Sennheiser HD 599 review | Open Back Headphones

As a writer and music lover, I realize how important it is to find headphones that not only sound excellent but are also comfortable to use for lengthy periods of time. The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones have been on my radar for a while, and after testing them, I can confidently declare that they deliver on both counts.

While they may not be the ideal choice for busy surroundings or tunes with a lot of bass, their low price and general quality make them a good alternative for anyone trying to improve their listening experience.

In this review, I’ll go through the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones in further detail and share my honest thoughts on their performance.

Sennheiser HD 599 Features List

• Open-back design
• Ergonomic acoustic refinement (E.A.R.) technology
• Well-padded headband and ear cups
• Two detachable cables
• Compatible with most audio devices
• Type (Over-Ear)
• Connectivity (Wired)

Why You Should Buy Sennheiser HD 599?

The first thing that caught my attention was their comfort level. The padding is incredibly soft, and the open-back design allows for breathability, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The sound quality is impressive, with a decent bass that adds warmth to the music.

However, if you’re a bass lover, you might feel that it’s lacking a bit of punch. The removable cables are convenient, and the different length options are a nice touch.

In terms of design, they have a sleek and modern appearance that looks great, and the build quality is durable, promising to last for years. The price point is reasonable, making them an excellent option for those on a budget who still want high-quality headphones.

Why You Should NOT Buy Sennheiser HD 599?

There are a few factors related to the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones that may cause you to rethink your decision. First off, despite having fair sound quality, they might not be as good a deal as other comparable options available on the market.

Their open-back design and lack of noise-canceling features make them less than ideal for use in noisy environments. Furthermore, if you’re a bass lover, you might find the bass to be lacking the power you crave.

Customer service and support can also be a concern, and the ethical implications of the production and distribution of the product might not align with your values. Ultimately, before purchasing, it’s important to consider all the factors that matter to you and make an informed decision.

Detailed Review of Sennheiser HD 599

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are a high-quality option for music enthusiasts who value sound quality and comfort. Let us Review some of the key features of HD 599.

Sound Quality

I have to say that the Sennheiser HD 599 has very decent audio quality. Sharp, clear, and balanced, the audio offers a broad frequency response range of 12Hz to 38kHz.

A large soundstage and natural imaging are also provided by the open-back design, which enhances the listening experience overall.

If you like a brassier sound, the bass may not have enough punch and depth for some audiophiles. However, if you like jazz, classical music, or live performances, you’ll like the HD 599’s accuracy and fidelity.

Noise Isolation

Due to the open-back design of the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones, they do not provide complete noise isolation or cancellation. This does enable a more natural and spacious sound experience, even though it might not be the best for use in noisy areas.

However, the over-ear shape and plush cushioning of the headphones still do a good job of reducing some outside noise.

Although not the finest among headphones in this price range, the noise cancellation performance is still adequate for the majority of listening situations.

It’s important to note that if complete noise isolation is a priority for you, you might want to look into alternative headphones with a closed-back construction.

Comfort

I understand how crucial it is to have headphones that are not only comfortable to use but also produce high-quality audio. The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are ideal for extended listening sessions due to their excellent level of comfort.

The open-back design reduces sound pressure inside the ear cups while allowing for a more natural and spacious sound. The secure fit of the ear cups and well-padded headband around your ears prevents any irritation or pressure points.

These headphones are simple to wear and adjust thanks to their lightweight and flexible construction, which guarantees an all-day comfortable fit.

Additionally, the detachable cables provide you the freedom to select the cable that best meets your requirements and tastes.

Design and Build Quality

The Sennheiser HD 599 is a pair of high-quality headphones with excellent design and construction. The open-back design makes for a more realistic and roomy soundscape, and the plush, soft earpads guarantee a secure fit even during prolonged listening sessions.

The headphones’ strength and sturdiness are increased by the metal headband, and the detachable cable offers more convenience and flexibility.

However, compared to comparable headphones in this price range, the plastic construction of some elements may feel a little fragile and less expensive.

The Sennheiser HD 599’s design and construction are superb overall, while there is some slight space for improvement.

Microphone

For people who need a microphone for communication, the absence of one in the Sennheiser HD 599 may be a disadvantage.

Although the headphones are excellent for listening to music, using them for gaming or video conferencing may require a separate microphone. The user can incur more expenses and inconvenience as a result.

The design is more streamlined and audio performance-focused without a microphone, which is an important aspect for audiophiles.

Alternatives

Here are some possibilities to think about if you’re looking for headphones with the same features and pricing as the Sennheiser HD 599 but with a built-in microphone:

HyperX Cloud II is excellent for gaming or streaming because they contain a removable noise-canceling microphone and exceptional sound quality.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones offer excellent sound quality and can be used in conjunction with an external microphone for communication needs even though they lack a built-in microphone.

Razer Kraken X is a low-cost choice that has an integrated noise-canceling microphone, making them excellent for voice calls or for games.

Connectivity

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones have a 3.5mm audio port, a common connection point for many gadgets, including mobile phones, computers, tablets, and game consoles.

Also, the headphones come with a 6.3mm adaptor so you may use them with amplifiers and other hi-fi equipment.

Although the HD 599s don’t support Bluetooth or wireless connections, their dependable cable connection guarantees clear audio transmission without any lag or interference.

Generally speaking, the HD 599s’ connectivity options are straightforward yet flexible, giving you a hassle-free method to listen to your favorite music content on various devices.

Controls

There are no controls included with the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones. This necessitates changing the volume, pausing or playing music, and skipping songs on the device you’re using to listen to music.

While some users might find this annoying, it’s vital to remember that this is a standard feature of passive headphones.

Sennheiser HD 599 VS Competitors

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are a high-quality option for music enthusiasts who value sound quality and comfort. However, they are not the only headphones on the market that offer these features.

When compared to other competitors in their price range, such as the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones stand out in a few key areas.

Sennheiser HD 599 VS Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro & Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

One area where the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones excel is in their open-back design, which allows for a more spacious and natural sound. In contrast, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro has a semi-open design that may not provide as much soundstage.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, on the other hand, has a closed-back design that can offer more isolation and bass response but at the expense of a more confined sound.

Another area where the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones shine is in their comfort level. The well-padded headband and ear cups, lightweight construction, and open-back design all contribute to a comfortable fit for long listening sessions.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro has similar padding but can be slightly heavier and less breathable, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has less padding and a tighter clamp force that can cause discomfort over time.

If you prioritize comfort and a natural soundstage, the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are an excellent choice. If you prefer a brighter or more bass-heavy sound or need more isolation, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x may be a better fit.

Conclusion

Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality listening experience. The headphones offer exceptional sound quality, with a balanced and natural sound signature that is perfect for a wide range of genres.

The open-back design provides a spacious soundstage and reduces sound pressure, while the well-padded headband and ear cups ensure a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. The headphones are also lightweight and flexible, making them easy to wear and adjust.

While the lack of noise isolation and the non-detachable cable may be drawbacks for some users, the overall performance and value of the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones make them a solid investment for any music lover.