Sennheiser HD 505 Review: Affordable Hi-Fi Headphones for Audiophiles

Explore the sound and comfort of the Sennheiser HD 505, a solid entry-level Hi-Fi headphone promising quality audio without breaking the bank.

A Welcome Gateway to Quality Sound

The Sennheiser 500 series headphones have long been the company’s go-to for introducing newcomers to the world of high-fidelity wired headphones. If you’ve ever wondered what sets an audiophile headphone apart from the crowd, the HD 505 might just be your ticket in. I’ve been testing these full-sized open-back headphones since their announcement, and I’m excited to share how they stack up in delivering that coveted “good sound” experience.

What’s the Price Tag on the Sennheiser HD 505?

Launched on February 10, 2025, these headphones retail in the U.S. for $249. That price positions the HD 505 squarely against some heavyweight competitors from brands like Beyerdynamic and Grado, not to mention their own siblings within Sennheiser’s lineup.

What’s New with the Sennheiser HD 505?

While the HD 505 may not boast a slew of flashy features, their technical specs go beyond the basics and underscore why Sennheiser remains a respected name in audio. The 500 series headphones have always been known for a broad frequency range and impressive dynamics, yet traditionally leaned toward a lighter bass profile.

In a smart move, Sennheiser tweaked a proven driver design to deepen and enrich the bass response without sacrificing their signature transparency. The specs read impressively: a frequency range spanning from 12 Hz to 39 kHz powered by 38-mm dynamic drivers and an impedance of 120 ohms. This means they’re friendly enough to work directly with laptops or smartphones without demanding an external amp.

When it comes to features, simplicity reigns. The cable attaches to the left ear cup via a 2.5-mm connector, stretches 1.8 meters, and ends with a 3.5-mm plug plus a 6.3-mm adapter. Sennheiser also points out that third-party longer or balanced cables are easily available if you want to customize your setup.

How Do the HD 505 Sound?

If you’re a bass-head hungry for thunderous lows, take a pause here. The HD 505 aren’t about club-level thump or seismic bass drops. Instead, they offer a bass that’s quick, varied, and tightly controlled—delivering clear rhythms that keep the music moving without overwhelming the mix. This finesse compensates for the moderate bass weight, but it’s a compromise you’ll want to acknowledge upfront.

Accepting that, the HD 505 reveal themselves as remarkably expressive headphones. Their natural tonal balance lets the music speak for itself, rather than impressing with colored sound signatures. Throughout the frequency spectrum, the sound coheres effortlessly—no strain, no fatigue.

While the lows may lack density, they’re never ignored. The treble is soft yet pleasant, and the mids come through as deeply meaningful and articulate. Across all frequencies, detail resolution is high, showing impressive nuance and clarity.

The dynamic range is generous, handling the sharpest volume spikes and intensity shifts with precision. Even subtle harmonic shifts get their moment to shine, woven smoothly into the overall soundstage.

Speaking of soundstage, the open-back design really shines here. The HD 505 create a spacious and expansive audio environment that allows complex recordings to breathe. Every instrument carves out its own space without crowding others, delivering a well-defined and believable sonic landscape.

Silence and space within the recording are just as important as the notes themselves, and the HD 505 respect these moments beautifully.

Build Quality: Comfortable and Reliable

The HD 505 stick to a pretty classic open-back full-size headset design. Their build and finish live up to Sennheiser’s reputation for quality, even if the materials don’t scream luxury. The ear pads are soft fabric stuffed with memory foam, making them breathable and cozy. The outer ear cup sports a metal mesh with a subtle logo, while the headband’s inner side is padded with faux leather and hides a smooth, clicky adjustment mechanism.

Sennheiser has obviously given attention to clamping force: these headphones stay comfortable for hours without making your ears sweat. At just 237 grams, they feel light and easy to wear in any situation.

In terms of usability, it’s refreshingly straightforward. Get any device with a 3.5-mm or 6.3-mm headphone jack, plug in your HD 505, and you’re all set for some serious listening.

The Verdict on the Sennheiser HD 505

While the market for affordable, quality open-back full-size headphones is fairly niche, the HD 505 deserve a strong look on your shortlist. They tick the boxes sound-wise and deliver comfort that rivals many pricier models. A touch more bass power would have made them near perfect, but even without it, they offer an engaging and natural listening experience for a very reasonable price.

Other Headphones to Consider

Looking for alternatives? The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is a worthy contender, delivering a slightly more studio-focused sound, coupled with great comfort—listening to them is a genuine pleasure.

If retro style appeals to you, the Grado SR325x offers a nice balance of vintage vibes and solid sound quality, priced similarly to the HD 505.

Perhaps the most intriguing alternative comes from Sennheiser themselves: the HD 600. These have been a favorite for years, offering a step up in sound quality and occasionally dipping near the HD 505’s price point.

Sometimes the space and silence in a recording are just as important as the sounds themselves, and these Sennheiser headphones showcase that beautifully.

FAQ

• What type of headphones are the Sennheiser HD 505?
  They are open-back, full-sized wired headphones, designed primarily for home or studio listening.
• Are the HD 505 suitable for bass lovers?
  Not exactly. While the bass response is quick and controlled, it isn’t very heavy or powerful, so those seeking deep bass might find it lacking.
• Can the HD 505 be used with smartphones?
  Yes, their 120-ohm impedance allows them to work well directly connected to laptops and smartphones without needing extra amplification.
• Are replacement cables available for the HD 505?
  Yes, the detachable cable uses a 2.5-mm connector and can be easily replaced or upgraded with longer or balanced cables from third-party manufacturers.
• How comfortable are the HD 505 for long listening sessions?
  Very comfortable. Thanks to soft memory foam ear pads and a lightweight build, they can be worn for hours without discomfort or overheating.

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