Affiliate disclosure: This article is intended to provide independent informational content. If you use an affiliate link to make a qualifying purchase, the website may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Headphones can be designed for very different listening priorities. Some emphasize portability and noise isolation, while others focus on wireless convenience, powerful bass, or features such as active noise cancellation. Open-back headphones take a different approach. Their earcups are deliberately ventilated, allowing air and sound to move more freely through the back of the earcups.
The Sennheiser HD 560S is a wired, open-back, over-ear headphone designed primarily around detailed listening. It belongs to a category often associated with home audio, music appreciation, mixing, editing, gaming, and other situations where an open presentation and wired connection are useful.
Sennheiser positions the HD 560S around a neutral, detailed listening experience and describes it as a headphone intended for critical listening. Its design combines open-back earcups, around-ear cushions, a wired connection, and a 120-ohm nominal impedance.
Understanding those characteristics is important before choosing this type of headphone. An open-back design can create a spacious presentation and reduce the enclosed feeling associated with closed headphones, but it also allows sound to escape and surrounding noise to enter. Similarly, a wired connection avoids battery management and wireless compression considerations, but it is less convenient for people who prefer Bluetooth.
This guide looks at what the Sennheiser HD 560S is designed to do, how its specifications translate into practical use, and what listeners should consider when comparing it with other headphone categories.
Introduction to the Sennheiser HD 560S
The Sennheiser HD 560S is a pair of open-back, over-ear wired headphones intended for listening at home or in other relatively controlled environments.
Its design places the earcups around the ears rather than directly on them. The rear of the earcups is open, which changes how the headphones interact with both the listener and the surrounding environment.
Unlike wireless headphones, the HD 560S does not depend on an internal battery. Instead, it connects directly to the audio source using its supplied cable. Sennheiser lists a 120-ohm nominal impedance and a 6.3 mm plug, with the package including a 6.3-to-3.5 mm adapter for sources using the smaller headphone jack.
The headphone uses Sennheiser’s 38 mm dynamic transducers, with a published frequency response of 6 Hz to 38,000 Hz and a maximum sound pressure level of 110 dB at 1 kHz, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
These numbers describe the hardware, but specifications alone do not tell the entire story. The open-back construction, earcup geometry, source equipment, recording quality, fit, and individual hearing all contribute to the actual listening experience.
The HD 560S therefore makes the most sense when viewed as a purpose-oriented wired headphone rather than as a general replacement for every kind of headset.
Key Features of the Sennheiser HD 560S
Open-Back Earcup Design
The defining characteristic of the HD 560S is its open-back construction.
Instead of sealing the back of the earcups, the design allows air to pass through the rear of the transducer enclosure.
This approach is commonly used in headphones intended for home listening and critical audio work because it can contribute to a more open and spacious presentation.
The trade-off is equally important.
Because the rear of the earcups is not sealed, external sounds can enter more easily, while music and other audio can be heard by people nearby.
That makes the HD 560S fundamentally different from closed-back headphones designed for isolation.
For a quiet room, the open construction can be an advantage. On public transport, in an office shared with other people, or near someone who needs silence, it can be less appropriate.
The open-back design is therefore not simply a specification to praise or criticize. It is a design choice suited to particular environments.
Over-Ear Construction
The HD 560S uses an over-ear design, meaning the earcups are intended to surround the ears rather than rest directly on them.
Sennheiser supplies plush ear pads designed around the circumaural shape of the headphones.
Over-ear headphones can distribute contact around the ear, which some listeners find more comfortable than smaller on-ear designs during extended sessions.
Fit still varies from person to person.
Head size, ear shape, glasses, hair, clamping pressure, and individual sensitivity can all affect comfort. The fact that a headphone is physically large or uses padded earcups does not guarantee that every listener will find it equally comfortable.
The HD 560S weighs approximately 240 grams without the cable, according to Sennheiser’s specifications.
That puts it in a relatively manageable range for a full-size wired headphone, although perceived comfort depends on more than weight alone.
38 mm Dynamic Drivers
The HD 560S uses 38 mm dynamic transducers.
Dynamic drivers work by moving a diaphragm in response to an electrical audio signal.
This is one of the most established driver technologies used in headphones and speakers.
The driver’s physical size is only one part of the design. The diaphragm material, magnet system, acoustic enclosure, damping, tuning, and earcup geometry all influence the resulting sound.
