Sennheiser HD 598 SR
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Sennheiser HD 598 SR is widely regarded as a 'gateway' audiophile headphone, celebrated for its exceptional long-term comfort and expansive soundstage. Users frequently report high satisfaction with its durability, with many units lasting over a decade. While it features a warm and 'relaxing' sound signature that is easy to listen to for hours, it is noted for being less neutral than its predecessors and having a 'darker' tone that may lack the clinical detail some enthusiasts seek.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort suitable for long, non-fatiguing listening sessions
- Impressive longevity and durability, with users reporting 10-15 years of use
- Wide and immersive soundstage, often described as 'insane' for its price point
- Clear, standout performance in the midrange frequencies
- Easy to drive with entry-level gear or portable DACs
Cons
- Leather headband and ear pads are prone to cracking and tearing over time
- Bass response can feel lacking or thin compared to the sub-bass quality
- Drivers are susceptible to an annoying rattle if fine hairs get trapped in them
- The 'warm' tuning and cloth driver covers can sometimes obscure fine musical details
Caveats
- The sound signature is noticeably 'darker' and less neutral than older models like the HD 595
- Regular maintenance, such as using leather conditioner or replacing pads, is required to maintain physical condition
Best for
- Entry-level audiophiles seeking a reliable 'daily driver'
- Users who prioritize a wide soundstage and comfort over analytical detail
- Long listening sessions where ear fatigue is a primary concern
Avoid if
- You prefer a strictly neutral or clinical reference sound signature
- You are looking for high-impact, punchy bass for modern genres
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence comes from a 2026 source window with a median age of approximately 216 days, reflecting a mix of long-term ownership reports and recent comparisons.
Sentiment
17 positive (81%) · 1 mixed (5%) · 3 negative (14%)
Trust + time weighted score: +67% · raw score 67%
What redditors said (10 of 21)
The bloat is however not as bad as in HD599, and certainly even someone who is used to more neutral sound (like coming from HD600) can get used to HD598 within a day or two of use.
To be fair, my main issue with HD598 and subsequent HD599 is that they are not as neutral as their predecessor HD595 or even HD555 (my favorite tonal signature actually). I get a bit annoyed because of that, they are however still a tremendously good headphones, particularly HD598.
Idk what possessed me to do it but I regret throwing them away instead of just changing out the torn pads
Senns are plastic but my HD598 are like 15 years old now and I've dropped them sooooo many times never an issue.
but throughout that first week, i found myself returning to the HD598 again and again. my nervous system was less on guard and i felt like i could relax more listening to the HD598, and was able to listen more present with the HD598.
I guess it’s a good learning experience: ‘’i like darker headphones’’. looking at the HD58x as a potential next purchase.
Best pair of headphones that I own(I also have Focal Elex & Hifiman HE6SEv2 with pads but my 598's hold a very special place in my heart). I have had mine for 12 years now.
My only recommendation? The leather pad that touches your head will eventually crack. So just be good about putting leather conditioner on it or be prepared to replace it - there are a ton of kits out that are relatively cheap, so it's no big deal.
When I compare it to my 11 year old HD 598, I am shocked at how bad this really is.
I had a modest entry level audiophile setup with HD 598 SR + Fiio e10k. Mainly used those openback headphones, but also had a HD 58x and ATH M40x. I used a standalone mic then a modmic with them. The soundstage with the open back sennheisers were insane.
Compare
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