Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Very comfortable for extended use, with soft padding on the earcups and headband
- Sound is fairly neutral with some emphasis on the bass; vocals are clear
- Open-back design gives a more natural-sounding listening experience
- Good for listening to vocals, guitar, and drums, especially for genres such as country, pop, and rock
Product Considerations
- The open-back design lets sound in and out, making it unsuitable for public transportation or quiet environments
- Bass may be too heavy or thick, and lacks clarity; it may bleed into the mids
- Adapter is needed for the quarter inch jack
- Mids are not as clear; highs are toned down slightly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Grado SR80e: The Sennheiser HD 559 has better bass extension, and is better for heavier, mid-range centric music like rock, metal, and genres with synthesized instruments like pop and electronic
- Vs Sennheiser HD 560S: The HD 559 has more bass, but less tonality and definition
- Vs AKG K702: The HD 559 is more powerful and foregrounds listening pleasure, better for rock music
Takeaway: The HD 559 is a comfortable, open-back headphone that offers a neutral sound with good vocals and some bass emphasis, making it good for a variety of music genres. If one enjoys listening at home and appreciates a natural sound, it is a solid choice.
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HD 559
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Manufacturer details
- Ear coupling: Around ear
- Acoustic principle: open
- Cable length: 3m
- Connector: 6.3mm straight plug
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
HD-559
- Positioning: Entry-level design focused on affordability and everyday listening needs.
- Description: Offers clear sound and comfortable design with a straightforward acoustic setup suitable for small rooms and casual music enjoyment. Compared to the HD-560S and HD-660S2, its basic performance and limited feature set make it a better fit for buyers with lower budgets and simple functionality needs.
HD-560S
- Positioning: Mid-tier model balancing cost and improved technical performance.
- Description: Delivers enhanced clarity and precision with a refined tuning approach that benefits home or studio use. When compared with the HD-559 and HD-660S2, it provides better sound detail while remaining accessible for buyers seeking moderate cost and practical functionality.
HD-660S2
- Positioning: Mid to high-level design crafted for a richer and fuller sound experience.
- Description: Offers a warmer sound signature with improved bass impact and a wider soundstage. Relative to the HD-560S and HD-800S, its technical enhancements and superior build quality justify the higher investment for users aiming for more refined performance without reaching the premium flagship tier.
HD-800 S
- Positioning: High-end open-back design intended for detailed, analytical listening applications.
- Description: Provides natural, transparent sound with a wide soundstage and precise imaging that benefits critical listening in controlled environments. Compared to the HD-660S2 and HD-820, it emphasizes technical accuracy and spatial detail.
HD-820
- Positioning: Premium closed-back design engineered for reference-class listening in isolated environments.
- Description: Features a unique closed-back design that merges open headphone sound characteristics with enhanced bass warmth and improved isolation, suited for quiet and nearfield environments. In comparison with the HD-800 S, it prioritizes sound isolation and versatility over the expansive open-air presentation.
