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1 / 6Sennheiser HD 505 professional studio headphones
A 2.5 puts its noise isolation in the bottom 10% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 92 of the 241 we've cataloged.
A 4.5 puts its audio quality in the top quarter of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 47 of the 241 we've cataloged.
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Wired-3.5mm is the most common — on 47% of the 249 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 241).
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 198 of 241 we've cataloged.
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -8.7 |
| 25 | -6.9 |
| 32 | -5.3 |
| 40 | -3.9 |
| 50 | -2.7 |
| 63 | -2.5 |
| 80 | -2.1 |
| 100 | -1.5 |
| 125 | -1.5 |
| 160 | -1.8 |
| 200 | -2.2 |
| 250 | -2.5 |
| 315 | -2.6 |
| 400 | -2.6 |
| 500 | -2.5 |
| 630 | -1.9 |
| 800 | -1.3 |
| 1000 | 0.0 |
| 1250 | 1.5 |
| 1600 | 3.3 |
| 2000 | 5.4 |
| 2500 | 9.3 |
| 3150 | 10.3 |
| 4000 | 7.6 |
| 5000 | 7.2 |
| 6300 | 6.6 |
| 8000 | 6.3 |
| 10000 | 6.5 |
| 12500 | -3.7 |
| 16000 | -6.9 |
| 20000 | -7.6 |
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -11.2 |
| 26 | -2.5 |
| 33 | 0.1 |
| 41 | -0.1 |
| 52 | 0.2 |
| 65 | -0.1 |
| 82 | -0.1 |
| 103 | -0.1 |
| 130 | 0.0 |
| 163 | -0.0 |
| 205 | -0.1 |
| 259 | 0.1 |
| 325 | -0.1 |
| 410 | -0.2 |
| 516 | -0.4 |
| 613 | -0.5 |
| 772 | -0.9 |
| 972 | -1.7 |
| 1220 | -2.6 |
| 1540 | -2.8 |
| 1940 | -0.2 |
| 2440 | 2.0 |
| 3070 | 6.1 |
| 3870 | 9.1 |
| 4870 | 15.9 |
| 6130 | 18.2 |
| 7720 | 13.9 |
| 9720 | 18.2 |
| 12200 | 11.0 |
| 15400 | 16.4 |
| 19400 | 15.2 |
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (1–5), modeled from the measured response. Higher is better across timbre, distortion, and immersiveness — add other models to see where this one lands.
The verdict
If you can't justify spending a bunch of money on the Sennheiser HD 600, the HD 505 is an excellent starting point for open-back headphones, and a better deal than the HD 560S.
✓Liked: Sound Quality, Price, Comfort
✕Could be better: Locking ear cup connector, Band can take some getting used-to
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Owner reviews are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not rewritten by us: at most we proofread typos, which is shown on the review’s own page and which the author can undo. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from owner reviews.
Own the Sennheiser HD 505?
Three answers, four quick reads, one sentence nobody tells you before buying. Shown under a pseudonym. Sign-in needed to publish.
What readers ask about the Sennheiser HD 505, answered by the people who own it.
Nobody has asked the owners yet.
Ask the first question →Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe Sennheiser Momentum 5 earbuds make your AirPods look like e-wasteDead batteries kill more earbuds than anything else. Sennheiser just fixed that.
Adam BirneyManaging Editor3 headphones I would buy instead of the AirPods Max 2These premium headphones deliver class-leading ANC, longer battery life, and more flexibility for less money.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe end of budget audio's best bargain: RIP HD 6XXIt was one hell of a run.
Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributorThe 5 best headphones to look forward to in 2026Strap in — we're in for a wild year.Tom TriggsContributorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
2 of 3 would buy again
3 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
The battery beat their expectations
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
Expected more from comfort
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 2 would buy again
2 owners · 2 photo-verified
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
The battery beat their expectations
