If you are a fan of listening to music on the go or, conversely, a professional working with sound in the studio, you will always have a choice - which sound system to purchase. Which headphones are best for your goals and objectives? Today we are considering Sennheiser HD 598 headphones, which “blew up” the market in 2013 and just as quickly left the stage.
Main characteristics
So, the presented model is a monitor, which can cause difficulties when carrying. The large size of the headphones can not be attributed to the disadvantages, but there may be problems when wearing them in rainy weather. Of course, you can use them indoors, but then it’s easier to get a complete sound system.
Sennheiser HD 598 connects to devices using a three-meter wire, which allows you to use them with maximum convenience in any environment. In addition, the wire can be turned off, so do not be afraid of its excesses during storage. And the universal mechanism that snaps when connected will retain a “contact” if you accidentally pull the wire.
An open architecture will allow others to hear your music at a distance of up to 1 meter, but the dynamic model will not provide the listener with anything supernatural.
Technical details
Next, let's move on to the sound. Headphones Sennheiser HD 598 have a sensitivity of 112 dB, which is many times superior to analogues of the same company in this price category. In simpler words, the sound volume at maximum settings is so high that you do not even need external speakers to be heard at a distance of several meters.
An impedance of 50 ohms also increases sound quality and power output. For comparison, other models of the company in this price range have large values of this parameter. For example, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is 64 ohms and the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro is 54 ohms.
But the reproduced frequencies are fundamentally different. Sennheiser HD 598 have a lower threshold value of 12 Hz, which is quite good and allows you to enjoy enough bass. But at the same time, the HD 380 has a lower threshold of 8 Hz, so if you plan to work at low frequencies, it will be better for you to choose this particular model. The 38 kHz upper bar is ideal for listening to classical music. In this category, better to find will be very difficult. However, due to this scatter, there are some problems, which we will discuss later.
Connection
As we already mentioned, Sennheiser HD 598 has a 3 meter cable. Despite the fact that this may cause some inconvenience when walking, at home or in the studio, this size will be very convenient.
The headphone jack has a 2.5 mm format, which allows you to use it not only for its intended purpose, but also connect many external sound sources. On the other hand, the wire has a 6.3 mm jack, which can be used to connect to various sound cards. The kit also includes an adapter to the standard 3.5 mm, so you can listen to music from ordinary gadgets.
Positive
Now let's talk about reality. Headphones Sennheiser HD 598, an overview of which you have just read, have characteristics that are clearly overpriced for their cost. But how do they work together? Let's look at the opinions of users.
- The first thing that users of this device highlight is its convenience and design. Pleasant shades for the eyes and velor ear pads, from which ears do not get tired or sweat.
- The second is, of course, a soft sound. Judging by the reviews, this accessory has a decent sound at medium and high frequencies.
This is where the benefits end. When reading reviews, one gets the feeling that all users are divided into two categories. For some, the Sennheiser HD 598 is the lower price category, for others they are not cheap.
Negative
Very often there is an opinion that the sound in these headphones is completely mixed. With an abundance of bass at different frequencies, the melody mixes and sounds “like a bucket”.
Another opinion suggests that at maximum volumes the “metal” cannot be listened to. The device starts to sound very loud. However, it is noted that Sennheiser HD 598 is ideally suited for smooth classical music.
Openness is also often attributed to the disadvantages of this device. In crowded places, listening to them is almost useless. And in the evening the sound can spread throughout the apartment, so if you are going to quietly watch a movie in good sound, you will not succeed.
The last drawback, which users note, pretty much affects the desire to purchase these headphones. Judging by the many comments, the bass on them is very weak and soft. They lack drive and speed. Therefore, lovers of "drama" should buy amplifiers for them, which will also cost a pretty penny (about $ 150). With this condition, it’s easier to take a more expensive and high-quality device right away.
Despite the fact that there is a lot of negativity in the comments, the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones, which we reviewed, receive a rather high average rating of 5 in 70% of cases. So, if you are not an inveterate music lover and professional, you can safely get them. But with only one small condition - do not stumble on counterfeit. The manufacturer has long discontinued Sennheiser HD 598. How to distinguish a fake - read on.
"Left" headphones
Since Sennheiser is one of the legislators in the music industry, and their devices are mostly not cheap, there are a lot of “Chinese” copies of popular models. Let's look at a few simple ways how not to stumble on a fake.
- We are talking about the Sennheiser HD 598, but this tip is useful to you anyway. On the manufacturer’s website, check whether the release of the model you need is being conducted to the present. If not, then with a 100% probability you will buy a fake.
- So, you came to the store and stand in front of the counter. How to distinguish a fake from the original? First check the equipment. Very often, fake Sennheiser HD 598 is released with a sealed wire. That is, you cannot disconnect it from the headphones.
- The wire contacts should be exactly the same as we cited in the article. If the seller will try to convince that the cord with a jack of 3.5 mm at the end is a license, do not believe it.
- The length of the wire of the original Sennheiser HD 598 is 3m. Fakes have a standard length of 1.2 meters.
- Regarding the headphones themselves. To earn more on fake, it will use materials of lower quality. Check the material of the ear pads and their size. The auricle should be fully placed in them.
- Another opportunity to save on manufacturing fakes is to use plastic instead of metal. Carefully inspect the grill of the external speakers - it should be metal, not plastic.
- The headphones we are considering should be made with German meticulousness. Any strings sticking out of the seam, or a crookedly written logo can cause a refusal to purchase.
- The inserts around the "ears" should be silver plated, and not stainless steel.
- The contact area where you rotate the speaker should be branded. Yes, and the designation "left - right" should be in place.
- We examine the packaging. Sennheiser HD 598, reviews of which are given in the article, are not produced in Russia, but are only imported, so the box should look like this:
- It should not be Russian. Any repackaged product is a 75% risk of counterfeiting.
- The Russian language can only be on a sticker on top of the package. It should also indicate one of the licensed importers. For example, Sennheiser Audio LLC.
- The guarantee itself must be indicated on the packaging itself. She is two years old.
- Must have a serial number. In addition, there may be a QR code and ID. The absence of the first suggests that this product was not produced by the company. By scanning the QR, you will receive a code that can be viewed on the official website. Compare IDs on different packages. If a store sells fakes, then it will most likely be the same.
findings
It is quite simple to stumble upon a fake, however, observing and checking the simple rules from the second list, you can protect yourself by almost 75%. And then you will become the proud owner of high-quality audio equipment that will delight you for a long time.