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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.

Sennheiser HD 599 Review

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.

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Bass Response
8
The bass response for the Sennheiser HD 599 is quite well-balanced. Users note that it does not 'rumble your ears', which suggests that the headphones handle low-end frequencies fairly well.
Treble Detail
8.5
The Sennheiser HD 599 offers a good level of treble detail. High frequencies are crisp and clear, which adds to the overall immersive listening experience.
Midrange Clarity
9.2
The headphones really shine when it comes to voices and podcasts. Users comment that the midrange frequencies responsible for delivering vocals and instrumental sounds are beautifully clear and realistic.
Sound Quality
8.8
Sennheiser HD 599 produces an amazing audio quality with crystal-clear sound across different frequencies. The headphones maintain their quality at both low and high volumes, delivering an equally great performance.
Comfort & Fit
9
The headphones are highly praised for their comfort. The ear pads are described as firm yet velvety, and they are large enough to encompass the whole ear. Additionally, the headphones adjust well to heads of different sizes, allowing for long hours of comfortable use.
Build Quality & Durability
7.5
Although the headphones are pretty well-built, they come with a 2.5mm cable that some users find unreliable and disappointing due to its low durability.
Soundstage Imaging
8.7
Users appreciate the good spatial sound and immersive audio experience given by the open-back design of the HD 599. However, the left-right panning are noted to be subpar for some.
Noise Isolation
6.5
Being open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599 does not offer great noise isolation. The headphones let in external noise and may leak some sound, making them less ideal for use in noisy public environments.
Value for Money
8.2
Value for money varies based on the price at which the headphones are purchased. While the sound quality and comfort of the HD 599 provide good value, some users suggest waiting for a sale to get the best value.
8.3
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Sennheiser HD 599 amazed us with their excellent audio quality, clear mid-range and good treble detail. Despite not having a thunderous bass, they balanced the low-end frequencies just right for regular listeners. The comfort level they offer is top-notch thanks to their velvety ear pads and adjustable fit, which allows for extended periods of use. However, the low durability of the 2.5mm aux cable was a bit of a letdown in terms of build quality. As an open-back model, they do not isolate noise well, letting in external sounds and leaking some audio. But this feature also contributes to their noteworthy soundstage and imaging, offering an immersive audio experience. Although the full retail price might seem steep for some, the headphones provide clear value in terms of sound quality and comfort, especially when bought on sale.