Inside This Article:
- The Sennheiser HD 598 Series: A Legacy of Sound
- Sennheiser HD 598 Specs: Breaking Down the Numbers
- Sennheiser HD 598 (Open-Back): The Audiophile’s Darling
- Sennheiser HD 598 CS (Closed-Back): The Commuter’s Choice
- Gaming on the HD 598: A Secret Weapon
- HD 598 vs. Modern Alternatives: Is It Still Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
The Sennheiser HD 598 series isn’t just another pair of headphones—it’s a legend. Even years after its debut, audiophiles, gamers, and everyday music lovers still swear by its balanced sound, plush comfort, and timeless design. Whether you’re eyeing the open-back Sennheiser HD 598, its stealthier HD 598 SE sibling, or the noise-isolating Sennheiser HD 598 CS, this series delivers performance that punches way above its price tag.
But what makes these cans so special? Let’s peel back the layers—literally and figuratively—to uncover why the Sennheiser HD 598 specs still hold up in 2024.
The Sennheiser HD 598 Series: A Legacy of Sound
Sennheiser’s HD 500 series has always been the Goldilocks zone of headphones: not too cheap, not too expensive, but just right. The Sennheiser HD 598 sits proudly in this sweet spot, offering a blend of premium acoustics, ergonomic design, and durability that’s rare in its price range.
Why the HD 598 Series Still Matters
- Timeless Sound: Neutral tuning with a slight warmth—perfect for critical listening.
- Build Quality: Durable plastics, soft velour ear pads, and a lightweight frame.
- Versatility: Works for music, gaming, and even studio monitoring.
The Three Faces of the HD 598
- HD 598 (Open-Back) – The original, loved for its airy soundstage.
- HD 598 SE – Same as the original, but in a sleek all-black finish (no more "grandpa chic").
- HD 598 CS (Closed-Back) – Adds noise isolation for commuters and bass lovers.
Fun fact: The ivory/brown colorway of the original HD 598 sparked debates. Some called it "vintage elegance," others "old-man headphones." Either way, it’s iconic.
Source: PCMag's review
Sennheiser HD 598 Specs: Breaking Down the Numbers
Before we geek out over sound profiles, let’s dissect the Sennheiser HD 598 specs—because numbers don’t lie (usually).
Technical Rundown
- Driver Type: 50mm dynamic drivers (bigger than most budget cans).
- Impedance: 50 ohms (easy to drive with phones or laptops).
- Frequency Response: 12Hz–38,500Hz (your dog might hear the highs better than you).
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 112dB (loud enough to annoy your neighbors).
- THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): <0.1% (cleaner than a freshly wiped record).
- Weight: ~270g (lighter than a can of soda).
What These Specs Actually Mean
- 50mm Drivers: Delivers richer bass and clearer mids than smaller drivers.
- Low Impedance: No need for a fancy amp—plug and play.
- Wide Frequency Response: Captures subtle details, from deep bass to sparkling highs.
Pro tip: If a headphone’s specs list a frequency range beyond human hearing (like 38kHz), it’s mostly marketing fluff. But hey, it looks impressive.
Sennheiser HD 598 (Open-Back): The Audiophile’s Darling
The open-back Sennheiser HD 598 is like a window into your music—unfiltered, natural, and spacious. But it’s not for everyone. Let’s explore why.
Design & Comfort: Cloud-Like Luxury
- Ear Pads: Velour-covered memory foam (no sweaty ears during long sessions).
- Headband: Minimal clamp force (feels like a gentle hug for your skull).
- Aesthetic: Ivory with brown accents (polarizing but distinctive).
Downside? The open-back design leaks sound like a sieve. Roommates and coworkers will hear your playlist.
Sound Profile: Neutral with a Hint of Warmth
- Bass: Tight and controlled, but not skull-rattling (EDM fans might crave more).
- Mids: Smooth and detailed (vocals sound intimate, like the singer’s whispering to you).
