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Sennheiser HD 569 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$130
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 569 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Good

4.6

Poor

9.2

Exceptional

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.2
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.2
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone designed for versatility, featuring 38mm proprietary transducers with a low 23 Ω impedance for easy use with mobile devices. Its technical profile includes a frequency response of 10–28,000 Hz, a sound pressure level of 115 dB, and total harmonic distortion below 0.2%. Key characteristics include 'Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement' (E.A.R.) technology for targeted audio delivery and a dual-cable package: a 3m cable with a 6.3mm jack for home setups and a 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm jack and inline microphone for portable use. Main pros are its exceptional passive noise isolation, lightweight 300g build, and high comfort provided by large, replaceable velour ear pads. However, cons include a soundstage that can feel narrow compared to open-back models, a slightly rolled-off upper treble that may lack sparkle, and a relatively high clamping force that some users find fatiguing during long sessions.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 569

Overall score

5.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.1

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

5.0

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

?

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

4.1

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.9

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sennheiser

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Sennheiser HD 569 vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser HD 569 better than the average headphone?

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8 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 569 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Sennheiser HD 569 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
In-line controls
Sennheiser HD 569 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 569 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
12 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 569 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 569 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.72 mm vs 60 mm
Boom microphone included
Sennheiser HD 569 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 569 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
14.5% higher user score
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).9.16 vs 8
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
2.15x more popular
Sennheiser HD 569 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Sennheiser HD 569 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
12 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 569 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 569 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
In-line controls
Sennheiser HD 569 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
Sennheiser HD 569 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sennheiser HD 569 worse than the average headphone?

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37.6% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 569 is heavier than the average headphone (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
2.3 higher clamp force
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 569 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sennheiser HD 569 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 569 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
37.6% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 569 is heavier than the average headphone (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Sennheiser HD 569 is heavier than the average headphone (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.300 g vs 218 g
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 569 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 569 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.38 mm vs 40 mm
2.3 higher clamp force
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 569 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.6.6 vs 4.3
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 569 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 569 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sennheiser HD 569 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 569 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 569 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 569?

Excellent long-term comfort with plush, deep velour-covered ear pads
Smooth, relaxed treble that avoids harshness and ear-piercing sibilance
Sturdy build quality with easily replaceable parts for long-term longevity
Includes two detachable cables: a long one for home use and a short one with a mic for mobile
Great passive noise isolation for blocking out ambient chatter and office noise
Easy to drive directly from smartphones or laptops without needing a dedicated amplifier

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 569?

Sound signature is described by some as muffled or dull without equalization
Initial clamping force can feel quite tight, though it usually loosens over time
Proprietary 2.5mm twist-lock cable connector limits aftermarket cable choices
Lacks deep sub-bass extension, which may disappoint heavy electronic or rock fans
Mostly plastic construction may feel less premium than metal-framed competitors
Ear cups do not fold or rotate flat, making them bulky for travel

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

17/11/2016

Sennheiser HD 569 Closed Back Headphone - Head-Fi Would you like a summary of the consensus on its soundstage or comfort from these specific reviews?

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a closed-back headphone featuring signature Sennheiser sound in an isolating design, characterized by exceptional comfort through spacious, velour-lined earcups and a balanced, fatigue-free audio profile. Key pros include accurate bass, clear mids, and a versatile, dual-cable system with an integrated microphone. Conversely, user feedback highlights cons...Read more

soundandvision.com

27/11/2018

Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones Review

The Sound & Vision review of the Sennheiser HD 569 headphones highlights them as a durable, budget-friendly, and highly comfortable option featuring plush memory foam earpads, moderate clamping pressure, and a generous two-year warranty. However, the closed-back design provides only average noise isolation, and the neutral sound profile lacks the heavy bass favored by some...Read more

head-fi.org

17/11/2016

Sennheiser HD 569 Closed Back Headphone Reviews Are you looking for these reviews for personal use, or are you comparing them to a specific competitor...

