Sennheiser HD 598
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Sennheiser HD 598 is widely regarded as a comfortable, spacious-sounding open-back headphone that serves as a common entry point into high-quality audio. While praised for its longevity and airy soundstage, some users find its bass extension lacking and its performance for gaming to be merely adequate compared to newer alternatives.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort, particularly for users with larger heads or sensitivity to clamping force.
- Spacious and airy soundstage.
- High durability, with some users reporting over a decade of use.
- Easy to drive without a dedicated amplifier.
Cons
- Bass extension is considered limited or slightly bloated in the upper frequencies.
- Mixed reviews for gaming, with some finding it only 'just OK' for the task.
- Technical clarity may be surpassed by newer models in the same lineage.
Caveats
- The HD 598 is an older model often discussed in the context of being replaced by the HD 599 or HD 560S.
- Performance and features vary between versions like the SE, SR, and the closed-back Cs model.
Best for
- Long listening sessions.
- Users prioritizing comfort and a wide soundstage.
- Entry-level audiophile setups.
Avoid if
- You require deep, impactful bass extension.
- Your primary focus is competitive gaming where specific imaging is critical.
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older, with a median source age of approximately 384 days, which is relevant for a legacy product but may not reflect current market availability.
Sentiment
14 positive (67%) · 5 mixed (24%) · 2 negative (10%)
Trust + time weighted score: +63% · raw score 57%
What redditors said (10 of 21)
The best used ones I managed to get in this price range were all Sennheisers - HD598 SE, HD555, and a bit older HD535. ... HD598 SE have a slightly bloated upper bass for my taste (but not as bad as HD599), however they are generally good sound quality headphones.
Sennheiser changed the plastic in the second series (HD518/HD558/HD598), and the issue was gone.
For open backs, look at the Sennheiser hd 560, 589, 598, or 6xx.
Before that I started my audio journey with the HD598 which I liked but rate below the 553 and 6XX in terms of sound.
Your selection of the HD 598 is good for comfortable long-listening. It is airy with a spacious soundstage.
This is my first step-up since using a Sennheiser HD 598 for over a decade.
I'm coming from a pair of Sennheiser HD 598 SRs and quite enjoy them, if that helps at all.
I currently use Sennheiser HD 598. They have seen better days and I am now looking to upgrade. ... The 598s are incredibly comfortable for me as I have a larger head.
I'm personally a fan of the Sennheiser sound and I have owned the HD598SR/600/650/800/800S.
my trusted HD 599 (which replaced my older HD 598 a few years ago)
Compare
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