Sennheiser HD 598

ngominhhoang132

New Head-Fier
Used to be okay headphones 5-7 years ago but overshadowed now by newer headphones
Pros: Comfortability
Good for female vocals
Guitar and violon sound good, pretty realistic
Relatively easy to drive
Non-fatiguing sound
Cons: Slow, can not play fast music well
Poor instrument separation, can sound congested at times
No sub-bass
Mid-bass bloom makes low end sound muddy
Mid is a bit grainy
Treb is rolled off
May get boring during a long listening session
Imo this headphone is outclassed by Hifiman he400i, DT880 and many more similar priced headphones
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voja
voja
I have the HD 6XX. It definitely sounds more open and has more bass, but in no way does it come anywhere near to the build quality of the HD 598 Not even close

When it's matched up to a good source, it sounds good

Sennheiser HD 598 will never be a bad sounding headphone, and I can disagree about it being boring. Without any source it does sound boring, but I know that it doesn't sound boring with my TR-Amp
N
ngominhhoang132
I think hd598 would work best with an OTL tube amp to add more dynamic to the music and more oomph in the bass
N
ngominhhoang132
Hd6xx blows 598 out of the water imo. Cleaner, less grainy mid. Stronger, more defined bass (still almost no sub-bass). Less muted treble. 6xx has smaller soundstage though

voja

500+ Head-Fier
Pros: Soundstage
Build quality feels premium and sturdy, it's not cheapish
The best rubber cable I've come across
Ergonomics
Easy to drive (though they benefit greatly when driven with a quality source)
Full-body mids
Detail
Very comfortable
Cons: The stock cable with the adapter is just bulky, it's sticks out quite a lot
When not driven properly, they can appear to be lacking in bass
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The Sennheiser HD 598 is an entry-audiophile headphone from the well-known German manufacturer, Sennheiser. In the sub-200 USD category it's a king of its own, and this is how many people perceived them as for years. If you catch these at a discounted price, they are a steal. It truly is a great overall choice, it's non-fatiguing, very comfortable and enjoyable to listen to.

Build quality

Judging its build quality by the price I managed to get them at (~€140), the build quality IS something to write home about. Sennheiser made sure to use sturdy and high quality plastic. There is nothing that presents a concern about them breaking. The leatherette headband feels nice; nothing to complain about, especially when they are on your head. Each ear piece features just enough tilt and pivot to let the HD 598 adapt to your head and make them a comfortable fit.
Of course, there is a metal grill on the ear-cups; pretty standard for open-back headphones.

The included cable is 3m long, and has a 6.3mm jack, the 3.5mm adapter is included. The cable is tangle free and overall, it's a nice thick (rubber) cable which you don't have to worry about.. especially because of the 3m length. Actually, let me state how good the cable is; It's one of the most durable and best cables I have seen. At least judging from it being run over with my chair (the rubber withstood the "blow"); I even accidentally had my full weight distributed on them when my cable got under the leg of another chair (this chair didn't have wheels). Durability was definitely something Sennheiser had in mind when making the HD 598.

Build quality meets the standards of its price range. Although not quite the most valid comparison (because I believe Massdrop x Sennheiser 6xx was made with different intentions), if we were to compare the build quality of the HD 6xx and the 598, HD 598 is far superior and more premium than the 6xx. When Massdrop was having the collaboration headphone with Sennheiser (HD 6xx), I think their focus was to build it for as cheap as possible, but not cheap out on the sound. That's why I say it's not a fair comparison, but it is still worth mentioning because overall, it contributes to the experience.

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Design

The whole headphone is in a beige finish, mixed with nice dark chocolate brown accents. These accents are present on the earpads, the "ring" around the grill, and the high-gloss burl. Overall, it has that retro feeling to it. In my opinion the colorway is what makes the HD 598 authentic.

You either love the colorway or you hate it. Or.. you just buy the HD598SE which is a special edition of the HD598, which is a blacked out version.

There is a labeling for "Left" and "Right" on the facing side of the ear cups. They are printed in the same dark chocolate brown as the rest of the accents, and they are printed in a large font. It's a nice touch, although it isn't necessary (since you can only wear the HD 598 one way). In fact, they are shaped in a way that you can actually tell if they are facing the correct direction just by feel when you pick them up. I can mainly tell this by the touch sensation of the plastic piece which holds the earcups (it's the curved part to which the ear cups are attached to), when it's facing the correct way, it's facing you.

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Photo reference: 2.5mm housing in chrome finish (left ear cup)

The left ear cup is the one where the 2.5mm input is (where you connect the headphones). This is another feature which I would consider iconic - the twist-lock mechanism. Before I get into a bit more detail about the twist-lock mechanism, I want to mention that the inner side of the 2.5mm input (where you connect the cable to the headphones) is at an angle, and the inner side of it is in a silver chrome finish. It's a very sleek design, and it's designed in a way that you don't have to "search" for the input hole but rather, it acts as a guide. This way, you can literally just slide the 2.5mm cable inside. The chrome finish helps it glide; overall, very thoughtful and convenient. Onto the twist-lock mechanism - so what Sennheiser did is very neat. Once you plug the 2.5mm cable, you can twist it to secure it. This is genius, because there is no way that it can detach, unless you untwist it on purpose. Long cable + the secure lock mechanism is the way to go; it ensures that you can have both great mobility, and also you don't have to worry about the cable falling out/detaching.

The earcups are oval-shaped and are made of velvet. Velvet is a material very comfortable to the skin. However, dust easily gets trapped inside it. Overall the design is very clean, and I personally don't find anything which should be changed about it. It's just a very well designed headphone, I think the design of the HD 598 is timeless.

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Comfort

Comfort is one of the elements which make the HD 598 so pleasing to use. They are simply amazing, very comfortable... I mean, they are Sennheiser's. When was the last time you heard a higher-end model from Sennehiser being uncomfortable? The velour pads just disappear after a certain period of time. I didn't get any itchiness with the pads - very comfortable and pleasant to the skin. The headband isn't the softest; it's rather semi-rigid, but this is only to the touch. When you put them on the head, they have similar qualities to the pads; you just forget that it's there. You can wear these for hours without complaining. The tilting and pivoting movement really help out with getting them adjusted to your head.

There are 17 full steps to adjust the "height" - why do I say 17 full steps? Because the 18th step isn't full, but you have plenty of room to tailor it to your head.

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Sound quality
What can you say about an open-ear headphone? Simply beautiful.

Bass is on the lighter side. These are definitely not for bass-heads. I myself love to feel the thump from the bass, and the HD 598's definitely weren't able to do that. However, I didn't find that to be a problem. Even though the open-back design gives you different sound characteristics from the usual closed-back headphones - it's definitely an enjoyable experience.

This being said, if you are looking for that punch and thump, you are better off with a closed-back headphone. Just as some other members said, the lack of low end is what makes the HD598 itself. They will not provide the rumble, punch or thump some are looking for, but with this being said, it lets you focus on the vocals and other aspects in the music that you probably didn't focus on before (that's what I found interesting with the lack of low-end). I personally prefer the spacious sound + no basshead level of low-end of an open-back headphones over the narrow soundstage + the thumb and rumble in the low-end.

Update with EarMen TR-Amp:
Tr-Amp opens up the frequency response, allowing the bass to have more impact, punch, and weight. The lower frequencies have noticeably more definition, and can be felt and told apart much more clearly than without TR-Amp.

