I bought these headphones during amazon's ridiculous Black Friday flash sale where I was able to nab a pair for a cool $99.99. For that price it is an absolute steal. If you are new to the open back headphone scene then these are an excellent starting pair to get yourself accustomed to the different sound signature they offer. I am coming from Audio Technica's ATH-M50 closed back headphones and boy can I tell the difference!
Before I delve into the nitty gritty parts of this review let me first say that headphones are SUBJECTIVE. If you like bass heavy headphones (e.g. beats by dre) that vibrate on your head then these are not for you. Now that that's out of the way let's continue. The 598s have a higher 50 ohm impedance compared to the norm of 32 ohms so you might have trouble getting the volume you want out of certain devices. This can be easily overcome with an amplifier. I'm using an Aune T1 tube DAC/AMP combo to drive the 598s since I prefer a warmer sound.
I would say the biggest difference between the M50s and 598s is the soundstage. Now if you're unfamiliar with the term 'soundstage' all it really refers to is the headphone's ability to reproduce sound in a way that tricks your ears into perceiving the music is coming from all around you. Rather than being confined to the space in between your ears and the closed back of the M50s the 598's open back design allows sound to penetrate the back of the headphones which in turn creates a more 'open' soundstage. For me, it opened my eyes to an entirely new listening experience. These things do leak sound (which they're designed to do) so if that is something you're trying to avoid then these won't work for you.
In terms of comfort, the 598s take it by a long shot. I was never able to wear the M50s for longer than 2-3 hours before my ears started to ache. The 598s for one have velour ear pads which help a lot and they don't clamp onto your head nearly as firmly as the M50s do. I feel like I could wear these all day without even noticing they're there.
Bottom line, if you are looking to venture into open back headphones the Sennheiser HD 598s offer a value you won't get out of anything else.
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From the manufacturer
HD 598
Over-Ear Headphones
The HD 598 headphones combine impeccable sound quality with unrivaled comfort. This elegantly styled over-ear, open back headphone features ear cups with high-gloss burl wood detail complementing premium metal mesh. Innovative acoustic engineering delivers incredibly natural, detailed and balanced sound. A high-quality leatherette headband and velour covered ear cushions provide outstanding wearing comfort for long listening sessions.
The HD 598 offers unrivaled performance and value. They draw on decades of Sennheiser engineering expertise to ensure the sound quality, reliability and durability and audio industry professional trust. Crafted with precision using premium materials, they exude luxury and quality while delivering exceptional sound quality.
Sennheiser‘s innovative E.A.R. technology is featured in the HD 598. This positions the transducers inside the ear cups to channel audio signals directly into your ears producing a more realistic, spatial listening experience. The transducers employ a special diaphragm geometry that minimizes intermodulation and harmonic distortion while delivering high output and impressive frequency response.
Features
Distinctive styling – Featuring high-gloss burl wood accents and premium black metal mesh inspired by European sports sedans
Exceptional clarity – Open back design contributes to outstanding tonal balance, detail and definition
Extreme comfort – Lightweight yet robust with luxurious velour covered ear cushions and padded leatherette headband
Premium components – Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion
E.A.R technology – “Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement” design channels audio directly into your ears producing a more “in room” listening experience
Compatibility – 50-ohm impedance is compatible with virtually every audio device including phones, tablets and computers
Connectivity – Single sided, detachable 3m cable (Oxygen Free Copper) with gold plated 6.3mm connector and 3.5mm adapter
Peace of mind – 2-year international warranty
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Did you know?Sennheiser invented the open back headphone design in 1968. This design, used in the HD 598, is industry renowned for producing exceptionally natural sound quality. |
AudienceSennheiser recommends this headphone for music lovers who are passionate about sound quality wanting extreme comfort during long listening sessions. |
CompatibilityThe HD 598 is compatible with virtually any audio device with a headphone input: traditional audio components, computers, tablets and cell phones. |
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| Customer Rating | (3820) | (6339) | (2244) | (1133) | (11211) | (2823) |
| Price | $169.99 | $74.00 | $199.95 | $199.95 | $159.00 | $118.72 |
| Shipping | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details |
| Sold By | REFURB 360 | PHOTOTECH | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Quantum Networks | Amazon.com |
| Color | Gray | Black | Ivory | Black | Gray | Black |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear | over-ear | Over-Ear | over-ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Headphones Form Factor | Over Ear | On Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | On Ear | Over Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 3.94 x 9.45 x 8.07 inches | 6.69 x 4.33 x 7.48 inches | 8.1 x 3.95 x 10.25 inches | 7.2 x 6.1 x 3.2 inches | 8.7 x 4.7 x 9.1 inches | 11 x 5 x 88 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.60 lbs | 0.66 lbs | 0.55 lbs | 0.57 lbs | 0.55 lbs | 1.00 lbs |
| Special Features | lightweight | Lightweight | noise-isolation | Lightweight | lightweight | lightweight |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2014
Before I delve into the nitty gritty parts of this review let me first say that headphones are SUBJECTIVE. If you like bass heavy headphones (e.g. beats by dre) that vibrate on your head then these are not for you. Now that that's out of the way let's continue. The 598s have a higher 50 ohm impedance compared to the norm of 32 ohms so you might have trouble getting the volume you want out of certain devices. This can be easily overcome with an amplifier. I'm using an Aune T1 tube DAC/AMP combo to drive the 598s since I prefer a warmer sound.
