The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are a top-of-the-line offering from one of the most respected names in audio equipment. With their sleek design and impressive sound quality, these headphones have garnered a lot of attention from audiophiles and casual music fans alike. Whether you’re looking for a pair of headphones to use while traveling, working out, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes at home, the PXC 550s are definitely worth considering. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of these headphones to help you decide if they’re the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Sennheiser PXC 550 product information:
History
Sennheiser, a German audio company founded in 1945 by Prof. Dr. Fritz Sennheiser, has a rich history of creating high-quality audio equipment, including headphones, microphones, and other audio accessories. The Sennheiser PXC 550 is one of the company’s wireless, over-ear headphone models that offers a blend of comfort, audio quality, and active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. Here’s a brief history of the origin and creation of these headphones:
- Sennheiser’s Audio Legacy: Sennheiser has been at the forefront of audio innovation since its inception, developing cutting-edge audio technology and products that cater to various needs, from audiophile-grade sound to studio monitoring and consumer-level products.
- Focus on Noise-Canceling Headphones: As the demand for noise-canceling headphones increased, Sennheiser identified an opportunity to expand its product lineup with high-quality ANC headphones. The company began developing headphones that combined its expertise in audio quality with advanced noise-canceling technology, targeting both casual listeners and frequent travelers.
- Sennheiser PXC Series: The PXC series was introduced as a line of noise-canceling headphones designed for travel and on-the-go listening. The series aimed to offer a comfortable fit, high-quality sound, and effective noise cancellation, enabling users to enjoy an immersive audio experience in various environments.
- Sennheiser PXC 550: Released in 2016, the PXC 550 was developed as an upgrade to the previous model, the PXC 450. The PXC 550 was designed with a focus on wireless connectivity, comfort, and enhanced active noise cancellation. The headphones featured Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC pairing for seamless connectivity, along with support for high-quality audio codecs such as aptX.
- Features and Design: The Sennheiser PXC 550 offered up to 30 hours of battery life, with touch-sensitive controls for easy management of music playback, volume adjustments, and call handling. The headphones also featured an adjustable headband and rotating ear cups with soft leatherette padding for a comfortable fit during long listening sessions. One of the standout features of the PXC 550 was its adaptive noise cancellation, which used Sennheiser’s NoiseGard technology to analyze the ambient noise level and adjust the level of noise reduction accordingly.
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones reflect the company’s dedication to providing high-quality audio products that cater to a wide range of users. By offering a combination of performance, comfort, and advanced features such as adaptive noise cancellation, the PXC 550 remains a popular choice for consumers seeking a premium wireless listening experience.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2016 |
| Company | Sennheiser |
| Official Website | https://en-us.sennheiser.com/ |
| Fit Type | Over-ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.8 x 6.7 x 3.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 8 ounces |
| Special Features | Active noise-cancellation, touch controls, foldable design, travel case, voice prompts |
| Driver size | 40mm |
| Frequency response | 17Hz – 23kHz |
| Impedance | 490 ohms (active), 46 ohms (passive) |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth range | Up to 33 feet |
| ANC modes | 3 (Max, Anti-wind, and Anti-pressure) |
| Audio codec | aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours (with ANC), Up to 20 hours (without ANC) |
| Charging time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Quick charging | Yes, 10-minute charge for 5 hours of playback |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive earcup, physical buttons |
| Price | $299.95 (at the time of writing) |
What is included in the delivery set?
Typically, the delivery set of the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones includes:
- The headphones themselves
- A micro-USB charging cable
- An airplane adapter
- A carrying case or pouch
- A 3.5mm audio cable (for wired use)
- Documentation, such as a user manual and quick start guide.
However, the exact contents may vary depending on the retailer and region where the headphones are purchased.
What about design, materials, assembly?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones feature a sleek and modern design with a mostly black color scheme. They are over-ear headphones, which means they completely enclose the ear for maximum comfort and noise isolation. The headphones are made primarily of plastic, with metal accents on the hinges and earcups.
The assembly of the headphones appears to be of high quality, with attention paid to fit and finish. The earcups are connected to the headband with a sturdy-looking hinge that allows them to swivel and fold for easy storage. The headband is adjustable and padded with a comfortable synthetic leather material.
Overall, the design, materials, and assembly of the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones suggest that they are built to last and provide a comfortable listening experience.
What about ergonomics and usability Sennheiser PXC 550?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are designed with ergonomics and usability in mind, with several features that enhance their overall comfort and convenience.
One of the key ergonomic features of the PXC 550 headphones is their lightweight design, which helps reduce the strain on the user’s head and neck during extended listening sessions. Additionally, the earcups are well-padded with a soft material, and the headband is adjustable, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for most users.
Usability is also a strong point of the PXC 550 headphones. The headphones feature touch controls on the earcups, which allow users to easily adjust the volume, skip tracks, and activate or deactivate noise cancellation with a simple swipe or tap. The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to use the headphones without having to take them off.
Another useful feature of the PXC 550 headphones is their ability to automatically pause playback when the user removes them from their ears, and resume playback when they put them back on. This feature is particularly handy when listening to music in a public space, as it allows the user to quickly and discreetly pause playback when needed.