For example, the sub-bass present in Hans Zimmer's "Why so Serious?" - mark 3:30 - is more defined and clear, it's much cleaner sub-bass. Or, in the introduction of "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys, there is more bottom-end present. This is something that is subtle, yet contributes to the sound in a major way. There is more depth and layers to the sound.

"Paper Trails" by DARKSIDE is a beautiful example where you can see how TR-Amp can impact the low-range. The whole track sounds much fuller, and even has more space to breathe; (TR-Amp) it truly brings the life out of the Sennheiser HD 598.

Further speaking upon the lower frequencies, while the differences with TR-Amp are subtle in music genres where lower frequencies are used with a rational amount, in electronic music, the difference is much more prominent. And when I say "much more", it's really day and night. I accidentally came upon a song "Smoking Mirrors" by Lee Curtiss, and the amount of depth and more volume (not referring to loudness) the lower frequencies have when TR-Amp is used - it's something that really does make a large difference. Not only is there more space for the lower frequencies to breathe and overall have more space for full-body sound, but there is just so much more definition and presence in the lower notes.

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Photo reference: Sennheiser HD 598 plugged into Earmen TR-Amp
Mids Gorgeous full-body mids (but are they full-body? Read my update). They are sweet. They are on the warmer side, and you will find yourself enjoying the vocals and instruments for days. They never fail to satisfy you with their mid-range capability and performance. I found myself completely absorbed in the music when I had these on (p.s. the long cable helps you with showing off your dance moves, and how well you can play a guitar... without a guitar). The mids are where the HD 598 shines - this is their special ability. They are smooth, and sweet, just like a good baklava. Should I also mention the clarity? Absolutely amazing. They have very good clarity - just play a song where a guitar is plucked, and you will understand what everybody is talking about. I mean.. I think you get the point, this is their sweet spot. I believe that Sennheiser put their main focus on the mid-range when developing the HD 598, and they definitely did a good job. However, it is worth mentioning that the warm sound signature limits some vocals - you only notice this after using a good source with the HD 598.

Update with Earmen TR-Amp:
This is where it gets serious. Once you use TR-Amp, there is no going back. Or any other good source. However, I am strictly speaking from my experience with TR-Amp. I did say that the mids were full-body - but wait until you pair them up with TR-Amp.

I believe that the warm sound signature (which limited vocals) is gone with the TR-Amp, or at least it's tamed down by a great amount. It truly opens up the vocals, it opens up the range, and let's you hear more of the frequencies present. It increases the range which Sennheiser HD 598 can produce as a whole.

Let's talk about real examples through music; Deep Purple's "Soldier of Fortune", mark 2:00. At this mark, David Coverdale's vocals hit a peak - without TR-Amp, this part seems very bland and doesn't deliver the sparkle. It's almost as though the higher frequency is cut off, leaving David Coverdale's vocal limited, not presenting it's true range and capability - the energy isn't there. That's one of the pleasing things when using the TR-Amp.. after all, this device is the same price as the HD 598 (even more expensive when I consider the price I got them at). However, it does live up to its price, and transforms the HD 598 into a whole another story - a much better and enjoyable music experience. Without the TR-Amp, the whole sound performance sounds thin (compared to the sound performance with the TR-Amp, I am not implying it is thin!).

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Highs I absolutely can't stand bright and piercing sound. HD 598 is far from brightness. I found them enjoyable for listening to stringed instruments, such as violins, and also generally enjoy vocally-intense music.

Not much to complain about; they definitely deliver a pleasant experience. I think that they could be a touch brighter so the highest notes hit a bit harder. I found the highest notes from the Stevie Wonder's mouth harmonica in "Stop trying to be God" from Travis Scott a bit lacking, especially at the peak.

While they lack sparkle at times, in all the other aspects, the treble was very enjoyable and clear. This is one trait of a warmer sound signature; the top-end is rolled off, but this does ensure that you can listen to them forever (in theory, at least).

Another beautiful top-end experience was with Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-5) at mark 6:07 - focus on David Gilmour's guitar performance.. even though you could focus on his performance in the entire song.

Update with TR-Amp:
Yet again, TR-Amp doesn't fail to do its job. If anything, the treble is the region it affects the most - at least it's the one aspect which is the most noticeable.
While the HD 598 was doing just fine in the treble region without TR-Amp, it's the combination of extended mids and extended highs that truly put it all together.

As mentioned before, the difference is very noticeable, while at the same time subtle. More can be felt, and that's the beautiful thing about music; at certain times, it's not easy to describe when it's about the sensation of feeling.

Another great example: Deep Purple's "Soldier of Fortune", the guitar at the very beginning (the introduction) - it sounds more real, the plucks can be felt. Even though HD 598 does pretty well at this section without the TR-Amp, the subtle difference does contribute to the overall experience. The guitar sounded more like a guitar - I can almost say it had better timbre with the TR-Amp.

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Soundstage is quite open. To be quite honest, it's no surprise - soundstage is where open-back headphones make the biggest difference. They are enjoyable to use for both music and gaming. While it's not the widest, it's very enjoyable, as it should be with an open-back headphone.

Update with TR-Amp:
Pff.. not the widest. Talk about wide.

TR-Amp does it; the extra space in music which TR-Amp allows is the single element which I personally enjoyed the most. Not only do the sound and music elements have more space to breathe, but that extra space also allows the sound to be fuller.

With any of these tracks, you can notice the beauty of space: Burial’s “Archangel”, “Letter” or “Bubbles” by Yosi Korikawa, “Hunter” by Björk, Daft Punk’s “Giorgo by Moroder”, or the majority of records from Pink Floyd.

Conclusion

For its price, the HD 598 gets many things right, and nowadays you can find them for great deals. Overall, they offer a pleasant experience and are a headphone which you can put on when you are sitting in your chair - play some music, and just fall asleep. Relaxed is the best word I'd describe these headphones with. They aren't the most lively and crazy experience - these are elegant.

Overall, a very good option. If you find them at a good deal and haven't experienced the open-back sound, these are a great option to do that for its price range. They are a great introduction to Hi-Fi in general.

When paired with a good source, they can deliver quite a sonic performance. Being a sub-200 USD headphone, they are among the better-built headphones out there. I believe some of the best plastic was used, and it's overall a very premium-feeling headphone. With their lightweight quality and the comfort aspect, they are an easy recommendation for long listening sessions. If you would like to start somewhere in this hobby, I can say that the HD 598 may be one of the best starting points - from there on, there is a lot you can learn about sound.

Update with TR-Amp:
When HD 598 is paired with the TR-Amp from Earmen, it's another beast entirely - it makes a large difference and overall, greatly contributes to the performance of the headphones.

I cannot find any other way to put it but to say that it adds more depth to the sound. Now, do not confuse the term "depth" with what I am trying to say here; "depth" usually refers to the sense of distance, and I am not referring to that "depth". I meant that there are more layers in sound, more frequencies, more range - essentially, I think detailed would be the correct term here. The following would be the definition that better explains what I am referring to: "The attention to a full reproduction with all sound/notes being audible and present" (Audiophileon's definition).

