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Sennheiser HD570 Traditional Over-Ear Open Dynamic Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones (Black)

Sennheiser HD570 Traditional Over-Ear Open Dynamic Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones (Black)

List Price: $149.99
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Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • Over-ear, open-back stereo headphone
  • Single-sided, 10-foot OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable
  • Proprietary Duofol membrane reduces diaphragm distortion at edges
  • 18 to 22,000 Hz frequency response
  • Designed for comfortable long-term wear


Description:

Sennheiser's HD570 headphone replaces the discontinued HD545 model. Like the model it replaces, the 570 uses an open-ear design that lets you clearly hear environmental sounds but also allows other listeners in the room to hear the music being played. The 570's earpieces also have a sharply pointed bottom, designed to more closely encircle the ear--those with particularly large ears may even find these snug. However, like all Sennheiser headsets, the 570s are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, assuming the fit is good.

And, like almost all Sennheiser headphones, the HD570s have a rich, seductive midrange and deep, authoritative bass response. Where this set differs from most of the line is in its top end. The 570's high frequencies are more pronounced than the usual Sennheiser sound, as typified by the glorious HD600 and now-obsolete HD580. If you find the sound of those headsets on the dark (high-frequency restricted) and unexciting side of accurate, you'll likely be delighted with the tonal balance of the 570. On the other hand, if you find those models just right, you'll hear the 570 as bright, possibly even extremely bright (with accentuated treble response).

Of course, this also depends upon the source components you listen to. Cassettes and underpowered portable CD players might actually benefit from the 570's high-frequency boost, whereas most receivers or separate headphone amplifiers don't need it. Because the HD570 wants a fairly substantial signal to sound its best, however, it should not be used with most portable players. Dedicated amplifiers produce the best sound.

This is a comfortable headset with a different tonal balance from most Sennheisers. We suggest careful consideration (abetted, perhaps, by a 30-day return policy) before committing to living with the HD570. However, if this is the sound you're looking for, the HD-570 is rugged and extremely well constructed. You'll get a lifetime of use out of them. --L.V. Phillips

Pros:

  • Lightweight design and padded headband make them comfortable for hours of listening
  • Low-distortion Duofol diaphragms provide exceptional detail and clarity
  • Single-sided cable makes it easier to move around while wearing headphones

Cons:

  • 64-ohm impedance level makes headphones difficult for most portable players to drive; works best with dedicated headphone amplifier
  • Somewhat bright (trebly) tonal balance may strike some listeners as too much of a good thing
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