Sennheiser HD 599 Open-backed Headphone Review and Comparison 

You're right, you CAN get a more professional sounding headset for that price, but... Those headsets come with higher impedance than 50, which means you require amplifiers, and amplifiers end up shooting the cost of those headphone setups, far past what the 599 costs... FAR past it, lmao. The 599 does not need an amplifier... THAT my friend, is the primary selling point of that headset, compared to more professional-grade headsets, like the Sennheiser 560S, which is a direct upgrade from the 599 in every way, but the impedance is 120, or the 600 you're using which has an impedance of 300, for example. :P What a lot of sound-reviewers and audiophiles often forget to include in their review, is impedance... Kind of infuriating, tbvh... I mean i know why they forget to include impedance into their consideration, it's because they ALREADY own amplifiers so they normally don't have to worry about the extra cost to use professional headphones... But come on, if anyone should know to include impedance into their consideration, it's guys like you. xD ALWAYS remember impedance, bro... never forget.

WOW just received my headphones and OMG they are beautiful. Sound is luscious, rich and full so pleasing. Rush never sounded better. My movies are going to sound so good. These now are my go to headphones for all my audio needs. I can say that my Akg q701, Beyerdamics dt770 250ohm, Hifi man 400i, Momentum 2 over ear, Sennheiser HD 600 will be put to rest. The Hd599 surpass my expectations in sound and comfort, so comfy that there is no need for any other headphone. For me they are the end game in headphones. When you find a headphone that has the sound and comfort you want why would you want to continue to buy other headphones and think that there are better sounding headphones, i doubt it.

One tiny little critique: You said they're not $249 good and there are others that do the job better..... but you didn't give me any other recommendations as to what to consider.

I feel your painful honesty and love it. Will get this 599

Wow your channel grown like a beast. Congratulations

I've had the Grado SR80's now for quiet some time and haven't found any (in that price range or even double their price range) that sound that good ! (started out with the early 60 series)

Thank you for your honesty

I bought a pair of these HD 599's this evening on ebay brand new in an unopened box. They were the last ones they had and reduced to £90 UK . That's about 118 USD. I think that's pretty good . .

Thank you for your review. I always enjoy reviews that dare criticize more than those that sings its praise. If I am going to be stuck with a product, I darned sure want to know all the caveats before going in. With all that said, I will likely still purchase these. I have enjoyed Sennheiser in the past and I love their soundstage on open headphones. And for 1490 SEK (1to10 conversion is usually more correct due to taxes than actual currency conversion, 149 usd) i think they will do me nicely. That is about 100 SEK more than the Grado Sr80e is at in my country, which is what is giving me pause after your review. I am going to balance Sennheiser comfort vs the alleged listening fatigue and make my decision. Thank you!

My friend has a pair of the sony 7506's. I tried them on and honestly thought the whole body was missing. Everything from the upper midrange to the top was so bright, I couldn't listen long. I own the HD598, and although it wasn't as extended as the 7506, it sounded right. On the 7506's I felt the whole character and timbre were wrong. Clear as all hell, but thin. Thanks for the good review. You called it as you heard it. I too have spent some time on the other side of the glass.

These headphones review really well on Amazon, but I have to agree with your assessment of them. With an EQ you can make them sound decent. They are nice looking, large ear cups that actually fit over the ears. The long cable is very nice.

I was a teen into my late 20's using those sonys everyday. Probably the best value ever. I still miss that long coil cord.

bought these for 130 eur, amazing detail in sound, but i find them to be a little too harsh for the ear in 4khz region, i used an equalizer to lower it by 3 db, also boosted the lower bass by a few db to get more kick out of them, now they sound warm, and with open back construction the acoustic instruments have room to "breathe", so orchestral music, acoustic parts and vocals sound very rich. these headphones are also very good for metal - power, symphonic, progressive, those genres sound very nice through these. design is slick and they sit on the head just right, very light, not tight but very secure, drivers are quite far from the ears, so they are not touching each other. about the only downside i can think of is that the jack input on these requiers the wire's input jack to have a special carving on it, so if anything was to happen to the wire you're using, it won't be easy to find a replacement, because it's clearly a sennheiser's special wire you could only get from them, it's not your ordinary stock cable.

great review!

