components or media. That framing may appeal if you want a headphone intended to make differences in recordings easier to assess. Treat “accurate” and “neutral” as the manufacturer’s characterization, not a guarantee of preference or a substitute for independent measurements.
Consider the HD 599 if comfort and spatial presentation matter more
Sennheiser emphasizes comfort and natural spatial performance for the HD 599, and lists soft, replaceable earpads. Its lower listed weight is a specification, not proof that it will feel more comfortable on every head; fit depends on the individual. If possible, try the fit or buy from a seller with a return policy that works for you.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium, around-ear, open back headphones: Audiophile sound combined with premium design and materials
- Padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears
- Multiple connectivity options: Robust 3 meter detachable cable and 6.3 millimeter jack and additional 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5 millimeter Jack
- Timeless design cues: Ivory color, matte finish together with the brown headband stitching and matte metallic detail convey quality at first glance
- Premium Components: Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion
Open-back headphones need the right listening space
Both models are open-back. That construction is designed for listening where sound leakage is acceptable, rather than blocking outside noise or keeping your music private. What Hi-Fi? specifically notes that the HD 560S leaks sound by design. The same basic limitation applies to the HD 599: do not choose either as a noise-isolating commute headphone, or assume it will be considerate in a quiet office, shared room, or recording environment.
Check your connection and cable needs
Both models can connect through standard headphone jacks, but check the included cable and adapter against your device before buying. Sennheiser lists a 3.5 mm cable with a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter for the HD 560S. For the HD 599, its product page lists detachable 3 m and 1.2 m cables and 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm connections. The longer cable may be useful at a desk; a shorter cable may be easier to manage with nearby equipment.
Rank #2
- Dynamic, closed ear headphones with up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound
- Lightweight and comfortable, ergonomic design, Cord Length 3.3 9.8 feet Coiled
- Extended frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction
- Around the ear design with padded earcups
- Earpads, headband padding, and audio cord are easily replaceable, ensuring long life
Sennheiser’s compatibility listings include a 4.4 mm balanced cable for the HD 560S/HD 599 model family. That is an optional, setup-dependent accessory, not a required upgrade: only consider it if your audio source has a compatible balanced output and you have a specific reason to use one.
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How to read the technical specifications
Sennheiser lists the HD 560S at 6 Hz–38 kHz, 110 dB SPL at 1 kHz/1 Vrms, and THD below 0.05% at 1 kHz/90 dB SPL. For the HD 599, the listed figures are 12 Hz–38.5 kHz, 106 dB SPL at 1 kHz/1 Vrms, and THD below 0.1% at 1 kHz/100 dB SPL. These are manufacturer specifications, and the THD figures are stated at different sound-pressure levels. They should not be treated as directly comparable proof of audible superiority; frequency-range endpoints alone do not establish sound quality.
Rank #3
- High sensitivity due to lightweight aluminium voice coils
- Capable of handling very high sound pressure levels
- Very lightweight and comfortable, even if used for long periods of time
- Tough, detachable, single-sided cable
Prices depend on market and date
Prices and stock change by country and retailer. Sennheiser’s 2020 launch announcement listed a UK HD 560S launch MSRP of £169; that is historical context, not a current price. What Hi-Fi? reported a £89 offer at Sevenoaks in the UK on January 26, 2026, against a previously stated £169 price. That was a dated retailer deal, not a current or worldwide recommendation. Check the price, availability, and return terms where you live before deciding.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- High sensitivity due to lightweight aluminium voice coils
- Capable of handling very high sound pressure levels
- Very lightweight and comfortable, even if used for long periods of time
- Tough, detachable, single-sided cable
- Rotatable capsule for single-ear listening
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