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Used
Sennheiser
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Improved bass response compared to the original HD 660S and other HD 6XX series headphones adds warmth and a richer, fuller sound
- Lightweight design (around 260g) and comfortable earpads make them suitable for extended listening periods
- Detailed and nuanced sound, with a well-balanced midrange and smooth treble, provides a clear and crisp listening experience without being overly analytical
- Precise imaging allows for accurate instrument placement and a good sense of sound direction
- It comes with both 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended cables, providing connectivity options for various sources
Product Considerations
- Some feel the price is high for the level of upgrade compared to the original HD 660S, especially with other competitive options available
- While the bass is improved, it's not a bass-heavy headphone and might not satisfy those seeking a thunderous bass response
- The clamping force can be a bit tight out of the box, which may cause discomfort for some users
- The soundstage isn't exceptionally wide, which may not be ideal for those seeking a very spacious and out-of-head experience
- The build quality, while durable, does not feel as premium as other headphones in the same price range due to the extensive use of plastic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The HD 660S2 is generally considered an improvement over the HD 660S, primarily due to the enhanced bass response and slightly smoother sound
- The Sivga SV023 offers a brighter, crisper sound for less money, while the HD 660S2 provides a fuller, more vocal-oriented sound
- The Harmonic Dyne G200 is more exciting and energetic, but has a less natural tonality and may be less comfortable
- The Meze 109 Pro is a better headphone in almost every way, but it is more expensive and may be a little sibilant for some listeners
- HD 660 S2 offers better sub-bass reach and imaging, but the Sennheiser HD 650 still remains unmatched for male vocals
- The HIFIMAN Edition XS sounds bigger, deeper, and wider, while HD 660S2 is more about the tonality
Takeaway: The HD 660S2 is a comfortable and well-rounded headphone with a more balanced and enjoyable sound signature than its predecessor, especially with its improved bass response. It's a great choice for those who appreciate a smooth, detailed, and easy-to-listen-to headphone for various genres.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
- Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
- Designed for reference listening
- Clean, linear, and very detailed mids
Product Considerations
- Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
- Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
- Lacks impact and bite
- Headband padding is uncomfortable
- Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30
Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
- The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
- The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
- The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
- Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
- The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
- The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
- Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
- Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound
Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The HD 560S delivers a flat sound profile that should suit most musical genres
- Very comfortable, with a relatively lightweight design and plenty of plush padding
- Soundstage is exemplary
- Lightweight and provide a nimble feel
- Excels in delivering both vocals and instruments with a remarkable level of clarity and precision
Product Considerations
- Some users might find it a bit dull over time due to its conservative sound signature
- Can be a bit intense at times in the lower treble
- The plastic construction does not scream luxury
- Some loss of texture in the mid-bass, with bass notes of different instruments often sounding the same
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AKG K702: 560S' sound is going to feel a bit closer, but it may not always be a good thing when trying to hear what is farther off in the distance, for gaming
- Vs Sennheiser HD58X: The 560S is cleaner and more accurate sounding than the HD58X
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: The 560S is more intimate and livelier sounding than the darker HD600
- Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: Compared to the more expensive Hifiman Sundara, the 560S sounds like it lacks detail across the frequency spectrum, except in the sub bass region where the Sundara does not seem to dig as deep
Takeaway: The Sennheiser HD560S is a comfortable headphone with a well-balanced sound, making it a solid choice for both gamers and music enthusiasts looking for neutrality and clarity. It is a versatile headphone for various genres and applications.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Reviewer's favorite midrange tuning from Sennheiser
- Better bass extension than HD 6 series, and less upper-midrange glare than HD 505
- Upper treble works well, similar to HD 505
- Homogenous, neutral sonic presentation
- Low weight and small caliper pressure make it extremely comfortable
Product Considerations
- Lower treble is, like HD 505, rather scratchy and dry sounding
- Same uncomfortable headband as the HD 505
- Soundstage could be wider and deeper
- Not the most exciting look
- Like all open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 550 does not attempt to isolate from surroundings
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FiiO FT1 Pro: Both share a similar treble character, but the HD 550’s is less apparent due to the upper-midrange being considerably more present