For that reason, it would be misleading to assume that a larger or smaller driver automatically determines whether one headphone sounds better than another.
In the HD 560S, the driver works together with the open-back enclosure and Sennheiser’s overall acoustic tuning.
Frequency Response
Sennheiser lists a frequency response of 6 Hz to 38,000 Hz for the HD 560S.
Frequency response describes the range over which a headphone is specified to reproduce audio signals.
However, it is important to understand that the quoted range does not mean the headphone produces every frequency at exactly the same volume.
It also does not mean that a listener will hear frequencies at the extreme ends of the published range.
Human hearing varies considerably with age and individual factors, and most listeners hear a considerably narrower range than the full frequency specification.
For everyday listening, frequency response is more useful when considered alongside the headphone’s tuning and intended application.
The HD 560S is positioned toward a neutral and detailed presentation rather than being designed primarily around heavily emphasized bass.
120-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The HD 560S has a stated 120-ohm nominal impedance.
Impedance is a measure of the electrical resistance presented by the headphones to the source.
This matters because headphones with different impedance characteristics can place different demands on the device driving them.
A headphone’s impedance should not be viewed in isolation. Sensitivity, amplifier output, source quality, and listening volume also matter.
The HD 560S is a wired headphone, so potential users should consider what they intend to connect it to.
A dedicated headphone amplifier or an appropriate audio interface can provide a useful setup for desktop listening, while some computers and other consumer devices may also be capable of driving it adequately.
The key point is to consider the complete signal chain rather than assuming that impedance alone determines compatibility.
Detachable Cable
The HD 560S uses a detachable cable, which is practical for storage and potential cable replacement.
Sennheiser’s published product information specifies a 3-meter cable with a 6.3 mm connector and includes a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter.
The relatively long cable is particularly useful in a stationary environment.
For example, someone sitting several feet away from a computer, audio interface, amplifier, or other source can have more freedom of movement than they would with a short cable.
On the other hand, a three-meter cable can be excessive for mobile use.
That again highlights the intended character of the HD 560S. It is primarily a home or desk headphone rather than a pocket-friendly travel accessory.
Wired Listening Without a Battery
Another straightforward characteristic of the HD 560S is that it is entirely wired.
There is no Bluetooth connection, no wireless codec selection, and no internal battery to recharge.
For some users, this simplicity is valuable.
A wired headphone can be ready whenever it is connected to a suitable source. There is also no need to think about battery life during a long listening session.
For others, the cable is a limitation.
People who listen primarily from smartphones without a headphone jack may need an appropriate adapter. Those who move frequently may prefer the convenience of wireless headphones.
The HD 560S is therefore best understood as a headphone built around a direct wired connection rather than a hybrid wireless model.
Sound Characteristics and Neutral Listening
Sennheiser describes the HD 560S as offering a neutral and natural sound intended for critical listening.
The concept of a neutral headphone can be useful when discussing music production, mixing, editing, and analytical listening.
A strongly colored headphone may deliberately emphasize certain frequencies. A more neutral-oriented headphone attempts to provide a presentation that is less dominated by particular frequency regions.
This can make it easier for listeners to examine the balance of a recording.
It is worth remembering, however, that “neutral” is not an absolute universal standard.
Different headphones can have different interpretations of neutral tuning, and individual listeners may prefer more bass, more treble, or a different overall presentation.
The HD 560S’s tuning is therefore better understood as part of its intended design rather than a statement that one particular sound signature is universally preferable.
How the Open-Back Design Changes Listening
Open-back headphones behave differently from sealed headphones in several ways.
A More Open Presentation
Because the back of the earcups is ventilated, the acoustic presentation can feel less enclosed.
This is one reason open-back headphones are often associated with music listening and critical audio work.
Some listeners describe this type of presentation as more spacious, although the exact perception depends on the headphone, recording, and listener.
Sound Leakage
The same open construction that allows the headphone to breathe also allows sound to escape.
If someone is sitting nearby in a quiet room, they may hear parts of the music.
This can make the HD 560S unsuitable for libraries, shared bedrooms, offices where silence is expected, or other environments where sound leakage would be disruptive.
Limited Passive Isolation
Open-back headphones also provide relatively little isolation from outside noise.