I wasn't sure I liked the 598s when i bought them. I was new to headphones at the time. I wonder if I would like them today... If the 599s come down in price id give um a try. great review!

Mine are being shipped right now. I can’t wait to listen to the remixed White Album on these things.

I just purchased HD599 and I can't wait to hear them I also have a set of MDR V6's from 5 yrs ago that I absolutely love so I'm curious to hear your review.

So what would you recommend in that price range? I'm mostly interested for non portable headphones which are non fatiguing and which I can listen to at home with a dac and amp. Thanks

Great review, what would you recommend for home theatre viewing? I have a budget of $200

The HD 599 sound very good, just so people know. You wont find clearer sounding headphones, unless you go to the HD 600 and up.

Hi! Which would you recommend for mainly music and some gaming, these or the SHP9500? Both of them sell for 100 usd in my country.

I have a lot of headphones and these HD 599 are amazing just amazing , low midrange heavy and big soundstage is what they make them so fun to listen .

i use them for daily gaming and listen to music they are the best! back in the day i always used a gaming headset i switched to those sennheiser hd599 headphones and i wish i did it way earlier

I would be interested to hear you review something like the Bludio Victory. 12 drivers! It seems like most reviewers that live them are bass heads and I would like another point of view.

Those headphones are 140 euros on amazon in spain. I have the 598 and it seems they are dying (pops , static) in your opinion whats the best bet to buy to feel an upgrade over the 598!? i wanna something more fun but with a decent sound stage and the bass a bit more noticeable. cheers

Thanks for the review, I was wondering for the 599 vs 600. I am closer and closer to the 600 each day, but I would need an amp for those and I wonder how well would they be for movies (and not just music). The downside of the hd 600 seems to be the sub bass, I do listen to some organ music from time to time and I do like to hear an explosion as such though.

what is your favorite headphone for movies, music etc?

Just wanted to log something here by way of appreciation: I'm a BIG fan of the Sony MDR7506 phones. I've just found myself in need of replacement parts for my pair (it's actually cheaper to just buy a new set!) and I figured it was time to retire them as a 'general use' headset and get something else for listening to music with. I've leaned heavily toward these, and the price is currently cheap enough on Amazon that I reckon they're worth a go. I always trawl through loads of reviews before spending money, and this one was excellent. That point of having an 'educated ear' is so important. I've grown so weary of returning headsets that were recommended to me by other folks who simply don't understand what I'm looking for. The balance in this review is reallyhelpful, so I'll be going in with tempered expectations. Great work. Keep it up!

I purchased the Sennheiser 599 for $145 from Amazon. I connected them to my SVS Soundbase (4 Ohms) - I am using a Schiit Modius 3 Plus for $129. I mainly listen to jazz from 1950 - 1968 (I do own $3,900 speakers) and I tell you that these headphones are nothing like the reviewer described. The 599's are incredible in all facets. No short comings for me. Connect them to a fairly good to very good sound system and they out perform themselves. FYI - I am very particular about getting my music to play at its best without spending money unnecessarily. The headphones are AMAZING !!!!

Hello Jason, They’re $146 now. Can I go for them? Or any other recommendation?

Kinda late, but I just got these, and is the cable choice matter at all in terms of performance? I use the 3.5mm terminated ones but wondering: the 3/4 inch with the adapter would be better or doesnt matter at all?

Do you guys recommend this for music production?

Got 'em today from Amazon. My first pair of open back headphones. For 90€, very good imo

I'm getting mine today !!!

I just bought these for 99€. I'm more of a casual user and I felt like they would be good enough for me.

It looks like you're using the Blue Yeti in the video which I'm also using. I'm worried hat if I use a pair of open back headphones the sound will bleed and get picked up by the mic. What are your experience with this? Great review!

