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Sennheiser 506831 HD 599 Open Back Headphones, Ivory — main product image
Sennheiser 506831 HD 599 Open Back Headphones, Ivory
Sennheiser 506831 HD 599 Open Back Headphones, Ivory
Sennheiser 506831 HD 599 Open Back Headphones, Ivory
Sennheiser 506831 HD 599 Open Back Headphones, Ivory
Sennheiser 506831 HD 599 Open Back Headphones, Ivory
Sennheiser

Sennheiser 506831 HD 599 Open Back Headphones, Ivory

★★★★★4.6 (9389 reviews)

Audiophile open-back headphones with a spacious soundstage, velour ear pads, and Sennheiser-engineered transducers.

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Overview

The Sennheiser HD 599 sits at the top of Sennheiser's 500 series and is built around proprietary transducers with aluminum voice coils. These drivers deliver a sound profile characterized by a wide, airy soundstage and natural tonal balance, making the HD 599 particularly rewarding for acoustic, classical, and vocal-heavy genres. The open-back ear cup design is central to this performance—it allows air to move freely around the drivers, reducing resonance and creating the impression that sound originates from around the listener rather than inside the ear cups.

Build quality matches the audio performance. The headband is generously padded, and the ear pads are covered in soft velour that breathes well during long sessions. At 250 grams, the HD 599 sits lightly on the head. Sennheiser includes two detachable cables—a 3-meter cable terminated in a 6.3 mm plug for home hi-fi setups and a shorter 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5 mm jack for laptops and portable players. The 50-ohm impedance means most devices can drive them to satisfying volumes without a dedicated headphone amplifier, though pairing with one can unlock additional headroom and control.

Key Features

Premium, around-ear, open back headphones: Audiophile sound combined with premium design and materials

Padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears

Multiple connectivity options: Robust 3 meter detachable cable and 6.3 millimeter jack and additional 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5 millimeter Jack

Timeless design cues: Ivory color, matte finish together with the brown headband stitching and matte metallic detail convey quality at first glance

Premium Components: Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion

Connectivity technology: Wired

Power source type: Battery

Specifications

Brand
Sennheiser
Model
HD 599 (506831)
Type
Over-Ear, Open Back
Impedance
50 Ohm
Connectivity
Wired
Cable 1
3 meters, detachable, 6.3 mm jack
Cable 2
1.2 meters, detachable, 3.5 mm jack
Weight
250 grams
Ear Pad Material
Velour
Voice Coil Material
Aluminum
Color
Ivory
Included Components
Cable, Ear Cushions

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Open-back design delivers a wide, natural soundstage ideal for critical listening
  • Velour ear pads and padded headband remain comfortable over extended sessions
  • Two detachable cables included for both home audio and portable use
  • 50-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from most source devices without an amplifier
  • Aluminum voice coil transducers provide low distortion and excellent dynamics

👎 Cons

  • Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation from outside noise
  • Wired-only connection with no Bluetooth or wireless option
  • The 3-meter cable can be unwieldy for portable or on-the-go use
  • Not suitable for noisy environments such as offices or public transport

Frequently Asked Questions

Open-back means the ear cups are vented rather than sealed. This creates a wider, more natural soundstage but allows sound to leak in and out, so the HD 599 is best used in quiet indoor environments.
Sennheiser includes a 3-meter detachable cable with a 6.3 mm jack and a 1.2-meter detachable cable with a 3.5 mm jack, covering both home hi-fi and portable device connections.
With an impedance of 50 ohms the HD 599 is relatively easy to drive and can be used directly with most laptops, phones, and audio interfaces, though a dedicated amplifier can further improve performance.
Yes, the velour ear pads are removable and can be replaced when they wear out, extending the life of the headphones.
The HD 599 weighs approximately 250 grams, making it comfortable for long listening sessions.

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