Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones

by Sennheiser

Product Features

• Audiophile-grade high performance headphones
• Twist and lock single-sided cable eliminates tangles and simplifies exchanges
• Gold plated 1/4" plug with 1/8" adapter
• Highly optimized field strengthened neodymium ferrous magnet system
• Internal Sound Reflector immerses the listener in rich audio
• Twist and lock single sided cable eliminates tangles and simplifies exchanges

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 9.2 x 8.1 inches ; 9.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B004FEEY9A
• Item model number: HD 558
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (115 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 15, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

	Sennheiser HD 558	Beyerdynamic DT 440 Premium	Beyerdynamic DTX 910
Sound Characteristics	Rich	Balanced	Natural
Application	Tablet/iPad/iPhone/ Smartphone/MP3/PC	Tablet/iPad/iPhone/ Smartphone/MP3/PC	Tablet/iPad/iPhone/ Smartphone/MP3/PC
Construction	Open	Open	Open
Headband	Velour Headband	Foldable Plastic Headband with 90 degree swiveling earcups	Foldable Plastic Headband with 90 degree swiveling earcups
Cable Length	10 ft / 3 m	10 ft / 3 m	10 ft / 3 m
Included Accessories	Single-sided cable Gold-plated 1/4” plug 1/8" adaptor	Single-sided cable Gold-plated stereo jack plug, 3.5 mm Screwable 6.35" / 1/4" adaptor	Singled-sided cable Gold-plated stereo jack plug 3.5 mm Screwable 6.35" / 1/4" adaptor

What's in the Box

• The beyerdynamic DT 880 Headphones (32 Ohms)
• Screwable 6.35 mm / 1/4" adaptor
• Leatherette Carrying Bag

Technical Specifications

• Transmission Type: Wired
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 35,000 Hz
• Sound Pressure Level: 96 dB
• Construction: Circumaural (over-the-ear)
• Cable & Plug: Straight connecting cable with mini-jack plug (3.5 mm) & 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm)
• Net Weight: 290 g

Product Description

Featuring an internal surround reflector, the HD 558 audiophile headphones are able to generate an extended spatial sound field for a listening experience that immerses the wearer during music and movies. They are outfitted with Sennheiser's innovative E.A.R. technology which ensures accurate channeling of audio signals into your ears, as well as sophisticated Duofol diaphragms which reduce unwanted resonances to an absolute minimum. The HD 558 come with plush, luxurious velour ear pads and headband cushion which provide outstanding wearing comfort, even for long listening sessions.FeaturesInternal Sound Reflector immerses the listener in rich audioEargonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) technology simulates sitting in front of a hi-fi speaker set without the expense or space constrictionsTwist-n-lock single sided cable eliminates tangles and simplifies exchangesAdvanced Duofol diaphragm technology effectively eliminates standing waves within the capsuleExtremely fast rest/response time for incredible transient response and treble clarityHighly optimized, field-strengthened neodymium ferrous magnet systemPremium metal mesh and sophisticated high-gloss burl wood accentsLightweight aluminum voice coils for high efficiency and excellent dynamicsPlush, luxurious velour ear pads for long, comfortable listening sessionsGold plated 1/4" plug (optimized for home receivers, hi-fi systems and headphone amplifiers) with 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo adapterOptimized for home hi-fi equipment and

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 82 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars These headphones will give you multiple EAR-gasms. July 30, 2011

By The Matrix Fan TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

PROS:

+ Provides clarity and increased bass.
+ Gives an immersive music and movie experience.
+ Very comfortable earpiece and headband coverings.
+ Comes with 10 feet of cord, and an adapter for standard 1/8 headphone jacks.

CONS:

- Other people can hear if you crank up the volume.
- Pricey, but they're worth the price.

OVERVIEW:

I won't pretend to know what Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) technology or an internal surround reflector is: I'm just an average guy who likes his music and movies, and doesn't enjoy feeling like his ears are drowning in sweat after taking the headphones off.
After using these, I can say that they not only gave me superior sounding bass, but they allowed me to hear sounds in music and movies that I've never picked up before. Plus, the coverings kept my ears free and clear from sweat.

