SENNHEISER HD 569 Closed Back Headphone
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AI Verdict
A wired, closed-back over-ear headphone with 38mm dynamic drivers for private listening at home or with devices needing a mic.
The HD 569 offers a closed-back design with passive sound isolation and comfortable ear pads, making it suitable for private listening at home or in quiet office settings. However, its wired-only connectivity and reported sound signature issues without EQ limit its appeal for users seeking wireless convenience or a more balanced, impactful sound out of the box.
If you need wireless connectivity or a more neutral, detailed sound profile without needing to apply equalization, look for headphones with Bluetooth 5.0+ and a wider frequency response range.
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Pros
- Closed-back design provides passive sound isolation for private listening.
- Includes two detachable cables: a 3-meter cable with a 6.3mm jack and a 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5mm jack, in-line microphone, and remote.
- Soft, replaceable ear pads enhance comfort for long listening sessions.
- Powered by proprietary Sennheiser 38mm, 23-ohm transducers.
- Circumaural design offers a comfortable fit around the ear.
- Some users report a 'very clear, very neutral sound'.
Cons
- The 1.65-pound weight can feel heavy for some users during extended wear.
- Wired connectivity only, lacking wireless options like Bluetooth.
- Only passive sound isolation, no active noise cancellation.
- Some users report 'tinny and unrefined' mids and a lack of impactful bass without equalization.
- The 1.2-meter cable might be too short for some desktop setups, and the 3-meter cable too long for portable use.
Dimension Scores
While some find the sound 'clear' and 'neutral', others report 'tinny and unrefined' mids, dullness, and a lack of impactful bass without equalization.
The closed-back, over-ear design offers passive sound isolation that can block out some external noise, but it lacks active noise cancellation.
Features like soft, replaceable ear pads and a circumaural design contribute to comfort for many users during long listening sessions, though the 1.65-pound weight can be a factor.
These are wired headphones and do not have a battery.
Best For
- Private listening at home or in an office without disturbing others.
- Gaming where a wired connection is preferred and an in-line microphone is useful.
- Music listening from devices with 3.5mm or 6.3mm audio outputs.
- Long listening sessions due to comfortable circumaural design and replaceable ear pads.
Not Recommended For
- Wireless listening on the go or with Bluetooth-only devices.
- Travelers requiring active noise cancellation for loud environments.
- Audiophiles seeking a neutral sound signature or strong bass impact without equalization.
Watch Out For
- Mids are described as 'tinny and unrefined' and bass is not impactful for some users without equalization.
- The 1.2-meter cable with the 3.5mm jack can be too short for desktop use, while the 3-meter cable with the 6.3mm jack is often too long for portable use.
- The build can feel 'a bit plasticky' to some, and ear pads may deform non-symmetrically over time.
- Some users report the pads 'flake like mad'.
- The sound signature is described as 'dull' and impacting female vocals without EQ.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 615104270978 |
| ASIN | B01L1IIF1A |
| Brand | Sennheiser |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Standard |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Language | English |
| Material | Plastic |
| Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required. |
| Impedance | 23 Ohms |
| Model Name | HD 569 |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Item Weight | 1.65 pounds |
| Cable Length | 300 Centimeters |
| Control Type | control |
| Manufacturer | Sennheiser |
| Cable Feature | Retractable |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
| Series Number | 500 |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Earpiece Shape | Over Ear |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Noise Isolation |
| Audio Driver Size | 38 Millimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Item model number | HD 569 |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, Desktops, Telephones, Tablets, Cellphones |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio |
| Carrying Case Color | Black |
| Included Components | 2 Cable, Button Remote, User Manual |
| Input Device Interface | Audio jack |
| Noise Control Features | sound isolation |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Specific Uses For Product | Music |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Calling |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | No |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wired |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00615104270978, 04044155207552 |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the HD 569 to be a comfortable, wired option for private listening, often praising its passive sound isolation and the inclusion of two different cables. However, there's a noticeable split in opinion regarding its sound profile, with some finding it clear and neutral, while others criticize its 'tinny' mids and lack of bass impact without significant equalization. The build quality, described as 'plasticky' by some, and the potential for ear pad flaking are also recurring points of discussion.
“Honestly, I hated them at first, the sound was just... off, like the mids were missing something, but after messing with EQ for a bit, they actually came to life, and now they're pretty comfy for my long gaming sessions, but man, that initial sound was a letdown.”
Common Praise
- 'Very clear, very neutral sound' for some listeners.
- Effective passive sound isolation from the closed-back design.
- Comfortable for long listening periods due to soft, replaceable ear pads and circumaural fit.
- Inclusion of two detachable cables, one with an in-line mic and remote.
- Suitable for gaming due to sound isolation and mic cable.
Common Complaints
- 'Tinny and unrefined' mids and a lack of bass impact without EQ.
- Build quality can feel 'a bit plasticky'.
- Ear pads reportedly 'flake like mad' for some users.
- The sound is described as 'dull' and impacting female vocals without equalization.
- Cable lengths are sometimes inconvenient; the 1.2m cable is too short for some desktop setups, and the 3m cable is too long for portable use.
Ownership Tips
- The ear pads can deform unevenly over time, potentially affecting channel balance.
- The included long cable can be microphonic (transmits noise when rubbed).
- Changing the ear pads can significantly alter the sound tuning, often for the worse.
- The 'wedges inside the earcup' can be touched by larger ears, causing discomfort for some.
- They can get warm after extended use in hot conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these headphones wireless?
No, the Sennheiser HD 569 headphones are wired only and connect via either a 3.5mm or 6.3mm jack.
Do they come with a microphone?
Yes, one of the included 1.2-meter cables features an in-line microphone and remote for call and music control.
Are they comfortable for long listening sessions?
Many users find them comfortable for extended periods due to their circumaural design and soft, replaceable ear pads.
Do these headphones require an amplifier?
With a 23-ohm impedance, these headphones are relatively easy to drive and typically do not require a dedicated amplifier for most devices.
How effective is the noise cancellation?
The HD 569 provides passive sound isolation due to its closed-back, over-ear design, but it does not feature active noise cancellation.
Buying Guide
When looking at headphones like these, you need to decide if a wired connection fits your lifestyle, as there's no wireless option. Pay attention to the 'closed-back' design, which means they'll block out some noise passively, but don't expect the silence of active noise cancellation. Comfort for long periods is key for over-ear headphones, so consider the weight and ear pad material.
Type: Over Ear, Closed Back
'Over-ear' means the earcups fully enclose your ears, which helps with comfort and sound isolation. 'Closed-back' means the earcups are sealed, keeping sound in and some external noise out, like having a private listening bubble.
Driver: Dynamic Driver, 38 millimeter, 23 ohm
The 'dynamic driver' is the most common type of speaker in headphones, using a diaphragm to create sound. The '38 millimeter' size indicates a relatively large driver, which can contribute to a fuller sound. '23 ohm' is a low impedance, meaning these headphones don't need a powerful amplifier to get loud.
Connectivity: Wired
'Wired' means you'll always need a physical cable connecting your headphones to your audio source. This ensures no latency or battery concerns, but limits your movement and requires a device with a compatible audio jack.
Weight: 1.65 pounds
This is how much the headphones weigh. At 1.65 pounds, these are on the heavier side for headphones, which might cause fatigue during very long listening sessions compared to lighter models.
Alternatives
If you need wireless freedom, look for headphones with Bluetooth connectivity. If you prioritize a more balanced sound profile out of the box or stronger bass, search for models with a wider reported frequency response or specific sound signature tuning.
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