Latest news with #HD505
India Today
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Sennheiser HD 505 review: The new superstar in the wired headphones market?
I have a habit to focus more on the beats and rhythm of the music, rather than the lyrics. So, whenever I pick up any headphones, I make sure every thud of the song reaches me. For instance, when I'm looking to boost my energy, I go straight for an upbeat track—regardless of what the lyrics are saying. And in this mission, the Sennheiser HD 505 became my HD 505 Copper edition is Sennheiser's brand-new premium wired headphones – yes, they still exist – in India. Priced at Rs 27,990, these headphones feature an open-back design, which is complemented by a synthetic leather headband for added comfort. They build on the legacy of the HD 500 series and pack a specially engineered 120-ohm transducer that is billed to deliver enhanced audio performance. Sennheiser says the HD 505 are truly special and are particularly geared at audiophiles and gamers. We've put them through the paces and here's what we HD 505: Design and fit Headphones that work perfectly with spectacles are difficult to find. Most of the time, you end up struggling to find the right fit, or worse, get a headache with all the stress. The HD 505 headphones are different. They are very comfortable. The headband is wrapped in soft synthetic leather and has a generous amount of padding. It is built in a way that it doesn't suffocate or feel like an excess burden on extended use. They are surprisingly lightweight too, as long as you don't go comparing with wireless options. Any such comparisons are futile and frankly, unnecessary because these headphones are for a different set of people altogether. advertisement The open-back pads are also very soft and breathable, which is a lifesaver in India's soaking heat. They also compress just enough to keep things comfy even for us glasses-wearers—no awkward pressure on the cushion is not the only detail that gives the Sennheiser HD 505 headphones a premium look, the open back ear cups and the copper detailing contribute greatly. The external design gives the impression that actual speakers have been mounted directly on the outside of the earcups. And the copper detailing is just a cherry on the HD 505: Sound qualityThe headphones are built around Sennheiser's in-house 120-Ohm angled transducers. These drivers are designed to deliver a frequency range from 12Hz to 38.5kHz. The result? A beautifully balanced, rich listening experience with heaps of detail and depth. During the review period, I listened to all songs from mostly all genres, catering to different pitches. Unlike your basic headphones, the Sennheiser HD 505 catch every beat and thud of the song, no matter how mellow the tune is. On the other hand, the loud and deep bass songs echoed in my ear as if I was at a concert. From Ed Sheeran's Sapphire to Imagine Dragons' Believer and Diljit Dosanjh's Ikk Kudi, with HD 505, every song made me tap my feet. Of course, with no noise isolation, you'll want to enjoy them somewhere relatively quiet. But hey, a good pair of wired headphones deserves a good listening if you're planning to pop on the new Sennheiser HD 505 and head to a library, or a caf, think twice. These are open-back headphones, which means two things. First, the music will leak out, audible to anyone within earshot. And second, every bit of outside noise is going to stroll right in. That said, indoors is exactly where the HD 505 shines, which is the point of these headphones anyway. Sennheiser HD 505: VerdictPriced at Rs 27,990 in India, the HD 505 headphones are not exactly what you can call budget-friendly, especially if you're a casual listener just looking for something to pair with your phone on the daily commute. But for audiophiles and studio professionals, they're a solid, reliable pick with all the hallmarks of Sennheiser's engineering finesse. For those who value high-end sound, they offer crisp, detailed, and beautifully balanced acoustics. Their design is both smart and a market for this type of stuff. It doesn't matter how big or small it is. And in that market, these headphones are nothing short of being, a superstar.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Sennheiser's New HD 505 Headphones Bring Audiophile Sound To The Masses