Low midrange heavy... as you described. This is known in the Audiophile world, as "midrange BLOAT".... Its the 2nd commandment that you should never break. The first is "sizzle" Treble.

These headphones are great, I keep them at my parents' and they don't make me miss my HD660

which one should i buy hd 598 se, grado sr 80e or any other headphone in this pirice range

Will the little thing in the earcups touch the ear if so is it noticable

What camera are u using

I bought a HD630vb less than $249 in December 2016. And I tried a HD598 Cs (Closed) too. Compared these 2 with Momentum 2 as well. I kept HD630VB and Momentum 2. HD5XX is not as refined as HD6XX, 5's soundstage and separation beat Momentum 2, but the sound is not fun at all.

Hello! i just got these on an amazing price of 75$ are they worth it. its still shipping. Brand new. I had to choose from the hd 599 and a grado sr125i they were at the same price. but the grado was used. i decided to buy the brand new sealed sennheiser. but i kinda feel sry after ur review when u said the grados are way better than these. what you say. ty

Do you support these for competitive gaming?

the best of recensions from you tube for hd 599.

Can anyone suggest a good dac/amp combo go with these cans and stereo speakers (Edifier Luna HD225)? Is it better to connect the speakers via optical cable or RCA?

hello. are the HD 599 the best in their price point for classical music or can I get better headphones?

tfw these now cost $100

"Rating music/talking about music is like dancing architecture." That's a quote to remember. Cheers for that.

Great headphones review, I have grado sr 125 e, senns hd595 both great 👍

How do you feel about these now that they're $150?

I was considering these until I realised that open back just wouldn't be good for my situation. Ended up getting the 569's.

Well to me honestely at least the 558 and 598 had more soundstage than the HD650 and HD600. They where a little grainier in the lower highs but as smooth in the other frequencies. Only the resolution was really noticably better on the HD6 series. In Germany the Hd558/598 are about 100€ and the Sennheiser HD6.. is either HD6xx (200€) or HD600 and HD650 280-320€. So in my opinion if youre a hardcore audiophile going for the last 5% under 400€ the HD6.. is the best thing that could happen to you, but price for performance the HD558 or HD598 are far better options especially for casual listeners. My wife for example has to go through a lot of listening on my headphones for me to make sure im not crazy sometimes and she couldnt recognize any difference except the better bass on the HD650. (Im not saying there is no difference, but for most people it just is that way...)

..."sink into the bubbly goodness of good audio" Nice image!

Try the 599's with a headphone amp. My 598's sounded completely different when i did an A/B test with a sony walkman vs amps. I'm using a Sony UDA-1 headphone amp as well as an Asus Essence STX II sound card upgraded with 3x Burson V5 Dual Op Amps

Is it good for meditation music? I use those kind of music to help me fall asleep

I need a headphone for listening some classical music, and something like andrea bocelli, celine dion, westlife. What headphone you recommend me to buy ?

can u just plug in to the pc audio jack without any dac or amplifier?

You are awesome, I like how honest you are. So hard to choose the right headsets. Your reviews helps a lot, but still could you please give me a hint, I’m looking for a high quality headset for all day long listening chillout at work and great entertainment-gaming experience after work, don’t care about manufacturer and headset type, the most important for me is comfort, build quality and price up to 299 usd, but cheaper is better))) don’t want to overpay ) Will very appreciate any help, advices or hints.

Which one is better for gaming the PHILIPS 9500S VS SEENHEISER Hd599?

interesting listening to different opinion from youtubers on headphones. Most all say the hd600 are narrow soundstage and not wide at all. I have the hd599se that i am trying out and yes the bass does bleed to mids so some stuff sounds muddy.

is this good for valorant and call of duty . please someone reply, i ordered one confused should i accept or not

Dependent what sound profile u like. Hd599 have a warm and bassy sound.

what would you recommend instead of HD 599?

I need a really fun movie and single player gaming headset, I dont need to hear where footsteps are I just want fun!