- Highs: Crisp but not harsh (no ear-piercing cymbals here).
Ever listened to a live jazz recording on these? The instruments feel like they’re floating around you—almost spooky.
Sennheiser HD 598 CS (Closed-Back): The Commuter’s Choice
The Sennheiser HD 598 CS trades the open-back’s airiness for isolation and extra bass. Ideal for noisy environments, but does it sacrifice too much?
Key Differences from the Open-Back Model
- Soundstage: More intimate (less "concert hall," more "private booth").
- Bass: Punchier and fuller (finally, some thump for hip-hop lovers).
- Noise Isolation: Blocks out chatter (perfect for flights or coffee shops).
Who’s It For?
- Commute warriors who need peace and quiet.
- Bass enthusiasts who found the original too lean.
- Office dwellers who don’t want to share their music.
Trade-off? You lose that magical open-back soundstage. Worth it? Depends on your priorities.
Gaming on the HD 598: A Secret Weapon
Gamers love the Sennheiser HD 598—and not just because it looks cool. Here’s why it’s a stealth MVP for competitive play.
Why Gamers Swear By It
- Soundstage: Pinpoint accuracy for footsteps and gunfire (CS:GO pros approve).
- Comfort: Marathon sessions won’t leave your ears sore.
- No Mic: Annoying? Maybe. But it means you can pair it with a high-quality standalone mic.
The HD 598 CS works too, but the closed-back design narrows the soundstage slightly. Still, it’s killer for immersive single-player games.
Random fact: Some esports players use the HD 598 with a modded mic attachment. DIY at its finest.
HD 598 vs. Modern Alternatives: Is It Still Worth It?
Sennheiser has released newer models (like the HD 599), but the HD 598 often sells for a steal. Should you buy it in 2024?
Pros
- Unmatched comfort (like wearing two fluffy clouds).
- Neutral sound that suits most genres.
- No amp needed—plug it into anything and go.
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound (not ideal for public spaces).
- Bass is polite (not for bassheads).
- Older tech (but sometimes, classics age like wine).
Verdict? If you find one under $150, grab it. It’s a timeless workhorse.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What are the key differences between the Sennheiser HD 598 models?
The HD 598 series includes variations like the HD 598, HD 598 SE, and HD 598 Cs. The main differences lie in design (open-back vs. closed-back), sound signature, and color options, with the Cs model offering noise isolation. -
Which HD 598 model is best for gaming?
The open-back HD 598 or HD 598 SE is ideal for gaming due to their wider soundstage, which enhances spatial awareness in games. The closed-back HD 598 Cs is better for noisy environments but has a narrower soundstage. -
Are the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones good for music?
Yes, all HD 598 models deliver excellent audio quality with balanced mids and highs. The open-back versions excel in natural sound reproduction, while the closed-back HD 598 Cs offers deeper bass for genres like EDM or hip-hop. -
Do the HD 598 headphones require an amplifier?
No, the HD 598 series has a low impedance (50 ohms) and high sensitivity, making them easy to drive with smartphones, laptops, or other devices without needing an external amp.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
The Sennheiser HD 598 series isn’t perfect, but it’s damn close for the price. Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Get the HD 598 (Open-Back)if you want:A spacious, natural soundstage.Supreme comfort for long sessions.Don’t mind sound leakage.
- Get the HD 598 CS (Closed-Back)if you need:Noise isolation for travel or work.Extra bass without sacrificing clarity.Privacy (no one needs to know you’re replaying Bohemian Rhapsody for the 100th time).
And if you’re still torn? Close your eyes, pick one, and trust that Sennheiser’s engineering won’t let you down.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here mourning the discontinued ivory colorway. Bring it back, Sennheiser. You cowards. 😉
Which HD 598 Model is Right for You?
Not sure which model is your match? Whether it’s the open-back for unparalleled soundstage or the closed-back for immersive isolation, we’ve got you covered. Learn more and make the best choice for your needs.