Sennheiser HD 505 open-back headphones: A new benchmark in affordable audiophile sound?
Sennheiser HD 505 wired audiophile headphones, made in Tullamore. Picture: Noel Campion.
The Sennheiser HD 505 is a fresh addition to the company's esteemed open-back headphone lineup, and I’ve been testing them for the last few weeks. They’re manufactured in Sennheiser’s state-of-the-art factory in Tullamore and designed for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With a custom 120-ohm transducer, an expansive frequency response of 12 to 38,500 Hz, and a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.2%, the HD 505 delivers a balanced and highly detailed listening experience.
The HD 505 builds upon the tried-and-tested HD 500 series chassis, renowned among audiophiles worldwide. The synthetic leather headband and metal mesh earcup grille give the headphones a stylish yet understated aesthetic, offering a premium feel without unnecessary flashiness.
Weighing just 237 grams, they’re lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions. The ear cups are well-padded with a soft fabric finish, and the refined clamping force ensures a more relaxed fit, reducing pressure on the sides of the head. This makes them ideal for long hours of use, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
The HD 505 features a primarily black design with dark copper accents. I have to admit — I really dig the look.
I also appreciate the small details, like the three tiny raised dots on the left earcup. These dots serve as a tactile indicator to help users quickly identify the left side in the dark or without looking. Interestingly, these dots represent the letter "L" in Braille. That said, the cable comes out of the left side, so there isn’t much of a need for the dots, but I’m sure this is part of the Sennheiser design signature.
The HD 505 has a detachable 1.8m cable featuring a 3.5mm plug and a screw-in 6.3mm adapter, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio sources. I also love that you can swap cables and ear pads without tools, though I don’t see the need to replace them unless they wear out over time. Still, upgrading the cable or customising the ear pads is a welcome bonus.
I'm very familiar with the HD 650 and appreciate its ergonomics, but I’ve found the HD 505 even more comfortable. The clamping force is just right for me, making it excellent for prolonged use. The earpads are breathable and spacious, providing a snug yet non-restrictive fit. My ears fit perfectly inside the cups without any irritation from touching the sides.
Sennheiser has angled the transducers inside the earcups to mimic the natural positioning of nearfield loudspeakers, creating an expansive soundstage that makes audio feel more open and immersive. This extra-spacious soundstage is one of the HD 505’s standout features, and compared to my HD 650 headphones, it feels even more expansive.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m not an audiophile, and sound quality is subjective. That said, based on my eclectic music library, I found that the HD 505 delivers a finely tuned listening experience, leaning towards neutrality while maintaining engaging dynamics. Its refined tuning provides a smooth and balanced frequency response, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate accurate and detailed audio reproduction.
I used a Chord Mojo 2 DAC and a Hiby R4 DAP as the transport for my testing. I also connected them to my MacBook Pro and gaming PC to assess their gaming and movie audio performance.
The bass response is punchy yet controlled, with excellent articulation and texture. It doesn’t overpower the mids or highs, ensuring every instrument remains clear and well-defined. The sub-bass extension is impressive for an open-back design, making it a solid choice for genres that benefit from deep bass presence.
One of the HD 505’s best attributes is its midrange, which offers a natural and uncoloured representation of vocals and instruments. The upper mids feel more refined than some of its predecessors, reducing harshness or brightness. I particularly enjoyed them on vocal-heavy tracks, acoustic music, and even gaming, where clear dialogue is essential.
The treble is well-extended but remains smooth, avoiding excessive brightness or sibilance. It strikes an outstanding balance between clarity and warmth, ensuring high frequencies remain detailed without causing listener fatigue. This makes the HD 505 an excellent choice for long listening sessions.
Thanks to its open-back design and angled transducers, the HD 505 delivers a spacious and natural soundstage. Its imaging is precise, making pinpointing instruments and sounds within a mix easy. This level of accuracy makes it particularly well-suited for gaming, where positional audio can significantly enhance the experience.
For those considering the HD 505 for gaming, the sound signature lends itself well to immersive gameplay. The wide soundstage allows for excellent spatial awareness, where gunfire, footsteps, and environmental sounds are well-represented without being overly exaggerated. The more relaxed tuning compared to brighter headphones makes them easier to listen to during long gaming sessions.
The Sennheiser HD 505 offers a fantastic balance of sound quality, comfort, and versatility. Its sound signature will appeal to most listeners, and its ergonomic design and comfort make it excellent for long sessions.
If you’re looking for open-back headphones that deliver immersive sound without breaking the bank, the HD 505 is well worth considering.
€280 www.sennheiser-hearing.com
