Sennheiser HD 515 Review | 93 Data compared

The Sennheiser HD 515 headphones offer first-rate wearability thanks to a lightweight 9-ounce build, exceptionally large cushions, and a deeply padded headband. Priced at $109, this open-backed model includes a nine-foot cable terminating in a 1/4-inch plug and a 1/8-inch adapter. Reviewer Steve Guttenberg noted that the headphones excel at rendering immersive, atmospheric audio, highly praising their performance with film DVDs like Gothika and rock music like David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust SACD. The 515s deliver a bright, immediate, and exciting sound that actually outpaces the more expensive HD 555 model when playing rock genres. However, the headphones suffer from significant limitations in portability, bass performance, and power compatibility. Because of their open-backed ear-cup design, they leak sound and are not suitable for private listening environments. Additionally, they lack the rich bass response found in the step-up HD 555 model. A major drawback is their performance with portable electronics; when hooked up to an iPod, the headphones sound overly bright and forward, cannot achieve high volume levels, and struggle to be driven efficiently, making them an incompatible choice for standard MP3...

The review from PLUGHITZ Live highlights the Sennheiser HD 515Go as a remarkable entry-level audiophile headset within the 500 series, offering high-end features at an aggressive price point. The primary pros center on exceptional long-term comfort and advanced audio engineering. The reviewer praises the patented Open-Aire full-cup design and a memory foam-like headband cushion that allows for extended use without causing head pain. In terms of performance, the integration of Sennheiser's Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E. A. R.) technology and unique Duofol diaphragms successfully channels sound directly into the ears, creating a crystal-clear listening experience with crisp highs and minimized resonance or echo. Furthermore, its physical longevity is highly rated due to exchangeable parts like the cable and ear cups, backed by a native 1/4" connection for mixers and a bundled 1/8" adapter for MP3 players. Conversely, the review notes specific cons related to sound isolation and power limitations based on its design. Because the HD 515 utilizes an open-back ("Open-Aire") structure, it does not seal out the environment; when no music is playing, outside noise filters directly in, meaning it...

The Sennheiser HD 515, as detailed in Head-Fi reviews, are described as a comfortable, entry-level, open-back, audiophile headphone with excellent mid-range clarity and a polite sound signature. The primary strengths include an incredibly comfortable, lightweight build with large, soft earcups, and an impressive natural timbre in the mid-bass for its price point, which is great for vocal and instrumental tracks. Conversely, the headphones are constrained by a noticeable roll-off in the sub-bass, a lack of upper-treble energy, and a narrow soundstage that often fails to produce a detailed or airy sound, with some noting a somewhat "veiled" quality. These technical limitations, combined with a tendency for the sound to become slow and muddled on faster tracks, suggest that, despite their comfort, they are often considered obsolete compared to newer models, making them best suited for those seeking a bargain-priced, casual listening experience.