The full review
Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphones Review
Introduction
As soon as you lay hands on the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone, you'll fall in love with the feel of them - firm but velvety soft on the head. Gorgeously tailored earpads are snug enough to house even more prominent ears, so comfort is almost guaranteed. And if we talk about build quality, these headphones are solid, surpassing what you would typically expect in this price range.
A Pleasing and Practical Design
Right out of the box, the appearance and feel of the Sennheiser HD 599 immediately grabbed my attention. The ergonomics are comfortable, presenting no discomfort even during prolonged usage. The velvety and soft ear pads are firm and large enough to fully encase the ears, a detail that amplifies the overall user experience. Its solid build quality speaks for its durability, making it a worthy investment for those seeking headphones that last.
Despite all the positives, there are certainly a few points of contention with its design. The most noticeable issue lies with the 2.5mm to 3.5mm aux cord provided with the headphones. These come with an exciting twist lock feature for the 2.5mm portion to prevent unwanted disconnections. However, one of my cords broke within just a few days of usage, illustrating a flaw in an otherwise helpful concept. Consequently, it might be necessary to invest in a more reliable cord.
Impressive and Versatile Audio Quality
The sound quality of these Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone has notably impressed me. The bass doesn’t disappoint, although it does in some other models. It provides a clear sound across an extensive frequency range. The headphones become particularly noticeable when listening to vocals or podcasts; the voices carry a beautifully clear and realistic sound. As for music, these headphones genuinely shine. No matter the volume level, from the softest whisper to the loudest roar, the sound quality remains unaltered and maintains clarity.
Notwithstanding, I have observed some issues with the left-to-right panning. In a surround sound test, the left side, where the aux cord connects, responded differently. For those aiming to use the headphones for surround sound, updating to a better-quality aux cord might be necessary.
Ideal for Gaming and Listening, Not so Much for Privacy
These open-back Sennheiser HD 599 headphones do a commendable job for gaming and general listening. The open-back nature of the headphones does mean that there will be some sound bleed and limited noise cancelation. Unfortunately, this also means that at volumes above 25%, others around you will probably hear what you’re listening to. So, these headphones miyou'ret suit everyone, particularly those seeking privacy in public places.
Gaming and Other Applications
For the most part, I have found these headphones to be reliable, providing good audio quality and spatial sound, making them suitable for gaming. They're open-back headphones, so they do have some sound bleed and limited noise cancellation, but they compensate for that with a wider and richer soundscape. Furthermore, despite some bleed, they remain usable in fairly noisy environments like planes or traffic, though the sound bleed can be a nuisance in public and should not be kept at high volumes outdoors.
A Comparison Against Other Models
Compared to other headphone models, such as the Samson SR850s, SR860s, and various others, the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones hold their position well. Comfort-wise, they surpass the SR850's and SR860's, with premium padding thSR850's arouSR860'sars without causing discomfort. The sound quality is slightly warmer and fuller compared to others, with a crisp and accurate top-end sound. Furthermore, the removable cable feature dramatically enhances the user experience by providing flexibility for different listening environments.
Despite these advantages, the leaked sound may not work in a noisy house or an environment where you don't want others to overhear. Closed-back mdon't or in-ear monitors could better fit such scenarios. The price is worth pondering over, too. While the cost is justified when the headphones are on sale, the total retail price may seem steep, but ultimately, you get a versatile and comfortable product that delivers excellent sound.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable design with large, plush ear pads
- Precise and accurate sound across various volume levels
- Especially suited to voice-based content
- Removable cables offer flexibility
Cons
- The provided aux cord is not very reliable
- Sound leakage can be noticeable at higher volumes
- Surround sound performance could be improved
- Pricier than some competitors
Final Thoughts
Although the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone may bear a few downsides, their strengths still make them a worthy contender in the market. They provide a comfortable and practical design, balanced and detailed sound quality, and can be used in a variety of settings, from gaming to listening. Considering all these factors into account, I believe they represent trusty companions for audio enthusiasts.