A number of months in the past, I acquired the prospect to check out some Sennheiser HD 550 headphones for evaluate.
When the brand new set from the audio behemoth first popped up in my inbox, it was clearly pitched as a gaming-focused product to sit down alongside the model’s suite of premium listening cups up with a barely lesser price ticket.
I’m no audio snob by any means, however I get pleasure from high quality sound as a lot as the following particular person, and might definitely inform good audio from the remaining.
Turns out, nonetheless, I may differentiate superior audio from superb audio – one thing I observed lately once I determined to undertake the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones to interchange my beloved SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset.
Simply higher sound, for all the pieces
Let’s begin off with the largest cause why I made the leap: they’re known as audiophile headphones for a cause, in fact, and the sound provided by such units is, fairly objectively, wonderful.
Now, do not get me incorrect, I actually charge the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on audio high quality proper out of the field – as with virtually the entire model’s audio gear to be frank – however there’s one thing completely different concerning the sound you get from a set just like the Sennheiser HD 550.
In gaming, all the pieces sounds spectacular with actual richness and heat. From environmental sound results to the busiest of fight encounters and frantic gunplay, and from crisp dialogue or directions over technique video games to spooky atmospheric audio in titles like Control, all of it simply feels excellent.
I do not miss the additional bass that gaming headsets usually provide over headphones both, and there are additionally the massive advantages of the audio high quality you get from such a set of headphones when listening to music (which I do on a regular basis whereas working), watching movies or TV, or just listening to colleagues on work calls.
Furthermore, I’m nonetheless but to attempt the HD 550s with an exterior amp or DAC unit, so I might but have my thoughts (and ears) blown much more!
Keeping it easy is usually higher
While typically I miss tinkering with the various audio profiles of the SteelSeries pair, I have never felt it in any respect essential since adopting the Sennheiser HD 550s.
There’s one thing so elegant and easy about with the ability to plug-and-play with such a high quality set of audio givers, by no means having to fret about choosing particular profiles for every kind of recreation or media, may be very releasing. The audio settings in my SteelSeries GG software program has by no means been left alone for thus lengthy!
As somebody who performs principally single-player video games, I additionally recognize the truth that the HD 550s are simply an old style pair of wired headphones connected to a cable: no dials, no buttons, no on-cable controls, and no mic. Simple, and excellent for taking part in solo.
Wired or wi-fi issues lower than I usually thought
I was very eager to do away with each cable doable in all of my setups, particularly on PC, and that will imply buying and selling wired gaming headsets for wireless gaming headsets at each alternative, specifically.
I would like my desk to be spacious and comparatively tidy, somewhat than only a floor for dozens of cables (slight embellishment) to be draped throughout.
And on console? Forget it, I will not stand for cables to and from the machine itself, in fact, but additionally the prospect of a lot extra cable between my DualSense or different controller, and my headset? No thanks.
However, with a set of headphones like this, I’ve discovered myself caring much less and fewer about desirous to be wi-fi always. In actuality, I quickly overlook concerning the cable being there when on PC, and whereas the cable is a bit in the best way when enjoying on my PS5 Pro or PS5 Slim, the earcups are so snug and the connection into the controller is so strong, I shortly get used to it too. It’s the identical when enjoying on the PlayStation Portal on my couch.
I’ve discovered to care much less, and the Sennheiser HD 550s facilitated that.
I’ve discovered to understand my exterior mic on PC extra
My SteelSeries Alias Pro is a superb microphone for streaming, gaming, and on a regular basis use, however in earlier years, I used to be all the time suspicious of including one more accent to my PC setup, particularly when the mics on gaming headsets may be so good now.
However, by adopting a set of audiophile headphones as an alternative of a headset, I’ve discovered to worth the standalone mic extra – particularly in order I can put it on a increase arm and hold it out of the best way.
It additionally gives – once more, with the caveat of I understand how good mics on the likes of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are – unbelievable voice readability and element and signifies that from work calls and household chats by way of to chopping throughout busy motion sequences in video games, my voice will journey unhindered.
I’ve by no means been happier to have one audio resolution for all units
I’ve all the time strived for comfort and for compartmentalising every a part of my setup by way of equipment. For instance, I all the time needed a PS5 headset, a headset for my Xbox, a headset for my PS3, and a headset for my PC – all separate and unbiased.
However, associated to my factors above concerning the wired simplicity a set just like the HD 550s gives, I’ve by no means been extra chill about merely unplugging the headphones from one setup and shifting them to a different.
Of course, a few of that is dictated by me now being absolutely ‘in’ on the audio the headphones present, but additionally given there is no worrying about dongles or wi-fi connections, or being paired with the incorrect gadget if I’ve multiple on without delay, or any hassle in any way. It’s simply simple and painless. Nice.
I’d additionally prefer to remind you that the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a incredible headset and nonetheless is my go-to advice in just about each occasion.
Plus, for those who do desire a headset that gives audio as near that of audiophile headphones, then the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is true up there, so it’s undoubtedly price investing in.
However, for those who’re after a set of audiophile headphones since you primarily play single-player video games, do not thoughts being tethered, and possibly have a separate mic resolution too, then one thing just like the Sennheiser HD 550s will probably be completely excellent for you and you will have zero regrets.