
Sennheiser
Sennheiser 508697 HD 599 Open-Back Headphones Black
★★★★★
Experience wide, natural soundstage and all-day comfort with Sennheiser's open-back HD 599 headphones.
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Overview
Key Features
Open Back and Around Ear Headphones
Ergonomic acoustic refining (E.A.R. ), which directs the audio signal directly to your ear
Thanks to the large earmuffs with soft, replaceable ear pads, there is no pressure on your ears, just sound
Sound Pressure Level: (SPL)106dBSPL (1kHz/1Vrms)
RCA Plug
Specifications
Brand
Sennheiser
Model
508697
Type
Open-Back, Over-Ear
Acoustic Technology
Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.)
Impedance
50 Ohm
Sound Pressure Level
106 dB SPL (1kHz/1Vrms)
Frequency Response
38,400 Hz
Connectivity
Wired
Plug
6.35mm Jack / 3.5mm with adapter
Cable Length
3m (6.3mm) / 1.2m (3.5mm)
Cable Feature
Detachable
Ear Pad Material
Velour, Replaceable
Weight
0.26 kg
Color
Black
Included Components
HD 599 Headphones, 3m Cable (6.3mm), 1.2m Cable (3.5mm), 6.3mm to 3.5mm Adapter
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Open-back design produces a wide, airy soundstage with natural instrument separation
- Lightweight build at 260 grams with plush velour ear pads allows comfortable extended listening sessions
- Detachable cable system with two included cable lengths adds versatility for different setups
- 50-ohm impedance is low enough to be driven by phones, laptops, and portable players without a dedicated amp
- E.A.R. driver angling improves stereo imaging and tonal accuracy
👎 Cons
- Open-back construction leaks sound in both directions, making them impractical for noisy environments or shared spaces
- No active noise cancellation despite what some product listings suggest — these are purely passive, open headphones
- Bulky over-ear design is not portable or suited for on-the-go use
- The 3m primary cable is unwieldy for desktop use without cable management
- Plastic construction feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors at a similar price
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "open-back" mean, and does it affect sound leakage on the HD 599?
Open-back means the ear cups have ventilated housings that allow air and sound to pass through. This creates a wider, more natural soundstage but does allow sound to leak out, making them best suited for quiet, private listening environments.
Are the ear pads on the HD 599 replaceable?
Yes. The large velour ear pads are designed to be removable and replaceable, which helps extend the lifespan of the headphones.
What cables are included with the HD 599?
The headphones come with a 3m cable with a 6.3mm straight jack, a 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm straight jack, and a 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter, covering both home hi-fi and portable device connections.
Do the HD 599 require an amplifier or DAC to sound their best?
With 50-ohm impedance, the HD 599 can be driven by most devices without a dedicated amplifier, though a quality DAC or headphone amp can further enhance their performance.
What is Sennheiser's E.A.R. technology in these headphones?
E.A.R. stands for Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement. It angles the drivers within the ear cups to direct the audio signal more naturally toward your ears, improving spatial accuracy and tonal balance.