- Vs Sennheiser HD 560S: The HD 550 fixes every major tonal issue with the HD 560S, while having a more even dynamics presentation and better comfort
- Vs Sennheiser HD 490 Pro: HD 550 does away with incrementalism, goes full-send with an industry-leading midrange tuning, fixes almost all issues with HD 490 Pro’s treble, all while keeping the same level of bass extension at a lower price
- Vs Sennheiser HD 505: The reduction between 2-5 kHz does the HD 550 a ton of favors when it comes to making the headphone more versatile across genres
- Vs Sennheiser HD 600 and HD 650: HD 550 has more bass extension than HD 600 and 650
- Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: If more mass is acceptable, and more repairability is desired, the HIFIMAN Sundara are a great pick
Takeaway: The Sennheiser HD 550 offers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, making it a solid choice for both audiophiles and everyday music listeners, especially those looking for something comfortable. With its user-friendly design and appealing sound profile, it is a great option to enhance audio enjoyment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nicely balanced, upper-midrange focused sound profile
- Very well built for the price
- Easily driven from dongle DACs and game controllers
- Versatile, and is great for all genres of music and for both casual and competitive gaming
- Perfect as a gateway headphone for those looking to get into the audio hobby
Product Considerations
- The top of the headband may cause a pressure point for some
- It has a proprietary 2.5mm locking connection
- The sound profile may be too boring for those who already own several headphones
Takeaway: The HD 505 Copper Edition is a versatile, easy-to-drive headphone that sounds great overall, making it a good choice for new audiophiles or gamers. It offers good value and a balanced sound signature for the price.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully made with real wooden cups, nice metallic flourishes, and a nice adjustment system
- Very easy to drive from any device due to its 32 ohm impedance and 103 dB sensitivity
- The included hard case is of good quality and protective
- Comfortable to wear for extended sessions due to its light weight (296g) and well-designed headband
- Good soundstage width and overall space, with well-defined instrument separation
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers with larger ears may find the earcups to be too small, causing discomfort
- Lack of extra treble detail and energy means that some percussion misses its snap and shimmer
- The headband size is pretty small, so if your head is on the large side, it might not fit
- Stock earpads are too shallow for some users, causing their ears to touch the inside of the cups
- The midrange can sound stuffy and veiled, lacking clarity and detail compared to some competitors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Monolith M1060 V2: The Phoenix has better quality treble, but the M1060 has a better quantity of treble and a more neutral sound
- Vs Sennheiser HD560S: The HD560S is a reference headphone designed to be analytical and neutral, while the Phoenix is colored, engaging, rich, and warm
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: The Phoenix is warmer, has deeper sub-bass extension, and a wider soundstage, but the HD600 is more intimate, clear, and detailed in the mids and vocals
- Vs beyerdynamic DT880: The DT880 has a midbass bump and clearer mids, while the Phoenix has better treble extension
- Vs HarmonicDyne Zeus: The Zeus is a warmer set, but the Phoenix is better implemented
- Vs Austrian Audio Hi-X55: The Phoenix has a more environmental feel when it comes to its sub-bass response and a wider soundstage, but the Hi-X55 has a sweeter vocal presentation
Takeaway: The Phoenix offers a warm, rich, and punchy sound signature in a beautifully designed and comfortable package that is easy to drive. It could be a great option for those who enjoy a bass-emphasized sound and listen to genres where extra bass is beneficial.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Anser is wonderfully comfortable.
- Exceptional build quality, with premium materials rarely seen at this price point.
- It delivers a sound that's well-balanced across all frequencies.
- The Anser is easy to drive from absolutely anything.
- It has a nice sense of weight and presence in its sound, particularly in vocals and solo instrumentals.
Product Considerations
- The soundstage is somewhat restricted in width.
- The midrange is not great.
- The stock cable is a little stiff.
- Treble enthusiasts may occasionally find the presentation less energetic.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD 560s: The Anser is significantly more comfortable and feels better built than the HD 560s, but the HD 560s is a little brighter and sharper in the treble.
- Vs Drop and Sennheiser HD 6XX: The Anser would win for most people on build quality and possibly comfort too, and is going to win for bass because extends down deep, and it's solid and full.
- Vs Philips Fidelio X2HR: The X2HR has a wider, more open soundstage, and a little more nuance in the midrange.
- Vs Sivga Oriole: The Anser has slight advantages, such as soundstage, which is still limited but nevertheless better than the Oriole.
- Vs FiiO FT1 Pro: The Anser has a slightly warmer sound signature, with a more pronounced bass response.
Takeaway: The Sivga Anser offers great build quality and is very comfortable, making it a great choice for people who want a fun and engaging listening experience. This is a headphone that prioritizes musicality over technical prowess, offering an inviting sound.
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