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Sennheiser HD 579 Open-Back Headphones Review

Into The Fascinating World Of Sound

If music, movie sounds, or game audio effects act as an elixir for you, a good pair of headphones is a must. Meet the Sennheiser HD 579 open-back headphones, a top-quality product that suits all your audio needs. You often come across the term’ open-back,’ and these headphones define it perfectly. Unlike the closed-back headphones, these don’t isolate outside sound, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings while basking in your favorite tune. It’s a valuable trait if you don’t prefer total audio solitude or active noise cancellation.

Neutral Aspects of the Sennheiser 579

In the neutral corner, the build of the 579 is something to address. Made entirely out of plastic, it seems to foster a debate on the merit of spending a good average amount of money on plastic headphones. The plastic makes the headphones light and flexible, but it may not appeal to everyone. Its signature is also neutral and warm, making for a relaxed, semi-flat sound that might not appeal to all listeners, especially those partial to the “V” sound or heavy bass.

Comfort Over Anything

The comfort level of these HD 579 headphones is something to write home about. Crafted with large over-ear cups covered in soft fabric, these headphones are a joy to wear for hours, avoiding the sweaty discomfort that closed-back types sometimes cause. Frankly, the cozy fit combined with the open-back design makes these headphones stand tall in the comfort arena, even with eyeglasses on.

Unadulterated Sound Quality & Control

The Sennheiser HD 579s, being wired headphones, do away with any extra elements such as a microphone, audio controls, or a volume knob, hence ensuring an unaltered sound experience. As a music lover, controlling the volume at the source is a more suitable way to ensure quality. Plugging these headphones into a decent amplifier can make them come alive, delivering a fuller and more versatile performance than many equivalent products.

Whether I listened to Coltrane or Wu-Tang, the bass was just right – present without feeling artificial, and the overall sound quality felt a level above, with even minute details like artist breaths and swallowing sounds being distinguishable.

Great Aesthetics

Design and color are elements I consider when selecting headphones and I love the industrial feel that the grey and black style gives the 579. It’s a deviation from the black-on-black monotony, and while more neutral and modern, it does not compromise style.

Sennheiser HD 579

Impedance and Output

I married up these headphones with my third-party DAC/amp combo and found they could handle the 50ohm impedance splendidly. However, an amp is not critical for a pleasant listening experience as the headphones sound fantastic even without it.

Dealing with a Minor Concern

Sennheiser HD 579s’ most notable setback is the termination of the cable in a 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug instead of the more standard 1/8″ (3.5mm) one. While there’s a provided adapter, it does lack substantial strain relief and is somewhat large. However, this issue can be curtailed with a shorter cable adapter from 1/4″ to 1/8″ or by swapping the entire headphone cord with one that attaches to a 1/8″ plug.

Where and How to Use

Are you considering using these on your early-morning commute or in bed beside your sleeping partner? Think again. The open-back configuration leaks quite a bit of sound, which could disturb others around you. Ideally, these headphones are best used for home, studio, and gaming needs. When indoors, these headphones let me listen to high-fidelity soundtracks without detaching entirely from my surroundings. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for outdoor or on-the-go use as they may feel clumsy, and the open-back design won’t filter outside noise and might leak your audio.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional comfort and fit
  • High-quality, versatile sound performance
  • Durable and sturdy design
  • The open-back design keeps you aware of your surroundings

Cons:

  • 1/4″ plug instead of a more common 1/8″
  • Not suitable for outdoor or on-the-go use
  • Sound leakage because of the open-back design

The Final Word

The Sennheiser HD 579 Open-Back Headphones pack value while delivering high-quality audio output. Their superior comfort, unfiltered sound, open-back design, and long-wearing delight make them an excellent choice for indoor use. All in all, it is highly recommended, except for that minor hiccup with the cable adapter.

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Bass Response
8.4
The bass response of the Sennheiser HD 579 is present but not overwhelming, delivering a more natural sound. In some music genres such as rock and metal, the headphones' bass could feel somewhat lacking compared to headphones that artificially boost the bass. However, once powered through a decent amp and DAC, the bass becomes more appealing, especially in electronic music genres.
Treble Detail
9.5
The Sennheiser HD 579 manages the higher frequencies extremely well. The headphones offer clear, crisp sound, never distorting high notes even at higher volumes.
Midrange Clarity
9.8
The midrange clarity of the Sennheiser HD 579 is highly praised by users. The headphones deliver clear and natural-sounding vocals and instruments. According to reviews, in some tracks listeners even were able to hear previously unnoticed details such as the artist breathing or swallowing saliva after a verse.
Sound Quality
9.5
The Sennheiser HD 579 offers a high-quality auditory experience that is noted for its detail and fidelity across various genres of music. Its accurate projection of sounds makes it excellent for video editing and video production, as well as for listening to music. Listeners have noted that more intense elements of the music tend to dominate due to the accuracy of sound reproduction. However, for best results, it is recommended to use a decent amplifier and DAC.
Comfort & Fit
9.5
The large, over-ear cups with soft fabric of Sennheiser HD 579 offer superb comfort for extended listening. Some listeners have opined that they can wear these headphones for hours without any discomfort. However, depending on the climate, some users noted that the ear-cups can build up heat around the ears.
Build Quality & Durability
8.7
The Sennheiser HD 579 has a sturdy construction. Despite many parts made of plastic, the headphones are flexible and are expected to endure normal use for a substantial duration. Whether they can withstand rough handling or frequent travel might be questionable.
Soundstage Imaging
9.6
The immersive soundstage provided by the Sennheiser HD 579 makes the listener feel like they are in the middle of a live performance. The open-back configuration of the headphones enhances the naturalness of the sound. This enhanced soundstage, according to the reviews, truly provides a jaw-dropping auditory experience.
Noise Isolation
6
As open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 579 doesn't excel in noise isolation. The headphones leak sound and do not block out external noise effectively. However, this design is intentional to allow a more open and natural sound and can actually be a positive trait for those who prefer to remain aware of their surroundings while listening.
Value for Money
9.5
Given the sound quality and comfort level alongside its price point, users find that Sennheiser HD 579 offers excellent value for money. Some users have compared them favorably to other more expensive models, mentioning that they are immensely satisfied with the price-to-performance ratio of the HD 579.
8.9
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Sennheiser HD 579 is a remarkable pair of headphones that deliver on many fronts. Users appreciate their comfort and fit, allowing for hours of comfortable listening, along with excellent sound quality and midrange clarity. Despite having a predominantly plastic build, they score well on durability and build quality. The open soundstage offered by these open-back headphones truly shines, although it comes at the expense of noise isolation. However, the leakage and limited noise isolation may not be negative traits if listeners prefer a more open and natural sound and want to stay aware of their surroundings. Despite small shortcomings in bass for some music genres and the absence of renowned noise isolation, the Sennheiser HD 579 delivers excellent value for money given its price point. The remarkable sound quality, comfortable fit, and impressive soundstage offer an excellent listening experience, whether for music, games, or video production. All in all, we reckon it's a worthy investment for avid listeners who value a natural and immersive sound experience.