A conversation, television, air conditioner, traffic, or other environmental sound can remain audible.
For that reason, open-back headphones generally work best in quiet environments.
How the Sennheiser HD 560S Can Be Used
Music Listening
Music is one of the most natural applications for the HD 560S.
The open-back construction and neutral-oriented design make it relevant to listeners who want to examine recordings in greater detail.
It can be used with many types of music, from acoustic recordings and classical works to rock, jazz, electronic music, and modern pop.
The benefit of a neutral-oriented headphone is that it can provide a different perspective from consumer headphones deliberately tuned for a more pronounced bass or treble response.
Listeners who enjoy comparing recordings, instruments, vocals, and production choices may find this type of presentation particularly interesting.
Critical Listening
The HD 560S is also designed with critical listening in mind.
Critical listening is not necessarily limited to professional audio engineers.
It can simply mean paying close attention to a recording rather than using music as background sound.
For example, a listener might examine:
- Vocal positioning
- Instrument separation
- Bass balance
- Cymbal and high-frequency detail
- Room ambience
- Recording dynamics
- Differences between masterings
- Production choices
The headphone’s open design and neutral-oriented tuning fit naturally into this kind of use.
Music Production and Editing
Home producers and audio editors may use headphones as part of a broader monitoring setup.
The HD 560S can be relevant for tasks such as editing, arrangement, mixing preparation, and detailed listening.
However, headphones should not automatically be treated as a complete substitute for properly positioned studio monitors.
Room acoustics can influence speakers differently from headphones, and headphones can introduce their own frequency and spatial characteristics.
For professional work, many producers use multiple monitoring methods and cross-check their mixes on different systems.
The HD 560S can therefore be viewed as one possible monitoring tool rather than a complete studio solution.
Gaming
The HD 560S can also be used for gaming.
The open-back design can create a spacious presentation that may be useful for games where directional audio and environmental cues matter.
For example, sounds such as footsteps, environmental effects, dialogue, and background ambience can provide information about what is happening around the player.
The usefulness of open-back headphones for gaming depends heavily on the environment.
In a quiet room, outside noise is less of a concern.
In a noisy room, however, environmental sounds can interfere with game audio.
The wired design also means that gamers need to consider the distance between the gaming system and their seating position.
Watching Movies and Television
The HD 560S can be used for movies, television programs, and other video content.
The open presentation can work well for viewers who want to hear dialogue, music, and environmental effects without the enclosed feeling associated with some closed headphones.
However, the sound leakage makes it less suitable for watching television late at night in a shared bedroom if another person is sleeping nearby.
The headphone’s long cable may also be useful in a stationary entertainment setup.
Listening to High-Quality Digital Audio
The HD 560S can be paired with computers, DACs, headphone amplifiers, audio interfaces, and other suitable wired sources.
This makes it relevant to listeners who maintain a desktop audio setup.
A digital audio system can contain several components:
Source → DAC → amplifier → headphones
Not every setup needs separate boxes. Many computers and audio interfaces combine multiple functions.
The important principle is that the HD 560S is designed for direct wired audio, so the quality and capability of the source equipment can influence how effectively the headphone is driven.
Who the Sennheiser HD 560S May Be Suitable For
The HD 560S may make sense for several types of listeners.
Home Music Listeners
Someone who primarily listens to music at a desk or in a quiet room may appreciate an open-back wired design.
People Interested in Audio Detail
Listeners who enjoy comparing recordings, instruments, mixes, and different production approaches may prefer a headphone designed around a more neutral presentation.
Home Studio Users
The HD 560S can be part of a home recording or editing setup, particularly where detailed headphone monitoring is useful.
Desktop Gamers
Gamers who play in quiet rooms and want an open presentation may consider this type of headphone.
People Who Prefer Wired Audio
Some listeners simply prefer a cable and do not need Bluetooth.
The absence of a battery can also be useful for long sessions where charging is inconvenient.
Important Things to Consider Before Choosing the HD 560S
Open-Back Headphones Are Not Ideal for Noisy Environments
This is probably the most important consideration.
The HD 560S does not provide the isolation associated with closed-back headphones or active noise-cancelling models.
If you live beside a busy road, work in a noisy office, or frequently travel by airplane or train, outside sound may interfere with listening.
For those situations, another headphone category may be more practical.
Sound Leakage Is Part of the Design
Because the earcups are open, people nearby may hear your audio.