Think of it as in photography: an image is more detailed when shot in RAW format, and once it's converted to JPG, it loses the detail, the color, and all the other information stored by the sensor.
In RAW format, there is a wider dynamic range, and the difference is noticeable (well... only if you don't do any editing, and just convert the original RAW image to JPG). This is how I would explain what TR-Amp is doing - reproducing more frequencies and more "information". The Sennheiser HD 598 is doing that, but TR-Amp is the one that is making that possible.

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Enough about cameras. As Earmen wrote on their page, it "allows music, not the amplifier to be heard". This is exactly how I experienced it - there is overall more energy, more can be felt.

Felt is the key word here, that's what music is about. You know when there is a really great vocal, or a really great guitar performance, and there is just that vibrating sensation in your ears? That's what I'm talking about. TR-Amp lets the HD 598 do that. Guitars sound more like guitars, plucks can be felt; snares and cymbals are more present, have more sparkle. Vocals sound more like vocals, more energy is transferred - more can be felt, more can be heard. Drums and bass have more body, more bottom-end.

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It's very interesting, since HD 598 is the very headphone which got me into Hi-Fi, and to hear what it's capable of.. it's just a very unique and personal experience to me.

The way that TR-Amp opens up the musical performance and the frequencies it can reproduce; it's something that you notice straight away. The way it can open up the vocals, like Freddie Mercury's vocals (Bohemian Rhapsody), or let's take Meryl Steep's vocal performance in ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All" for an example; the way TR-Amp opens her vocals up, and allows the higher frequencies to be reproduced - this is something which can be felt. The vocals are more present, and the detail in them is what make such a large difference. One of the magical moments I had was when I played Pink Floyd's "Dogs" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". It was a gorgeous performance. Just pure music. Or even "Dogs" from mark 3:40 onward. Ahh, the atmosphere you get from Pink Floyd's songs, always refreshing.

The major difference is separation. I think that the detail and clarity qualities of the HD 598 greatly contribute to why TR-Amp is making separation so much better and clearer.

I would recommend to everybody to give "Brasileiro" by Sérgio Mendes a listen. It's one of the best-engineered albums - it also won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 1993. It is a very dynamic album. You can hear great use of panning, a variety of instruments, a variety of frequencies. It's a great album to listen for separation, imaging/staging, lows/mids/highs, and timbre. There isn't a single track which I would say sticks out - the whole album is great and each track is unique on its own; each track is worth a listen.

I like to think of it like this: the TR-Amp enhances the performance of the HD 598. It doesn't change the overall sound signature, it just expands the range that it is capable of. I truly appreciate the fuller sound, the wider dynamics, the deeper lows and mids, the higher mids and highs.
To put it simply: TR-Amp brings the life out of the HD 598.

While the total cost of the HD 598 and EarMen TR-Amp adds up to around 500 USD, I personally think it's worth it. It's really important that you invest into a quality source, because it can be equally important as the headphones themselves. TR-Amp is one of those sources which just enhance the performance, but doesn't change the sound signature (doesn't add color). It's very arguable whether this combination is worth it, but to me, it's worth it mainly because of the significance that the HD 598 has to me. You may very well be better off with the new HD 6xx or newer headphones.. You must go out an test these headphones in person, and make up your mind. If you do test them, make sure you are testing them with the same source, that way you are giving each pick an equal chance.

After around 9 years of it's initial release, I still enjoy this headphone, and definitely enjoy it even more with the TR-Amp from EarMen.

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Rafique

New Head-Fier
Pros: Almost very good sound, very comfortable, durable, vocals are almost natural sounding
Cons: Slight graininess, plastic construction
I can wear it all day with no problems and it can last for years.

Sound: Depends on the song and takes time to adjust to. ( 1 day or so )
Bass
It can be deep, rich, and tight or simply present in mild quantities but pleasantly so. It can also be lacking and recessed but this is compensated nicely by the almost very good mids and highs.
Mids
Generally, vocals either have very good tonality/timbre and good details or vice versa. In some cases, vocals are just good. Instrumental timbre is very good. In the case where tonality is good but detail is very good, there is mild graininess.
Highs
Forward and bright. Instruments have a nice texture, a lot of details, and are sparkly and rich with the exception of cymbals, they lack detail but timbre is still acceptable. Computer generated beats like those found in pop and EDM sounds good. Also, it is not fatiguing to listen to.
Overall presentation
Rich, deep, bright, forward, clean, clear, smooth, crisp, and dark. Not veiled at all. The dark sound is not overly so and with it's bright forward signature, it makes these really nice sounding.
Soundstage
It's wide and deep and has good positioning and imaging.

Amplification: Good amps like the Fiio e10k or those found in MacBooks and iPhones is needed for it to sound good. Without a good amp, you should look into other headphones such as the Sennheiser Urbanites or ATH M50X.

drjoms

New Head-Fier
Pros: Superb quality, comfy
Cons: Not particularly for person on the go
In a nutshell, not an audiophile.

However, best sound I have ever experienced in my life. I have not experienced much.

Many hours of computer gaming + MP3s, compfy at all times. So good in fact I forget to take them off sometimes.

You can hear through them.

I am technically minded. One aspect I was curious about, what I am able as audiophile. And apparently, while I am not, I found out that I can hear slightly below 20Hz, probably 18-19 or so. I did sound test using those earphones, as they provide lover sound frequency below 20Hz. Upper level, I am as standard as it gets.

I had those for years. I had moved a lot. They survived me moving to 2 other countries. So if that's not great German quality, than what is? I have them for least 3 years. No wear and tear. I use them 6-8 hours daily, 7 days a week.

They designed for a proper PC DAC or even AMP/stereo system. Casual MP3 player/Phone won't cut it.

For gamers, explosions do sound satisfying. Blowing sh** up became a lot more enjoyable. Together with PCI-E Asus Xonair that seems like great combination.
drjoms
drjoms
still using them today. mid of 2021.
Only had to change soft parts which worn out.
I use them on average 15-16 a day 7 days a week last year and a half.

theminstrel

New Head-Fier
Pros: Natural, wide, clear sound, comfortable, not too expensive
Cons: Lacking in impact and bass, ugly
A reasonably priced pair of premium Open back headphones. They are well made and super comfortable and have a luxurious appearance well suited to home hi fi use. Unlike other hi fidelity phones they have a relatively low impedance and don't need a huge amp to sound good or loud,although one usually helps for sound dynamics.
They have a great sound quality, very natural in tone, bass, mids and treble all clean and clearly represented. Soundstage width and precision are all superb and detail is fantastic.
A very good buy if you don't want to spend silly money on truly audiophile headphones for the home. However models such as the HD650 provide even more depth and balanced tonality with more impactful bass.

Cybrupt

New Head-Fier
Cons: No Bottom End, No Top End, Overly Pronounced Lower Mids
These are my first pair of headphones since almost 10 years ago. I am used to using studio monitor speakers to judge microphone frequencies. This headphone has a similar mid and lower mid frequency response to a Blue Baby Bottle microphone. Had I known this I would have never bought them. They also have the "sennheiser Veil" This means at around 9khz it drops off the map all the way until 20khz past human hearing. Basically this has a worse frequency range than a shure SM58. No top end frequencies. Overly pronounced lower mids to give it thump since it cant reach sub bass below 100hz. This seems to be a pattern with open back headphones. These are not good for anything other than a toy. It's hard to enjoy these knowing that everything sounds like it was recorded with a Blue Baby Bottle microphones. These are like the opposite of a V shaped headphone. I decided to buy DT770 and sell these. Hopefully I like the DT770.
Dexter22
Dexter22
What amp did you use with these? 
Paulus XII
Paulus XII
Couldn't agree more. lol.
chicken beer
chicken beer
I agree there's no top making those headphones sound dull. But no low end probably means you did not break them in for long enough time, or you did not have proper amplification at the low end parts. If you had not sold them yet, I suggest you try to EQ and see if it'll change your mind. The drivers of HD598 are capable of generating soundwave in sub-bass and bass frequencies.
 
