HEADPHONES · YOUR NEXT FACE-OFF

Sennheiser HD 600 vs Sennheiser HD 550

Real specs. Clear sources.Exact models · UK & US buying links

Compared products

YOUR FIRST CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 600

508824 · grey finish · 300 ohm · standard 3 m stereo cable

Full product profile Official image

Exact model & source notes

The HD 600 is an open-back, over-ear dynamic headphone. Sennheiser describes a 42 mm driver with a 38 mm diaphragm and aluminium voice coils, rated 12–40,500 Hz (−10 dB) at 300 ohms. It has a detachable 3 m cable and replaceable velour ear pads.

Specifications checked 11 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications

WHICH SUITS YOU?

Choose the HD 600 for

Higher stated nominal impedance: 300 ohm vs 150 ohm
Longer stated included cable length: 3 m vs 1.8 m

Choose the HD 550 for

Lower stated nominal impedance: 150 ohm vs 300 ohm

Built from verified specifications that differ. Not a rating or a recommendation.

See the 11 verified differences

THE CONTENDER

Sennheiser HD 550

700455 · Black · wired

Full product profile Official image

Exact model & source notes

The HD 550 (article 700455) is a passive, open-back over-ear headphone built on Sennheiser's HD 500 chassis, with a 150-ohm dynamic transducer, high-grade metal mesh earcup covers, a synthetic leather headband, a 1.8 m cable ending in a 3.5 mm plug, and a stated weight of 237 g. Sennheiser describes a neutral balance that extends further into sub-bass than the HD 599.

Specifications checked 26 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications

HD 600 UK & US retailers

UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

HD 550 UK & US retailers

UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

Search links open retailer results, not a matched listing; eBay listings are checked daily. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE

Visual facts

Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.

How to read this comparison

Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
“Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.

FEATURES SIDE BY SIDE8 topics

Yes and No describe the listed feature. Missing evidence stays unverified.

SELECTED TOPIC

01 / 08

Impedance

Nominal electrical load, not sound quality or loudness. Output capability and headphone sensitivity matter together; impedance alone cannot decide whether an amplifier is needed.

Sennheiser HD 600300 Ω

Manufacturer specification · Nominal impedance; check that your amplifier or audio source can drive this load.

Source 1

Sennheiser HD 550150 Ω

Source 1

Explore the full specifications

Start with your listening environment. Open and closed earcups suit different surroundings. A closed back is not the same as active noise cancellation. Check the exact cable and headphone output. We do not turn impedance, driver size or unpaired lab results into a sound-quality score.

WHAT CHANGES BETWEEN THEM?

Key differences

Full specifications ↓

11 verified differences, most decision-relevant first. 2 are also drawn in Visual facts above. Missing information stays separate.

Wired / wireless connections

Sennheiser HD 600Wired analogue stereo; detachable 3 m cable and supplied adapter support 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm connections

Sennheiser HD 550Wired analogue; 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug and supplied 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter; accepts balanced cables

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's manual and UK page disagree on which plug is native; see Supplied plug configuration.

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's UK and US store product descriptions state 'Accepts balanced cables'; no balanced cable is in the box list. The product page states HD 500-range accessories are compatible and sells HD 500-series replacement cables; it does not state in the specification table whether the cable detaches.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications Sennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)Sennheiser US store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and UPC)

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Nominal impedance

In Visual facts

Sennheiser HD 600300 ohm

Sennheiser HD 550150 ohm

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Nominal impedance; check that your amplifier or audio source can drive this load.

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Driver construction

Sennheiser HD 600Open dynamic 42 mm driver with a 38 mm diaphragm and aluminium voice coils

Sennheiser HD 550150-ohm dynamic transducer made by Sennheiser in Ireland

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser gives 42 mm for the driver and 38 mm for its diaphragm; it does not say how the 42 mm figure is measured.

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Check whether the diameter describes the complete transducer or only its diaphragm. Different labels and driver sizes do not establish better sound.

Included cable length

In Visual facts

Sennheiser HD 6003 m

Sennheiser HD 5501.8 m

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Length of the supplied cable.

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Rated total harmonic distortion

Sennheiser HD 600≤0.1% at 1 kHz, 1 V rms (DIN 45500)

Sennheiser HD 550<0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL)

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Rated to DIN 45500; other models use different test levels, so compare with care.

