The full review
Sennheiser HD 559 Headphones Review
First Impressions
The moment they were unpacked and held out in front of me, excitement rippled through me. You have to appreciate the simple yet elegant design of the Sennheiser HD 559 Headphones. From the early onset, I knew I had made the right decision from the smooth lines of the earpiece design to the comfortable padding meant to cushion my ears. This was reinforced by the fact that the headphones came in pristine condition, presenting no signs of mishandling. However, the 6.3mm plug caught me off guard, as most devices use a 3.5mm port. Shifting gears, I decided to adapt and got a cable replacement right away. Little did I know, this was just the start of a rollercoaster in my Sennheiser headphones review journey.
Shall We Talk Comfort?
I'm someone who often engages in long gaming sessions and would consider myself a music enthusiast, so comfort is of the utmost importance. The claim that the Sennheiser HD 559 Headphones bring comfort to the table is no far cry from reality. The large, cushion-filled ear cups gently wrap around the ear providing soft ventilation in extended usage sessions. Whether you’re like me and sport glasses regularly or are simply a component of the majority; these headphones cater to every head shape. Nonetheless, there is a pitfall regarding comfort for some users; primarily the plastic piece in the inside ear cups that causes discomfort and even slight pain after prolonged use. I too found the headphones slightly uncomfortable after sessions longer than an hour, making them less than ideal for extensive use.
Checking the Sound Quality
Now for the vital part of any headphones review, let's dwell on the sound quality. This is where the low-budget pricing of Sennheiser HD 559 Headphones belies their exceptional auditory performance. The bass and treble are very well-balanced, maintaining a pleasant harmony throughout various sound ranges. Even at the highest volume levels, the clarity of the sound remains intact, a testament to the sound engineering skills of Sennheiser. However, some may find the bass slightly overwhelming; I like my bass dominant, but not at the expense of the tranquility of the sound experience. At the end of the day, the quality of the sound delivered mirrors that of upmarket alternatives.
Considerations
Some downsides I did encounter, and it's worth being aware of if you consider purchasing - revolve around the Sennheiser HD 559 Headphones' connectivity and some comfort aspects. Firstly, the headphones come with a 6.5 MM port instead of the more common 3.5 MM one. A 3.5 MM adapter or upgrade cable is not included, meaning I had to make additional purchases to plug them into my devices.
Also, as my first foray into open-back headphones, I learned that it would mean that they're not good at noise cancellation. You should consider this if you crave undisturbed isolation during your music sessions or plan to use it in a public setting. Sound leakage can also be a nuisance for those around you, as these headphones aim to provide an improved sound experience at the cost of containing the sound waves.
The Build Quality
My initial Sennheiser HD 559 Headphones review wouldn't be complete without addressing the elephant in the room, the build quality. Being an entry-level headphone, the build quality isn’t the sturdiest; the plastic elements feel a bit flimsy. However, instead of seeing this as a negative, I view it as a compromise on weight for longer comfort and usability sessions. Subsequently, despite some minor discomfort issues, the headphones proved to be a worthy companion for my desktop gaming sessions.
Pros And Cons
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Pros:
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Relatively Affordable
- Large Ear Cups for Enhanced Comfort
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Cons:
- Discomfort After Prolonged Use
- 6.3mm Jack Instead of the More Common 3.5mm Jack
- Mediocre Noise Cancellation
Concluding Thoughts
The Sennheiser HD 559 Headphones are a great budget-friendly headset offering remarkable sound quality. With some minor comfort issues, especially during longer use, and the unexpected 6.3mm jack, the headphones still manage to earn their salt in the market. Be warned that they aren't suited for crowded environments as the open-back design does allow external noise to bleed in. However, home users, find a cozy spot, sit back, and enjoy the sound advancements that Sennheiser headphones offer. With a couple of tweaks, these headphones have become my go-to gear for my gaming and musical encounters.