Sennheiser HD 599 SE Review: Great value and performance

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE arrives in a surprisingly understated package for a product bearing the Sennheiser name. The brown cardboard box, sealed with recyclable tape, prioritizes sustainability over flashiness, a refreshing nod to eco-conscious design. Inside, the headphones are nestled in a plastic sleeve, accompanied by two detachable cables: a 3-meter cable with a 6.3mm jack for home audio systems and a 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5mm jack for portable devices. A 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter and a Velcro cable tie round out the accessories. The unboxing experience lacks the premium flair of higher-end models like the HD 800 S, but there’s a certain charm in the simplicity, especially when lifting the cardboard flap reveals the headphones tilted toward you, almost as if they’re being presented on a pedestal.

Visually, the HD 599 SE trades the polarizing ivory-and-brown color scheme of the standard HD 599 for a sleek black-and-silver aesthetic. The matte black finish, accented by subtle metallic silver details, exudes understated elegance. It’s less ostentatious than the standard model’s retro vibe, making it a better fit for modern setups. The design screams “functional chic,” with Sennheiser’s logo tastefully embossed on the earcups’ metal mesh. However, the predominantly plastic construction, while lightweight at 250 grams, feels less premium than pricier competitors like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro. The silver accents, while stylish, are prone to chipping, so handle with care.

The open-back design is both a blessing and a curse. It contributes to the airy, spacious soundstage, but it offers zero noise isolation. Ambient sounds—like a doorbell or a roommate’s chatter—seep in, and your music leaks out, making these headphones unsuitable for public spaces or shared environments. This is by design, as open-back headphones are tailored for quiet, controlled settings like home listening rooms or studios. If you need isolation, look to closed-back alternatives like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

If comfort is your top priority, the HD 599 SE is hard to beat. The velour earpads are soft, breathable, and spacious enough to accommodate larger ears without touching the cartilage—a common pain point with lesser headphones. The padded headband, while adjustable, can slip out of place during handling, requiring occasional readjustment. Still, the lightweight design and minimal clamping force make these headphones feel like they “disappear” on your head. I wore them with glasses for hours without pressure points, a testament to Sennheiser’s ergonomic focus. Compared to the HD 58X or HD 6XX, the HD 599 SE feels noticeably lighter and less constricting, earning it top marks for marathon listening sessions.

The HD 599 SE’s sound is warm, smooth, and musical, with a slight coloration that prioritizes enjoyment over clinical accuracy. It’s less neutral than the HD 600 or HD 6XX, which are designed for critical listening, but more engaging for casual use. Compared to the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X, the HD 599 SE offers a better-balanced treble and less bass roll-off, while its comfort surpasses the Beyerdynamic DT 880’s harsher sound. For $129, the sound quality is astonishingly close to audiophile-grade, making it an ideal entry point for those dipping their toes into high-fidelity audio.

With a 50-ohm impedance, the HD 599 SE is easy to drive, sounding robust even from a smartphone, though a DAC/amp enhances clarity. Compared to the HD 560S, it’s less neutral but more comfortable. Against the Drop HD 58X, it offers similar sound but superior comfort. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provides more bass and isolation but lacks the open-back airiness.

Pros:

• Exceptional comfort for long sessions
• Near-audiophile sound with a warm, musical profile
• Wide, immersive soundstage and precise imaging
• Detachable cables enhance durability
• Great value, especially on sale

Cons:

• Open-back design offers no noise isolation
• Plastic build feels less premium
• Sub-bass roll-off limits deep bass impact
• Slight upper-mid compression affects some vocals

Breathability and Comfort: The open-back design enhances physical comfort by allowing air circulation around the ears. Unlike closed-back headphones, which can trap heat, open-back models like the HD 599 SE with velour earpads remain cool during long sessions. This makes them a top choice for marathon listening, though the lightweight construction (250 grams for the HD 599 SE) further amplifies comfort.

The acoustic principles of open-back headphones hinge on minimizing sound wave reflections within the earcup. Key technological aspects include:

• Driver Design: Open-back headphones use large dynamic drivers with lightweight materials like aluminum voice coils (as in the HD 599 SE) to ensure quick, accurate response. These drivers are tuned for low distortion and high clarity.
• Earcup Ventilation: The perforated or mesh outer shells (e.g., the HD 599 SE’s metal mesh) allow sound waves to exit freely, reducing resonance and creating a natural acoustic environment. This contrasts with closed-back designs, where sealed earcups trap sound, boosting bass but muddying mids.
• Impedance and Amplification: Open-back headphones often have moderate impedance (50 ohms for the HD 599 SE), making them easy to drive with basic devices, though a DAC/amp enhances detail. High-end models like the Sennheiser HD 800 S (300 ohms) require more powerful amplification.

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE is a triumph of value and performance, delivering a near-audiophile experience for a fraction of the cost. Its warm, detailed sound, expansive soundstage, and unparalleled comfort make it a stellar choice for home listening, whether you’re spinning vinyl, streaming movies, or gaming casually. While the open-back design and modest sub-bass limit its versatility, and the plastic build lacks premium flair, these are minor trade-offs for a headphone that often retails below $130. For those stepping into the world of high-fidelity audio or seeking a comfortable, musical pair of cans for home use, the HD 599 SE is a no-brainer. Sennheiser has crafted a budget-friendly gem that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to hear music the way it was meant to be heard.