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz and 90 dB SPL; other models use different test levels, so compare with care.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

These published limits can use different input voltages, loudness levels and standards. They cannot establish lower distortion in matched listening conditions.

Ear pads

Sennheiser HD 600Velour ear pads; replaceable

Sennheiser HD 550Synthetic velour

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Replacement procedure shown in the manual.

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Show 5 more verified differences

Frequency equalisation

Sennheiser HD 600Diffuse-field equalised

Sennheiser HD 550Neutral balance; response described as very close to what is considered ideal for headphones

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's description ('Punchy bass, brilliant treble extension, and natural, lifelike mids' in the store description); not a measurement by this site.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications Sennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Rated frequency range

Sennheiser HD 60012–40,500 Hz (−10 dB)

Sennheiser HD 5506 Hz – 39.5 kHz

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · No tolerance is stated.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Range endpoints need their stated threshold. They do not describe response flatness or prove better bass, detail or sound quality.

Rated sensitivity

Sennheiser HD 60097 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 V rms

Sennheiser HD 550106.7 dB SPL (1 V RMS)

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz with 1 V rms; not directly comparable with dB/mW ratings.

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW; the test frequency is not stated.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Keep the frequency and voltage or power reference attached. Sensitivity describes output for an input, not sound quality; dB/V and dB/mW are different measures.

Replaceable parts

Sennheiser HD 600Detachable cable and replaceable ear pads

Sennheiser HD 550Replacement parts such as ear pads are offered; HD 500-range accessories are compatible

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Replacement procedures are in the manual; spare-part availability varies.

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Weight

Sennheiser HD 600260 g

Sennheiser HD 550237 g

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Approximate, without the cable.

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Stated in the feature copy; Sennheiser does not say whether the figure includes the cable.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.

Missing or non-comparable evidence (14)

Active noise cancellation

Sennheiser HD 600Not verified

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish active noise cancellation absence. Preserve separately sourced acoustic design and passive attenuation; they cannot turn omitted ANC into a false capability. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Sennheiser explicitly describes a direct analogue signal path without sound-shaping electronics, but does not explicitly name an active noise cancellation absence. Preserve that operating claim separately; ANC remains unknown pending exact scope resolution. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Microphone

In Visual facts

Sennheiser HD 600Not verified

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Sennheiser advertises a microphone-ready design but does not identify a supplied microphone in the package list. Presence or absence of a microphone remains unresolved for this exact configuration. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Battery life

Sennheiser HD 600Not verified

Sennheiser HD 550Not required: passive wired headphones powered by the audio source

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Passive headphones with no battery or charging.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published acoustic changes

Sennheiser HD 600Not verified

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser does not describe an acoustic revision for the HD 600. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Included and optional cables

Sennheiser HD 600Detachable 3 m unbalanced cable included; 4.4 mm and XLR-4 balanced cables optional

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Optional cables are sold separately; balanced cables need a balanced headphone output.

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Supplied plug configuration

Sennheiser HD 600Conflicting evidence

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser's manual and UK specification table list a 3.5 mm plug with a 6.35 mm adapter, while the UK page's connection text describes a 6.3 mm plug with a 3.5 mm adapter. Check the listing for the supplied plug. · Manufacturer specification · Needs a matching headphone output; the 4.4 mm balanced cable needs a balanced output.

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rated contact pressure

Sennheiser HD 600Approximately 6.0 N ±1.0 N

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Nominal clamping force; individual fit and comfort can differ.

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Wearing style

Sennheiser HD 600Over-ear (circumaural), open-back dynamic headphones

Sennheiser HD 550Over-ear, open-back dynamic headphones

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

One source states less detail or a rounded figure. This is not a verified difference; check the exact configuration.

In the box

Sennheiser HD 600Not verified

Sennheiser HD 550Headphones, 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter, drawstring bag

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

No source recorded for this side.

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rated long-term input power

Sennheiser HD 6000.2 W under DIN 45580

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Rated to DIN 45580; the maximum input the headphones can handle, not the amplifier power they need.

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Static magnetic field at the surface

Sennheiser HD 6001.8 mT

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification · Static magnetic field at the headphone surface.

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Construction

Sennheiser HD 600Not verified

Sennheiser HD 550High-grade metal mesh earcup covers; synthetic leather headband

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

No source recorded for this side.

