Sennheiser HD 505 Wired

Unlike closed-back headphones, the open-back design of the Sennheiser HD 505 allows no noise isolation. Therefore, the sound bleeds out of the headsets and can be heard by neighbouring people aside from the user. You are advised not to use them in a shared or public space.

While the open-backed ear cups do not keep sound leaking out, they also do not keep outside noise from seeping in. Unless you are in a relatively quiet spot, you will have to deal with outside disturbances while using the Sennheiser HD 505. However, this is a common issue with open-back headsets, and I point it out not as a flaw but more as a reminder.

We get what we expect from Sennheiser sound with the HD 505, with a few lacunae. We are presented with a largely rounded, warmer, well-balanced sound stage. The bass, as well as some high-pitched sounds, can be too bright for comfort for some of us, but this mostly depends on our subjective sensitivities to certain levels.