This is not a defect or accidental behavior.
It is an inherent characteristic of open-back headphones.
For private listening, a closed-back design is generally more appropriate.
The HD 560S is better suited to personal listening in an environment where sound leakage does not create a problem.
Wired Connections Require Planning
The cable provides a reliable physical connection but reduces freedom of movement.
Users should consider the distance between their seat and the source device.
The included three-meter cable can be convenient for desktop or home setups, but it may feel cumbersome if used with a smartphone while walking around.
A suitable adapter may also be necessary for devices that do not have a conventional headphone output.
The Headphone Does Not Include Wireless Features
The HD 560S is not a Bluetooth headphone.
That means there is no wireless pairing, Bluetooth multipoint, wireless microphone system, or battery-powered operation.
For listeners who want to move around freely, this can be an important limitation.
For listeners who primarily sit at a desk, it may be irrelevant.
Consider the Audio Source
The HD 560S’s 120-ohm impedance makes the source device worth considering.
A capable headphone output can make a difference to how effectively the headphones are driven.
If you intend to use the HD 560S with a desktop computer, laptop, gaming console, phone adapter, DAC, or audio interface, check the output specifications of the device.
A dedicated headphone amplifier is not automatically necessary for every setup, but it can be useful in systems where the existing output is insufficient.
Comfort Is Personal
The HD 560S is designed as a full-size over-ear headphone with padded earcups and a lightweight construction.
Still, comfort cannot be predicted perfectly from specifications.
Some people prefer a relatively firm fit, while others prefer less pressure.
Some listeners have larger ears or wear glasses, which can change how the pads interact with the head.
Long listening sessions are therefore a good reason to consider fit, clamping pressure, earcup dimensions, and headband design in addition to sound specifications.
Comparison of General Headphone Categories
Rather than comparing individual brands, it can be more useful to understand how the HD 560S fits into the broader headphone market.
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones allow air and sound to move through the rear of the earcup.
Closed-back headphones use a more enclosed design.
Open-back models are commonly chosen for home listening, critical listening, and situations where sound leakage is not a problem.
Closed-back headphones are often more practical for travel, office use, recording situations where microphone bleed needs to be minimized, and environments with external noise.
Neither category is universally appropriate for every listener.
Wired vs. Wireless Headphones
Wired headphones use a physical connection.
Wireless headphones typically use Bluetooth or another wireless protocol and require battery power.
The HD 560S belongs firmly in the wired category.
Wired headphones can be appealing to people who want a straightforward connection and do not want to manage battery charging.
Wireless headphones are often more convenient for commuting, exercising, or moving around the home.
The decision is therefore largely about how and where the headphones will be used.
Open-Back Headphones vs. Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Active noise cancellation is designed to reduce certain types of external sound electronically.
The HD 560S takes the opposite approach by using an open acoustic structure.
As a result, it is not intended to isolate the listener from the surrounding environment.
A person who wants to hear the room may appreciate this characteristic. Someone who wants to reduce airplane engine noise may prefer an ANC headphone.
Audiophile-Style Headphones vs. General-Purpose Headsets
General-purpose headsets often combine audio playback with microphones, wireless connections, controls, and other convenience features.
The HD 560S is more focused on headphone listening itself.
That can make it relevant to music listeners and desktop audio users who already have a separate microphone or do not need one.
For online meetings, gaming voice chat, or phone calls, a separate microphone may be necessary depending on the setup.
Understanding the Role of a DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The term “DAC” stands for digital-to-analog converter.
Digital audio files contain numerical information. A DAC converts that information into an analog electrical signal that can ultimately drive headphones or speakers.
A headphone amplifier then provides the appropriate electrical drive for the headphones.
Many modern computers, phones, audio interfaces, and other devices already contain both functions.
The HD 560S does not require an elaborate audio system simply because it is an open-back headphone.
However, users building a dedicated desktop setup may choose to add an external DAC or amplifier depending on their existing hardware and listening goals.
The sensible approach is to assess the current source first rather than assuming that additional equipment is automatically necessary.
Care and Maintenance
Like any full-size headphone, the HD 560S benefits from reasonable care.
Keep the headphones away from excessive moisture and avoid exposing the earcups or connectors to unnecessary physical stress.