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications Sennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Operating temperature

Sennheiser HD 600−10 °C to +55 °C

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Manufacturer sub-bass claim

Sennheiser HD 600Not verified

Sennheiser HD 550Extends further into sub-bass than the HD 599

Sources

Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser makes no sub-bass claim for the HD 600. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications

Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

1 shared field has the same recorded value.

YOUR HEADPHONES. YOUR RULES.

Check against your must-haves

Feature matching for the features you select. It doesn’t rate sound or comfort.

Start with your listening setup.

Choose a starting point, then fine-tune your must-haves.

FINE-TUNE THE DETAILS

Your essentials.

These shortcuts select the features shown above. Check the fit against your own equipment and listening space.

A feature match describes the selected requirements. It doesn’t rate sound or comfort.

Open-back designFor a quiet listening spaceClosed-back designAn enclosed outer earcupDetachable cableUnplug the cable at the headphonesBuilt-in microphoneFor calls and voice chatActive noise cancellationNot the same as a closed back

YOUR CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 600

Select a feature to check your fit.

YOUR CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 550

Select a feature to check your fit.

Feature matching, not a sound-quality score. The specification table links to the evidence for each feature.

WHAT EACH CHOICE ASKS OF YOU

What it brings and what to check

Sennheiser HD 600

What it brings

The detachable 3 m cable and velour ear pads can be replaced, and optional 4.4 mm and XLR-4 balanced cables are available for balanced amplifiers.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source

What to check

At 300 ohms with a rated 97 dB SPL at 1 kHz / 1 V rms, check that your amplifier or audio source can drive the headphones properly.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source
The open-back design leaks sound and lets outside noise in. Sennheiser's pages disagree on whether the cable ends in a 3.5 mm or 6.35 mm plug, so check the listing.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source

Sennheiser HD 550

What it brings

Sennheiser describes a direct analogue signal path from source to ear and says no charging is required.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source
Sennheiser publishes both the 150-ohm impedance and a 106.7 dB at 1 V rating, which helps estimate how much output a source needs to drive it.
Manufacturer source
Replacement ear pads are offered, HD 500-range accessories are stated to be compatible, and Sennheiser says the headphones accept balanced cables.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source

What to check

It is an open-back design, and Sennheiser publishes no ambient-noise attenuation figure for it.
Manufacturer source
Sennheiser calls the design microphone-ready but does not identify a supplied microphone in the package list.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source
Sennheiser does not say whether the 237 g figure includes the cable, and no balanced cable is included in the box.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source

COMPARE THE DETAILS

Full specifications

How we verify

Differences only

26 of 26 specifications Sources in each row

Source-backed specifications for Sennheiser HD 600 and Sennheiser HD 550
Specification	Sennheiser HD 600	Sennheiser HD 550

Wearing style Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Over-ear (circumaural), open-back dynamic headphones	Over-ear, open-back dynamic headphones
WeightDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Approximate, without the cable. Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification · Stated in the feature copy; Sennheiser does not say whether the figure includes the cable. Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	260 g	237 g
Acoustic design Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Open-back	Open-back
Replaceable partsDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Replacement procedures are in the manual; spare-part availability varies. Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Detachable cable and replaceable ear pads	Replacement parts such as ear pads are offered; HD 500-range accessories are compatible
Ear padsDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Replacement procedure shown in the manual. Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Velour ear pads; replaceable	Synthetic velour
Rated contact pressure Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Nominal clamping force; individual fit and comfort can differ. Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 No source recorded.	Approximately 6.0 N ±1.0 N	Not provided
Construction Sources Sennheiser HD 600 No source recorded. Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications Sennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)	Not provided	High-grade metal mesh earcup covers; synthetic leather headband

Wired / wireless connectionsDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's manual and UK page disagree on which plug is native; see Supplied plug configuration. Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's UK and US store product descriptions state 'Accepts balanced cables'; no balanced cable is in the box list. The product page states HD 500-range accessories are compatible and sells HD 500-series replacement cables; it does not state in the specification table whether the cable detaches. Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications Sennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)Sennheiser US store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and UPC)	Wired analogue stereo; detachable 3 m cable and supplied adapter support 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm connections	Wired analogue; 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug and supplied 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter; accepts balanced cables
Battery life Sources Sennheiser HD 600 The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification · Passive headphones with no battery or charging. Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Not listed by the manufacturer	Not required: passive wired headphones powered by the audio source
Included cable lengthDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Length of the supplied cable. Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	3 m	1.8 m
Included and optional cables Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Optional cables are sold separately; balanced cables need a balanced headphone output. Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 No source recorded.	Detachable 3 m unbalanced cable included; 4.4 mm and XLR-4 balanced cables optional	Not provided