Sennheiser has begun shipping its HD 505 Copper headphones. These open-back audiophile headphones are aimed at music lovers who want to upgrade their headphone listening to the next level. The HD505 headphones offer classic Sennheiser tuning with plenty of treble detail and a rich bass. The lightweight design is made for comfort and should please budding audiophiles looking for the finessed sound that only open-back headphones can deliver. 'The HD 505 is for anyone ready to experience the audio awakening a great set of Sennheiser headphones is known for,' says Klaus Hanselmann, Sennheiser's audiophile product manager. 'There is something truly special in here that puts serious listening within arm's reach of the emerging audiophile or gamer.' These new headphones with their custom-designed 120Ω dynamic drivers housed in an open earcup are a big step up from the $100 closed-back headphones that tend to dominate the market. The drivers are manufactured at Sennheiser's audiophile factory in Tullamore, Ireland, the same facility that turns out a lot of the brand's high-end headphones and IEMs. With a frequency response ranging 12Hz to 38,500Hz, plus total harmonic distortion measuring less than 0.2%, the Sennheiser HD505 Copper have a tuning that delivers a balanced sound signature with a punchy bass, clear mids and a top end that has very few harsh edges. By angling the drivers to recreate the classic triangular positioning of a set of nearfield loudspeakers, the HD505 headphones manage to project an expansive soundstage that has the kind of imaging that makes the listener feel as if they are in the front row of a concert. Sennheiser's new HD 505 headphones are based on the brand's HD 500 chassis, which has been lauded for its comfort and lightweight fit. The icing on the cake is the headphones' copper accents that give them a look of sophistication. The surprising aspect of these headphones is how light they are to wear. Weighing in at just 237g, the HD 505 are designed to provide a level of comfort that makes extended listening sessions truly enjoyable. Thanks to their open-back design, the HD505 doesn't suffer from thermal build-up, keeping ears cool and fresh even after three hours of listening to prog rock. The HD505 are supplied with a detachable 1.8m cable terminated with a single-ended 3.5mm connector and a 6.3mm adapter for use with a wide range of audio sources like amplifiers, sound cards, audio interfaces and A/V receivers. As with all Sennheiser's 500 series headphones, there's a wide range of cables in different lengths and plug types available for the HD505. There are also alternative ear pads available and they can be easily swapped over by the user without the need for specialist tools. Sennheiser's modular design means the HD 505 can adapt to changing setups. For example, it's possible to swap out the cable to a balanced mode or even add one with an inline microphone for making phone calls. As with all open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD505 leak quite a bit of sound and don't have any passive isolation. What this means in practice is that these are headphones best used for solo listening in a quiet place. So, if that sounds like your kind of thing, these headphones could be an affordable way to get an open and laid-back audiophile sound. The Sennheiser HD 505 Copper open-back headphones are available now from Sennheiser and and priced at $249.95 / £229.99 / €279,90. Wearing style: Circumaural. Drivers: Dynamic, open-back. Ear pad material: Velour. Frequency response: 12Hz–38.5kHz. Impedance: 120Ω. Sound pressure level (SPL): 107.9dB (1kHz / 1Vrms). THD, total harmonic distortion: <0.2 % (1kHz / 90dB SPL). Weight (w/o cable): 237g. Cable: 1.8m cable with 3.5 mm jack plug, detachable, left side.
Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Sennheiser HD 550 open-back headphones: Pure audio for music, movies and games
The Sennheiser HD 550 are open-back headphones designed for listeners who prefer wired audio and value sound quality above features like active noise cancellation or virtual surround sound. They cater to purists seeking a more natural, spacious listening experience without the distractions of digital enhancements. Design Like the HD 505 I reviewed recently, the Sennheiser HD 550 comes in a plain brown box. All you get in the box is a detachable 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a screw-on 6.3mm adapter—useful if you plug it into an amp or audio interface. Visually, the design aligns with Sennheiser's HD 500 series — simple, functional, and purpose-built rather than showy. The large oval earcups are wrapped in soft velour padding and connect to the headband through a pivoting mechanism for a flexible fit. The headband itself is made of plastic with medium padding. The HD 550's light 237g weight helps reduce pressure on the top of your head, although I did find the clamping force to be a little strong, which, to be fair, is preferable to it feeling too loose. Build-wise, while the plastic shell won't win any luxury design awards, it feels solid and durable. The open-back design is immediately evident thanks to the visible grilles covering the drivers — a signature touch for Sennheiser's open-back headphones. Comfort The HD 550 is comfortable. The earcups are roomy, and the weight distribution is well-balanced, meaning I could wear them for hours without ear fatigue. A surprising bonus is that the HD 550 works quite well with glasses. The velour ear pads are soft enough to accommodate the arms of my specs without creating hotspots or excessive pressure. Features and practical use What really stands out in the HD 550 is its custom 38mm driver, made at Sennheiser's audiophile factory in Ireland. When I started listening, I noticed how clearly and detailed everything sounded — even at low or high frequencies. Its 150-ohm impedance worked great with all my hi-fi gear without needing a separate amp – it worked surprisingly well using Apple's DAC dongle. The HD 550 has an impedance of 150 ohms and a sensitivity of 106.7 dB (1 Vrms), meaning it's relatively easy to drive—no powerful amp is required, though decent audio hardware will still get the best results. The detachable cable is a practical inclusion. It connects via 2.5mm at the headphone end and terminates in a standard 3.5mm jack, with a screw-on 6.3mm adapter. I always appreciate when manufacturers use detachable cables for convenience and longevity. Sound performance Subjectively, the HD 550 stands out for its clean, balanced sound signature and impressively wide soundstage. These headphones are tuned for naturalism — no excessive bass, no sharp treble, just clear and authentic audio reproduction. This will definitely appeal to audio purists, though those who prefer a more bass-heavy or treble-boosted sound might find them a little less colourful or exciting. The bass is tight and well-extended without being overpowering. It doesn't have the thump of some closed-back models, but it's articulate and controlled. It remained refined in bass-heavy tracks and didn't muddy the mix. The midrange was particularly appealing for the type of music I enjoy. Vocals come through with excellent presence and clarity. Everything sounded rich, warm, and lifelike, whether it was acoustic guitar or layered vocal harmonies. This midrange quality alone significantly enhances the listening experience, especially for vocal-driven or instrumental music fans. The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, striking a nice balance between detail and comfort. There's enough clarity to pick up subtle nuances in recordings, like the shimmer of a cymbal or the breath of a vocalist, without any harshness or overly bright tones. Overall, I found it to have neutral yet lively tuning, which makes the HD 550 a pleasure to use across various musical genres. Gaming and spatial awareness The HD 550 delivers excellent spatial awareness because it is open-back. During my tests, the soundstage felt expansive, with a clear sense of direction and distance. Footsteps, gunshots, and ambient cues were precisely located. What impressed me most was how immersive the experience felt. Everyday Listening and Noise Isolation The HD 550 continues to deliver when it comes to everyday use. Music listening is dynamic and engaging, and films feel more cinematic thanks to the expansive soundstage and crisp dialogue reproduction. However, as with all open-back headphones, there's a trade-off: they don't block out ambient noise. You'll likely need to look elsewhere if you're in a noisy environment or want to use them on public transport. But they're a joy to use in a quiet home or studio setting. Verdict The Sennheiser HD 550 is an excellent pair of open-back headphones that offers a natural, immersive audio experience. It excels in midrange detail and spatial accuracy, making it ideal for music lovers and a compelling choice for gamers seeking an edge in directional sound. If you're looking for a pair of open-back headphones with balanced, accurate sound and great versatility across music, movies, and gaming, the HD 550 is well worth considering. €300 Sennheiser
