[TheKingOfDucks]

So, soon, I'll be looking for a new set of headphones. I've only ever used Turtle Beach and Tritton, but I am very educated in the audiophile community. I know my ****, but not from personal experience. I'm currently eyeing the SHP9500s and the HD598 SE. I can get them for within the same price range, and money is not the issue here. I'll be playing games like Skyrim, Minencraft, Farcry, GTA. So, open world games. Mostly Minecraft. I like to be creative. I also listen to a variety of musical genres, but mainly music from Ludovico Einaudi. He does a lot of piano and strings, along with some digital synthesizer. I also listen to rap, mainly Eminem. All of his stuff. Some folk music, Gregory Alan Isakov, classic rock, Mumford and sons, Matthew Good, lots of 70s stuff, and a couple others. I'm leaning towards the 598s, because everyone loves them, whereas the SHPs have very mixed reviews. I like a natural but fun sound. Any help will be appreciated. I will also be recording my own piano music

 

[serman005]

I agree with you. The 598 will be more flexible and versatile for gaming and music and will likely sound better for music. It is particularly good for piano and strings/orchestral/Einaudi type stuff (I own one). The SHP9500 is good. I just think the 598 is just a wee bit better.

 

[samvafaei]

Both are pretty good headphones, but if you're looking for relatively cheap open-back headphones, get the Beyerdyamic DT990. No headphones is perfect, but for the price the 990s are hard to beat. Just make sure to get a low impedance model (like 32 ohms) if you don't have a dedicated amp.

 

[LazyListener]

Never heard SHP9500, but 598 is musical and fun (just not much low bass). Great for classic rock and classical, pretty good for hip-hop. I don't game, but many do, and love them for gaming.

 

[ahmadfaizadnan]

My friend owns the 598 SE and 598 Cs and he's a heavy gamer. I am not sure if this help but since he has two of the same series, that might says something.

 

[cossix]

+1 for the 598, I use them for gaming and they're wonderful. They sound very open and natural!