[potterpastor]

I have both 598 and Momentum and they are very different. The HD 598 is open and lush and a tad on the bright side. It picks up details and sounds other phones can't.

The Momentum is closed and warm and sweet and higher in resolution imo than the 598. It sounds better with my e12/iphone 4s combo than the 598. But the 598 sounds better with classical and movies. I love them both. The Momentum is the better all rounder. If I could only own one, I would have the Momentum. But thank God I do not have to choose

 

[BillsonChang007]

I disagree with you that the HD598 are bright. It's not bright at all, in fact, it's rather dark. I would say it's rather mid centric but it is not very detailed like what you may have described. There are, in fact, many other headphones that is actually more detailed than the HD598.

I do agree with you though, that the HD598 is good for classical and movies, like it with some jazz too hehe

IMO
Billson

 

[phillyd]

The Momentums are portable, close-backed and really cannot compete with the 598's.

 

[GREQ]

The Momentums are portable, close-backed and really cannot compete with the 598's.

I totally disagree.
Have you even heard the Momentums?
They're resolution and timbre is just as excellent as the HD598.
Also they totally destroy the HD598 for outdoor use/isolation and style.
 
I can't believe this "apples and oranges" thread is still going strong.

 

[phillyd]

I totally disagree.
Have you even heard the Momentums?
They're resolution and timbre is just as excellent as the HD598.
Also they totally destroy the HD598 for outdoor use/isolation and style.

I can't believe this "apples and oranges" thread is still going strong.

I have heard the Momentums, I think that they are excellent headphones but they don't match up to the open and natural sound of the open 598's.

 

[GREQ]

Like I said... apples and oranges.

 

[potterpastor]

I agree that the 598 sounds fabulous with jazz. I was listening to John Coletrane with them last night, and the 598 was tremendous.

Mine definitely have an upper mid treble emphasis

 

[BillsonChang007]

I never recognize HD598 or majority of what Sennheiser made as upper mids emphasis.

PS: your profile picture makes me so tempted for HD600 haha

 

[potterpastor]

Love the 600s. High fidelity neutral phones with a pinch of warm is the way I would characterize them.

I agree that the 598's are warm. There is a little bit of lower treble tilt to my ears, but I was incorrect to use the word "bright." Listening to the 600 and 598 back to back, the 598 seems a little north of neutral in the treble to my ears. Both headphones are important to me. The 598 is a little easier to drive, and more comfortable. The HD 598 is the most comfortable headphone I've ever worn hands-down. That's important because if the headphone is not comfortable, then I don't want to wear it, no matter how good it sounds. Plus it sounds lush and luscious and lovely,

And it's on sale right now!

The 600 definitely sounds like a higher up headphone when connected to more expensive desktop equipment. I also think it sounds great with my E12, though I wish Sennheiser made a shorter cable for portable amps.

 

[BillsonChang007]

IMO if you are comparing the HD600 to HD598, of course the HD598 sounds bright! The HD600 is known to be darkish in sound xD

 

[potterpastor]

I would say that the 600 is darker than 598, but not dark compared to HD 650 or even the Momentum. It's all relative

 

[G_T_J]

Proud ownwer of both. You can't really compare these two. Completely different experience and use for every pair.

 

[potterpastor]

I own both also. Totally agree. They're both different and both equally excellent

 

[obsidyen]

The Momentums are portable, close-backed and really cannot compete with the 598's.

 
That's so judgmental. Have you heard the IE800s? They are really small iems, yet crush many open-back over ears in sound quality.

 

[coletrain104]

if you're looking in the same price range as the momentum, the HE-400 is $300, and I personally love it. Just saying.