Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone: Comfortable Open-Back Headphones with Audiophile Sound

As the flagship of Sennheiser’s 500 series, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone aim to deliver audiophile sound quality and exceptional comfort for hours of listening enjoyment. But do they live up to expectations? Let’s dig in.

Overview

Sporting Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone promise excellent dynamics and low distortion. The open-back, velour-padded earcups are designed for long listening sessions without fatigue.

Features

• Open-back design provides natural and spacious sound
• Plush velour earpads for exceptional wearing comfort
• Two detachable cables for flexibility
• Audiophile-grade acoustic performance
• Timeless and lightweight design

Design & Build Quality

An ivory and brown color scheme gives the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone a classy aesthetic. The construction feels solid, with metal hinges and sliders. The earcups and headband padding are generously sized for comfort. The headphones are relatively lightweight at 8.8 oz.

Sound Quality & Performance

The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone produce a warm, smooth sound signature with a slight bass bump. The soundstage is quite spacious for an open-back headphone. Vocals sound natural and instruments have excellent separation. The mid-range is slightly forwarded which adds intimacy.

The 50 ohm impedance means the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone perform well even without a dedicated headphone amp. However, they scale up nicely when paired with more powerful amplification.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The soft velour earpads surround the ears providing sublime comfort. Clamping force is moderate and the weight stays off your head thanks to the suspension-style headband. Most users can wear the headphones for hours without fatigue.

Connectivity & Cables

The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone come with both long and short detachable cables. One has a 3.5mm plug, the other a 6.3mm plug with a 3.5mm adapter. This versatility makes them easy to use with a wide variety of devices.

Drawbacks

As open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone don’t isolate noise. The sound leakage may disturb others around you. They’re best used in quieter environments.

Some users report connectivity issues with select audio sources, resulting in static or distortion. This seems to depend on the amplifier pairing.

Use Cases

The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone are ideal for long music listening sessions at home. Their open-back design gives an immersive listening experience without isolating you from your environment. They are great for chilling out to your favorite tunes or having an all-day jam session. The lightweight and comfortable design also makes them suitable for extended use. Just don’t use them in noisy places where you want to block out the ambient noise.

User Feedback

The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone are overwhelmingly praised by audiophiles for their lush sonic presentation and plush wearing comfort. Most users find the sound quality highly impressive for the reasonable price point.

According to enthusiastic reviewers, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone engulf you in silky smooth audio that feels like “swimming in sound.” The expansive soundstage provides an immersive listening experience where you can pinpoint the positioning of individual instruments. Vocals sound intimate yet crystalline. Acoustic instruments like guitars and pianos dazzle with their natural timbre and realistic resonance. One user describes the mids as “warm cocoa for the ears.”

Bass is revered for its articulate punch and texture. The low end has polite yet controlled boom rather than muddy throbbing. Cymbals shimmer brightly with nuanced decay. Treble has welcome sparkle but avoids harsh sibilance. imaging is spectacular thanks to the open-back design. The headphones disappear sonically to fully transport you into the music.

Comfort-wise, users gush over the velvety memory foam earpads that feel like pillows for your ears. The headband is praised for its feathery light clamping force that never squeezes. Reviewers call the fit “heavenly” and “like a fluffy cloud.” Most listeners forget they are even wearing headphones. The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone allow fatigue-free listening for 6+ hours at a time.

Constructive criticism from users focuses on the lack of a detachable audio cable. Some report connectivity issues with select amplifiers leading to minor static or distortion. A few note that the bass lacks visceral sub-bass rumble compared to closed-back models. However, the vast majority of owners are extremely satisfied with their purchase. For the attractive price, most agree the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone are an incredible value.

Pros

• Superb comfort for long listening sessions
• Spacious and inviting sound
• Good sound isolation for an open-back headphone
• Removable cables add convenience
• Great value for the performance

Cons

• Sound leakage due to open-back design
• Potential for static noise with improper amplifier pairing
• Not ideal for portable use

Value

At around $150, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone deliver an amazing listening experience for the money. The combination of lush sound and long-wearing comfort is hard to beat at this price point. For those seeking affordable audiophile-quality open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone should be at the top of the list.

Conclusion

With their luscious sound, plush comfort and flexible connectivity, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone offer an immensely enjoyable listening experience. For the attractive price, they are hard to beat and easy to recommend to budding audiophiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones?

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones boast premium features such as:
- Audiophile sound quality with open-back design
- Luxurious velour-covered ear pads for extended comfort
- Multiple connectivity options including detachable cables with both 6.3mm and 3.5mm jacks
- Timeless design with ivory color, matte finish, and metallic detailing
- Premium components with Sennheiser-engineered transducers for high efficiency and low distortion.

Are the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones suitable for long listening sessions?

Yes, the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are designed for extended comfort, featuring padded headbands and plush velour ear cushions that provide a comfortable listening experience even during long sessions.

How do the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones compare to other models in terms of audio quality and comfort?

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones offer exceptional audio quality with a balanced sound signature and natural tonal balance. They are favored for their comfort, especially compared to other models like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 and Audio-Technica ATH M-50x. While the HD 599 may have slightly less clamping force than the DT 770, they provide a comfortable fit for extended periods.

Do the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones require batteries?

No, the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones do not require batteries. They are wired headphones that do not feature active noise cancellation or any battery-powered components.

What is the difference between the Sennheiser HD 599 and HD 599 SE models?

The primary difference between the Sennheiser HD 599 and HD 599 SE models is the color scheme. The HD 599 comes in ivory, while the HD 599 SE features a different color scheme. Both models offer the same premium features and audio performance.

Tips

• When using the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones, consider using the detachable cables to customize your connectivity options for different devices.
• To ensure optimal comfort during extended listening sessions, adjust the headband and ear cups as needed to achieve a comfortable fit.
• To maintain the longevity of your headphones, store them in a safe and dry environment when not in use, and avoid exposing them to excessive moisture or heat.

Knowledge

1. Sennheiser is renowned for its commitment to audio excellence and innovation, with a legacy spanning over 75 years.
2. Open-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD 599 offer a more spacious soundstage and natural sound reproduction compared to closed-back designs.
3. The HD 599 headphones utilize premium components such as aluminum voice coils to deliver high efficiency, excellent dynamics, and minimal distortion.
4. Comfort is a key consideration for headphone design, and the HD 599 prioritizes comfort with its padded headband and plush velour ear cushions.
5. The detachable cable options of the HD 599 provide versatility for different listening setups and devices.

Specifications

• Transducer principle: Dynamic, open
• Frequency response: 12–38,500 Hz
• Sound pressure level: 106 dB
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Total harmonic distortion: Less than 0.1%
• Ear coupling: Circumaural
• Jack plug: 3.5mm and 6.3mm
• Cable length: 9.8 ft and 5 ft
• Weight: 8.8 oz

Box Contains

• 1 x Sennheiser HD 599 Headphones
• 2 x Detachable Cables (3m and 1.2m)
• 6.3mm Jack Plug Adapter
• Manual

How to Use

1. Connect the HD 599 to your audio source using the supplied cables. Select the 3.5mm cable for portable devices or the 6.3mm cable for home stereo equipment.

2. Wear the headphones so the headband sits comfortably on your head and the earcups completely surround your ears.

3. Play your favorite tunes and enjoy the immersive open-back sound. Adjust volume to a safe level.

4. After use, disconnect the cable and store the headphones in a safe place.