Sennheiser HD 599 SE open-back headphones: A Spacious Hi-Fi Listening Experience

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE are a pair of high-end, open-back headphones aimed at audiophiles and hi-fi enthusiasts looking for an immersive and natural listening experience. With a retail price of $164.92, they deliver impressive sound quality and comfort without breaking the bank.

Overview

The Sennheiser brand is known for manufacturing some of the best headphones and audio equipment on the market. The Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone model combines the German engineering and build quality people expect from Sennheiser with the spacious and detailed sound of open-back headphones.

Key Features

• Open-back design provides an immersive and natural listening experience
• Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions
• Compatible with phones, tablets, computers, and hi-fi audio sources
• Removable cables for versatility

Design & Appearance

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone feature an understated black color scheme with silver metal accents that give them a premium look and feel. The lightweight yet durable construction includes plush velour earpads and a padded headband that make these headphones extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. The earpads and cables are detachable for easy replacement and customization.

Features & Operation

An open-back design gives the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone a more spacious and natural presentation compared to closed-back models. The headphones come with two removable cables - a 3m cable with a 6.3mm plug and a shorter 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm connector for versatility with different audio devices.

Sound Quality

With a fairly neutral frequency response, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone deliver clean and detailed sound across the spectrum. The bass has decent impact while the treble is smooth and non-fatiguing. Music comes through with excellent instrumental separation and a wide, open soundstage. Imaging is precise, making it easy to pinpoint different elements.

Connectivity

Connectivity is handled via the included detachable cables. One has a 3.5mm connector for portable devices while the other has a 6.35mm plug for home audio equipment. No wireless capabilities.

Origin & Launch

As a product of Sennheiser’s German engineering, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone were first released in June 2019.

Usage Scenarios

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone are ideal for listeners who want to get lost in their music at home. The open-back design envelops you in the tunes and allows you to hear every detail with crystal clarity. Audiophiles will appreciate the hi-fi capabilities that let them hear recordings exactly as the artist intended. For gamers, the spacious soundstage provides pinpoint directional audio to fully immerse you in virtual worlds. Movie watchers can enjoy surround sound that makes action flicks and concerts feel like you’re right there in the scene.

User Feedback Analysis

Audiophiles and music lovers alike have overwhelmingly positive impressions of the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone. The expansive and natural soundstage is commonly described as “euphoric” and “blissful”, enveloping listeners in their favorite tunes. Many reviewers comment on hearing details in familiar songs they never noticed before. The open-back design really enables listeners to get lost in the music.

The comfortable fit and luxurious velour earpads also receive consistent praise. Reviewers relish the ability to wear these headphones for hours without fatigue or discomfort. The lightweight construction disappears on the head. For longer listening sessions, this excellent ergonomic design is a must-have.

When it comes to sound quality, most agree the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone deliver very balanced and accurate audio across the frequency spectrum. The bass provides impact and body without muddiness or bloat. Mids sound crystal clear, bringing out the nuance in vocals and instruments like guitars and pianos. Treble ranges from perfectly bright to slightly reserved depending on the listener’s preference. Overall, the great majority applaud the natural hi-fi sound.

A few reviewers do wish for a bit more bass oomph or livelier treble extension. However, the general consensus is that the frequency response sounds fantastic to most ears. Some report having to adjust EQ settings on bass-heavy or brighter tracks to achieve their ideal tuning. But out of the box, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone sound phenomenal for enjoying a wide variety of music genres.

When viewed as a whole, the resoundingly positive user experiences confirm the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone deliver outstanding listening enjoyment. For the price, reviewers call these headphones a steal and enthusiastically recommend them as a hi-fi open-back option. Comfort, sound quality, and value all come together to provide an amazing auditory experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros
- Spacious and natural open-back sound
- Extremely comfortable fit for long sessions
- Detailed hi-fi sound across all frequencies
- Great for music, movies, and gaming
- Detachable cables add versatility

Cons
- Sound leakage due to open-back design
- Bass slightly exaggerated for some
- Treble could be brighter
- Not suitable for outdoor/public use

Value

At around $165, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone deliver outstanding performance and comfort for the money. While more expensive audiophile headphones exist, these provide a superb hi-fi experience at a more accessible price point. For shoppers looking to upgrade from standard consumer headphones without breaking the bank, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone are an excellent option.

Conclusion

With their lightweight comfort and impressively spacious soundstage, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone deliver exceptional hi-fi listening value.

Specifications

Here are the key specifications based on available data:

• Style: Over-ear, open-back
• Transducer Principle: Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 12–38,500 Hz
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB
• Impedance: 50 ohms
• Cable Length: 3m and 1.2m detachable cables
• Connector: 3.5mm and 6.35mm
• Weight: 9.2 oz
• Color: Black
• Release Date: June 2019

What’s Included

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE package includes:

• 1x HD 599 SE headphone
• 1x 3m removable cable with 6.3mm plug
• 1x 1.2m removable cable with 3.5mm plug
• Instruction manual

How to Use

Using the HD 599 SE is very straightforward:

1. Select the appropriate audio cable for your device. Use the 3.5mm cable for phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Use the 6.3mm cable for dedicated amplifiers, receivers, and other hi-fi gear.

2. Connect the cable to the bottom of the left earcup, aligning the dots and twisting to lock in place.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to your audio source.

4. Wear the headphones comfortably with the headband over the top of your head. Adjust the size for the perfect fit.

5. Power on the audio source and enjoy spacious and detailed sound!