SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory
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AI Verdict
An 8.8-ounce open-back wired headphone with velour ear pads, delivering spatial audio for long listening sessions.
These 8.8-ounce over-ear headphones with velour ear pads are built for comfort during long listening sessions at home. Their open-back design provides a spacious soundstage, making them suitable for critical listening or immersive gaming in quiet environments.
If you need better noise isolation or a more neutral sound profile for competitive gaming, look for closed-back headphones or models like the Sennheiser HD 560S.
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Pros
- Lightweight at 8.8 ounces, with velour ear pads and a padded headband for extended comfort.
- Open-back design creates a spacious soundstage and precise imaging for audio.
- Includes two detachable cables: a 3-meter cable with a 6.3mm jack and a 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5mm jack.
- Sennheiser engineered transducers with aluminum voice coils deliver low distortion.
- Easy to drive, functioning well directly from laptops or phones without a dedicated amplifier.
- Warm and relaxed sound profile with clear, intimate midrange and vocals.
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound significantly and offers almost no isolation from ambient noise.
- Some users report a "mid-bass bloat" or lack of "thump" in the low-bass, requiring EQ for preference.
- Lacks an integrated microphone, making it unsuitable for calls or gaming chat without an external mic.
- Proprietary cable connection, limiting third-party cable options.
- Plastic construction can exhibit creaking sounds with head movement.
Dimension Scores
Warm, spacious soundstage, and low distortion, but some users report mid-bass bloat and it's not considered reference-neutral.
As open-back headphones, they provide virtually no noise isolation and leak significant sound.
Praised for their lightweight 8.8-ounce design, padded headband, and luxurious velour ear pads, accommodating even large heads and glasses.
These are wired headphones and do not have a battery.
Best For
- Critical listening at home for music with spatial audio.
- Extended gaming sessions where soundstage and comfort are priorities.
- Users prioritizing comfort for long listening periods.
- Audiophiles seeking a warm, relaxed sound profile.
Not Recommended For
- Commuting or travel due to significant sound leakage and no noise isolation.
- Use in shared office spaces or noisy environments.
- Users requiring an integrated microphone for calls or online communication.
- Active use or gym workouts (wired, open-back).
Watch Out For
- The "Sound Isolation" specification is misleading; these open-back headphones leak a lot of audio and block virtually no ambient sound.
- Some users experience a "messy low and low-mid performance" or "mid-bass bloat" that can affect sound clarity.
- The proprietary cable connection means finding replacement or aftermarket cables can be limited to specific types.
- Plastic components can produce creaking noises when adjusting the headphones on the head.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B01L1IICR2 |
| Brand | Sennheiser |
| Color | Ivory |
| Style | HD 599 |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Language | English, English, English, English, English |
| Material | Aluminum, Plastic |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Generation | 500 series |
| Model Name | HD 599 |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Item Weight | 8.8 ounces |
| Cable Length | 3 Meters |
| Manufacturer | Sennheiser |
| Cable Feature | Detachable |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Earpiece Shape | Over Ear |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Noise Cancellation |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Item model number | 506831 |
| Compatible Devices | Music Production Equipment, Laptops, Desktops, Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Telephones, Smart Speaker, Television, Cellphones |
| Hardware Interface | 3.5mm Audio |
| Included Components | Cable, Ear Cushions |
| Input Device Interface | Audio jack |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Specific Uses For Product | Music |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | No |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wired |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04044155207576 |
What Buyers Say
Many users highlight the exceptional comfort of the HD 599, often citing the velour ear pads and lightweight 8.8-ounce build as key factors for long listening sessions. While the open-back design is consistently praised for its spacious soundstage and imaging, it also leads to significant sound leakage and a complete lack of noise isolation, which is a frequent point of clarification for new buyers. Some audiophiles note a "mid-bass bloat" or a less-than-neutral sound profile compared to other models, but many find the warm, relaxed tuning enjoyable for casual listening.
“Dude, these are SO comfy, I can wear them all day gaming, but my wife keeps yelling at me that she can hear my music from across the room. Bass is a little soft but EQ fixes it.”
Common Praise
- Velour ear pads and padded headband provide comfort for hours of wear.
- Spacious and open soundstage with precise instrument imaging.
- Clear and intimate reproduction of vocals and midrange frequencies.
- Lightweight design at 8.8 ounces prevents fatigue during extended use.
- Easy to drive, working well with standard audio sources like phones and laptops.
- Includes two different length detachable cables for varied use cases.
Common Complaints
- Significant sound leakage and no isolation from ambient noise due to open-back design.
- "Mid-bass bloat" or a lack of deep, impactful low-bass for some listeners.
- No built-in microphone for communication.
- Plastic construction can sometimes creak with head movement.
- Proprietary cable connection can limit replacement options.
Ownership Tips
- The velour ear pads are replaceable, extending the lifespan of the headphones.
- The headphones are surprisingly durable, with many users reporting years of use without major issues.
- The sound profile benefits significantly from EQ adjustments, especially for bass response.
- The open-back design means you'll hear everything around you, so they're strictly for quiet environments.
- The included 3.5mm cable is useful for connecting to portable devices or controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these headphones require an amplifier?
No, the HD 599 are easy to drive and work well directly from devices like phones, laptops, or console controllers without a dedicated amplifier.
Do these headphones have a microphone?
No, the Sennheiser HD 599 do not include an integrated microphone, so you'll need an external one for calls or gaming chat.
Are these suitable for use in an office or public transport?
No, due to their open-back design, they leak a lot of sound and offer almost no noise isolation, making them unsuitable for shared or noisy environments.
Can the cables be replaced?
Yes, the cables are detachable and replaceable, though they use a proprietary connection. The headphones come with two cables: a 3-meter and a 1.2-meter option.
How do these compare to the Sennheiser HD 560S?
The HD 599 offers a warmer, more relaxed, and slightly V-shaped sound profile, while the HD 560S is generally considered more neutral and analytical.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at headphones like these, the "open-back" part is huge. It means sound can get in and out freely, which gives you a wider, more natural sound, like music is playing in the room, not just in your head. But it also means everyone around you hears your tunes, and you hear everything around them. If you need to block out noise or keep your music private, these aren't it.
Open-back design
This design allows air to pass through the earcups, creating a more spacious and natural soundstage, similar to how sound travels in a room, but it also means zero noise isolation and sound leakage.
Wired connectivity
A wired connection means no batteries to charge and no latency, which is crucial for critical listening or gaming where timing is everything, but it ties you to your audio source.
Dynamic Driver
This is the most common type of headphone driver, using a magnetic field to move a diaphragm and produce sound. It's known for its ability to produce powerful bass and a wide frequency range.
Weight (8.8 ounces)
A lighter headphone like this one reduces pressure on your head and neck, making it much more comfortable for wearing during long listening sessions without fatigue.
Alternatives
If you need to block out external noise or prevent your audio from being heard by others, look for "closed-back" headphones. For wireless freedom, search for "Bluetooth over-ear" models.
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