I had been looking into getting a pair of “audiophile” headphones lately, just because that seems like the right thing to do at 26 right? You start taking vitamins, buying solid wood mid-century furniture, and getting serious about audiophile headphones?
I had done my research just as many of you are probably doing now and had settled on these for a couple of different reasons. All the reviews I read seemed to say these things:
1) How comfortable they are to wear and how the sound doesn’t cause fatigue with long listening sessions.
2) Build quality and attention to detail is superb. You would actively have to try to break these things.
3) Amazing sound for a damn good price.
4) At 50ohm’s they can be operated reasonably well without an amp but should be used with one to get the full potential realized.
5) Open backed design have sound leakage so should only be used in seclusion.
6) Gateway drug to the audiophile world.
7) Not enough bass**
*These are all true to a T with the exception of the last about the bass.
-Comfort is insane. I hope as my first pair of serious headphones that these don’t ruin me in terms of comfort because I’ve been wearing these for hours now and neither the fit nor the sound is being close to causing any fatigue.
-These headphone are very sturdy. Even though they mostly consist of plastic as the main components used here, they are made to be light and intentionally durable. As for attention to details: From the silver accents to the stitching, to the little rubber pieces just behind the headphone earphones, to keep them from scratching against the band. Huge fan of the build quality.
-When I got them I plugged them directly into my IPhone 8 for a listen and with Spotify premium streaming at 328 kbit/s, I was pretty damn impressed. Keep in mind I’m not a trained audiophile but that being said I’m sure just about anyone can easily tell that the precision of the audio produced is front and center in these headphones. I heard/read the term “separation” thrown around a lot and oh heck yeah, now I know exactly what that is. The detail in albums I’ve listened to a million times is just so cool. I’d recommend Beck’s Morning Phase album as a good first listen.
-Now these sound pretty darn good without an amp but I have a Fiio q1 Mark 2 on the way so even though I can’t understand how the clarity could get even better, they could use a slight boost to the overall volume.
-Drug is working as predicted. What the heck do the 600’s and to even fathom the 800’s sounds like?
-Now in my opinion on most tracks I find the bass is more than enough. On Cut Copy’s Zonoscope album, the bass is not receded at all to me. It sounds right where it should be. It’s not booming in your face, it’s tight and punchy in such a pleasant precise way, with absolutely no distortion even at max volume. Now I put on Oliver Helden’s remix of Calvin Harris/ Dua Lipa’s “One Kiss” and that bass was actually booming front and center just due to the track. Not in a garish way. In a tight and punchy, anymore it would overwhelm the vocals and other parts of the track. I find the bass detailed and even on this track where it’s so bass heavy it way more than holds it own at the absolute highest level (without an amp) with zero distortion. In fact, in general, the higher the volume the more detail comes flying out of nowhere. Again, I tried the 598’s on Pnau’s “Changa” track and I don’t know what these other people are even remotely talking about with lack of bass.
So I’m conlusion, these are excellent and a steal at 169.00. And I don’t even have an amp yet. (0_o)
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This Item  Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open-Back Headphone "Discontinued by manufacturer" |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $184.95 | $169.00 | $153.99 | -22% $179.95 List: $229.25 | -65% $146.80 List: $425.00 | $99.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Feb 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 19 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 19 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 19 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 19 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 19 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| For gaming | ||||||
| Quality of material | ||||||
| Bass quality | ||||||
| Sold By | Detroit Packing Co. | Focus Camera LLC | Elta Beauty | Amazon.com | Montre Le Trajet Inc. | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | On Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 1/4-inch | 1/4-inch, 3.5mm Jack | XLR | — |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Retractable | Tangle Free | Retractable, Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable |
| control type | remote | Volume Control | Media Control | control | — | Volume Control |
From the manufacturer
Sennheiser is shaping the Future of Audio – a vision built on a 70-year history of innovation and a continued drive for excellence that is woven into our company’s DNA and culture. Around the world, our employees share this passion in the pursuit of the perfect sound, creating products that exceed expectations and set new benchmarks in audio.
Meet the Sennheiser HD 598SR
The HD 598SR continues in the tradition of the critically acclaimed HD 598. Combining impeccable sound quality with unrivaled comfort this version again offers exceptional value. An open-back design featuring Sennheiser’s innovative E.A.R technology, this new headset delivers incredibly natural, detailed and balanced sound. The high-quality leatherette headband and velour covered ear cushions provide outstanding wearing comfort for long listening sessions. Crafted with precision using premium materials, the HD 598SR exudes quality while delivering connoisseur quality sound.
- Did you know? Sennheiser has been an innovative force in the pursuit of perfect sound for over 70 years. Our audio products are used in professional recording studios and on tour by the biggest names in entertainment. They have earned a reputation for outstanding performance, reliability and durability. This experience is built into the HD 598SR and is your insurance of quality.
Features
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Exceptional MusicalitySennheiser engineered SYS 38 transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion. They are a critical component helping to insure exceptional musicality regardless of your genre preference. |
Seamless ConnectivityReady for home and portable use, the HD 598SR comes with two detachable cables: a 3m cable with a 6.3-mm jack for a home entertainment system and a 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm jack featuring a one-button remote with mic for controlling music and taking phone calls. |
Extreme ComfortLightweight yet robust design with luxurious velour covered ear cushions and leatherette padded headband deliver exceptional wearing comfort for long listening sessions. |
E.A.R. Technology'Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement' design channels audio directly into your ears producing a more 'in room' like listening experience. |
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| HD 598SR | HD 598SE | HD 598 Cs | |
| Ear Coupling | Around-Ear | Around-Ear | Around-Ear |
| Transducer Principle | Open Back | Open Back | Closed Back |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 50 Ω | 23 Ω |
| Frequency Response | 12 – 38,500 Hz | 12 – 38,500 Hz | 10 – 28,000 Hz |
| Sound Pressure Level (SPL) | 112 dB (1kHz / 1Vrms) | 112 dB (1kHz / 1Vrms) | 115 dB (1kHz / 1Vrms) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.1% (1kHz, 100dB) | <0.1% (1kHz, 100dB) | <0.2% (1kHz, 100dB) |
| Weight (with cable) | 11.8 oz. (337 g) | 11.1 oz. (315 g) | 11.8 oz. (334 g) |
| In the Box | HD 598SR headphone / Cable 1: 3m copper cable (OFC) / 6.3mm straight plug / Cable 2: 1.2m audio cable / 3.5mm adapter plug | HD 598 Special Edition headphone / Cable 1: 3m copper cable (OFC) / 6.3mm straight plug / Cable 2: 1.2m audio cable / 3.5mm adapter plug | HD 598 Cs headset / 1.2m cable with 1-button remote / 3.5mm straight plug; 3m cable / 6.3mm straight plug |
Reviews with images
but these are without a doubt better than my HD 558's
I'm not the most descriptive compared to my fellow Audiophiles, but these are without a doubt better than my HD 558's. My poor HD 558's held up for who knows how many years now. The headband started cracking and my earpads started to break due to me not treating them the best to be honest. But finally after years I thought it was time for an upgrade, bought mine refurbished from a seller named TheSportsBarn for around $98, they were supposed to come a week later in October 23rd til 28th but they came in October 21st!!!\( ^0^ )/Now let's talk sound, Just by running it with from my phone with M-Audio Bass Traveler I'm able to hook up both my old 558's and my new 598's and I have to say these live up to all of my expectations. There definitely seems to be a veil in my old 558's the bass on my 598's is more redefined it doesn't soudn as punchy as my 558's it's more... defined, took me a while to get used to since the bass on my 558's was slightly more muddy and what I used to, but after listening to a few tracks I noticed the bass is definitely there it hits just right its more refined and actually feels like it hits even lower end bass so i can hear that lower end air from the bass. If I had to describe it its like you can hear the thud from the drums in the 558's but in the 598's you can hear the main thud, and a lil airy bass that resonates as if you were in an acoustic room made just for resonating the lower ends a lil longer. I suck at describing I know, I know uwuMids: ok so this is where they really stood out, the mids in my 598's sound better because there's that lil mix of lower end bass that allows more details in the mids to come out and because the higher frequencies are being hit and it feels like it gives the mids a perfect idk what to even call it.. basically it's as if at first in my 558's the mids would be the main singer, the bass and the high ends would be more set back and chilling a lil further back stage, but the sound is now more refined to the point that it feels like the bass, mids, and highs made a band and labeled it perfection. The bass hits just right setting the stage, the mids kick in to give the lower end life and shape, then the highs kick in and take it to the next level of detail that take it to a whole new level! These are without a doubt better than my 558's and if you think im a paid review? Check my photos~ plus who reviews refurbished headphones XD I even included a photo of my poor old 558's
Top reviews from other countries
Jacob
A Gamers Review - I'm Blown Away...
Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2019
Jacob
Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2019
I instantly went on websites such as Amazon and Best Buy and searched, "gaming headphones/headset" and spent hours reviewing and studying all the different pairs. From as low as $75 to as high as $350. In the end, I discovered that "gaming headphones/headsets" are nothing more than a marketing ploy. An overpriced pair of cans that come with a built-in microphone and a flashy design. I didn't care much for that, I wanted quality. Specifically, sound quality. And as someone who's on a budget, I wanted some bang for my buck.
Enter almost a hundred hours of research later, the Senheisser HD598. The superior, premium value gaming headset. Bar none.
Asthetics:
Absolutely beautiful. Elegant and simple. Lightweight, yet sturdy and comfortable. The Senheisser logo appears on both sides of the cups, and the material is a smooth matte finish, with subtle gloss accents. It's not metal, but it feels incredibly sturdy and of high quality.
Sound Quality:
This is where the value comes from. I can't believe I paid so little for such high quality sound. Now mind you, this comes from a video gamers perspective, so I can't say how it performs on other media's such as tv or movies, but for video games, wow. Just wow.
First off, the soundstage. This is why you use open-back headphones for gaming. You can hear and accurately pinpoint where footsteps, shots, explosions and enemies are coming from. Not only is it an excellent advantage, but it's also beautiful to hear.
Second, the overall quality of all the sounds is simply astounding. It's crisp, it's clear, it's loud, and the bass is tight and not too over exaggerated. It's better than any other headphone I've tried before, and even better than some $300 pairs.
Comfort: The. Most. Comfortable. Headphones. Ever. There's nothing else to be said. I wear these about 8 hours/day and feel no discomfort whatsoever. Remarkable.
Value:
As I said at the start of this review. These headphones are simply the best value headphones. Nothing compares, nothing comes close. Not at this price point. This is the kind of quality you'd expect to see at $300+ headphones, yet here you can grab them for $100 on sale. Unbelievable.
I should mention that in my testing phase of headphones, before I purchased this pair, I dabbled with the Audio Technica ATH M50xBT's. I purchased these due to their Bluetooth capability (wanting to eliminate wires). And while that worked, well, ok I guess.. the closed back design of the cans offered god-awful soundstage. I couldn't tell where anything was coming from, and the sound quality overall was, meh. And those were almost double the cost! Now I'm not saying they're bad headphones, but for gaming? They were abysmal compared to the Senheisser HD598.
It's almost as if these were designed for video gaming. Seriously, with a mod mic attachment, I don't believe you can buy a "gaming headset" that offers better value and quality than this. And at this price point it's simply a steal.
I've never been so happy and satisfied with a purchase in my life. It's value overload.
Images in this review
David Vara
Excelentes audífonos para lo que buscaba y esperaba.
Reviewed in Mexico on March 9, 2019
Ravi
Go for it this is the best option at this price point,..... full package with mic no amp needed!
Reviewed in India on August 16, 2018Jaime Espinosa de los Monteros
Una Maravilla
Reviewed in Mexico on September 24, 2018