I would say the biggest difference between the M50s and 598s is the soundstage. Now if you're unfamiliar with the term 'soundstage' all it really refers to is the headphone's ability to reproduce sound in a way that tricks your ears into perceiving the music is coming from all around you. Rather than being confined to the space in between your ears and the closed back of the M50s the 598's open back design allows sound to penetrate the back of the headphones which in turn creates a more 'open' soundstage. For me, it opened my eyes to an entirely new listening experience. These things do leak sound (which they're designed to do) so if that is something you're trying to avoid then these won't work for you.
In terms of comfort, the 598s take it by a long shot. I was never able to wear the M50s for longer than 2-3 hours before my ears started to ache. The 598s for one have velour ear pads which help a lot and they don't clamp onto your head nearly as firmly as the M50s do. I feel like I could wear these all day without even noticing they're there.
Bottom line, if you are looking to venture into open back headphones the Sennheiser HD 598s offer a value you won't get out of anything else.
Color: GrayStyle: without MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Definite upgrade from Audio Technica ATH-M50s
By Matt Reviews Things on December 6, 2014
I bought these headphones during amazon's ridiculous Black Friday flash sale where I was able to nab a pair for a cool $99.99. For that price it is an absolute steal. If you are new to the open back headphone scene then these are an excellent starting pair to get yourself accustomed to the different sound signature they offer. I am coming from Audio Technica's ATH-M50 closed back headphones and boy can I tell the difference!By Matt Reviews Things on December 6, 2014
Before I delve into the nitty gritty parts of this review let me first say that headphones are SUBJECTIVE. If you like bass heavy headphones (e.g. beats by dre) that vibrate on your head then these are not for you. Now that that's out of the way let's continue. The 598s have a higher 50 ohm impedance compared to the norm of 32 ohms so you might have trouble getting the volume you want out of certain devices. This can be easily overcome with an amplifier. I'm using an Aune T1 tube DAC/AMP combo to drive the 598s since I prefer a warmer sound.
I would say the biggest difference between the M50s and 598s is the soundstage. Now if you're unfamiliar with the term 'soundstage' all it really refers to is the headphone's ability to reproduce sound in a way that tricks your ears into perceiving the music is coming from all around you. Rather than being confined to the space in between your ears and the closed back of the M50s the 598's open back design allows sound to penetrate the back of the headphones which in turn creates a more 'open' soundstage. For me, it opened my eyes to an entirely new listening experience. These things do leak sound (which they're designed to do) so if that is something you're trying to avoid then these won't work for you.
In terms of comfort, the 598s take it by a long shot. I was never able to wear the M50s for longer than 2-3 hours before my ears started to ache. The 598s for one have velour ear pads which help a lot and they don't clamp onto your head nearly as firmly as the M50s do. I feel like I could wear these all day without even noticing they're there.
Bottom line, if you are looking to venture into open back headphones the Sennheiser HD 598s offer a value you won't get out of anything else.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2016
Color: GrayStyle: without MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Lindgreen
Listen to Blues or quiet Classical with equal quality.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2016Color: GrayStyle: without MicrophoneVerified Purchase
steraw
Enjoyed all of them
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2015Color: GrayStyle: without MicrophoneVerified Purchase
funkmaster9000
quality headphones
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2014Color: GrayStyle: without MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Moose Malloy
Crikey, they really are as good as all the other reviews say they are
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2014Color: GrayStyle: without MicrophoneVerified Purchase
VM
Excellent sound
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2016Color: GrayStyle: without MicrophoneVerified Purchase