The Sennheiser HD 569 is described as a comfortable, balanced closed-back headphone featuring large, soft memory foam earpads and a well-tuned clamping force suitable for long-term wear. It delivers a smooth sound profile with slightly boosted lower frequencies and lacks harsh highs, providing better comfort and isolation than competitors like the DT770 Pro. Head-Fi.orgHowever, the...Read more

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

23/06/2018

HD569 - DIY-Audio-Heaven

The Sennheiser HD569 is an affordable, lightweight, closed-back dynamic headphone designed primarily for portable and home use directly from smartphones and mobile devices. On the positive side, it offers comfortable all-black styling, easily replaceable suede ear pads, and generous room for most ears, alongside excellent sub-bass extension that delivers a highly dynamic and lively...Read more

audiosciencereview.com

28/11/2022

Sennheiser HD569 Headphone Review

The Sennheiser HD569 is an affordable, comfortable closed-back headphone costing around $80, but it delivers a heavily muffled and dull out-of-the-box sound that severely compromises female vocals and spatial qualities. The reviewer experienced significant difficulties obtaining consistent frequency response measurements due to the thin ear pads deforming non-symmetrically, which...Read more

theaudiophileman.com

23/06/2017

HD569 HEADPHONES FROM SENNHEISER

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone priced at £150 that features the brand's proprietary transducer technology and a contemporary aesthetic. While the reviewer noted that the design feels like style over substance, the headphones offer exceptional value when paired with the right equipment. Sound-wise, they diverge from the typical bass-heavy bias of their...Read more

stereophile.com

29/07/2017

Sennheiser HD569 Around Ear Sealed Headphones

Tyll Hertsens' review in Stereophile characterizes the Sennheiser HD569 as a high-value, comfortable, and well-built closed-back headphone featuring a neutral, smooth midrange and impressive dynamic punch. Its strong ergonomics and satisfying bass weight make it suitable for extended listening, particularly in work environments. However, the review notes drawbacks, including a lack...Read more

majorhifi.com

03/10/2016

Sennheiser HD 569 Review - Major HiFi

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a unique, closed-back headphone within the 5 Series lineup that is specifically optimized for portable use due to its exceptionally low impedance of 23 ohms and loud volume output, making it highly compatible with smartphones and mobile players. Built rigidly from plastic with thick, comfortable pleather-and-foam padding, it comes packaged with both a...Read more

pcmag.com

03/05/2017

Sennheiser HD 569 Review - PCMag

The Sennheiser HD 569, reviewed by PCMag, are closed-back headphones designed for clear, balanced audio rather than exaggerated bass. Key pros include a comfortable fit, detachable cables for both home and mobile use, and a refined sound profile featuring precise mids and bright treble. While offering high-quality sound, the headphones are not designed for bass-heavy tracks, and...Read more

bonedo.de

15/04/2019

Sennheiser HD 569 Review - Bonedo

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a closed-back, over-ear dynamic headphone designed primarily for casual music listening, home theater, and gaming. Built largely from sturdy plastic, it features a practical matte black aesthetic that improves upon the ivory finish of its sibling model, the open-back HD 599. It offers an exceptionally comfortable fit due to effective weight distribution,...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

06/03/2019

Sennheiser HD 569 review on kopfhoerer.de

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone designed for home cinema, gaming, and portable use, offering strong acoustic isolation and minimal sound leakage. Built with a robust plastic chassis and ergonomic "Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement" (E.A.R.) technology, it features comfortable memory foam padding and a high clamping force that ensures a secure fit, making it...Read more

misauriculares.com

24/09/2018

Sennheiser HD 569 Review - misauriculares.com

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a lightweight, closed-back dynamic headphone featuring a detachable cable, a 23-ohm impedance, and a 290-gram all-plastic construction that still conveys overall build quality. On the positive side, the reviewer highlights its excellent value for the price, noting a well-balanced frequency response, a slightly warm and pleasant sound profile, and a...Read more

alexmetric.com

N/A

Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones Review - alexmetric.com

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a set of closed-back, around-ear headphones evaluated as a highly competitive, budget-friendly option that delivers solid, unpretentious sound performance alongside an elegant, all-black aesthetic. The review highlights several notable strengths, including its lightweight plastic construction and exceptionally stable fit on the head. The audio performance is...Read more

xn--audiodiqualit-1db.com

15/05/2024

Sennheiser HD 569 Review: Premium Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 569 is a pair of high-end, closed-back, over-ear headphones designed for Hi-Fi enthusiasts seeking an immersive and natural listening experience. Built primarily out of solid plastic with premium velvet and memory foam ear pads, they offer excellent comfort, an ergonomic fit, and a secure headband weight distribution suitable for long listening sessions. On the...Read more

hardware.info

10/11/2018

The best headphones for your PC: 8 wired headphones tested - Sennheiser HD 569

Review Summary The Sennheiser HD 569 is a closed-back, over-ear wired headphone that stands out in its series for its closed acoustic design. Built with a matte black plastic chassis, it weighs a relatively heavy 326 grams but balances this with excellent ergonomics, featuring thick, soft foam padding on all head contact points and spacious ear cushions measuring 7 by 4.5 cm. A...Read more

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