If you want deep, isolated bass and a robust build for focused studio monitoring, choose Audio Technica ATH-A990Z; if you need an open, airy soundstage with natural accuracy for critical listening, choose Sennheiser HD 560.
• Audio Technica ATH-A990Z: Delivers powerful, deep bass via a closed-back design with large 53 mm drivers, but trades off some of the wide spatial openness found in open designs.
• Sennheiser HD 560: Offers lifelike depth and a wide soundstage through its open-back architecture, though it provides less isolation from external noise and requires careful placement.
• Best for: The ATH-A990Z suits those needing to block out distractions or work in noisy environments, while the HD 560 is ideal for quiet home studios where sonic purity is paramount.
The Audio Technica ATH-A990Z is built as a serious tool for those who demand precision without leakage. Its proprietary large-aperture 53 mm drivers, paired with OFC bobbin-wound voice coils, are engineered specifically to deliver Hi-Res Audio reproduction that feels tight and controlled. This isn't just about volume; it is about how the low end behaves. The combination of lightweight aluminum housings and A-T's Double Air Damping System (DADS) works to reduce unwanted resonance, ensuring that the bass remains deep and impactful rather than muddy or boomy.
Who should buy this? If you are an audiophile looking for headband headphones for audiophiles who also work in shared spaces, this is your match. The closed-back enclosure acts as a barrier, providing significant sound isolation so your music stays inside your ears and outside doesn't get in. The improved 3D wing support system, combined with soft premium-grade earpads, ensures that these over-ear cups stay comfortable even during marathon sessions. You get a tangle-free, cloth-wrapped cable that stretches 3.0 meters, giving you plenty of reach around your desk without the frustration of knots.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-27 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
However, you should skip this model if you prioritize a sense of "air" or roominess in your audio experience. Because it is a closed-back design, the soundstage will feel more intimate and contained compared to open models. It is not designed for wireless use, relying entirely on its wired connection via a 3.5 mm jack, which includes a 6.3 mm adapter for professional gear. If your workflow involves moving freely around a house without being tethered to a source, or if you prefer the "breathing" quality of open-back drivers, this unit might feel too restrictive despite its impressive transient response and smooth airflow capabilities.
The Sennheiser HD 560 S takes a completely different approach by embracing openness. Its primary goal is to reveal the truth in your music, offering a natural and accurate reference sound that allows you to hear every nuance of a recording. The open-back earcups allow sound waves to expand naturally, creating a lifelike depth and realism that many listeners find addictive. This design creates a wide soundstage, largely thanks to the ergonomic acoustic refinement (e.a.r.) that tilts the drivers to the natural angle of your ears. This specific geometric adjustment helps recreate the optimal triangular listening position, making the audio feel like it is coming from the room around you rather than directly into your skull.
This headphone is perfect for the audiophile who wants best gaming headphones for audiophiles or simply wants to dissect complex musical arrangements in a quiet environment. The extended low-end reach provides gratifying presence, utilizing a new polymer-blend transducer membrane that offers highly-linear excursion for superb control. At only 240 grams, the lightweight design gives you a "barely there" experience, which is crucial for long-term listening sessions where comfort can make or break the enjoyment. The low-impedance drivers offer flexibility, meaning they can be driven well by virtually any audio device, from portable digital players to high-end receivers.
You should skip this option if you plan to use your headphones in public places, on a bus, or in a noisy office. Since there is no active noise cancellation and the open-back design leaks sound both in and out, you will disturb others, and they will disturb you. It is strictly a wired experience with a detachable 3-meter cable, so you cannot rely on battery life or wireless freedom. While the sound is incredibly detailed and articulate, the lack of isolation means you lose the "wall of sound" immersion that some people seek. It is a specialized tool for the discerning listener who values acoustic accuracy over convenience and isolation.
• Best for Sound Isolation → Audio Technica ATH-A990Z (Closed-back design blocks external noise effectively).
• Best for Soundstage Width → Sennheiser HD 560 (Open-back architecture creates a spacious, room-filling image).
• Best for Bass Impact → Audio Technica ATH-A990Z (Large 53 mm drivers with DADS provide deeper, tighter lows).
• Best for Detail Retrieval → Sennheiser HD 560 (Wide frequency range and angled drivers reveal subtle instrument separation).
• Best for Portability → Audio Technica ATH-A990Z (Sturdy aluminum build and included carrying case make it travel-ready).
• Best for Quiet Home Listening → Sennheiser HD 560 (Lightweight plastic construction and open design suit stationary, peaceful environments).
• Best for Long Sessions → Sennheiser HD 560 (Ultra-lightweight 240g weight reduces fatigue significantly).
• Best for Studio Monitoring → Audio Technica ATH-A990Z (Transient response and isolation help focus on mix details without bleed).
After weighing the engineering choices and intended use cases, I would buy the Sennheiser HD 560 if my priority was pure, unadulterated musical fidelity in a dedicated listening space. The way it tilts the drivers to mimic the human ear's natural angle creates a soundstage that feels remarkably three-dimensional, something the closed-back ATH-A990Z cannot replicate. For an audiophile seeking to hear the truth in their music, the transparency and detail of the HD 560 are unmatched. However, if your environment is noisy or you need to keep the music private, the Audio Technica ATH-A990Z becomes the only logical choice due to its superior isolation and robust bass performance. In my opinion, the Sennheiser wins for the purist, but the Audio Technica wins for the pragmatist.
Yes, both models are designed specifically for audiophiles. The ATH-A990Z focuses on precise, isolated monitoring with deep bass, while the HD 560 prioritizes an open, natural soundstage for critical listening.
No, neither of these products is wireless or designed for children. They are wired, over-ear headphones intended for adult audiophiles and professionals who require high-fidelity audio.
The Audio Technica ATH-A990Z generally offers deeper and more impactful bass due to its larger 53 mm drivers and closed-back design, whereas the Sennheiser HD 560 provides a more linear, controlled low-end that extends naturally without overwhelming the mids.
Both can serve as excellent gaming peripherals. The ATH-A990Z offers a solid immersive experience with sound isolation, while the HD 560 provides superior positional audio clarity due to its wide soundstage, though you may need to wear them in a quiet room to avoid disturbing others.
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