Sennheiser HD570 Symphony Headphones Review US RRP: $125 AU RRP: $299 Reviewed by Ray "Falcon" Lee Review date: 6th May, 2001

A lot of people, including myself previously have had the idea that consumer headphones have always provided substandard audio quality. In fact, some headphones can provide sound almost as accurate as nature itself – if you pay the price. 

Sennheiser has been producing headphones amongst other audio products to match almost any specific need, from ones to use while jogging, to those for use in professional recording studios.

According to Sennheiser, the HD570 are open dynamic Hi-Fi stereo headphones designed in particular for use with CD and DVD players, or DAT and MD recorders.

Specifications:

Technical data:

Features:
High definition hi-fi stereo speakers

BioNetic design, headphones adapt to the shape of the head

Superbly spatial, transparent sound reproduction

Extremely lightweight voice coils for fast transient response

Innovative dapping element for controlling the diaphragm oscillation, optimally matches the headphones to all sound sources

Detachable, robust, single-sided connection cable made from Kevlar-reinforced OFC copper

Velour earpads

Overview:

The headphones definitely have great aesthetics, and Sennheiser has put effort not only into the audio quality but also to he looks of their products. At first impressions they carry a professional and high quality look with them. 

One point to note is that the headphones are an “open” design, which means that they do not completely shut out surrounding noise, and incidentally listeners nearby can hear a fair bit of noise from the headphones.
The advantage to this design is that if a phone rings or someone wants to talk to you, then you’d be able to hear them. They may however be a problem if you are looking for a way to listen to music with absolutely no disturbance to others around, but the noise is quite minimal and definitely less disruptive than speakers.

The headphones are also very durable and sturdy. Their flexibility did make them look a bit flimsy at first but after some further examination and prodding my fears were put away. They should be able to last a long time and come with a 2 year guarantee as well as the ability to replace the earpads and connection cable should any damage occur to them.

The cable into the headphones is detachable and is connected to one side only, which makes them less susceptible to tangling and damage. As this is the part that tends to break first it is great that they are not only detachable but a replacement cable is available for purchase.

Sennheiser also specifically designs each make and model of headphones for specific uses, whether for portable or home or studio uses. These ones have been designed in particular to use with CD/DVD players or MD recorders rather than for use with portable devices. Additionally their cost and risk of damage is a deterrent from using these in public places. However they are very sturdy and would have no problem with portable devices asides from their size which make them somewhat harder to carry than other alternatives.

The use of the headphones with a PC system is not mentioned, but they are just as good for PC CD as well as Mp3 audio.

Onto the performance evaluations and conclusion: