The HD 505 runs Sennheiser's own 120-ohm dynamic transducers, made in Ireland, behind metal-mesh open-back earcup covers. It weighs 237 g without the cable, sits at 120 ohms nominal, covers 12 Hz to 38.5 kHz, and measures under 0.2% THD at 1 kHz / 90 dB SPL. Within the HD 500 range this is the lighter, easier-to-drive option, built for quiet listening at home.
Key features
Irish-made 120-ohm dynamic transducers
Sennheiser states the transducers are produced in Ireland and voiced for a clear, analytic presentation. At 120 ohms nominal with 107.9 dB sensitivity (1 kHz / 1 Vrms), the HD 505 sits in the middle of the drivability range: a phone or laptop headphone jack will produce sound, but a small USB DAC/amp gives you the headroom and grip you actually want.
Open-back acoustics
High-grade metal mesh covers let air and sound move freely through the earcups, which is why voices and instruments sit in more believable positions than they do in a sealed can. The trade-off is leakage in both directions — people a couple of metres away will hear your music, and you will hear the room. That is physics, not a fault.
237 g body with velour pads
At 237 g bare, with synthetic velour ear cushions and a synthetic leather headband, the HD 505 stays comfortable through a full album, a film, or a long editing session. Velour also breathes better than leatherette, which matters in a Hong Kong summer.
Detachable cable and shared spare parts
The supplied 1.8 m detachable cable enters on the left side and terminates in a 3.5 mm plug, with a screw-on 3.5 to 6.35 mm adapter included for amps and desks. Sennheiser lists the HD 505 as compatible with HD 500 range accessories and replacement parts, so pads, headband and cable are all serviceable rather than disposable.
Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transducer principle | Dynamic, open-back |
| Impedance | 120 ohms (nominal) |
| Frequency response | 12 Hz – 38.5 kHz |
| THD | < 0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL) |
| Sound pressure level | 107.9 dB (1 kHz / 1 Vrms) |
| Cable | 1.8 m detachable, left-side entry |
| Connector | 3.5 mm plug, 3.5 to 6.35 mm screw-on adapter included |
| Weight | 237 g (without cable) |
| Ear coupling | Circumaural (around ear) |
| Pads / headband | Synthetic velour pads, synthetic leather headband |
| In the box | Drawstring bag |
Who it's for
- Anyone buying a first serious open-back headphone without committing to a full desktop rig on day one.
- Listeners with a fixed spot at home for albums, films, or light mixing reference work.
- Owners who want to replace pads and cables themselves and add an amp later.
- Who it isn't for: commuters, flyers, and open-plan offices. There is no isolation and the leakage is obvious to people beside you — for going out, pick a sealed ANC model instead.
Warranty and delivery
International version · 10-day exchange for faulty units · 100% brand new · viewing by appointment at our Kwun Tong shop. Full terms on the warranty policy page.
Non-TV items ship by SF Express freight-collect (the customer pays the shipping fee), or you can collect at the Kwun Tong shop free of charge, 11:00–19:00. For any other courier arrangement, or delivery to Macau, message us on WhatsApp. Full terms on the shipping policy page.
FAQ
Do I need an amp or DAC for the HD 505?
Not strictly. At 120 ohms with 107.9 dB sensitivity it will play from a phone or laptop. But most portable outputs run out of voltage before the headphone runs out of headroom, and the difference in bass control at higher volumes is easy to hear, so we normally suggest at least a small USB DAC/amp.
How does it actually differ from the HD 560S?
Both are 120 ohms. The HD 560S is rated at under 0.05% THD with 110 dB sound pressure level and weighs 280 g; the HD 505 is rated at under 0.2% THD with 107.9 dB and weighs 237 g. In short, the 560S measures tighter and sits heavier, while the HD 505 is the lighter one to wear.
Are pads and cables replaceable?
Yes. Sennheiser lists the HD 505 as compatible with HD 500 range accessories and replacement parts, so pads, headband and cable are all serviceable items. The cable itself is detachable, so a longer or balanced cable is an option later on.
Related products and guides
- Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Wired Headphones — the step up in the same family
- Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Wired Headphones — the other open-back option
- All headphones and earbuds
- Parallel import vs licensed goods: the full guide
- Warranty policy (10-day exchange for headphones, cameras, mics)
- Shipping policy