By the way, I also like the DT770 pro-80ohm better than HD598 to my ears for music.

Amodymous

Head-Fier
Pros: Very realistic and large soundstage, excellent imaging, positional accuracy, lush, smooth mids, non fatiguing highs, tight bass, good all rounder.
Cons: Bass can have more thump, but good enough for a compromise between competitive and casual gaming (with a little EQ, can have more bass).
- Overall this headphone has to be the best under $200 price range. Sure, some may argue AT AD900X have more soundstage and better for gaming, but have less bass from my experience and 3D Wing isn't the most reliable for comfort. Also, ear pads were not the best for me. Furthermore, HD598 have a more immersive sound than AD900X, more bass rumble and warmth to sound, AT sounded like a tin can trying to be a subwoofer; but that's not to say the AT is also a fine pair of headphones, it just wasn't right for me. The need to not require an amp to power the HD598 was also a plus, since can power it through onboard sound with ease for those who don't want to invest too much in audio equipment. Overall, HD598 very good for movies and games and should be an investment everyone should be satisfied with. Because of these headphones, that's what got me into being an audiophile and continue to continue trend up HD line, such as 600's.
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ganzosrevenge
ganzosrevenge
The HD598 was my first proper "audiophile" headphone, and they served as an eye-opener for me.  For an approximately $150 headphone, they do neutral sound very well.  Even though they've been superseded by my HD700 setup, I still use them for portability when traveling and staying outside of my house  I think Sennheiser has become aware of the HD598's status and began offering a custom edition with shorter cables, and even a closed back version (HD598cs) for those who love the HD598 profile and soundshape, but need less impedance for iphones, and want a twinge more bass (and less sound leakage).  If you want to open them up a bit, their great weakspot is a very cheap cable - pales in comparison the HD6xx / HD700 series that are made in Ireland (the HD800-series are another story altogether).  A thicker cable helped my 598s get a bit more bass and clarity out of them.  
 
I will say though, interesting use of the HD598s for gaming.  Keep us posted on whatever mods you do to the 598s!

SoundTown

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Clear and transparent sound, excellent separation, detailed with precise imaging, tall sound stage, comfort, light weight
Cons: Severe roll-off in mid to sub-bass, narrow overall sound stage (feels square), flimsy feeling build, headband presses slightly on head

Introduction
 
For the Sennheiser HD598, or any of the HD series for that matter, there’s almost no need for introductions. Asking an audio enthusiast if they’ve heard of any of the Sennheiser open back series, from the beginner-friendly HD518 to the legendary HD800, is like asking anyone on the street if they’ve heard of Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga or Madonna – they’ll look at you funny and ask you, “Are you crazy?”

Of course you’ve heard of the HD598, it’s one of the most popular headphones on Head-Fi for a reason – people love this headphone.
“So Josh,” I hear you ask, “what the hell are you writing this for?”
Simple. I’m here to add my two cents and answer the question you might have – Is the Sennheiser HD598 worth buying?
Despite what some people might tell you, the answer shouldn’t always be “YES”.
 
Notes:
1)      I got my HD598 used in a trade for one of my mechanical keyboards. Other than the headphone, the trader had given me the Sennheiser 3 metre cable and the ¼ inch to 3.5 mm jack. The headphones were, and still are, in perfect working order.
2)      When using the headphone, I used the 1.2 metre straight cable that came with the Audio Technica ATH-M50x.
3)      All testing was carried out either using my iPhone 5S or through Foobar2000 w/ Wasapi Event > Fiio Q1 as a source.
 
image2.jpg
Sennheiser HD598
 
Comfort
It shouldn’t come to you as a surprise for me to tell you that the HD598 is pretty darn comfortable. All of the HD series headphones are. The velour pads in particular are just right for the price, soft and breathable but certainly not comparable to pads that, for example, you might find for $60 a pair from Shure or Audeze.
The HD598’s clamp is relatively light and the headphone itself is rather light in weight too. The only gripes I have with the HD598’s comfort lies in the pads being on the shallow side, so your ears might press against the inside of the ear cup or pads. The headband’s thickness also means the headphone tends to press on the top of my head just a little, a somewhat noticeable reminder that I’m wearing headphones – it never quite feels like there’s nothing there.
That said, I’ve worn the HD598 for hours and hours with minimal complaints, so most people shouldn’t have terribly major issues either, just some minor gripes.
 
Build
What Sennheiser would tell their customers is the HD598 was designed to be as light as possible. “With the right combination of strong yet light plastics, the HD598 were fashioned to be as light and comfortable as technology would allow.” … Or something like that.
What I think is more likely to be the case is that Sennheiser wanted to blow their profit margins through the roof, which is why you don’t see so much as a single gram of metal in the build whatsoever. The HD598 is entirely made of plastic and in my opinion, it feels flimsy, insubstantial, and even a little cheap for its price.
 
image1.jpg
The HD598’s plastic ear cups
 
For one, I’m almost certain the ear cups would sport some nasty splits and cracks if you sit on or drop the headphones. The ear cup’s swivel mechanism also makes a squeaky noise when adjusting the cups, but thankfully this doesn’t persist once the headphones are adjusted properly on the head.
The headband also doesn’t inspire much confidence in me. I’m fairly certain it’s not metal (certainly doesn’t feel like it), and while you most probably will never have to stretch the headband very wide given the HD598’s very accomodating shape, it’s just the principle of the thing – it would’ve been nice if the headband at least were a flexible metal of sorts.
While I can’t say I expected top notch build given the street prices, especially from Sennheiser and their extraordinary markups, I can also safely say the build was far from blowing me away. Simply put, the build of the HD598 was rather underwhelming, especially when I sat it side by side with the similarly priced Audio Technica ATH-M50x. There’s no contesting it, the M50x kick the living hell out of the HD598 in the build department.
In short, if you own a pair of the HD598, you’re probably going to want to be a little careful with where you place it or how you treat it.
Quick note on the cable, I can’t say it’s poorly built, but the ¼ inch plug definitely makes it a hassle. The provided ¼ inch to 3.5 mm adapter also seems to affect the sound, with what I perceive to be detail muffling and loss when the adapter is used. For this reason, I used the 1.2 metre straight cable provided with the Audio Technica ATH-M50x, which actually fit, much to my surprise.
 
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The HD598 with the 1.2 m Audio Technica cable (a much neater solution)
 
Buying a new pair of the HD598 Limited Edition, if I’m not mistaken, would also now get you a shorter straight cable that ends in a 3.5 mm jack, so that’s nice to see Sennheiser adding that small touch.
Overall, the HD598’s build isn’t the end of the world or a deal-breaker, but Sennheiser certainly could do better. Improvements in build would definitely be something I’ll be looking out for should the HD598 ever get a proper successor of any kind in the future.
 
