🔶 Sennheiser HD560s

kgs51 · November 25, 2020, 1:32pm

Just curious, do the 560s sound better with balanced cables.

hit_the_right_note · November 25, 2020, 2:22pm

Almost all headphones sound as good as unbalanced to balanced as your DAC / Amp combination allows.

Example 1:

On a rather low-power mobile device like the Fiio M11, the respective balanced outputs sound audibly more defined in the bass range, which of course is also related to the higher output power, so you can “maybe” say that the headphones sound “better”.

Example 2:

The HD560s sounds noticeably “softer” but still defined on my Ifi audio equipment than on any topping or S.M.S.L. device, since other chipsets are installed there, which are designed very differently in terms of their sound behavior.
Therefore, I would rather pay attention to which DAC / Amp with sufficient power I connect a headphone than whether I operate it balanced.

A really good tube amplifier usually only has 6.35 mm outputs and still has enough power and sound quality to fascinate people.

kgs51 · November 25, 2020, 2:37pm

I don’t know if you are familiar with the Fiio Q3. Would you recommend these with the 560s.

hit_the_right_note · November 25, 2020, 3:30pm

The Fiio Q3 is such an example as I described it in with the Fiio M11.

On such devices, it makes sense to use the balanced outputs to give the headphones enough power, otherwise they will not be able to use their full sound quality.

As you can see in the photos, I connected my HD 560s to a balaced output and turned the volume up almost to full to get a good sound picture.

My personal recommendation would be the ifi xCan, which 1.) has enough power and 2.) I like the sound better than the xDuoo XD-05 Plus.

But the sound is always a question of taste!?!

kgs51 · November 25, 2020, 3:43pm

What cable are you using.

hit_the_right_note · November 25, 2020, 3:55pm

kgs51 · November 25, 2020, 5:09pm

They don’t sell that item in USA on amazon. Is there a comparable balanced cable. Thanks

kgs51 · November 25, 2020, 7:06pm

I am on a limited budget, do you think it’s worth my while to purchase the Q3 and use with a balanced cable that you have shown.

hit_the_right_note · November 25, 2020, 7:28pm

With a balanced cable it works pretty good.

kgs51 · November 25, 2020, 9:34pm

Thanks for your help.

Rikudou_Goku · November 25, 2020, 9:36pm

Here is a cheaper and possibly better option.

Slazyel · December 3, 2020, 12:03pm

Would the Topping e30/l30 make a good combo for the HD560S?

kgs51 · December 4, 2020, 7:55pm

I bought a 3.5 mm jack bluetooth receiver. I want to convert to 2.5 mm so that it hooks into my hd560s headphone. Can someone recommend a cable. As you know the 2.5mm end has to be a twist and lock type specific to the hd headphones for senneheiser.

Thanks
Ken

kgs51 · December 4, 2020, 9:13pm

Is there a bluetooth receiver that is compatible with Sennheiser HD560s headphones. With this I wouldn’t need to worry about an adapter

MrAyrit · December 4, 2020, 11:50pm

I just bought this one:

works fine–if that’s what you’re talking about.

I use my 560s a lot with my BTR5, and I think it sounds really really good.

With that I use this balanced cable:

factorkay · December 28, 2020, 10:56pm

How are you finding this for casual or immersive gaming experiences?

basedgods_dog · January 1, 2021, 6:06pm

They are pretty good gaming headphones, but I much prefer using x2’s, especially if you are after immersion and not pinpoint positional accuracy.

QBASS · February 16, 2021, 4:35pm

Hi Everyone

I have had the HD560S pretty much since they came out and they have seen off many other headphones. The latest casualty being the GoldPlanar GL2000 double sided. I can’t find anything that has the timbre of the HD560S.

The only thing I would improve would be the bass however the bass boost on the Zen Dac is doing a good job. The HD660S, Sundaras, Phoenix, Elear, Amiron and GL2000 have come and gone but the HD560S has remained with its honest and natural sound with lovely vocals and bright but non sibilant or fatiguing treble.

The planar’s give a bigger sound but then they have the haze in the mid range which bothered me too much. I listen mostly at low to medium volumes as I am visually impaired so I want to protect my hearing.

Also people seem to forget that headphones need to be comfortable. Most of the others have not been comfortable after an hour and some have been far to heavy for all day use.

I have managed to get a pair of Focal Elex but I am really worried about their QC issues. They seem to be the only headphone that can give me the HD560S sound with a little more bass. For me the maximum I can really spend on headphones is around 700US.

Falenkor · February 16, 2021, 7:19pm

hmm, well the 560 here is a reference grade neutral but has some brighter treble to it… I would say maybe try some of the other sennheisers if you like the 560 here that much maybe check out the 600 series while these are more intimate they do have some very nice sound qualities… personally I like the 650 quite a lot but I know others who swear by 600, 6xx, or 660s

Another you could try since you mention comfort… I would say check out the DT 880’s… I know you checked out amirons but, as someone who loves brighter headphones and beyers brand, I can’t even stand that headphone based on comfort and treble. Amirons are like the little brother of the T1 2nd generation their signature is quite similar but the T1 has the better sound, scaling, and comfort… 1990 is their alternative but is more aggressive and analytical

fmata · February 26, 2021, 9:20pm

I just got my pair today, and immediately putting on I feel like the clamping force is very top sided. It’s not making a full seal either. Anybody else had the same issue?