What sounds more like HD600 for $249?

Hd599 or Philips SHP9500? which has more bass, which has more centered vocals? thanks

HD 599 or HD 559?

What you think of Audio Technica's m-50xs?

should i get them for 100e?

Can you please give me reply.. Sound is the most important thing for me so which one is better sennheiser hd 599 or sennheiser hd 450 bt..

So these are $147 on Amazon right now. I just got them for $100 on sale. I am willing to spend $200-$250 max. Main uses are music and gaming (soundstage very important for gaming.) I don’t need mixing accurate phones but I am a budget audiophile. My question is can I do better for soundstage under $200. And what is that? I don’t want to spend $100 on something I don’t like just to save $100. I don’t like these. I agree with all the reviews that say these are muddy in the high bass/low mid. I put an eq on my windows to flatten the response but I don’t like this solution as an eq is not always available, and I’m sure there is other downsides to easy that I don’t know about yet, like I don’t think the eq will work when using an audio interface or headphone amp

Are they worth picking it up for 140€? I found some on sale

Do they sound 142$ good? That's what I paid on Amazon and I think they will live up to the hype

If you can get on sale they are amazing. Got mine for $110 Cad or $80 USD.

HD 600 wide sounstage ?

you rank the 599 3rd so that means the sony comes 4th? and sony are less than 7/10?

Theyre good, 125 cad prime day good. The hd6xx are much better but more expensive.

I don't understand this review. The 599s are way better than many legendary models out there.

You can get them for £100 now and at that price it's a steal

You linked this video to Head-Fi, but you didn't allow it to be played straight from Head-Fi.

I am getting it for $120. Should I buy them?

114 Euro or £99 for the Amazon SE , worth a punt for that kind of money, I wouldn't be paying the euro equivalent of 249

they are now 99$ . is it worth it to buy in 2020?

I agree that the bang for the buck isn't there on the 599's at that price point you might as well just spend a little more and get the 600's or 650's. If not stick with the much cheaper​ 598's. I wonder who these are for in between the 598's and 600's? I will probably just stick to my 598's till I choose between the 600's and 650's. Great review.

The Grado SR-80 are professional mixing headphones but the 599s aren't? Dunno where you get that idea. The 599s have a more neutral response than the Grados overall, especially in the treble, and a better soundstage. Yeah you've got a bump in the low mids, but so do mixcubes. That bump is useful for hearing the mid range in detail.

Seems at their current price of 165$ these would be pretty dang good for roughly 100$ less than when the vid was recorded.

Is HD 599 better than cloud alpha??

So if you can get the 599 for under $100 its an easy buy vs the 600? Amazon regularly has both on sale, the 599 ive seen a few time as low as like 80-90, and frequently around the 110-130ish range, vs the 600 usually floating around the 300-400 range. So, 599 vs 600, lets say the 600 is on the low end at 289, and the 599 is at the average price of 120. Are the 600's worth the extra say 150-170 value wise, or while better, for that price difference it wouldnt make sense to go with the 600s because they are not "$150 better".

Hd600 doesn't have a wider soundstage than the hd598 or 599

599s are solid

It's support mobail????

How do these compare to the HD58x?

Enjoy the 599's so much, gifted my mother a pair

I know thsi video is pretty old, but i am looking at these as a gift for my wife (for gaming), they are currently at 90 euros on Black Friday Sale. If anyone can chip in with some "down the path" experience and feedback, i'd be grateful! :)

In a single sentence "Sennheiser hd599 is a pair of headphones which is not excellent at anything! but good at everything!!"

I bought some astros A50 + base station how do i reset the equalizer presets back to default equalizer presets?

Lol, bought these on amazon yesterday for €79,99 🤩🤩

Today's prices are $128 for the 599 and $319 for the 600s. Are they "128-good" - aye.

HD 579 are much better than HD 599 which sound too much fatigue they push too much sounds close to ears. Hd 579 are completly different they are more relax and flat similar to HD 600.