Getting into the world of high-end audio equipment can be pretty intimidating. There are countless technical nuances, avid audiophiles all have their own preferences they swear by, and everything seems so darn expensive. So, it stands to reason that anyone looking to step into the world of premium headphones might be drawn to an established brand like Sennheiser.
The Sennheiser HD 505 is the company’s entry-level model in its audiophile headphone lineup. That is to say, they’re a little fancy and a little pricey—but not the most expensive (and certainly not the fanciest). These are wired, over-ear headphones with an open-back design. The build combines plastic and metal elements, accented with stylish copper highlights and velour-covered ear cups for comfort. They’re lightweight, comfortable and overall quite attractive, making them an excellent addition to any desktop setup.
I say that because the Sennheiser HD 505 aren’t the sort of headphones you should wear out in the world, where the people are, and not just for the obvious reasons. Yes, expensive-looking, open-back headphones are easily snatchable and a prime target for thieves and ne’er-do-wells, but there are other drawbacks to an all-day, outdoor audio excursion.
“The Sennheiser HD 505 tends to share whatever wonderful thing you’re listening to with everyone else in the room.”
For one, the Sennheiser HD 505 tends to share whatever wonderful thing you’re listening to with everyone else in the room, which won’t make you many friends on the bus. I literally watched a few videos today with the headphones sitting a few feet away from my head and could still hear everything clearly. My computer doesn’t currently have external speakers hooked up, so the situation was genuinely confusing. Furthermore, while the velour ear cups are extremely comfortable, they’re also magnets for dust, grime and pet hair—so it’s best to keep potential contaminants at bay.
That aside, the Sennheiser HD 505 are just dandy. The design feels sturdy, and they may be the most comfortable pair I’ve ever slapped over my ears. I’ve mentioned the velour ear cups a few times already, but it bears repeating—they’re soft and rarely become uncomfortably warm during use, as I’d initially feared.
Moreover, I’ve got some fairly sizable listening parts, and the large, oval-shaped cups managed to enclose them completely without issue. That said, don’t mistake the enclosed feel for active noise cancellation. While plugged in, I was always able to hear the world around me—and even had a conversation or two.
Now, for the most important part: the sound. The Sennheiser HD 505 delivers solid audio performance. Sennheiser has been producing high-quality audio equipment for years, and this commitment is evident in the finished product. Persnickety audiophiles may argue that the HD 505 hits high frequencies a bit harshly, but overall, the sound is crisp, clear, and distortion-free.
“The Sennheiser HD 505 delivers solid audio performance.”
That said, the lack of noise cancellation can detract from the otherwise rich audio experience. Even in the midst of an intense firefight, the headphones never quite deliver a truly immersive or isolated soundscape.
In terms of features, the Sennheiser HD 505 is fairly bare-bones. They come with a soft carrying pouch, which I promptly lost, and a 3.5 mm adapter (which I didn’t). The cable is threaded to keep the adapter securely in place during use, and it can be removed from the headphones with a quick twist and pull. Naturally, the headphones won’t function without the cable—there’s no hidden Bluetooth feature—but I do appreciate this design choice.
Cables fail, especially in a house with a curious kitty who loves nothing more than nibbling on soft, rubberized cords. I’d much rather replace the cable than the entire headset, even if the proprietary design likely means shelling out for a replacement directly from the manufacturer rather than a third party. All my quibbles aside, the Sennheiser HD 505 is an excellent entry point for budding audiophiles looking to explore the complex world of high-end audio equipment.