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Business Standard
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Tech Wrap April 24: ASUS's Vivobook, Sennheiser HD 505, WhatsApp's feature
ASUS Vivobook S14, S14 Flip with Intel chips launched: Price and specs ASUS has introduced two new Vivobook models in India: the Vivobook S14 (S3407VA) and the Vivobook S14 Flip (TP3402VAO). The S14 is equipped with an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, while the Flip version runs on an Intel Core i5-13420H processor and features 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Sennheiser HD 505 wired headphones launched at Rs 27,990: Check features Sennheiser has released the HD 505 headphones in India, aiming at audio enthusiasts and gamers. The company highlights the headphones' analytical tuning, precise detail, and comfortable design for extended use. Sennheiser also emphasises the deep, controlled bass, clear treble, and wide soundstage offered by the HD 505. HP launches Copilot Plus PCs in consumers, business segments HP has expanded its consumers and business PC portfolio in India with the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) PCs powered by Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm chips. The range of AI PCs are part of HP EliteBook, HP ProBook, and HP OmniBook series. According to HP, the new range is designed for enterprises, startups, and retail consumers. This latest lineup of Copilot Plus PCs comes packed with AI-driven tools like HP AI Companion, myHP, and Poly Camera Pro, which are said to be designed to deliver real-time support and boost overall productivity. WhatsApp announces advanced chat privacy feature WhatsApp has announced a new privacy feature to enhance the platform security with regard to individual and group chats. Called 'Advanced Chat Privacy', this feature adds an extra layer of privacy to chats by preventing users from exporting chats and auto-downloading media on their phones. This new feature will also disallow users from mentioning Meta AI in messages or asking Meta AI questions in chat. Ray-Ban Meta Glasses will debut in India soon: Here is what it can do The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are now making their way into the Indian market. Meta highlights that these AI-powered glasses provide hands-free access to real-time information, suggestions, and creative inspiration while on the go. Designed for daily use, they allow users to stay connected—capturing memories or listening to music—without needing their phone, promoting greater presence in the moment. Realme GT 7 with 7200 mAh battery unveiled: Check specs, features, and more Realme has launched the GT 7 in China. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, the smartphone sports a 6.8-inch display and packs a 7,200mAh battery. The phone boasts IP68/69 rating for dust and water resistance. The smartphone's India launch is not officially announced yet, but it is expected to arrive in the country soon. Reddit expands AI-powered 'Answers' to India: What is it and how it works Community driven microblogging platform Reddit has rolled out its conversational artificial-intelligence feature in India, named Reddit Answers. This new feature allows users to get information, recommendations and discussions on specific topics through insights and conversations from Reddit communities with the help of the chatbot. The answers also include relevant post links and conversation threads. The company first launched this feature in the United States December 2024. OnePlus 13T with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite launched: Specs and features OnePlus on April 24 introduced a new model in its flagship 13 series. Named the OnePlus 13T, the smartphone features a compact form factor, a large-capacity battery, and is powered by a top-end chip from Qualcomm. Moreover, it debuts OnePlus' new action key, which replaces the traditional alert slider. The OnePlus 13T is currently exclusive to China but is expected to launch globally, including in India, soon. LG smart TVs get Xbox app in beta for gaming without console LG Electronics has announced the arrival of the Xbox app on a select range of its smart televisions. This move followed South Korean electronics maker's partnership with Xbox in January this year. With the app, users can access Microsoft's Xbox game library and play eligible games without requiring a console. The Xbox app will be available through the LG Gaming Portal and LG Apps on LG TVs and select smart monitors running webOS 24 and newer versions. It will also soon be available on StanbyME screens, confirmed the company. To play eligible games, a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is required. OPPO A5 Pro 5G with MediaTek Dimensity 6300 launched Chinese smartphone manufacturer OPPO has expanded its A5 lineup with the launch of the new OPPO A5 Pro 5G. Priced in the mid-segment, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC (system-on-chip) and sports a 6.67-inch HD+ display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It comes with an IP69 rating, which signifies its durability and resistance to immersion, water jets, and hot water up to 80-degree Celsius. Google I/O 2025: Android XR, in-car Gemini, Android 16, and more expected Google has released a list of