Here's a few of the quality tests I performed:

MUSIC TESTS:

The Prodigy - Firestarter: This was the first song that jumped to mind when I heard these headphones give great bass, and the bass line was positively delicious. Anyone who's heard this song knows how powerful the bass line is...it thrummed through these headphones loud and clear without any feedback.

Soundgarden - Spoon Man: Another song that came through clear as crystal - the bass was a perfect balance with the lyrics - One didn't overpower the other.

Reek Da Villain Feat. Busta Rhymes & Swizz Beatz - Mechanics: This was a suggestion from a fellow coworker when I asked "What's the best song for a bass test as well as musical clarity?" Oh, how right he was. Each lyric sounded as crisp as a celery stick being snapped, and the pronounced bass only made the song sound better.

MOVIE TESTS:

I had to see how these headphones could handle some of my favorite action sequences!

Déjà Vu (listening through my PC) - I had to pick one of my favorite Tony Scott films. The chase scene with the "goggle rig" took on new layers of enjoyment with these headphones. I could head the crescendo and decrescendo of the music much clearer than I ever have before; it was as if I could hear individual pieces of debris flying off cars during impact.

The Replacement Killers (listening through my PSP) - This was an unexpected bonus. I rarely watch any movies on my PSP because the sound is very tinny. With these headphones, the dance club music was louder, the gunshot audio was more pronounced, and the bass was (for lack of a better word)...thicker.

The Matrix Reloaded (listening through my PSP) - Having seen this movie more times than I can count, I was amazed to hear the first segment of "Matrix code" during the credits channeling from my left ear to the right. I never noticed that before, but these headphones made it crystal clear. I could also hear the sound of individual cups and utensils hitting the floor during the fight scene with Seraph, and I've never heard that before either.

CONS:

When I turned up the volume on these, my spouse asked if I was actively TRYING to blast my eardrums apart. They're good for private listening but if you turn up the volume, other folks might hear. They're also a little big for portable use, so you won't find me plugging these into an iPod for my afternoon jog.

The only other con I found to these headphones was the price - but if you want to enjoy levels of sound this crisp and clear, it won't come cheap.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I enjoyed these headphones very much. They enriched the entire audio spectrum (especially the bass), and also brought some lesser-heard tones to the surface. They made movies sharper and music clearer. If you're looking for superior sound to enjoy on your home theater or sound system, these are definitely worth it.

The manufacturer commented on the review below

49 of 55 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Quite good but major design flaws December 10, 2011

By ztreb185

Amazon Verified Purchase

I probably have about 100 hours of burn in on these. I was initially impressed: nice all black sleek look, extremely comfortable, with great sound quality. The sound signature seems to be quite neutral; it definitely has bass which is quite good for an open headphone. The bass has an airy punch, and it wont have the impact and bass rumble associated with closed headphones. It has that dark Sennheiser sound which some describe as being boring and laidback, but I very much like the sound because its not in your face and great for comfort, non-fatiguing music listening. Oh the soundstage is amazing so they are incredible for gaming/movies as well. It's a very versatile headphone, however you really need to baby these headphones because the build quality is suspect. Made in China, all plastic design, and a long, very long scarred history of headband cracking and snapping from hundreds and hundreds of consumers of the HD 5xx series. For the price you pay, the all plastic and cheap durability is unacceptable.

The manufacturer commented on this review (What's this?)

Eric Palonen saysMarch 20, 2012

Hello- Thank you for your review and comments. This was quickly resolved and we are happy to uphold the global 2 year warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer. Our contact information is: [phone], [e-mail]. We constantly review and refine manufacturing processes and again, are happy to address any questions.

44 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Update From The 555 January 23, 2011

By Allan Neely

Amazon Verified Purchase

After comparing these to the HD 555's I can say that Sennheiser has updated the drivers on these cans significantly. The bass has much more punch to it and the mids have a much cleaner sound to them .If you're looking for a good set of cans for gaming/ music then these are just what your'e looking for. Make sure to get an external desktop amp it makes the world in difference.