The ear pads can accumulate dust and skin oils over time, so gentle cleaning according to the manufacturer’s recommendations can help maintain the physical condition of the headphones.
The cable should also be stored without excessive bending or tight knots.
Because the HD 560S uses a detachable cable, users should handle the connection carefully when attaching or removing it.
Proper storage can also reduce unnecessary wear on the headband and ear pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sennheiser HD 560S wireless?
No. The HD 560S is a wired headphone and connects to the audio source using a cable.
Is the HD 560S open-back?
Yes. The HD 560S uses an open-back earcup design.
This allows sound to pass through the rear of the earcups and provides little passive isolation from surrounding noise.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No. Bluetooth is not part of the HD 560S design.
Does it have a microphone?
The HD 560S is designed primarily as a headphone rather than a headset with an integrated boom microphone.
Users who need voice communication may need a separate microphone or compatible external solution.
What size are the drivers?
Sennheiser specifies 38 mm dynamic transducers for the HD 560S.
What is the impedance?
The nominal impedance is 120 ohms.
The appropriate source depends on the complete electrical characteristics of the headphone output, including available voltage and current.
What is the frequency response?
Sennheiser lists a frequency response of 6 Hz to 38,000 Hz.
The published range should not be interpreted as an indication that all frequencies are reproduced at the same level.
Does it work with a computer?
Yes, provided the computer has a compatible headphone output or an appropriate audio interface, DAC, or adapter.
Can it be used for gaming?
Yes. It can be used for PC and other gaming setups with compatible audio connections.
The open-back design can be useful for gaming in quiet environments, but it provides little isolation from external noise.
Is it suitable for music production?
It can be used as part of a music-production or editing setup.
However, headphones are only one monitoring method, and professional users may want to check mixes on multiple playback systems.
Can it be used with a phone?
Potentially, depending on the phone and its available audio output.
If the phone does not have a compatible headphone jack, an appropriate adapter or external audio device may be required.
Does it require an amplifier?
Not necessarily for every setup.
The HD 560S has a 120-ohm nominal impedance, so users should consider the capability of their particular audio source.
A dedicated amplifier may be useful in some systems, but it should not be assumed to be mandatory without considering the source device.
Is the HD 560S good for noisy places?
Open-back headphones are generally not the most practical choice for noisy environments because outside sound can enter easily.
The HD 560S is more naturally suited to quiet rooms and controlled listening environments.
Can other people hear what I am listening to?
Yes. Sound leakage is an inherent characteristic of open-back headphones.
If privacy is important, a closed-back headphone may be more suitable.
Is the cable detachable?
Yes. The HD 560S uses a detachable cable. Sennheiser lists a three-meter cable and a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter among the supplied accessories.
How much does the HD 560S weigh?
Sennheiser lists the headphone at approximately 240 grams without the cable.
Is the HD 560S suitable for long listening sessions?
The lightweight over-ear design can make it suitable for extended home listening for some users, but comfort is subjective.
Fit, ear shape, glasses, head size, and personal sensitivity can all influence long-term comfort.
Final Thoughts
The Sennheiser HD 560S occupies a clear place within the headphone landscape.
It is an open-back, over-ear, wired headphone built around detailed listening rather than wireless convenience or active noise cancellation. Its 38 mm dynamic drivers, 120-ohm nominal impedance, long detachable cable, and open acoustic design make it particularly relevant to home listening, music appreciation, desktop audio, gaming, and certain production tasks.
Its most important characteristic is arguably not a single numerical specification but the overall design philosophy.
The open-back construction can contribute to an expansive listening presentation, but it also means external noise can enter and audio can leak into the surrounding environment. The wired design eliminates battery management but introduces a cable. The 120-ohm impedance makes the capabilities of the connected audio source worth considering.
Those trade-offs are not necessarily weaknesses. They simply define the situations in which this kind of headphone makes the most sense.
For a listener sitting at a desk or relaxing in a quiet room, the HD 560S provides a straightforward way to explore detailed wired audio without relying on wireless connectivity. For someone who needs noise isolation, portability, Bluetooth, or an integrated microphone, another headphone category may be more appropriate.
The best way to evaluate the HD 560S is therefore to start with the listening environment and intended use. Once those are clear, its open-back architecture, wired connection, impedance, fit, and audio characteristics become much easier to put into perspective.
VIEW on Amazon .