Image © Sennheiser__The flagship model in Sennheiser’s highly regarded HD 500 series, the HD 599 SE takes home audio enjoyment to an entirely new level. Innovative transducer technology and the open-back, around-ear design make for a listening experience nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll hear all of the subtle details of your favorite music in total clarity thanks to the unbelievably precise sound reproduction capabilities of the HD 599 SE, but that’s not all.
The Sennheiser HD 599 SE is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone offering a warm, mostly neutral sound with clear vocals and present lead instruments. Its 50-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from most devices without a dedicated amplifier, and the detachable cable adds convenience. While not suited for travel due to its open design, it delivers strong value for at-home listening.
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
| Driver | 38 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 38 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 12 Hz - 38.5 kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 106 |
| Driver | 38 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 38 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 12 Hz - 38.5 kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 106 |
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|---|
| Controls | none |
| Weight | 250 g |
|---|---|
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
| Model code | 508697 |
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2 source(s) feeding this product's score.
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
Reviewers agree the Sennheiser HD 599 SE is a comfortable, lightweight open-back headphone with a balanced, natural sound, but they diverge on its bass and treble: most found bass lacking or recessed mids, though one praised its strong bass for an open-back, while another noted a slightly sharp treble.
13:22The reviewer finds the Sennheiser HD 599 SE to be a solid open-back headphone with notably strong bass for the type, but with recessed mids and highs that can make them sound dull. They are highly recommended at their frequent sale price of around $100, but less compelling at the regular $250 price point. They are particularly good for gaming and bass-heavy music, though the soundstage is only average for open-backs.
8:11The reviewer finds the Sennheiser HD 599 SE to be a decent, safe-sounding open-back headphone that excels in comfort and mid-range clarity but lacks bass and has a slightly sharp treble. They consider it a good value at the discounted price of £69.99, though less compelling at higher prices, and describe it as a jack-of-all-trades that doesn't excel in any one area.
10:51The reviewer finds the Sennheiser HD 599 SE to be a comfortable and naturally tuned entry-level headphone, but notes that its technical performance is average and it is outclassed by newer competitors like the AKG K361 at a similar price. They recommend considering it only if found at a good used price, otherwise suggesting alternatives.
3:33The reviewer finds the Sennheiser HD 599 SE headphones to be exceptionally comfortable and lightweight, with impressive sound quality for an open-back design. They note the included cables and adapter are useful, though the open-back nature means sound leaks, making them less ideal for public spaces. Overall, they strongly recommend the headphones for home or office use.
2:19The reviewer lists seven drawbacks of the Sennheiser HD 599 SE, including the lack of a carrying case, flimsy cables, open-back design that leaks sound, underwhelming bass, plastic build, poor portability, and the need for an amplifier to perform well. While acknowledging some strengths, the overall tone is cautionary, suggesting potential buyers weigh these issues before purchasing.
4:27The reviewer concludes that the Sennheiser HD 599 SE is comfortable and acceptable for casual listening in quiet environments, but it falls short of its premium claims due to poor noise isolation, mediocre sound quality, cheap build, and questionable durability. They advise against buying it at full price, suggesting it only makes sense if deeply discounted and used in a silent room.
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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