Sennheiser states that its new HD 550 headphones "balance revealing performance with effortlessly smooth tuning." Claiming "sprawling stereo imaging" and an ultra-light build, the HD 550 could be a great choice for unpacking the lush layers of today's music and games.

The HD 550 features custom 38mm transducers made at Sennheiser's audiophile production facility in Tullamore, Ireland. We're told that its speedy performance yields "exceptional clarity" from 6 Hz to 39.5 kHz while producing less than 0.2% total harmonic distortion. At 150 ohms, it's an ideal match for a wide variety of hi-fi gear, with the ability to scale when paired with premium audio gear, says Sennheiser.

Meanwhile, the HD550's open-back design utilises a new acoustic mesh that protects the transducers while removing any remaining barriers between you and the music. Sennheiser adds that their angled arrangement creates an expansive soundstage that drops you "into the epicentre of the recording."

Gamers are told they'll experience superb spatial awareness and immersion for both competitive and casual sessions. True to the Sennheiser brand's heritage, the HD 550 promises punchy bass, crystal-clear transients, and neutral mids "without straying from the truthful voicing that audiophiles prefer."

The tried-and-tested chassis is renowned for its long-term comfort, and the brand says the HD 550 features a more relaxed clamping force compared with other 500-series stablemates.

Weighing less than the most popular gaming controllers at a mere 237 grams [8.4 oz], the HD 550 sports a soft-touch textured headband and ventilated metal mesh earcup covers, which should keep you comfortable without sacrificing durability.

Klaus Hanselmann, Sennheiser Audiophile Product Manager told StereoNET:

Audiophiles looking for featherlight headphones with honest voicing and deep bass extension are in for a treat. While the HD 550's airy detail is obvious, customers will fall in love with its delightfully polite touch – perfect for listening for hours on end.

As with the other 500 series models such as the recently reviewed HD 505, the HD 550 features a modular design, allowing easy cable and earpad changes. It ships with a 1.8 m cable terminating with a stereo 3.5 mm jack plug with a 6.35 mm adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. A range of additional cables—sold separately—makes it easy for listeners to adapt to balanced sources and mic-enabled jacks, for example.

The all-new HD 550 can be pre-ordered ahead of its early April shipping at an MSRP of US$299.95, £250. We are awaiting confirmation of pricing in other territories.

Visit Sennheiser for more information