Sound
Some people say the HD598 gives beginners the “true audiophile” experience, especially if they make a significant enough jump from something that was much worse. Truthfully, this statement isn’t exactly wrong, but there are several reasons why a “true audiophile” experience like the one the HD598 offers wouldn’t be the type some people might be looking for.
Bass
Most notably, the HD598 has very little bass quantity, rolling off very severely and sharply from the mid-bass onwards. Though roll-off in the sub-bass is common on open headphones, the HD598’s lacking bass extension is comparatively drastic, even taking into account other bass-shy open headphones. If you’re coming from any typical set of headphones, or even Sennheiser’s lower-end HD518 or HD558, the lack of bass will be extremely apparent, even jarring for some.
Some people interpret the lack of bass to be “tight” bass, but I think I have to say, very respectfully, that I don’t think that’s a very helpful way to put it. The simple truth is that the HD598 has extraordinarily shy mid-bass and pretty much no sub-bass, which means it’s not that the bass can’t really be “tight”, because it’s essentially not even there.
In other words, having very little in quantity of something does not mean it is of a “higher quality”.
That said, there is a decent amount of upper bass, which means male vocalists aren’t anemic sounding and electronic beats, drums and the like can still be heard and sometimes felt, depending on their extension and pitch. Kick drums and deep synth bass, however, would be examples of sounds that tended to be missing from the equation, often needing the bass boost on my Fiio Q1 to come to life and be present in any significant capacity.
In practice, this bass presentation means the HD598 doesn’t have punchy, rumbly or, dare I say, accurate bass. It’s the kind of low-end you can hear and, on particularly powerful bass notes, there’s a little bit of umph to be felt, but the HD598 really is the quintessential Basshead’s nightmare. You hear the bass notes when they come and go, but it lacks presence. It’s really not quite ‘there’, if that makes any sense.
Personally, I don’t mind the lacking bass quantity. To some degree, it’s what makes the HD598 what it is. However, I do wish the bass didn’t roll off so quickly, very much wishing it would’ve extended evenly into the mid-bass at least. I’m not an audio engineer, so I can’t begin to tell you if it’s the housing or the driver design, but something is at fault here and I wish it just had some deeper-digging (not necessarily pronounced) bass to keep things sounding grounded.
Mids
There’s not much to say other than the HD598’s mids are pretty much as close to top-notch as you’re probably going to get at the price. Vocals, guitars, and anything in the mid band is extremely well-articulated and very even, creating a detailed yet smooth experience.
For my preferences, the HD598’s mids are a tiny touch thinner than I’d like, since I prefer more lushness, color and/or energy to my mids. For instance, the HD598’s mids are just a bit thinner than my E-MU Walnut’s, which is, at the moment, the headphone I own that I find produces the most natural sounding vocals. That said, both the HD598 and Walnut produce equally detailed and enjoyable mids, I just have a slight preference for the more bodied and lush E-MU Walnut’s rendition.
With all that in mind, there’s practically nothing to complain about, just some splashiness on poorly mastered tracks. Other than that minor hiccup, the mids on the HD598 are really nothing short of great in its technical ability.
Treble
A lot of HD598 users gush about this headphone’s detail and clarity. I’d have to say their feedback, in this instance, is no lie.
The HD598 strike a very good balance between crisp and detailed, yet not being sharp or painful. The treble is mostly very smooth, with some hotter tracks sometimes producing marginally startling peaks at louder volumes, but nothing close to being tizzy or painful.
The HD598’s treble extension and clarity means detail is very much discernable but never harsh or uncontrolled, a feat some headphones that try to go for detail at this price point like the Grado SR125 and AKG K612 aren’t quite able to do.
The HD598’s treble also means separation is pretty excellent – instruments are very well-blended and easy to discern with well-mastered tracks. Again, with very hotly mastered tracks, separation can get a little smeared, but it’s nothing I think a US $150 headphone should be yelled at for.
Sound Stage
We come back to things I find misleading – some people say the HD598 has a “wide sound stage” and I have to respectfully disagree.
Sure, the AKG K612, when I tried it, produced a wide sound stage. The Fedilio X2, K7xx and *insert other headphones I haven’t heard* might have wide sound stages. The HD598 does not.
Instead, the HD598’s sound stage isn’t very wide, never ‘extending’ beyond the cups, but it does have a height I find very unique – certainly haven’t encountered anything similar in other headphones. This means imaging, for me at least, is confined to a sort of square box, kind of like a picture on Instagram.
In practice, elements in a track, in my experience, sound quite a bit larger than they normally would on headphones of this size. Vocals close to a mic, for example, sound like they’re coming from a mouth stretched vertically. For me, this sounded kind of strange at first but it didn’t take me very long to get used to it. The sort of weird sound staging does not, however, affect positioning. Like I said, instruments are very easily picked out and imaged, just that recordings would perceptually seem to have slightly different dimensions when compared to some other headphones.
Overall Sound
The HD598, despite my waffling about on each component of the sound, is truthfully not difficult to describe as a whole.
The HD598’s goal is to focus on clarity, clarity, clarity. Separation is great, detail retrieval is effortless, instrument placement and playback is very well articulated and never strident, sibilant or harsh – the HD598 is just very nice for painless critical listening. Everything’s transparent, even and defined, reminding me quite often of the audio equivalent of a tastefully detailed pencil sketch.
That said, the sacrifice obviously comes with the bass. While upper bass is sufficiently present, with a decent amount of heft and meat, mid and sub bass is very lacking. To get the most out of electronic music, dubstep, or even some bass heavy rock tracks, the HD598 simply does not cut it without an EQ or bass boost. And even with the bass brought up, it’s not a perfect solution, since I’ve noticed the bass boost on my Q1 with the HD598 can make some (not all) tracks sound just a bit wonky and loose, sometimes producing a strange reverb, trembling sound. The HD598 without EQ lacks warmth and color, again, similar in concept to a pencil sketch.
In short, the HD598’s bass isn’t very good. That would turn a lot of people off, but for those left, the HD598 could still be a very attractive option, taking into account the headphone as a whole.
 
The Target – Who is the HD598 for?
The HD598, for one, excels at comfort. While the HD598 may be considered a step back in comfort from the HD518 and HD558 due to its overly thick headband padding, it still is more than acceptable for long hour usage.
It’s traditional headband design also means it’s going to be less fussy than AKG’s and Audio Technica’s auto-adjust systems on the K612 and AD900x respectively. Both are similarly priced competitors to the HD598 that I found rather clumsy to put on, given my small-ish head size. So, if comfort is important to you, that’s a point for the HD598 over its competition.
Another point in the HD598’s favor is the Sennheiser name. Being a brand with global distribution, obtaining the HD598 at retail and getting warranty would not be a challenge for most. For those who want major convenience, that’s another score for the HD598.
Finally, the HD598 is just a good sounding headphone for detail freaks. This is a headphone I’d strongly recommend for people to demo first, because people have varied reactions to the lack of bass and detailed presentation. Some people don’t mind it at all, many clearly love it, while I bet a sizable number of people would not find it to their liking one bit.
Is this headphone’s sound for everyone? No, but that’s why it’s kinda cool and kinda special.
 
