Sennheiser HD 599 Review: Comfort King with Caveats
Digging into hundreds of user reports, the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphones consistently score high for comfort and spacious soundstage, but show a split verdict on bass performance and source sensitivity. Across platforms, they average around 4.6/5, translating to an investigative score of 8.4/10 — excellent for certain listening profiles, but conditional for bass-heavy genres or noisy environments.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — outstanding for home listening, less ideal for portable or bass-demanding use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious, natural soundstage ideal for acoustic/jazz/classical | Lacks sub-bass depth; mid-bass can sound boomy |
| Exceptional comfort with velour pads, light clamp | No noise isolation; heavy sound leakage |
| Detachable cables for versatility | Sensitive to source quality; cheap outputs reduce performance |
| Warm, forgiving tonality suited to long sessions | Plastic build feels less premium to some users |
| Often heavily discounted — strong value at $80-$130 | Awkward proprietary cable connector |
| Clear mids and smooth treble | Color scheme divisive (ivory/brown vs. SE black) |
Claims vs Reality
Sennheiser markets the HD 599 as delivering “impressively natural spatial performance” with “exceptional wearing comfort.” While many listeners agree, the data reveals nuances.
The open-back claim of “natural spatial performance” is substantiated by users across Reddit and Head‑Fi, who praise its “concert-hall feel” and “accurate spatial cues.” A Reddit user explained: “The mids are not recessed… treble got good detail… very comfy… they really do not isolate any bus/car/people sounds.” This aligns with the open-back design benefits — but also underscores the drawback in noisy settings.
Comfort claims hold up strongly. A Head‑Fi reviewer noted, “The light weight and moderate clamping force… make it better suited for long listening sessions.” Trustpilot user Griese19 called them “as comfortable as any headphones I own.” However, one Amazon buyer contradicted this, calling them “the worst I’ve ever used… felt like laying on a cement paving stone,” showing that fit can be subjective.
On bass performance, marketing implies “excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion.” While distortion issues are rare, bass reception is mixed. Some Trustpilot reviewers loved the “higher bass” compared to HD 6xx, while others, like Suganami65, complained of “slightly bloated bass with a tendency to bleed into the mids.” This points to a mid-bass emphasis that some find warm and engaging, others find muddy.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort is the most consistent praise. The velour pads, light clamp, and low weight make the HD 599 popular for long sessions. A Reddit owner said: “Most comfortable headphone I’ve ever used… clamp force practically nonexistent.” Gamers echoed this; one Trustpilot reviewer uses them for Valorant and Tarkov, stating they’re “vital” for hearing positional cues.
Soundstage and imaging are another high point. Users describe it as “spacious and immersive” (Sound by Broot) and “wide and deep… better than HD 600 family” (Head‑Fi). For film use, an Amazon.es buyer reported, “Nothing comes close to the immersive theater-like experience… explosions shake you… bullets seem real.”
The forgiving tonality is also valued. Head‑Fi user Hiwire noted, “Warm and forgiving of poorer recordings… no sennheiser veil.” This makes them versatile across genres — from pop to classical — without fatiguing treble.
Common Complaints
Bass depth is the most frequent complaint, particularly for EDM or hip-hop. Reddit users caution that “if you really like impactful bass, the 599 could not be the better option.” Trustpilot reviews mention “bloated bass” and “mid bleed,” with some preferring the more refined low end of the HD 58x.
Source sensitivity frustrates budget buyers. Several Head‑Fi members found that plugging into cheap laptop jacks resulted in “mediocre experience,” with reduced slam and harsh highs. High-end DAC/amp combos improved performance significantly, but this adds cost.
Build perception varies. While many appreciate the lightweight plastic, one Amazon reviewer found it “cheap” and “creaky.” The proprietary locking 2.5mm cable connector is also criticized for limiting aftermarket options.
Divisive Features
The tonal balance — mildly warm with elevated upper-bass — splits opinion. Some call it “fun” and “vintage sounding” (Trustpilot), while others find it “veiled” and lacking treble sparkle. The color scheme is another divider. The ivory/brown finish is seen as “timeless” by Sennheiser marketing, but Head‑Fi users often prefer the SE black edition, calling the original scheme “a bit ugly in real life.”
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability stories are reassuring. A Head‑Fi user’s 5-year-old HD 599 SE “still look brand new,” with no recurrence of the HD 598’s cracking issue. Replaceable pads extend lifespan, though some note they may need swapping after 2-3 years.
Trustpilot trends show satisfaction linked to price paid. Under $130, most reviews are glowing; above $200, skepticism rises. No widespread reports of scams, but buyers advise sticking to reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit units, especially on marketplaces.
Alternatives
Two models dominate comparison: HD 560S and HD 58X. Multiple reviewers state the HD 560S “does everything the 599 does and better” for around $200, with more neutral tuning and better detail. The HD 58X offers “more refined bass response” and scales better with amps, but clamps harder.
For those prioritizing comfort and warmth over analytical detail, the HD 599 remains competitive — especially during deep discounts. Bass lovers may prefer the HD 6XX, though it demands more amplification.
Price & Value
eBay and Amazon listings show common resale prices between $94–$134, with new SE versions dipping to $80 during sales. Users repeatedly stress that “$80 is an autobuy” (Reddit) and “best $92 bucks I’ve spent.” At MSRP (~$200), value perception drops, with advice to wait for discounts.
Resale retention is moderate; used units in good condition fetch ~$100, aided by replaceable pads and broad recognition.
FAQ
Q: Do the HD 599 need an amp?
A: Not strictly, but they benefit from quality sources. Head‑Fi users report “mediocre experience” from cheap laptop jacks, with better dynamics and clarity on dedicated DAC/amps.
Q: How do they compare to HD 560S?
A: HD 560S offers more neutral tuning and detail, but less warmth. Several Trustpilot and Head‑Fi users prefer HD 560S for accuracy; HD 599 for comfort and forgiving sound.
Q: Are they good for gaming?
A: Yes, especially for positional audio. Trustpilot gamers credit them with “saving lives” in tactical shooters, thanks to precise imaging and wide soundstage.
Q: Can they be used outdoors?
A: Not ideal. Open-back design leaks sound both ways and offers zero isolation, as Reddit users caution against using them “out in the streets.”
Q: Is the SE version different sonically?
A: No. Multiple users confirm identical sound to the original; differences are cosmetic and packaging-related.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a home listener seeking comfort, wide soundstage, and warm tonality for diverse genres — especially at sub-$130 prices. Avoid if you need isolation, deep sub-bass, or plan to use low-quality sources. Pro tip from the community: “Wait for the SE to drop to $80 — at that price, it’s an instant win.”
