Purchased from Amazon December 2010.
I'm quite satisfied with this product. I have had my HD598s for a little over a month now and listen to them through my Macbook and the HeadRoom Total Bithead. I have to say that they are without a doubt more refined than the foam-modded HD555 (which is basically a HD595). As I am writing this review, I have both hooked up to the HeadRoom Total Bithead with the crossfeed circuit turned on.
The first thing that I notice going from the modded HD555 to the HD598 is the added bass. For anyone who found the bass on the HD555/595 to be somewhat anemic, the HD598 (while not pumping bass at the level of closed cans) definitely has bass that has more weight, is tighter, and is noticeably more refined. Lower frequencies of bass can easily be heard on the HD598 that were absent on the HD555/595. Bass punch is about the same on both cans.
The mids/highs on the HD598 are less forward than those of the HD555/595. For anyone that found the HD555/595 to have a glaring, screeching tone to it that would make it uncomfortable to listen to, the HD598 has addressed that problem and pulled the mids back. Additionally, the mids/highs are noticeably more refined on the HD598 than the HD555/595 giving it a clearer and more textured sound, which too helps in longer listening sessions.
The HD598 has a more open sound to them than the HD555/595. I'm not sure why this is the case since the grilles on the back of the HD555/595 are actually slightly bigger than those of the HD598. It is probably the new driver design. This gives the HD598 a more relaxed sound than the HD555/595. The HD598 also has a significantly bigger soundstage than the HD555/595. Instrument separation is noticeably better on the HD598.
The HD598 is more comfortable than the HD555/595. The frame design is very similar but the HD598 has better earpads and the drivers are housed farther away from the ears so that the ears are not touching the driver. The clamping force on the HD598 is slightly stronger than that of the HD55/595. However, I have found this to be preferable since the headphones don't have as much of a tendency to fall off my head while I'm studying now.
All in all, the HD598 is a better headphone than the HD555/595 in every way. The only exception that I could think of is if you listen to a lot of hardcore or death metal in which case the more forward mids of the HD555/595 could be of preference. I have listened to alternative, trance, house, electro, acoustic, songwriter music, R&B, jazz (pretty much everything) on both pairs of headphones and in every case liked the HD598s better. The increased refinement has made a difference for me.
However, the HD598 is not a perfect headphone. The plastic construction still gives the headphones the same slightly cheap feel as the HD555/595. Its durability is also very similar to that of the HD555/595. The HD598 also isn't as open or airy as the Audio-Technica AD-700, though it does have better instrument separation and linear extension of soundstage (imaging) than the AD-700. The sound of the HD598 is also slightly (but only very slightly) more refined than the AD-700 in the mids and highs, and provides a balanced frequency response while the AD-700 lacks bass.
For those that are wondering, the HD558 is not just a HD598 with the foam sticker inside the housing. Whereas removing the foam tape from the HD555 basically made them the HD595, removing the foam tape from the HD558 does not make them the HD598. The housing is different in the two cans. And according to an excellent article by Mike at Headfonia.com, this makes a noticeable difference in sound. (Link: [...]).
I am not an audiophile and I have not owned any headphones or amps better than my current setup of the Sennheiser HD598 and the HeadRoom Total Bithead. Given several years time, I would like to upgrade to a HD600 or HD650 with an appropriate amp and DAC. But until then, I have to say that I am very pleased with my current setup.
Update (7/15/11): For those in the community that are concerned about the headband cracking problem, this was a problem only with the first batch of these headphones released by Sennheiser. My pair was amongst this first batch and cracked. However, it is covered under warranty and Sennheiser will replace your headphones for free. Any pair of HD598s manufactured after this first batch has been made with a new type of composite plastic that does not have this cracking problem. On my replacement pair, the plastic is noticeably more flexible so I do believe corrective steps have been taken.