Overall, the ergonomics and usability of the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are well thought out, making them a comfortable and convenient option for most users.
What about connection, control and software?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones offer a variety of connection and control options, as well as a companion app that allows for further customization of the headphones’ settings.
The headphones feature Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, which allows for seamless wireless pairing with most smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices. Additionally, the PXC 550 headphones support NFC pairing, which enables quick and easy pairing with NFC-enabled devices.
In terms of control, the headphones feature touch controls on the earcups, which allow for easy adjustment of volume, track skipping, and noise cancellation. The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to use the headphones without having to take them off.
Sennheiser also offers a companion app for the PXC 550 headphones, called “CapTune.” The app allows users to customize the headphones’ settings, including EQ, sound profiles, and noise cancellation. The app also offers a variety of music streaming services, as well as the ability to create and save custom playlists.
Overall, the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones offer a variety of connection and control options, as well as a companion app that allows for further customization of the headphones’ settings.
How’s the sound quality?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are renowned for their excellent sound quality, which is a combination of their high-quality drivers, frequency response, and advanced noise-cancellation technology.
The headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers, which deliver rich and detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum. The frequency response range of 17Hz to 23kHz allows for a wide range of sound to be reproduced, from deep bass to crystal-clear highs.
The PXC 550 headphones also feature Sennheiser’s advanced noise-cancellation technology, which helps to eliminate external noise and distractions. This allows for a more immersive listening experience, particularly in noisy environments like airplanes, trains, or busy offices.
Overall, the sound quality of the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones is outstanding, with clear and detailed sound across a wide range of frequencies, as well as excellent noise-cancellation technology that enhances the listening experience.
What about the energy efficiency and battery life?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones have a strong battery life and are energy efficient, making them an ideal choice for users who value long battery life and sustainability.
With active noise-cancellation enabled, the headphones provide up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. Without noise-cancellation enabled, the battery life extends up to 20 hours. This means that the headphones can last through extended listening sessions, long commutes, or even several days of intermittent use without needing to be recharged.
The PXC 550 headphones also feature a fast-charging capability, allowing for 5 hours of playback time with just 15 minutes of charging. This is ideal for users who need a quick charge on the go and don’t have time for a full charge.
In terms of energy efficiency, the PXC 550 headphones use Bluetooth 4.2 technology, which is a more energy-efficient version of Bluetooth than earlier versions. This allows for longer battery life and reduced energy consumption when using the headphones wirelessly.
Overall, the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones have a strong battery life and are energy-efficient, making them an excellent choice for users who value sustainability and long battery life.
Comparison & Review:
What are similar headphones in features and cost?
There are several headphones on the market that offer similar features and performance to the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones. Here are five options that are worth considering:
- Sony WH-1000XM4 – These headphones offer excellent noise-cancellation, touch controls, and a long battery life, along with a customizable EQ and support for high-resolution audio. They are similarly priced to the PXC 550 headphones.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II – These headphones offer impressive noise-cancellation technology, Alexa voice control, and up to 20 hours of battery life. They are priced similarly to the PXC 550 headphones.
- Bowers & Wilkins PX7 – These headphones offer excellent noise-cancellation, touch controls, and up to 30 hours of battery life, along with support for high-resolution audio. They are priced similarly to the PXC 550 headphones.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT – These headphones offer a comfortable over-ear design, Bluetooth connectivity, and up to 40 hours of battery life, along with high-quality sound and a foldable design. They are priced slightly lower than the PXC 550 headphones.
- Jabra Elite 85h – These headphones offer impressive noise-cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable over-ear design, along with support for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. They are priced slightly lower than the PXC 550 headphones.
Compare with similar items
| Specification | Sennheiser PXC 550 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2016 | 2020 | 2017 |
| Company | Sennheiser | Sony | Bose |
| Official Website | https://en-us.sennheiser.com/ | https://www.sony.com/ | https://www.bose.com/ |
| Fit Type | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.8 x 6.7 x 3.4 inches | 7.27 x 2.94 x 9.94 inches | 7.1 x 6.7 x 3.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 8 ounces | 8.96 ounces | 8.3 ounces |
| Special Features | Active noise-cancellation, touch controls, foldable design, travel case, voice prompts | Advanced noise-cancellation, touch controls, customizable EQ, Alexa support, high-resolution audio | Advanced noise-cancellation, Alexa support, Bose AR compatibility, up to 20 hours of battery life |
| Driver size | 40mm | 40mm | Unspecified |
| Frequency response | 17Hz – 23kHz | 4Hz – 40kHz | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 490 ohms (active), 46 ohms (passive) | 47 ohms | Unspecified |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Bluetooth range | Up to 33 feet | Up to 30 feet | Unspecified |
| ANC modes | 3 (Max, Anti-wind, and Anti-pressure) | HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1, Dual Noise Sensor technology | Advanced noise-cancellation |
| Audio codec | aptX, AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | Unspecified |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours (with ANC), Up to 20 hours (without ANC) | Up to 30 hours (with ANC), Up to 38 hours (without ANC) | Up to 20 hours |
| Charging time | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 3 hours | 2.25 hours |
| Quick charging | Yes, 10-minute charge for 5 hours of playback | Yes, 10-minute charge for 5 hours of playback | Yes, 15-minute charge for 2.5 hours of playback |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive earcup, physical buttons | Touch controls, physical buttons | Physical buttons |
| Price | $299.95 (at the time of writing) | $348 (at the time of writing) | $299.95 |
How do Sennheiser PXC 550 users describe their experience with these headphones?