Conclusion
The HD598’s sound I felt was quite the unique experience. It wasn’t neutral (if you disagree, sue me), it wasn’t quite lean like an AKG, it wasn’t quite tizzy like practically every Grado, it wasn’t warm and relaxed, and it certainly wasn’t the V-shape signature that most people love.
It was, based on my experience, uniquely HD598.
Zeos of Z Reviews, when describing audio purchases, puts it best, sometimes, you just want something different. And the HD598, for all its minor flaws, is still a worthy headphone in my book.
A more than good option for those who want a crisp, clear but non-piercing or harsh sound, the HD598 is, and probably will be, still a great, easily obtained option for many an audiophile to come.
 
About Me, Josh Tseng:
A self-proclaimed “boring person”, I’m interested in audio gear, music, current events and having thought-provoking conversations with people I meet. Right now, SoundTown is a personal passion project of mine to improve my writing skills while being able to explore all things audio. I also happen to be visually impaired, which is why music has, for me, eventually become one of the most important forms of media I can consume.
If you want to talk to me, feel free to email me at soundtownmail@gmail.com or you can also find me on Twitter at @JoshSoundTown. PMs on Head-Fi, for now, would be rather challenging for me to access so that’ll have to be something I’ll have to work on. Oh and by the way, all feedback on my writing would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading and happy listening!
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Bansaku
Bansaku
Great review! 
Arkstorm
Arkstorm
Hi, I love your review of the HD598, I have some doubts:
-Are the 598 good for rock, metal?
- Are they fast?
- How different are they from the HD650 I was thinking of buying them?
- I have seen versions of the HD598, se, sr, etc. Are they the same or are there differences?
- Is it necessary to use an amp?
- Sorry for so many questions, and thank you

TravAndAlex

New Head-Fier
Pros: Comfort, design, balanced and natural sound, amazing value for the money.
Cons: Large and non-foldable, long no button cord, plastic feeling headband cushion.
COMPANY:  Sennheiser
MODEL:  HD598
COST:  $299 CAD - $250 USD – Note: often on sale for much less
TYPE:  Open, Dynamic, Over-Ear
DRIVER SIZE:  40mm neodynium
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:  12 Hz – 38.5 kHz
EFFICIENCY:  112 dB
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:  50 Ohms
WEIGHT:  270 Grams
COLOURS:  Ivory with Burl Wood or Black (SE Edition)
INCLUDES:
 
Headphone Adapter – 6.35 mm to 3.5 mm
Headphone Cable – 3-meter OFC (Oxygen Free Copper), 6.35mm with single sided 3.5 mm bayonet type connector with twist lock to ear cup
Cardboard box with plastic window
 
IMG_4007.jpg
 
Build Quality, Aesthetics and Comfort
 
Drawing on the reputation of fine German automobiles, the Sennheiser HD598 offers a distinctive design focused on luxury and refinement.  The unique colour combination of cream with polished burl wood accents is an opulent departure from a world of black and silver headphones.  Large, chocolate-coloured, velour ear pads and a thickly padded headband complete the retro design.   The shape is very reminiscent of the iconic Sennheiser HD600, while the new styling updates the classic look.
 
The HD598 are universally praised for being extremely comfortable and well suited for extended listening sessions.  They grip firmly without clamping, and the velour pads provide the right amount of cushion, are large enough to encircle the ear and avoid feeling too hot (too often experienced with leather type pads).  The mostly plastic construction (with metal side grills on the ear cups) makes for a very light headphone, however the fake leatherette cushion on the headband feels a bit plastic, and does not provide a convincing leather-like feel, which hurts the luxury image a bit.  In addition, while the headband cushion is made of soft comfortable foam, the height makes the whole band about an inch thick, which definitely does not make a svelte visual footprint on your head.
 
Size adjustment is good, with two plastic extenders hidden in the frame of the headband, and each ear cup slightly pivots for a better fit.  It is worth noting that earlier production models experienced cracking in the headband around the extenders, although Sennheiser has reportedly fixed this with a change in the plastic material for this part. 
 
Overall these are a large, chunky headphone, and do not fold, nor collapse down.  Neither case, nor bag is included with the HD598, so clearly Sennheiser does not intend these for portable use.
 
IMG_4001.jpg
Sound Signature and Quality
 
 
The HD598 features Sennheiser's E.A.R. - Eargonomic (pun very much intended I assume) Acoustic Refinement technology, which uses acoustic baffles inclined at a 60 degree angle to position the small triangular transducer to the optimal listening position and to enhance the width of the perceived soundstage. The technology appears to be derived from Sennheiser's flagship headphones. 
 
The real star of the HD598 is the sense of spaciousness, allowing the listener to picture the depth of the room where the music was recorded, and to appreciate the separation between instruments.  Overall, the sound is very balanced and clean, without distortion and with plenty of detail.  Vocals are warm, and the whole sound signature is easy to like.  Those looking for a more hard hitting or aggressive presentation may end up feeling a bit flat, as the HD598 presents a composed, laid back, and refined sound (picture more Bruce Banner and less Hulk).
 
Midrange presents a warm tone, especially with vocals.  Generally the mid range comes across as natural and realistic. 
 
Treble sounds a little brighter and more detailed than previous generation Sennheisers.  Again, there is a feeling of space and clarity. 
 
Bass is adequately textured and individual notes are retained.  Upper bass and lower mid range frequencies are marginally emphasized, which is a good thing in my book.  There is decent impact and power when the music calls for it.
 
 
IMG_4005.jpg
 
 
Conclusion
 
Overall, the Sennheiser HD598 remains very true to Sennheiser’s much loved house sound signature.  It provides a smooth and balanced presentation without overemphasis of bass or treble, and is housed in a very unique, stylish and retro-cool design.  There is a sense of clarity and spaciousness, with real sounding dynamics and detail.   An excellent value when purchased at regular price, when considered that it is often discounted on Amazon (and can be as low as $100), the HD598 provides almost unbeatable sound quality for the dollar.  The next step up the line (the HD600) is usually 2-3 times the price.  The HD598 is my first recommendation for those considering improving their listening experience, or those who have never heard high quality headphones before.  Although somewhat difficult to drive (and they do improve with a modest headphone amplifier) they can be enjoyed by anyone with an iPod or smartphone – keeping in mind that they aren’t very mobile friendly with a long non-button cord, non-foldable design and rather large size.  Having been around a half-decade or so, the HD598 is indeed a classic, as much as the luxury cars from which it borrows styling cues, and remains a terrific budget audiophile choice.
 
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snapacap

Head-Fier
Pros: Build, look (SE version), complete sound, comfort
Cons: can occasionally be a bit fatiguing, inside touches my ears.
For me the HD598 was a hope that I could get nearly the same sound as the HD558 with more comfort. In short, mission mostly accomplished.
 
Impression/build/: The first thing I noted straight out of the box is how premium the HD598 looks (SE version) and feels The headband is bound by leatheryness, the earcups have mesh, unlike the felt-like material of the HD558 earcups. Putting them on my head, it was clear to see the lesser clamp force compared to nearly every other Sennheiser I have tried (barring the HD700). The pads also felt a bit softer as well. I prefer this headband pad to most others I have used. One thing that I am sure some people have run into is hair getting stuck in velour/fabric headbands. The material used on the HD598SE solves this entirely.
 