A few new words on the sound of these headphones. The 598s have a very unique sound signature. They sound brighter than my modded 555s yet give less of a screeching sound which makes them somehow less fatiguing while extending the upper frequency ranges and giving more detail. I have since the first writing of this review had the chance to demo the HD600 and HD650 briefly on a micro amp. The HD600 has a more refined sound but a significantly smaller soundstage than the 598s. I'm sure I would've been pleased with the 600s if I had gone to them directly from the modded 555s but having gotten used to the enormous soundstage and more upfront sound of the 598s, I found the 600s to be quite dull. As for the HD650s, they are a very different headphone from the HD598s. The HD650 is obviously more refined but is more laid-back, has significantly more lower frequency bass, darker sound (more rolled-off highs, more "politeness") and a better feeling of ambiance than the HD598. However, I do still think the HD598 has a bigger soundstage than the HD650 though not by much, especially when the HD650 is matched with the correct (albeit expensive) amp. I prefer the HD598 over the HD600 but find myself liking the HD650 as much as the HD598 simply because both headphones have something unique to offer to the music that is played on them. In terms of construction quality, the HD650 obviously has the upper hand here.
I continue to love these headphones and still wholeheartedly recommend them so long as you are not expecting sound isolation or very powerful bass from your headphones.
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This Item  Sennheiser HD 598 Over-Ear Headphones - Ivory | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | -6% $250.00 Typical: $266.47 | $129.99 | -35% $149.99 List: $229.95 | -14% $299.95 List: $349.95 | -12% $147.95 List: $169.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, Dec 12 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Dec 15 | Get it as soon as Monday, Dec 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Dec 12 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Dec 12 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Northeast Legacy Distribution | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Stavvy Sales |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | 3.5mm Jack | 3 5mm Jack | RCA | 1/4-inch, 3.5mm Jack | — | 3 5mm Jack |
| noise control | — | — | active noise cancellation | — | sound isolation | sound isolation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 6.35 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Detachable | Without Cable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable |
| control type | — | — | Media Control | control | Media Control | Volume Control |
| material | Wood | — | Plastic Faux Leather | Velour | — | Aluminum |
| model name | FBA 504633 | HD 650 | HD 599 | HD 560S | HD 620S | ATH-M50X |
| frequency range | — | 10 Hz – 41 kHz | — | 6 Hz to 38 kHz | 6 Hz - 30 kHz | — |
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. |
Arguably the best deal in headphones for the office audiophile.
After much thought and careful painstaking research, i finally committed, and bought a pair of the HD 598's. And i have absolutely no regrets!! I was comparing these against the higher and lower Sennheiser models, and also tried on a pair of the Bowers and Wilkins P7's, and i can safely say the 598's are better. I work in these 8 hours a day, and they breathe better, are more comfortable (lighter weight, softer ear cups, softer head band, lower contact pressure), have a broader, more accurate sound stage, and are less than half the price. Now these are open ear, which is nice in the office. I can listen with tremendous fidelity and still hear my name if I'm not rocking out too hard. I am spaced about 5 feet from my cube mates, and i have asked them if they can hear my music at 75% volume, and they say no, so the sound leakage isnt something to worry about. Some say the bass is lacking, and i agree. However, there is an app for that! I downloaded Equalizer and Bass Booster for free on my Samsung Galaxy S4 running Lollipop, and they now have all of the bass i will ever need. Truly, if you want the best sound possible out of these at lower volumes, then they probably need a small amp. My phone just doesnt have the power to drive these well at really low volumes, which is where i prefer to listen since i want to protect my hearing. However, i am completely satisfied with their current performance, as they provide all the glorious sound i would ever need at 30-50% volume (which is also enough to drown out surrounding conversations). I also recommend purchasing the HD 598 carrying case, it is a very nice semi-rigid case with a soft plush interior to protect your investment. I carry these to and from work in my backpack every day and it fits perfectly. Only downside is you have to collapse the headband to get them to fit without bending the cable, but that is hardly something to worry about. Also, i did not buy the shorter cable. I heard it has quality issues, and i am able to keep the 3 meter cable in the original twist tie it came in. I did let one or two loops out to give me enough cable to move with, and i have had zero issues with this set up so far. Bottom line, if you are looking to jam for 8 hours a day in front of a computer, and still be aware of your surroundings, you can not go wrong with these!
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