[Bansaku]

  About the foam in the 558, when I opened the cans and removed it, the sounds become clearer and wider but a little bit bloated. Which means drums and bass no longer retains the force that it used to have. Songs like "You'll See" by Madonna or "It's All Coming back to Me Now" just sounds horrible. I don't recommend it. The foam-less 558 still sound very different to the 598. I think 598 are one of the best in its price range, can't say no to that stunning good looks and perfect comfort.

 
I completely agree. What actually sparked my interest in the HD598 in the first place was when a co-worker and I swapped my UE Super.fi 5 Pro for his mod'd HD558s for a weekend. He claimed the mod made them sound like the HD598s. I was like," Uhm, ok? " not knowing a single thing about either. I auditioned them virtually all weekend while researching both models, which interestingly enough were often paired with each other (and sometimes the HD518s). At the same time I was watching an add on Kijiji for a pair of HD558s slightly used (classic headphone sell story of not knowing a store's return policy on headphones) for $120. After a good 20 hours of listening enjoyment that Sunday I finally decided to buy the pair from Kijiji. However, when I checked the listings they were gone, BUT a pair of NIB HD598 (complete with plastic ring seal intact) for $200 posted just minutes earlier. I did not hesitate. $180 out of my pocket and an hour later they were mine! Anyway, the point to my mini-story here is that the instant I put on the HD598s and pushed play I knew right away, without hesitation, or any burn-in, that the HD558s are NOT a poor man's HD598. I didn't even bother A-Bing the two as the difference out-of-box was very apparent (to my ears), and the fact that I just literally pulled a marathon session with the HD558s. Anyway, my 2 cents.
 

 

[StanD]

As long as you guys keep upping the ante, might as well get a pair of HD600's and call it a day.

 

[WilliamLeonhart]

I had a chance to audition both the HD600s and the HD650s (and their older brother HD580s) as well and found out that while they're quite pleasant (in term of comfort and sound), there's just almost nothing special about these cans. I wasn't quite satisfied with HD650 at their price range at the time (more than $500 in my country), even though classical songs and vocal music sounded really good. It seemed to me that Sennheiser chose to play on the safe side (the sound is pleasant and will definitely impress newbie) and try to refine everything as much as possible.
 
Well I may have sounded conflicted but up to this day still can't bring myself to buy a pair of HD650s. Still ocassionaly put these guys on at the shop, but still can't be persuaded. For me, ATH-AD2000 would be a better (but pricier choice) for their perfect mids. Which brings me back to the point of StanD: if you're willing to upgrade from HD558/HD598 to HD600/HD650, there won't be no stopping from upgrading to, idk, maybe HD800? The p/p of HD598 is quite good, I think, but of HD650, not as much as hyped.

 

[vaibhavp]

  I had a chance to audition both the HD600s and the HD650s (and their older brother HD580s) as well and found out that while they're quite pleasant (in term of comfort and sound), there's just almost nothing special about these cans. I wasn't quite satisfied with HD650 at their price range at the time (more than $500 in my country), even though classical songs and vocal music sounded really good. It seemed to me that Sennheiser chose to play on the safe side (the sound is pleasant and will definitely impress newbie) and try to refine everything as much as possible.
 
Well I may have sounded conflicted but up to this day still can't bring myself to buy a pair of HD650s. Still ocassionaly put these guys on at the shop, but still can't be persuaded. For me, ATH-AD2000 would be a better (but pricier choice) for their perfect mids. Which brings me back to the point of StanD: if you're willing to upgrade from HD558/HD598 to HD600/HD650, there won't be no stopping from upgrading to, idk, maybe HD800? The p/p of HD598 is quite good, I think, but of HD650, not as much as hyped.

 
I think personal preference has a lot to do with it. I tried HD650. Found it to be way too slow and sleepy. For someone, maybe its what they want.

 

[StanD]

I didn't care much for the HD650's but the HD600''s and HE-500's found their way to my home. I found these two to be outstanding. To me these two are a definite step up. I gifted my 598's and keep my 558's at the office.

 

[WilliamLeonhart]

I also think they're a step up from HD598 and HD558, but personally don't find the upgrade to be worth it (2 times the price of HD598). But as vaibhavp said, it's always a matter of preferences. To me the HD558 is a bit dark, the HD600 quite sleepy, but the HD598 gives a very smooth and somewhat relaxing experience. 
Talk about using the HD5x8 in the office, the colleague in front of me has a pair of HD558 and he got complained a few times. Never mind that, I use Grados at work, since I need to know whether the boss is shouting too...

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[potterpastor]

I bought a short 4 foot cable from Sennheiser for less than $20 and it works great with the HD 598.

 

[potterpastor]

I love the 600 and 650, but the 598 is sometimes what I prefer, and it is more versatile. You can plug it right into an iPod touch 5th gen, or get even better sound as you buy better and better amps and equipment. Every amp I ever used has made the 598 sound better

 

[StanD]

  I also think they're a step up from HD598 and HD558, but personally don't find the upgrade to be worth it (2 times the price of HD598). But as vaibhavp said, it's always a matter of preferences. To me the HD558 is a bit dark, the HD600 quite sleepy, but the HD598 gives a very smooth and somewhat relaxing experience. 
Talk about using the HD5x8 in the office, the colleague in front of me has a pair of HD558 and he got complained a few times. Never mind that, I use Grados at work, since I need to know whether the boss is shouting too...

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No kidding, I found that my HD558's leak far less than either my HD600's or HE-500's. Thankfully, nobody at my office ever complained, then again we have plenty of space.

 

[mindbomb]

the specs say that the 518 is significantly less sensitive than the other two. Is that accurate?

 

[StanD]

  the specs say that the 518 is significantly less sensitive than the other two. Is that accurate?

I didn't look up the specs but the cups are very different from either the HD558's or HD598's so it could be due to acoustical properties. My best guess as all 3 use the same drivers.
Whoa, a milestone, my 3,300th post.

 

[Rem0o]

I believe the HD598 and 558 drivers have the same S/N. However, as other mentionned, the enclosure you put the driver in makes all the difference. Just look at the T50RP, and what people have done with it in different enclosure (think Alpha Dog). 

 

[WilliamLeonhart]

Talking about "modding" (like removing the foams inside the 558), is there any way to improve the HD598 that are not incredibly dangerous? Has any1 here try recabling them?

 

[StanD]

  Talking about "modding" (like removing the foams inside the 558), is there any way to improve the HD598 that are not incredibly dangerous? Has any1 here try recabling them?

Cables are not going to improve the HD598, only drain your wallet.

 

[WilliamLeonhart]

I guess that's the case then. I'm having a few dollars to spend and thinking of modding or buying new amps. Perhaps I'll save a bit more and buy an Little Dot I+, mainly for my Grados. But then I suppose it might makes a difference from the O2 on my HD598.