Finding a great sounding open-back reference / mixing headphone for under $200 can be tough. Both Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic are pro-audio companies have a wide range of headphones to choose from. The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro and the Sennheiser HD 559 are both comparable headphones in performance and price. Let’s take a look at the features and sound signature of both for a proper headphone comparison to see which one would be best for you.

IN THE BOX

DT 880 Pro
The DT 880 headphone has a fixed 9.8ft cable and comes with a soft carrying case. The cable plug is 1/8″ (3.5mm) and includes a 1/4″ (6.3mm) adapter for pro-audio gear. Of course you also get the DT 880 Pro headphone.

HD 559
The Sennheiser HD 559 comes with the headphone and a detachable 9.9ft (3m) cable with 1/4″ (6.33m) connector for pro-audio gear and mixers.

DESIGN

Durability

DT 880 Pro
The DT 880 Pro is a solid headphone. This semi-open back headphone has been an industry standard for years and the metal headband and framework make it the kind of headphone you’ll have for possibly a lifetime.

HD 559
The HD 559 open-back headphone is made of a durable plastic and although it doesn’t seem as tough as the DT 880 it’s definitely a headphone that could easily last you a lifetime in the studio.

Portability

DT 880 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro does not fold up but it does come with a nice carrying case making it as portable as you need it to be. Bringing it from home to a studio would not be an issue.

HD 559
The HD 559 headphone is not designed to fold up either. As this is more of a studio reference and mixing headphone Sennheiser decided to keep this design simple with few moving parts. The HD 559 has no case included but it would be simple to find a suitable hard case.

Comfort Level

DT 880 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro features velour padding for the earpads and headband. The large circamaural (circular) design is perfect for long listening sessions.

HD 559
The Sennheiser HD 559 is equally comfortable. Possibly even more so because of the more elliptical around the ear design. The HD 559 tends to fit around the ears a little more ergonomically and the soft padding on the earcups and headband feel very nice.

SOUND SIGNATURE

Bass-Frequencies

DT 880 Pro
The bass on the DT 880 Pro headphone is full but not overwhelming. This reference class headphone is designed to be relatively flat but definitely has a little punch and sub-frequencies on the low-end.

HD 559
The HD 559 headphone has a bit more bass than the DT 880 Pro. It’s bass you can definitely feel.

Mid-Frequencies

DT 880 Pro
The mids are acceptional on the DT 880 Pro. Vocals, guitars, strings and other mid-range instruments translate clearly through this headphone.

HD 559
The mids on the also quite nice. There’s definitely a different sound signature on the HD 559 but it’s a pleasant experience that will deliver mid-range instruments well.

High-Frequencies

DT 880 Pro
The highs on the DT 880 Pro are crisp and clear. The presence and brilliance shines. The frequency range reaches all the way up to 35,000 Hz which is definitely apparent.

HD 559
The highs on the HD 559 headphone are good. The top-end of the frequency response is 26,000 Hz but it still sounds amazing.

Soundstage

DT 880 Pro
Although the Beyerdynamic DT 880 is semi-open it has incredible soundstage. Maybe not quite as big as some of the other Beyerdynamic headphones but you can’t beat it for the price.

HD 559
The Sennheiser HD 559 has a different kind of soundstage. It feels warm and roomy. It’s definitely a different kind of sound. And one you have to hear for yourself to understand.

Sound Pressure Level

DT 880 Pro
Beyerdynamic has 3 different Ohms versions of the DT 880 Pro and for this comparison we used the 32 Ohm. At this level of resistance you can run it off a low output device but the sound signature is really enhanced when you use an amplifier.

HD 559
The HD 559 headphone is a 50 Ohm headphone. This is the tipping point where headphones could really use an amplifier but you can definitely use it direct from a low-output device like a cell phone. An amplifier is highly recommended though. You will definitely get the best sound and have a much better appreciation of this headphone with an amplifier.

SUMMARY

It really comes down to preference when it comes to finding the best of these two headphones. The sound signature of the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is definitely more flat and reference worthy but the Sennheiser HD 559 has a warm and enjoyable level of bass. The soundstage on the DT 880 Pro feels a bit bigger with some music but the HD 559 has the E.A.R technology that directs sound into the ear and affects the soundstage in a totally different way.

The DT 880 Pro headhone has a fixed cable while the HD 559 has a removable cable giving it more flexibility. But the DT 880 Pro has a carrying case for mobility.

The truth is you’d do well with either of these incredible and affordable open-back headphones. Both are excellent for studio mixing, reference and even home listening. It really just depends on the sound signature and features most important to you. Stop by Audio46 in person or online to see our entire selection of studio quality mixing headphones.

BUY – SENNHEISER HD 559 HEADPHONE

 

BUY – BEYERDYNAMIC DT 880 PRO