Sennheiser HD 598 vs HD 599

Summary

In summary, while it is considerably tricky to see the differences between the two headsets, the Sennheiser HD 599, with its improved bass response, Soundstage technology, and two-year solid warranty from the manufacturer, makes it a clear winner over its predecessor HD598. 

• See side by side Sennheiser HD598 vs HD599 comparison chart on Crutchfield.

Update 

• HD598 got discontinued. 
• HD999 is ongoing.

The Sennheiser brand is synonymous with excellent sound. They have provided unique sound experiences for customers for many years and are aiming to shape the future of audio through innovative products. 

It’s critical to note that if you’re looking for headphones that you can use for commute and travel, do not get these products; you can check out these headsets suitable for traveling:

• Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless
• Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless
• EarFun Air Pro True Wireless

Design and Build

The Sennheiser HD 598 gives out a stylish and sophisticated look, thanks to its artificial leather, accented wood knots, and a pair of soft pads. It is made from high-quality plastic materials that are highly durable and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear. 

It weighs an astonishing 269 grams. When it comes to comfort, you can wear the HD 598 for hours without feeling any discomfort, thanks to its light design and the comfy earpads, as well as the leather bands. They have a small axis where you can adjust the size of the headband according to head size.

The Sennheiser HD 599 is the upgraded version of the HD 598, and one look at this revamped headphone, and you’ll know that Sennheiser did a great job with the upgrade. It has a luxurious-looking stitched headband, with the Sennheiser logo accentuated in a matte metallic plate. 

The earpads, made from velour, are interchangeable and, combined with its luxurious padded headbands, make it one of the most comfortable headphones for long sessions. It weighs a little less than its predecessor, coming in at 250 grams. It also comes with a solid 2-year warranty.

• See side by side Sennheiser HD598 vs HD599 comparison chart on Crutchfield. 

Sound Quality

The Sennheiser HD 598 is considered an open design headset, which means air can enter and squeeze through the headphones. If you think it is a disadvantage, it is definitely not. It has an open design that can offer you a more balanced sound quality than closed-ear headsets. The company’s proprietary Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) technology continues to deliver the heartfelt, airy sound that makes heads groove to the sound of every beat.

The Sennheiser HD 598 has a range of frequency from 12 Hz to 38500 Hz, a sound pressure level of 112 dB, and an impedance of 50 Ohms. You can play the Sennheiser HD 598 in high volume without sacrificing its precise and detailed sound.

Sennheiser HD 598’s bass may not be as strong as other models’ basses, but it does have a powerful and well-balanced bass. You can play your favorite hip-hop tunes and not be disappointed with its sound quality. 

Due to the combination of features and sound quality, the Sennheiser HD 598 is considered one of the best open-back headphones that have graced the market in recent years.

The Sennheiser HD 599 is likewise powered by Sennheiser’s patented transducer technology, Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) design, which explicitly channels all audio signals to the listener’s ears.  With Sennheiser HD 599, you’ll experience vibrant and realistic sound devoid of any muffle or distortion. 

It has a range of frequency from 12 - 38500 Hz, an impedance level of 50 Ohms, and sound pressure levels of 106 dB. The total harmonic distortion is < 0.1%. All of these specifications simply mean that the HD 599 plays music that is much snugger, more focused, and has a more profound bass than its early predecessors.

Yes, it is worthy to note that this time around, Sennheiser HD 599 has improved its bass response, and while many listeners may not feel the difference, the fact of the matter is that the Sennheiser HD 599 sounds a bit better than the Sennheiser HD 598.

The Sennheiser HD 599 is perfect for impartial listening. With an improved bass, it sounds excellent with vocals and instruments. The soundstage feature provides a well-balanced audio reproduction, and their open-back design adds airiness to its sound, which is a good thing. 

• See side by side Sennheiser HD598 vs HD599 comparison chart on Crutchfield. 

Pros and Cons

Sennheiser HD 598

Pros

• Lightweight
• Comfortable German design
• Dynamic and detailed audio
• Durable
• Luxurious design
• Snug velour earpads
• Excellent sound reproduction

Cons

• A lot of sounds escape. By design
• No noise isolation. By design
• Limited bass 
• No storage case

Sennheiser HD 599

Pros

• Lightweight
• Best headphone for the money
• Open back design provides unexpected influence
• Accurate timbre
• Improved bass response
• Good packaging

Cons

• It is sensitive to ambient noise by design
• It leaks a lot of noise by design
• The adapter is a bit heavy

Find your perfect Sennheiser headphones by answering their questionnaire. 

• See side by side Sennheiser HD598 vs HD599 comparison chart on Crutchfield. 

Price

The Sennheiser HD 598 is perfect for acoustic instruments, vocals, and impartial listening. It has an impressive set of features and matches it with an equally great audio quality. If you were lucky to own these open-back headphones, you could continue using them or opt to upgrade and buy newer models. 

It is worth noting that Sennheiser has discontinued production of the Sennheiser HD 598, but its price ranges around $ 559, give or take a few dollars. You can check out third-party retailers for the best price.

The Sennheiser HD 599 offers excellent value for your money at $ 149.42. What’s good about this product is that it is still supported by the manufacturer and comes with a two-year warranty. 

Verdict

If you’re hesitant to pick which one to choose between these two headphones, it’s comforting to know that both the Sennheiser HD 598 and the Sennheiser HD 599 are comfortable to use for hours. This means they don’t leave any listening fatigue. The wearing comfort is exceptional in both pieces. 

While it is considerably tricky to see the differences between the two headsets, the Sennheiser HD 599, with its improved bass response, Soundstage technology, and two-year solid warranty from the manufacturer, makes it a clear winner over its predecessor. 

• See side by side Sennheiser HD598 vs HD599 comparison chart on Crutchfield.