The entry-level model from the HD-5 series by Sennheiser delivers a thoroughly good performance. For an attractive price of just under one hundred euros, you get a neatly manufactured, well-balanced open headphone with impressive wearing comfort, designed for home use with stereo systems. You can’t expect much more at this price. However, I do not share the manufacturer’s classification of these headphones as an audiophile product. In this respect, the evaluation is based on the price range. If you have higher demands, you should dig a little deeper into your pocket.

While somewhat lacking in the high mids and high highs, the overall impression is one of general quality. One thing that continues to stick in my craw, however, is the lack of a 1/4’’ to 3.5 mm stereo adapter. If I am already shelling out $149 for a pair of “home audio” headphones, the least Sennheiser could do is toss an adapter in the box. It’s just common courtesy.

If you want spacious and rich sound from a set of open headphones that are super comfortable, these Sennheiser HD 559 headphones are certainly worth trying especially considering the price.