key topics that will be focused at its upcoming developer-focused I/O conference, which will take place on May 21. Among the highlights is 'Material 3 Expressive', described as the 'future of Google's UX design', which will introduce emotional design patterns and updated guidelines. Nintendo Switch 2 preorders start in US: Check console, accessories pricing Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for preorders in the United States. The company has confirmed that it will maintain the Switch 2 pricing, starting at $449.99. This is a significant development as the Japanese gaming company finds itself at a crossroads due to the recent US tariff announcement, which resulted in a launch delay and growing anticipation of a price increase. Nevertheless, the Nintendo Switch 2 is now available at its launch price. Below are the details. Adobe adds AI models from OpenAI, Google to its Firefly app Adobe announced to add image-generation artificial intelligence models from OpenAI and Alphabet's Google to its Firefly app and bring the app to mobile is the owner of multiple software programs such as Photoshop and Premiere that are widely used by creative professionals in the visual arts. Since 2023, the San Jose, California-based company has been developing its own AI models in its Firefly service to generate images and video clips, promising its customers that they won't face legal liability for using the images and video created by those models. Indian IT firms use AI to drive sales growth with fewer new hires Indian IT outsourcing companies, which employ millions, are tapping artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and reduce the need for more workers to grow their business. HCL Technologies Ltd. and LTIMindtree Ltd. are among companies saying they need fewer new staff to keep revenue increasing. The firms, which make their profits from non-core business processes and IT outsourcing projects from corporations in the US and Europe, have integrated AI tools and are already reaping the benefits of greater efficiency.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
These Sennheiser headphones could be great therapy for stress
It is only recently that I started realising that my appreciation of music has always been linked to my mental state. From my teens when I began discovering music to now, when I need to find time to sit and appreciate a song, a lot has changed. But, the fact remains that great audio quality always makes you pause whatever you are doing to enjoy the moment. The Sennheiser HD505 headphones are exactly the kind of headphones that make you forget daily stress and focus on the composition streaming into your ears. The HD505 has a familiar Sennheiser over-the-ear design with a synthetic leather headband and metal mesh earcup covers with bronze-finish accents that give it a very premium look. The HD505 is surprisingly light and very comfortable to wear for long hours. The cups completely immerse your ears and don't warm up much, even in Delhi summers. The 6-foot cable is long enough to connect from the source of your choice and comes with a 6.3mm adapter for those using music systems. The dual-tone finish makes the headphone look premium. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express) Whenever I am testing audiophile headphones, the first song I listen to is always the one that leaves a lasting impact. I started the Sennheiser HD505 journey with a FLAC version of Brothers in Arms by Club For Five. I could not have chosen something better. This cappella group from Finland has vocals at such a level that most headphones will struggle to make it palatable. But the HD505 managed the baritone so well, along with heartbeat-like thumbing in the middle. The HD505 has a custom 120-ohm transducer housed in an open earcup that gives all music a natural feel. It is with a composition like NTO's Petite that you get to experience the full range of this headphone's capabilities, from a punchy bass to rich details. This is the sort of music that can take you into a trance, and the HD505 gradually fades into the background, letting the music embalm you with its mystical capabilities. With something more vocal like With My Home in the Delta, the soulful voice of Muddy Waters is the centre of attention, though you don't miss any details, not the guitars or the regular drum beats. Each strum is as if someone is tugging on your heart… it is not every day you listen to songs with such intent. I had heard enough… I knew I had to listen to Leonard Cohen to seal my appreciation of the HD505. A live performance of his famous Blue Raincoat took me to the cold New York streets with music playing on the sidewalks, ushered into a surreal world far from my reality as only Cohen's voice and words can. This is that kind of headphone… one that does not need noise cancellation to shut out the noise of your life. A premium headphone for audiophiles. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/ The Indian Express) At Rs 27,990, the Sennheiser HD505 might not be for everyone. But I would consider this among the best headphones at the moment for audiophiles who love their songs to be rendered without overpowering technology. I found my time with the Sennheiser HD505 both destressing and therapeutic… as long as I knew what songs to play. This therapy is strongly recommended.