Based on user reviews and feedback, Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are highly regarded for their comfort, sound quality, noise-cancellation technology, and convenience features.
Many users praise the PXC 550 headphones for their lightweight and comfortable design, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. The earcups and headband are well-padded, and the headphones are adjustable to fit a variety of head sizes.
Users also rave about the sound quality of the PXC 550 headphones, which deliver crisp and clear audio across a range of frequencies. The noise-cancellation technology is highly effective at eliminating background noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes or busy offices.
The touch controls and voice prompts are also highly praised by users, who find them intuitive and easy to use. The headphones’ ability to automatically pause playback when removed from the ears is also appreciated by many users.
Overall, Sennheiser PXC 550 users describe their experience with these headphones as highly positive, with many noting that they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for comfortable, high-quality headphones with advanced noise-cancellation technology and convenient features.
Conclusions
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are a premium over-ear wireless headphone option that are highly regarded for their sleek design, comfort, and impressive sound quality. The headphones feature advanced noise-cancellation technology that is highly effective at reducing background noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. The PXC 550s are also equipped with touch controls and voice prompts that make them easy to use, and they feature a long battery life with fast-charging capabilities. Overall, the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and comfortable headphone option with advanced noise-cancellation technology and convenient features.
Our Review
Sennheiser PXC 550 Basic questions, basic answers:
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Is Sennheiser as good as Bose?
Sennheiser and Bose are both highly regarded brands in the audio industry, and both offer a range of high-quality headphones. Ultimately, the choice between Sennheiser and Bose headphones will depend on individual preferences and needs.
In terms of sound quality, both brands offer excellent performance across their product lines. Bose headphones are often praised for their powerful bass and clear treble, while Sennheiser headphones are renowned for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction.In terms of noise-cancellation technology, Bose has been a pioneer in this area and is often considered the industry leader. However, Sennheiser’s noise-cancellation technology is also highly effective, and the PXC 550 headphones are often praised for their advanced noise-cancellation capabilities.
In terms of design and comfort, both brands offer a range of options that cater to different preferences and needs. Bose headphones are often known for their lightweight and comfortable designs, while Sennheiser headphones often feature a more premium look and feel.
Ultimately, whether Sennheiser is as good as Bose is subjective and will depend on individual preferences and needs. It is recommended to compare specific models from both brands and read reviews to determine which is the best fit for you.
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Will I be using these headphones for long periods, and is comfort a priority for me?
If you plan to use your headphones for long periods, then comfort should definitely be a priority when choosing a pair of headphones. Over-ear headphones, like the Sennheiser PXC 550, can be more comfortable than other types of headphones because they distribute the weight of the headphones across a larger area of the head and ears, reducing pressure on any one spot.
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring well-padded ear cups and an adjustable headband that allows for a comfortable fit. The ear cups are also large enough to fit most ear sizes, which can help prevent discomfort during extended listening sessions.
In addition, the PXC 550 headphones are lightweight, which can also contribute to their overall comfort. The headphones weigh in at just 8 ounces, making them easy to wear for extended periods without causing discomfort or fatigue.
Overall, if you plan to use your headphones for long periods, then the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are a good choice due to their comfortable design and lightweight construction.
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Does Sennheiser have the best audio quality?
Sennheiser is widely recognized as a leading brand in the audio industry, and their headphones are often praised for their excellent sound quality. However, it is difficult to definitively state that Sennheiser has the absolute best audio quality, as sound quality is subjective and can vary depending on personal preferences.
That being said, Sennheiser has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality audio products, and they have received numerous awards and accolades for their headphones and other audio equipment. Their headphones are known for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction, and they often use high-end components and advanced audio technologies to achieve this level of performance.
Ultimately, whether Sennheiser has the best audio quality will depend on individual preferences and needs. It is recommended to compare specific models from Sennheiser and other high-end audio brands and read reviews to determine which is the best fit for you.
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Can I use Sennheiser PXC 550 for gaming?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones can be used for gaming, but they are not specifically designed for gaming. They offer good sound quality and noise-cancellation technology, which can enhance the gaming experience, but they lack some features that dedicated gaming headphones may offer.
For example, gaming headphones often have features like 7.1 surround sound, a detachable microphone, and customizable sound profiles specifically designed for gaming. These features can enhance the gaming experience by providing directional audio cues, clear communication with other players, and a more immersive sound experience.
However, if you already own the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones and want to use them for gaming, they will still provide a good overall experience with clear and accurate sound reproduction and effective noise-cancellation technology. Just keep in mind that you may not have access to certain gaming-specific features that other headphones may offer.
Last Updated on August 31, 2023
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