Sennheiser electronic (Wedemark, Germany) and Sennheiser USA (Old Lyme, CT) are debuting three new headphone models with new technology that optimizes the way sound reaches a listener. The new high-end Sennheiser HD 515, HD 555 and HD 595 models make their first public appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show (Las Vegas, NV) and are slated to appear in stores during January. Each of these three stylish new models has a unique, performance-tailored personality that will help users more quickly determine the right match to personal listening preferences.

 
The new 500 series headphones use Sennheiser's "Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement" (E.A.R.). The acoustic baffle is placed slightly at an angle in order to ensure that the sound is projected parallel to the ear and thus optimally channeled.

The HD 515 is optimized for people who primarily listen to stereo (not surround) music and sound sources, with excellent accuracy from 14–26,000Hz. Thanks to ultra-efficient drivers, it also works well with portable audio devices. Users who prefer a more theatrical experience will gravitate to the HD 555, with its Surround Reflector for a more spatial listening experience, well suited to home theater. The new HD 595 is now the best performer in the Sennheiser 500 series, well suited to demanding audiophiles who listen to SACD and audio DVD recordings, for example. The HD 595 incorporates a special diaphragm geometry that minimizes intermodulation distortion while delivering an impressive 12–38,500Hz response, plus a highly constant compressed cellulose fleece to hold harmonic distortion to less than 0.1%. 

These new headphones are the first to incorporate the Sennheiser "Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement" ("E.A.R.") system, which slightly angles the acoustic baffle within each ear cup to assure that sound projects precisely parallel to the ear. This improved acoustic coupling helps optimize the ergonomic participation of ears in the listening process, and Sennheiser is incorporating other improvements within these headphones to help take full advantage of that. For example, new diaphragm improvements (in both materials and manufacturing processes) are delivering an enhanced low-bass range.

These three new state-of-the-art 500 Series Open-Air dynamic headphones combine listening pleasure with outstanding wearing comfort. Their extraordinary adjustability helps them comfortably hug the head while assuring optimal acoustic positioning. Their comfort-conscious designs also include breathable and moisture-regulating ear pads (HD 555, HD 595), a one-sided cable fitting and surprisingly light weight to encourage extended listening. And their strikingly elegant new headband shape flows smoothly from the sides of each ear cup. 

Sennheiser Group — one of the world's leading manufacturers of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems, with headquarters in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany — had total sales of over €229 million in 2002 and an export share close to 80%. The total Sennheiser workforce numbers approximately 1,500, of whom 800 are employed in Germany. Sennheiser is active worldwide and, in addition to other partnerships, has its own sales subsidiaries in France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, China, Singapore, Canada, Mexico and the USA.

US editors contact:
Rob Douglas
SENNHEISER ELECTRONIC CORPORATION (Old Lyme, CT)
860–434–4546
mailto:rdouglas@sennheiserusa.com

or visit our US Web site at http://www.sennheiserusa.com/ 

International editors contact:

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Pressereferat - Edelgard Marquardt  
Am Labor 1 - 30900 Wedemark   
Fon: +49 (5130) 600-329   
Fax: +49 (5130) 600-295   
e-Mail: marquare@sennheiser.com