Sennheiser HD598 Headphone Full Review

[BoltActionWaffle]

Hello users of LTT forums, and welcome to my full review of the Sennheiser HD598 Headphones.

 

NOTES

• 36 Hour Burn in Time using playlist consisting of varying genres.

• Used “Headphones” option without Virtual Surround for Imaging testing.

• Used Mayflower O2 + ODAC Amp/DAC Combo for all Testing.

• I've owned these headphones for nearly a year. 

 

 

PICTURES

Took them outside on my balcony this time, so hopefully they look better than before? Took them quite late though, around 6:30pm PST.

 

 

Included in the Box:

• HD598 Headphones

• 3m Detachable Cable

• ¼” to ⅛” (6.5mm/3.5mm) Headphone Jack

• Paid $210 CAD

 

Specifications (For those who care)

Type

Open-air Dynamic

Driver Diameter

53 mm

Frequency Response

12 – 38,500 Hz

Impedance

50 ohms

Weight

270g

Cable

3.0 m (9.8')

Connector

6.5 mm(1/4") mini stereo, gold-plated

 

Build Quality and Design

The HD598s are built and designed quite nicely. They feel solid, though made of plastic. Since they’re an open pair of headphones, somebody shouldn’t be using these on the go, which leads me to believe the build quality is great for home use, which it was obviously designed for. I personally really admire the unique aesthetic of these headphones, with its wood finishes and brown velour pads. The cable feels nice, but some may dislike the fact that it terminates into a 6.5mm (1/4") jack instead of 3.5mm (1/8"), this personally doesn't bother me. The ear pads are also removable which is nice. If you would like a quick laugh, here’s sennheiser quality control at its finest.

 

Comfort

The HD598s simply put, are extremely comfortable. The velour cushions are very plush and plenty thick. It also has a low amount of clamping force which definitely helps with comfort, although may not feel as secure as you’re used to is enough for you to not worry about them falling off if you sit normally. I’d say the ear pad’s squishiness level is considerable high, @Lays haha :lol:  (Of course not LCD-2 level). The Headband isn’t the typical material used but conforms to your head well and is plenty thick. They aren’t the most comfortable headphones I’ve worn (I’ve worn a huge list of headphones), but I’d say you could wear these an entire day without issues.

 

Sound (Highs, Mids, Lows, Soundstage and Imaging)

They HD598’s have a slightly warmer sound signature which is a very enjoyable sound signature in my opinion, though I generally prefer brighter headphones. (This is Subjective)

 

Highs - The treble or highs sound crisp, don’t come off as harsh, and handles sibilance very well. I wouldn’t really consider these to have a “sparkly” sound and the clarity is great, but not the best I’ve heard.

 

Mids - The mids sound a bit forward to me, but still managing to sound very warm and relaxing. They sound very smooth, lush and doesn’t overwhelm anything from the lows to the highs.

 

Lows - Some may consider these headphones to be bass light, but I honestly it sounds distinct, punchy and doesn’t overwhelm the mids. If you’re a bass head, these will DEFINITELY not suffice.

 

The HD598’s have a large and airy soundstage, not much else to say.

 

For gaming, imaging was good. In BF3, I was able to locate the position of my enemies fairly easily, though not as good as other headphones in its price range is still good.

(All Testing done in Battlefield 3 w/ IBIubbleTea)

I would prone in the middle of field, my friend would shoot his gun, then I would guess his position and distance. We did the same with footsteps and jumping.

 

Conclusion

Overall, the HD598s are a solid pair of headphones. They’re very well balanced, have a nice sound signature that is fantastic for music. These also perform well for gaming, footsteps were distinct and the imaging was good. They are built fairly well, and are extremely comfortable. I personally really admire the unique aesthetic, though you may not, and I feel they’re are a very good jack of all trades. Compared to the HD558s, I can’t really hear a significant different, maybe a slightly larger soundstage and and less punchy, but It could just be me looking too hard. I’m content with my purchase, but I would definitely consider the HD558’s simply because they sound so similar for a significantly lower price.

 

Links:

Amazon.com

[Thebman712]

really really good pics man

 

also a good detailed review 

[alby800]

They look like the noctuas of the audio world :lol:

[BoltActionWaffle]

really really good pics man

 

also a good detailed review 

Thanks! I'm not much of photographer, haha but having a nice DSLR definitely helps.

I actually really enjoy writing these reviews  :lol:

[Lays]

Lol

 

 You saw my video right? They're like little clouds wrapped in leather!

 

 

Good review, I'll read it a bit more in depth now, I skimmed before making a reply

[SparkySamZa]

really really good pics man

 

also a good detailed review 

i was thinking that, when i do my first review of my Cougar 700k i hope my DLSR 550D can do this good .

Fantastic review, btw cleared up if it they had detachable cable, because some people say it doesn't and sennheiser and now you have said it does which is awesome

[Luckylock]

your review was everything I expected to read (I've read countless reviews on these cans). that quality control thing was hilarious.

[SparkySamZa]

your review was everything I expected to read (I've read countless reviews on these cans). that quality control thing was hilarious.

aha, lol that post about then only having a clip is quite amusing, but the warranty and the fact they are quite customisable is a big bonus, along with the awesome audio quality