Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones - Black (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Three stars because of the looks, construction and material used which is I like. Now the bad part for my likes though is the sound quality. I have to admit that the last time I used a headphone was back in the 80s when I was a teenager. I remember having a Sennheiser headphone that is why I trusted this brand, It sounds like you are listening in front of your speaker system, you can feel the tightness of the bass (not boomy like these days bass) through your ears, the details of mids and highs almost like live, real instruments like in front of you when you close your eyes. So last week I decided to buy the HD 598 SE for my Audio system, I also have a Alesis multi 8 USB mixer with Behringer active speakers so maybe I wanted to try some vocal recordings for my wife and I can use the 598 for monitoring. I tried and noticed right away how flat the sound was, lacking the bass and ok mids and highs, also the audio is weak as well, but I ignored it because Im more focus on the home amateur recordings. I also I thought that maybe when I try the 598 to my main audio system receiver from my theater room everything will be different, sound wise because its a different system. But the time comes that I have to deal with the headphone, I inserted the jack to my receivers headphone jack input, put the volume level like Im listening to my speaker system, flat and weak. I doubled the volume level maybe this time I can feel the details like when it was the sennheiser that I used to own in the 80s, nada. It actually clipping already or distorted when I raised the volume level and It did not add anymore details. I also did not like the open back feature, I mean thats why we use headphone to Isolate the sound, not sure why open the back, for some yes but no way for me. I actually tried to put my hands on it to cover lol! I didnt even know about a open back headphone until now. So maybe for recordings If you want some details like a flat EQ yes on this headphone, but if you enjoy loud music (not the boomy bass) with detailed instruments sound like, chest beating tightness of bass, then this is not the headphone. I would recommend to find a place that you can try first before you choose, thats what Im going to do. Just my honest opinion. Update: 02/20/2017 I went to a music store and this time I get to listen before I buy. My choice, Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, now this is what Im talking about, Bass, Mids, Highs, they are all there and it has the loudness that Im looking for and it is a studio headphone! It is also much cheaper! Problem solved!

Great sounding headphones!

Awesome audio quality and comfort.

Ive had the ATH-M50s for over 5 years. These are way, way better. If you dont need a pair of headphones for public use e.g., your office, the library, the coffee shop, etc. (or already have something for that), then absolutely get the HD 598s. Its as simple as that. These sound way better out of the box.

First, these headphones are open.If you are ok with this (or actually looking for it), then these are perfect. Bought them $100 cheaper in Amazon than the price I found in several stores. Ive read that people complain these headphones are too bulky. If the picture didnt help, yes, they are bulky. But if you are used to travel with a small backpack youll have no problem; I keep mine in my backpack or a big purse and there has been zero damage so far. Sound is perfect, and obviously, to make a song sound incredible youll have to equalize your device. I havent done it with mine, and with some albums I can hear far better percussion and with other the bass. Also, Ive read that these dont have a good bass balance, but again, if you equalize your device youll hear it.

Thought it would be a little better in terms of noise cancelling but quality is good and very comfortable

Amazing for at home headphones! I also own the m50 and While i prefer the m50 for whenever im out of the house (blocks the noise on planes amazingly). I prefer these at home. These are open back headphones (which means everyone around you will hear what you are hearing). THese provide a better soundstage than close backs like the m50. So great for video games (pair this with a detachable mic).

What is there to say. It is Sennheiser . If anyone has ever tried this brand of headphones they know they are indescribable perfection.

Amazing! f

very comfortable and great sound