If you’re looking for audiophile-quality headphones for home listening that can do double duty when you’re on the go, Sennheiser HD 589 Cs closed back headphones might be perfect for you. They’re based on Sennheiser’s popular open-back HD 598 SE model, with a slightly stronger bass but a more limited soundstage.
The around-ear, closed-back design of the HD 598 Cs means they’re exceptionally comfortable to wear even during long listening sessions. Sound leakage and ambient outside noise are both significantly reduced, so you can use them in public settings. A replaceable cable gives you the option to use them with your mobile device and to receive phone calls.
So let’s take a closer look in our in-depth Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Review…
(4.4 / 5)Design
HD 598 Cs headphones have a thickly-padded leatherette headband and fabric earpads that fit around the ear and rest on your head. This around-ear design is significantly more comfortable than on-ear headphones during long listening sessions. It also reduces ambient noise and prevents people around you from involuntarily sharing your listening experience.
Sennheiser is well-known for its fine craftsmanship over many decades, and the HD 598 Cs doesn’t disappoint. With their ultra-modern shape, rendered in black with silver trim, they have the look of an ultra-luxury product.
They’re a bit bulkier and heavier than some other models at 11.9 ounces (334 grams). The extra weight doesn’t affect how they feel, so much as their portability. They don’t fold up, and definitely won’t fit in your pocket. That’s not a problem in the home, but if you use them in the car or on a plane, you’ll want to slip them into a purse or briefcase when not in use.
HD 598 Cs use what Sennheiser calls “Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement” (E.A.R.) technology, positioning the aluminum voice coil transducers to channel audio directly into your ears. The effect is to produce a wider soundstage, or “in room” listening experience.
These are wired headphones, and the package includes two detachable and interchangeable cables. For use with your home entertainment system, a 9-foot (3m) cable with a standard 1/4-inch (6.3mm) plug is provided.
And for your phone (assuming it has a headphone jack at all), there’s also a 4-foot (1.2m) cable with a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) plug, with a one-button remote and microphone for both music and phone calls.
Of course, since the HD 598 Cs has only a wired connection, it won’t work at all with a newer iPhone or another device that requires a wireless Bluetooth headset.
How Do They Sound?
They have an impedance of only 323 ohms and can deliver a full 115 dB sound pressure level (SPL). The frequency response is exceptionally wide, from 10 – 28,000 Hz, with only 0.2 percent total harmonic distortion (THD).
They’re known for their flat response, favoring neither the bass nor the high-end. They’re perfect for classical, jazz, and most pop styles, but they won’t give you the teeth-rattling bass you might like for hip hop (unless you turn up the bass control on your player).
The soundstage – the perceived width of the stereo field – is excellent but not as well-designed as open-back or on-ear phones tend to be.
The HD 598 Cs ear cups fit comfortably, yet snugly around your ears, significantly blocking environmental noises. This makes them ideal for listening in a car or airplane, or even for studio mixing. At the same time, the isolation will ensure your privacy. Nobody around you will be able to eavesdrop on your phone conversation or be disturbed by your music listening.
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Pros & Cons
Pros
- Superb sound quality for the price point.
- Sturdy construction.
- Lightweight design.
- Well-padded for maximum comfort and a snug fit.
- Excellent value for money.
Cons
- Slightly bulky looking even though they are lightweight.
- Not as portable as a lot of the competition.
Other Options
Still not convinced? No problem, check out our in-depth reviews of the Sony WH CH700N, the Skullcandy Crusher Wireless, the Sony WH 1000XM2, the AKG N60NC, the Bowers and Wilkins PX5, the Bose Quietcomfort 25, or the Beats Studio3 Wireless.
Conclusion
HD 598 Cs headphones are simply excellent, as one would expect from Sennheiser. They’re very comfortable even for prolonged listening, and the sound is balanced and virtually distortion-free, so you won’t develop ear fatigue. Especially considering the price, these phones deliver.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a headset mainly for mobile use, the relatively large size might be an issue, and you might consider a model that folds up into a smaller package.
Happy listening.
