Design and features:This wired home/studio-style over-ear models open-air design doesn't muffle outside sounds so you'll be able to hear that door bell ring, train announcement, or car horn when you are wearing the headphones.
Additional features: None.
Sound quality:We found the HD 550 delivers sound quality that falls in the excellent range - while no headphone is perfect, the shortcomings of this model are minor. The
bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep and is a touch boomy. The
midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is fairly even but a touch grainy and the upper midrange is a touch etched (a bit more sharply outlined then it should be) and prominent. The
treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended and a touch sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound reminiscent of bacon frying). The sound also has a good sense of liveliness and is open--sound-wise it seems like you don't have anything plugging up your ears and does a good job of recovering room ambience. Mixed character warmish bass and neutral midrange and coolish treble. The overall sound can be summarized as a touch boomy, grainy and sizzly.
Comfort and Fit:There is a sense of moderate pressure around the ears.
Large
Users with larger heads might find that headband slightly presses uncomfortably on the top of the head.
Small
Users with smaller heads may find they can get a good ear pad seal.
Stability
Some users may find that when they lean far forward the headphones feel unstable and shift forward.
Other noise
When wearing this model while walking the muffled vibrations from each foot step can be heard slightly through the headphones.
When the audio cord is used the sound of it rubbing on clothing may be faintly heard through the headphones.