Looks: However unimportant, the HD598SE looks sexy. The stealth-black color scheme, the mesh grills with the logo just underneath, the headband with the leathery goodness. *drool*
 
Features: adjustable headband, removable (but proprietary) cable, overall very modular. All of which are standard features that should be available on all headphones. (I do realize some headphones have auto-adjust headbands). Just for kicks, the G4me Zero pads fit on these as well.
 
Sound: Very good. I cannot say they are significantly 'better' than the HD558. In fact, I preferred the sound of the HD558. There is an increase in soundstage, which was already good. The real difference between the two is that the HD558 is darker, and brings musicality to the mid-low end. The HD598 puts the focus solidly in the mids. The effect is musicality on different aspects than the HD558, and possibly a bit better overall. The sound is still warm, but not overbearingly so. I clearly detect the 'Sennheiser veil' that many others have spoken about. This is the reason that they are not objectively the best headphones in the price range. Smooth musicality is where Sennheiser excels for me.The people who I had audition these said that they were 'pretty good' but not the best they had heard. The winning feature was still the musicality. One person said that of all the stuff they tried, they would pick these regardless of their shortcomings compared to other headphones like the SHP9500, Fidelio X2, and SE-A1000. The music was "just so music-y".
 
For me, I prefer the darker sound of the HD558, but also think that most people would find these an improvement over the HD558 in sound. At street prices, I think the price difference is worth it for the build difference. They just feel, look, and are more premium, and are more comfortable than the HD558. The downfall of these for me is I finally got a hold of the HD700, and those make most things (including the HD598) sound like i am listening through a pillow. 
 
If someone is looking for a singular pair of headphones to do everything with, I recommend these highly. They are not sterile at all, they are balanced enough to please most, and clear enough to not be a problem. The soundstage is good, and work great for games like CS:GO. The sound carries music in a very enjoyable way. I find that pretty much every genre is quite good on the HD598. I was particularly pleased with metal, and heavy rock. The top end is good enough for the vocal and guitars, and is still warm enough to carry the bass and drums.
 
Recommended song:
Wrong Side Of Heaven - Five Finger Death Punch
 
 
In the end, these are great headphones. They are musical, warm, fairly clear, fairly comfortable, premium feeling, good looking, and not overly expensive at street price. I highly recommend the Sennheiser HD598SE, especially if you can only have 1 pair of (open) headphones.

thriceattack

New Head-Fier
Pros: very balanced
Cons: overrated
These headphone are good, but in my opinion, pretty overrated. A pair of cans i can pick up for $50 more sounds way better than these.
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cuiter23
cuiter23
Lol, overrated and better sounding headphones at $50 you still gave it 4.5/5 stars. You must have very low expectations.

Jason4774

New Head-Fier
Pros: Tight bass, sparkly but unforceful highs, comfortable as pillows on your ears!
Cons: lack of midrange texture, cheap feeling
Generally find myself using these straight into my ipad when listening to podcasts or spotify, and for that, they are wonderful.  The sound seems full and complete for long term casual use.  Plugged into my pc for gaming and music, I run them into an Nad d1050, and they really shine there.
 
I switch between these and the Shure srh840's for casual non audiophile use, but mainly end up using these more because of the comfort.
 
They are rather cheap feeling.  Definitely not the best built headphones at this price.  But, on the flip side, they're light and sit so comfortably on my head, that I forget I have them on most of the time.
 
Oddly, I don't like the typical Sennheiser sound.  I've owned a pair of 650's for years, and maybe for lack of proper amplification, I just never got into them.  With that said, I like these, as they sound a little more alive and less forcefully even than my old 650's did.  Perhaps not as accurate, but I'll take fun over accurate any day.
 
They're a good recommend for people who don't usually like headphones.  They're easy to drive, comfortable, and the open back design keeps the ears cool and also keeps the sound from being pinned completely in the head...they sound more like speakers than headphones, which for non headphone people, is a plus.
 
They're not the best I've heard, or even the best I own, but I use them the most, because not everything in life is about music (though I always wish it could be).  For everyday tasks that require sound but some amount of consideration to the people around me, like movies or gaming, or even casual listening while I write, they sound good enough and feel great enough, that I use them all the time for anything I can rationalize using them for.

uncopy87

Head-Fier
Pros: Large sound stage and balanced
Cons: A little muddy
Well, I just got into head fi. I must say my first impression was just okay.
Then after using it for over 300 hours I could start to tell its superiority in sound quality to my bose qc 25..
Also it is very comfy. the padding is not as comfy as the qc 25, but because it is an open headphone i.t allows alot of air to breathe so I NEVER sweat with this on, while I do sometimes with my qc 25 when walking around on a hot day. 
But when compared to the hd800 it pales in comparison. But thats to be expected, cause hd800 is like 10 times its price.
Very worth the 150 dollars though!

Sennheiser Fann

New Head-Fier
Pros: Natural Sound
Cons: Lack of bass
Hi, Iam a new member of Headfi and Iam a new to the World of high end audio, so I started with the HD 598 as my sort of ''beginner'' type, for now. The sound of it is extraordinary, I didn't expect it to perform this well !!! 

Ilovesennheiser

New Head-Fier
Pros: Pretty detail sounding for a $200 headphone/between mid to high fidelity/ smooths mid and highs/ very comfortable( doesn't create hot spots)
Cons: Not very details bass/ The cable is too long 3m cable/ Due to lack of bass, the sound sounded quite thin for my taste
When I first look at the headphone, Iwas amaze how the outside of the headphone looks, even though i heard of not many people prefer beige colour. For me, this headphone sound like you are in a actual concert, you being submerge in a room that being play just for you. Overall an amazing experience, this could be a good headphone if you are short in your budget when you cannot afford more high end headphone such as the HD 600. ( I also owned a HD 600 =))
 
9/10

PWND

New Head-Fier
Pros: Buttery smooth mids and highs, natural sounds, removable cable, good value, soft velour pad which maximum comforts.
Cons: Slightly lack of bass and some songs can create some sort of distortions.
This is my first experience of a headphone that can produce an amazing detail sound that can really feel natural and immersive at the same time. The first time when I put on the HD 598, I didn't expect this headphone can perform this well when looking at it price tag. Later on, I also try some other very high end grade headphone which including the Audeze LCD 2 which cost about $1000(+ some very high end DAC/AMP from Kern) , of course with this high price tag, the Audeze perform just like what I expected from it price, instruments sounded like it is playing lively just for you. The thing that Iam trying to say, is that the HD 598 do really benefit the technology from it older brother (HD 800) the angled drivers do really improve the sound stage dramatically, and when the HD 598 being compare to the mighty Audeze LCD 2, for me, the HD 598 do really shine very well on the highs and mids when even compare to a $1000 headphone which seem ridiculous, but even though the Audeze LCD 2 really much outperform the HD 598 in term of bass quality and quantity, the bass sounded extremely realistic/accurate, it feels tight and have wonderful impacts.
 
