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.

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.

Premium Components

The HD 599’s audio performance is driven by Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology. The use of aluminum voice coils in the transducers is a key factor in achieving high efficiency, excellent dynamics, and low distortion. This translates to clear, detailed sound with minimal unwanted coloration.

Many users in the reviews highlight the accurate and balanced sound reproduction of these headphones, praising their ability to reveal nuances in their music that they hadn’t noticed before.

Open Acoustic Design

The open-back design of the HD 599 is a defining feature that contributes significantly to its sound signature. Unlike closed-back headphones that isolate the listener from external noise, open-back headphones allow sound to pass through the earcups. This creates a more spacious and natural soundstage, mimicking the experience of listening to speakers in a room.

Several reviewers mention the “open” and airy sound quality, emphasizing the improved spatial presentation and immersive listening experience.

Versatile Connectivity

The inclusion of two detachable cables with different lengths and jack sizes adds to the versatility of the HD 599. The 3-meter cable with a 6.3mm jack is ideal for home use with amplifiers or audio interfaces, while the shorter 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5mm jack is convenient for use with smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices.

This feature is well-received by users who appreciate the flexibility to use the headphones with various audio sources without needing adapters.

Extreme Comfort

Comfort is a crucial factor for extended listening sessions, and the HD 599 excels in this area. The combination of soft velour ear cushions, a padded headband, and large earcups ensures a comfortable fit even after hours of use.

Many reviewers specifically praise the comfort of these headphones, highlighting the plush earpads and the lack of pressure on the ears.

Timeless Design

The HD 599’s ivory color scheme with brown stitching and matte metallic accents gives it a classic and elegant appearance. This timeless design ensures that the headphones won’t look out of place in any setting, whether at home or on the go.

While aesthetics are subjective, the overall design of the HD 599 is generally well-regarded by users who appreciate its understated elegance.

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.