[TooPoorForHiFi]

How does the HD 598SE compare to Philips X2 in term of sound quality, is it close enough? I really like the bass of the X2. If anyone could shed some thoughts on the two that would be great,
 
thanks 

 

[mysticstryk]

  How does the HD 598SE compare to Philips X2 in term of sound quality, is it close enough? I really like the bass of the X2. If anyone could shed some thoughts on the two that would be great,
 
thanks 

 
I actually find them both pretty comparable in terms of quality.  The 598 has a smoother treble and better midrange.  Soundstage and imaging are a little better on the X2.  The bass on the X2 is larger but a bit bloated in the mid-bass.
 
I don't think the X2 is a very good deal at $300.  In that range your getting into 400s and 400i territory and possible TOTL candidates like the hd6x0 series.  It has gone on sale for $200 on a couple occasions which is what I would pay for them were I to buy again.

 

[yangian]

  How does the HD 598SE compare to Philips X2 in term of sound quality, is it close enough? I really like the bass of the X2. If anyone could shed some thoughts on the two that would be great,
 
thanks 

Sound quality is of the similar tier. I like the sound signature of X2 better than 598SE/598. I agree with @mysticstryk that X2 is overpriced based on sound quality but reasonable price based on build quality.

 

[LazyListener]

  How does the HD 598SE compare to Philips X2 in term of sound quality, is it close enough? I really like the bass of the X2. If anyone could shed some thoughts on the two that would be great,
 
thanks 

I've had the opportunity to compare both 598 and X2 back to back.  If you really like the bass on the X2, then you may be a little disappointed by the bass of the 598, as it tends to be more neutral to light.  That said, I found the treble of the X2 a bit sharp at certain frequencies, whereas the 598 is smooth throughout.  I think the 598 is the better sounding can overall, especially if you listen to slower music using real instruments and recorded with soundstage and dynamics.  If you tend to listen to a lot of today's music, electronic or otherwise, that tend to have a compressed soundstage and dynamics, and is more bass-driven, then I'd say the X2 is better suited for that.
 
Oh, and in terms of comfort, I found the X2 to clamp a bit tightly on my large head.  The 598 are very comfortable.

 

[mysticstryk]

  Sound quality is of the similar tier. I like the sound signature of X2 better than 598SE/598. I agree with @mysticstryk that X2 is overpriced based on sound quality but reasonable price based on build quality.

 
Forgot to mention that, the build quality (aside from recent issues) is really great with the X2.  Has a real premium feel to it.

 

[yangian]

 
I've had the opportunity to compare both 598 and X2 back to back.  If you really like the bass on the X2, then you may be a little disappointed by the bass of the 598, as it tends to be more neutral to light.  That said, I found the treble of the X2 a bit sharp at certain frequencies, whereas the 598 is smooth throughout.  I think the 598 is the better sounding can overall, especially if you listen to slower music using real instruments and recorded with soundstage and dynamics.  If you tend to listen to a lot of today's music, electronic or otherwise, that tend to have a compressed soundstage and dynamics, and is more bass-driven, then I'd say the X2 is better suited for that.
 
Oh, and in terms of comfort, I found the X2 to clamp a bit tightly on my large head.  The 598 are very comfortable.

Agree. 598 is really comfortable. I cannot AB them. But from memory, I think 598 has larger soundstage. But this is only from memory.

 

[TooPoorForHiFi]

Thanks for the responses, so for an Open Back Headphone that is under $150, My best option seem to be the HD598.

 

[LazyListener]

  Thanks for the responses, so for an Open Back Headphone that is under $150, My best option seem to be the HD598.

I would think so.  I haven't heard all open backs under $150 to say for sure, but I was able to compare the 598s to a few other more expensive cans, and the 598 beat them all overall.  I personally would have paid $250-300 for the level of sound quality the 598s provide.  Then again, $250 was their original selling price.

 

[bolmeteus]

The VE Zen 2.0 feels like it has better soundstage than the full sized 598SE.

 

[yangian]

  Thanks for the responses, so for an Open Back Headphone that is under $150, My best option seem to be the HD598.

Another choice is SHP9500. And it's on sale now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Philips-SHP9500-Over-Ear-Headphones-Black/381133854860?rmvSB=true
 
To be honest, I like 9500 more than both 598 and X2. Techanically, the SQ of 9500 is not as good as 598 or X2, but it sounds more natural to my ear.

 

[bolmeteus]

  Another choice is SHP9500. And it's on sale now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Philips-SHP9500-Over-Ear-Headphones-Black/381133854860?rmvSB=true
 
To be honest, I like 9500 more than both 598 and X2. Techanically, the SQ of 9500 is not as good as 598 or X2, but it sounds more natural to my ear.

I have to agree from what I've heard so far. Is it going to be discontinued soon?

 

[yangian]

  The VE Zen 2.0 feels like it has better soundstage than the full sized 598SE.

I don't think this could be. Even the soundstage king of IEMs, the IE80, cannot have 598's soundstage. 598's soundstage is big even among full open cans. 

 

[yangian]

  I have to agree from what I've heard so far. Is it going to be discontinued soon?

Have no idea. Hopefully not. Maybe Philips would improve its build quality like X2. Who knows

 

[bolmeteus]

  I don't think this could be. Even the soundstage king of IEMs, the IE80, cannot have 598's soundstage. 598's soundstage is big even among full open cans. 

Please do try them out, I am testing them atm and the Zen sounds more spacious and the vocals are a bit more "forward".

 

[yangian]

  Please do try them out, I am testing them atm and the Zen sounds more spacious and the vocals are a bit more "forward".

 
What do you use to drive 598? Without proper drived, 598 does sound congested.