Conclusion:
With a price tag of $200 headphone range, the HD 598 for me really perform much better than it competitors e.t. ATH M50X...etc. For it overall sound quality and purpose( except it is not really goods when listen in the public which sound leak in and out quite alots). I would say, it is a hard to beat headphone at this price. 10/10

cl92

New Head-Fier
Pros: Clear sound, sound signature is very neutral, decent sound-stage, comfortable, well-priced
Cons: sound-stage isn't extremely open, bass light (not good or bad IMO)
I've had these headphones for a little over a year now, and although I've always been extremely pleased with them, I know they aren't amazing. For the money ($149 when I bought them), they are phenomenal semi-entry level headphones. They're clear, not super hard to power, and comfortable. I can't complain about them unless i'm comparing them to other Senn headphones. Obviously, the 600s and 650s blow these out of the water in most respects, but that is to be expected with the price point. All in all, I think these are great headphones, and if I could go back to when I was looking for a new, open pair, I wouldn't change my decision. 
Burtron5
Burtron5
I started with the 558's and thought the same. Great bargain and great sound. That was 2 years ago. I have since bought the 600's and thought this was it, the endgame for my tastes. While I do still listen to them, I found a used pair of 700's online, and well, let's just say there is no comparison. The 700's open up the treble ( not at all harsh to my ears), transparency, quickness and that darkness you hear about offsets the crystal highs. Amping will greatly affect the overall warmth/cool sound. Look for a bargain (I found a lightly used pair for $ 434, incl aftermarket cables). Tough to beat. 

Eckart17

New Head-Fier
Pros: Removeable cable, comfortable, sits around the ear not on, has great mids
Cons: small soundstage, feels semi open
I first started getting into audiophile grade headphones in high school (5 years ago) with Sennheiser HD515 headphones which were (at the time) the best headphones I had ever tried. Since then I have sought other headphones, in pursuit of new sound, new experience, and a perfect headphone. I paid 40 dollars for Sennheiser HD515 on amazon in 2010, and a hundred and fifty for these HD598 now. The quality has gone down in my opinion. Sound stage on the HD598 feels small in comparison, for the money I expected a flat but clear sound and to be honest it sounds very distorted in some songs, and seems to push mids above all else, the highs are no where near as clear as my HD515 and the bass seems to be a good level. I can hear a drum and not a thundering boom in Arctic Monkeys "Do I wanna know?" but in Fireflights "For Those Who Wait" the pitch doesn't get as high as other headphones.
 
The soundstage, the reason I bought these headphones in the first place, seems small not massive like my HD515 and can't reach the highs that I expected. The HD598 seem good but not great, barely worth the one hundred and fifty I paid for these, definitely not worth the two hundred and fifty they retail for.
 
This is my first review, I plan on working on my writing with these reviews.
alynx
alynx
+1 for small soundstage. I dont get why people describe them as having a wide soundstage. 
2
204109
I bought the 598SE for $95 on Black Friday. I'm not sure if they are fake or just a faulty pair but these sound muffled to me, slightly muddy at times, and as far as soundstage goes, these sound just like my Ultrasone hfi580. I honestly don't know much about soundstage but if theres something I am supposed to be hearing, i'm definitely not hearing it with this.

LandonO

New Head-Fier
Pros: Balanced and rich accuracy. She's a real beauty.
Cons: She doesn't really have any major ones.
Alright, so I am not an audiophile by any means, my entire experience of headphelia is just using cheap IEMs but after trying some expensive beats, I knew I needed something more.
And if your like me you want one pair to be your main man until it kicks the bucket a couple yours down the road.Not knowing what you want makes buying headphones hard, and so you take to the internet expecting some advice but then get thrown words like warm, shimmering highs, soundstage, and then you get caught flat on your face with too many options to choose from.  I am going to give you my honest impressions and experience, not a whole description of each thing you will hear, because no online review will ever truly describe the experience you will have. 
 
And now to the HD 598's.If your reading this review your probably upgrading from some under $100 headphones, since i doubt that your downgrading from some nicer ones, and the 598's are one of your options. 
 
I shall refer to the headphones as 'she' from here on out by the way. 
 
 
Comfort:  
She kisses and conforms to your head, "like a glove". I have pre-historic sized ears and theyre very sensitive but she makes love to them 10/10
 
Looks and Feel:
Very Luxurious, highest of quality, even though its all plastic. I love the look, I feel fancy as fu...I feel fancy while wearing her. 9/10
 
Sound:
I won't even use the words highs, lows, and mids in this review. I will put into more authentic words: You can hear everything, you will hear your music defined and articulated in a balanced area around your head. You will hear new parts of every song you thought you already knew and you will hear the parts you already knew in a better light. I'll summarize my experience with these headphones with a couple words: Balanced and rich accuracy. She won't block any part of a song with another part unless the artist intended that when he/she recorded it. 
 
The songs that blew my mind while using these puppies: "listen to the music" - The Doobie Brothers, "Trembling Hands" -Temper Trap and pretty much anything i through at it actually. 10/10
 
Open Back Headphones:
One of your main concerns about her might be that she's open(yes that sounded dirty, but we're too mature to giggle[Ha yeah right]), which means sound will get in and out of her. I actually prefer sound to leak in, it gives me awareness of my surroundings, although when I am listening at moderate volumes most background and ambient noise is blocked out, so only someone or something demanding my attention will pull me outside of my paradise of music. Now for other people hearing your music, I have found that when you are in quiet places(library, office) if you keep volumes below 50% coworkers and friends won't even hear it, of course if you are at least 5 feet away. And if your in a moderately noisy place(coffee shop, etc.) you can have your music as loud as you want. Fortunately you will get the same amount of rich articulation at any volume. But your smart though, you won't be blaring her full blast in a business meeting or during an exam. 
 
So what I am trying to get at is if the fact that shes open is deterring you from buying, I would go for it anyways. The musical experience you will have will outweigh the small amount of cons. The sound is too damn good to even care that they are open unless you NEED to cancel out noise, then to that I say what the hell are you doing here, get closed headphones.
 
Oh I should mention that she doesn't shake your head with bass, she whispers it right into your soul, which i absolutely love. But if you want to shake your head with bass just get some skullcrushers.
 
 
I got these for $160(Canadian) which was a steal, but i think these are worth it for their full price ($240 on amazon.ca). I wasn't planning on spending as much as I did but I am glad I made the leap of faith.
 
If this is your first upgrade from cheap earbuds, like it was for me, you'll be very satisfied with her.
 
 
 
Cheers,
LandonO
LandonO
Correction*:
 
I meant to put value and audio quality at 10/10.
MrTechAgent
MrTechAgent
Nice, I think you should bone her. 
alynx
alynx
+1 for looks and comfort. In terms of sonics they are likable. But to be fair, in the 150-250$ price range there are alot of viable alternativves to be had.

Johannus

Head-Fier
Pros: Great sound, great tone, very well balanced, very clean, great bass (not lacking), detailed sound.
Cons: Overpriced.
Great sound, great tone, very well balanced, very clean, great bass (not lacking), detailed sound. Everything sounds great on the SENNHEISER HD 598.
whitemass
whitemass
@defbear True, there's a Pawn Shop up the street from me that's had these over and over, the thing is, they've had the same pair come back in two years in a row. I seen them two years ago on a Christmas day for $200, since the Amazon price came to $150, they dropped them down to $135(I think is unfair). Also, how do I know they're the same ones that come in over and over? Serial number is always checked, I've always asked, and there's an Audio Geek up there I converse with all the time.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
For a short time they were for sale on Amazon for $99. May have been the day after Thanksgiving or something?
defbear
defbear
FWIW I paid $142.00 shipped from Amazon this past winter.
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