Nominal impedanceDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Nominal impedance; check that your amplifier or audio source can drive this load. Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	300 ohm	150 ohm
Rated frequency rangeDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification · No tolerance is stated. Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	12–40,500 Hz (−10 dB)	6 Hz – 39.5 kHz
Rated sensitivityDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz with 1 V rms; not directly comparable with dB/mW ratings. Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW; the test frequency is not stated. Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	97 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 V rms	106.7 dB SPL (1 V RMS)
Driver constructionDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser gives 42 mm for the driver and 38 mm for its diaphragm; it does not say how the 42 mm figure is measured. Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Open dynamic 42 mm driver with a 38 mm diaphragm and aluminium voice coils	150-ohm dynamic transducer made by Sennheiser in Ireland
Frequency equalisationDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's description ('Punchy bass, brilliant treble extension, and natural, lifelike mids' in the store description); not a measurement by this site. Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications Sennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)	Diffuse-field equalised	Neutral balance; response described as very close to what is considered ideal for headphones
Rated total harmonic distortionDifferent Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Rated to DIN 45500; other models use different test levels, so compare with care. Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz and 90 dB SPL; other models use different test levels, so compare with care. Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	≤0.1% at 1 kHz, 1 V rms (DIN 45500)	<0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL)
Rated long-term input power Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Rated to DIN 45580; the maximum input the headphones can handle, not the amplifier power they need. Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 No source recorded.	0.2 W under DIN 45580	Not provided
Manufacturer sub-bass claim Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Sennheiser makes no sub-bass claim for the HD 600. · Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Not listed by the manufacturer	Extends further into sub-bass than the HD 599

In the box Sources Sennheiser HD 600 No source recorded. Sennheiser HD 550 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Not provided	Headphones, 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter, drawstring bag

Static magnetic field at the surface Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification · Static magnetic field at the headphone surface. Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 No source recorded.	1.8 mT	Not provided
Operating temperature Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 No source recorded.	−10 °C to +55 °C	Not provided

Show unverified (4)Not verified, not provided or conflicting for both products. Kept for completeness; never counted as a difference.

Specifications without verified values for either product
Microphone Sources Sennheiser HD 600 The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Sennheiser advertises a microphone-ready design but does not identify a supplied microphone in the package list. Presence or absence of a microphone remains unresolved for this exact configuration. · Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Not listed by the manufacturer	Not listed by the manufacturer
Active noise cancellation Sources Sennheiser HD 600 The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish active noise cancellation absence. Preserve separately sourced acoustic design and passive attenuation; they cannot turn omitted ANC into a false capability. · Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 Sennheiser explicitly describes a direct analogue signal path without sound-shaping electronics, but does not explicitly name an active noise cancellation absence. Preserve that operating claim separately; ANC remains unknown pending exact scope resolution. · Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications	Not listed by the manufacturer	Not listed by the manufacturer
Supplied plug configuration Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Sennheiser's manual and UK specification table list a 3.5 mm plug with a 6.35 mm adapter, while the UK page's connection text describes a 6.3 mm plug with a 3.5 mm adapter. Check the listing for the supplied plug. · Manufacturer specification · Needs a matching headphone output; the 4.4 mm balanced cable needs a balanced output. Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 No source recorded.	Conflicting sources	Not provided
Published acoustic changes Sources Sennheiser HD 600 Sennheiser does not describe an acoustic revision for the HD 600. · Manufacturer specification Sennheiser HD 600 — exact model specifications Sennheiser HD 600 — operating guide and specifications Sennheiser HD 550 No source recorded.	Not listed by the manufacturer	Not provided

First product manufacturer source Second product manufacturer source

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Impedance: 300 Ω
Cable length: 1.8 m
Wearing style: Over-ear (circumaural), open-back dynamic headphones

Prices & product profile

Each record represents an explicitly checked model and configuration. Original import: 5 Sept 2026; this is not its verification date. This is not a list of current offers or a popularity ranking.