Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones or Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones? Which Sennheiser Model to Buy
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This guide compares the sennheiser open back wired headphones vs HD 599 open back headphones. Both models feature open-back acoustic designs and wired connectivity for audiophile-grade sound. They share premium build qualities and detachable cable options. The main difference lies in their physical design and specific driver technologies. The HD 599 offers a plush, velour-covered fit in an ivory finish. The HD 600 features a black and gray aesthetic with a lighter, more professional construction. You will see how these specs impact your listening experience below.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones | Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Design | Open-Back | Open-Back |
| Color | Ivory | Black |
| Ear Pad Material | Velour | not listed |
| Cable | 3m detachable with 6.3mm and 1.2m 3.5mm jack | Detachable, Kevlar reinforced oxygen free copper |
| Weight | 1.56 pounds | 1.1 pounds |
| Voice Coil Material | Aluminum | Lightweight aluminum |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones if
- You prefer a softer, velour-covered ear pad for long listening sessions
- You want a larger, around-ear form factor with an ivory aesthetic
- You need a cable kit that includes both 6.3mm and 3.5mm jacks
Choose Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones if
- You prioritize a lighter weight for reduced fatigue
- You prefer a black and gray professional design
- You want a Kevlar-reinforced cable for durability and low handling noise
Verdict: Choose the HD 599 if you value plush comfort and a classic ivory look with included dual-jack cables. Pick the HD 600 if you prefer a lighter, professional black design with a durable Kevlar cable. Both models deliver high-quality open-back sound through aluminum voice coils.
HD 599 vs HD 600 Specs
Form factor and fit
The Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones feature a around-ear form factor with padded headbands and luxurious velour-covered ear pads. This design aims to provide comfort for long listening sessions without pressure. In contrast, the Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones do not specify their exact ear cup style in the provided data. However, they are described as professional headphones with a sophisticated black and gray finish. The HD 599 explicitly highlights its around-ear design for comfort, while the HD 600 focuses on lightweight aluminum voice coils for transient response. You should consider which comfort style suits your head shape best.
Weight and portability
Weight is a significant factor for extended wear. The Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones weigh 1.56 pounds. This is a substantial weight that may cause fatigue for some users over many hours. The Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones weigh only 1.1 pounds. This makes the HD 600 model noticeably lighter. The data does not list the weight for the HD 599 in the key specs, but the detailed specs confirm the 1.56 pounds figure. For users prioritizing a lighter load on the head, the HD 600 has a clear advantage here due to its lower mass.
Cable connectivity options
Both models offer wired connectivity with detachable cables, but the included options differ. The Sennheiser HD 599 comes with a robust 3-meter detachable cable with a 6.3 millimeter jack and an additional 1.2-meter detachable cable with a 3.5 millimeter jack. This provides immediate versatility for different audio sources. The Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones feature a detachable, Kevlar-reinforced oxygen-free copper cable. The data does not specify the lengths or jack types included with the HD 600. The HD 599 offers more detailed connectivity specifications out of the box for various setups.
Acoustic design and build
Both headphones utilize an open-back acoustic design, allowing for a natural, spacious soundstage. The Sennheiser HD 599 uses Sennheiser-engineered transducers with aluminum voice coils for high efficiency and low distortion. It also features ivory color with a matte finish. The Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones also use lightweight aluminum voice coils and neodymium ferrous magnets for excellent dynamics. They feature high-quality open metal mesh earpiece covers. Both share similar core acoustic technologies. The HD 599 emphasizes premium materials like velour, while the HD 600 emphasizes professional-grade components like Kevlar cables and metal mesh.
Physical dimensions
The physical size of the headphones affects how they sit on your head. The Sennheiser HD 599 measures 10.3 inches in height, 8.1 inches in length, and 3.95 inches in width. These dimensions indicate a larger, more substantial build. The Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones have listed dimensions of 0.39 inches for width, height, and length in the provided data. This data appears to be an error or refers to a specific component rather than the whole unit. Because the HD 600 dimensions are unclear, we cannot fully compare physical size. The HD 599 provides clear dimensional data for spatial planning.
Which Sennheiser Open-Back Headphones Fit You
Listeners wanting plush comfort for long sessions
The HD 599 features luxurious velour-covered ear pads and a padded headband. This around-ear design distributes pressure evenly, making it suitable for extended listening periods. The ivory color and matte finish also add to the premium feel you experience daily.
Users prioritizing lightweight design and portability
The HD 600 weighs only 1.1 pounds, significantly lighter than the HD 599. Its black and gray finish offers a sophisticated look. The lightweight aluminum voice coils ensure excellent transient response, providing dynamic sound without the added weight of heavier materials.
Those needing versatile connectivity options
The HD 599 includes a 3-meter detachable cable with a 6.3mm jack and an additional 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5mm jack. This dual-cable setup allows you to connect to various audio sources easily. The HD 600 lists a detachable cable but does not specify multiple included lengths.
The products compared
Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones
Best for: home audiophiles seeking comfort
- Form Factor
- Around-ear
- Connectivity
- Wired, 6.3mm jack, 3.5mm jack
- Acoustic Design
- Open-Back
- Dimensions
- 8.1 × 3.95 × 10.3 inches
- Weight
- 1.56 pounds
View on Amazon: Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones Affiliate link
The Sennheiser HD 599 is an around-ear, open-back wired headphone designed for audiophiles. It features aluminum voice coils for low distortion and includes both 6.3mm and 3.5mm detachable cables. The velour ear pads and padded headband ensure comfort during long sessions. Weighing 1.56 pounds, it offers a spacious fit. This model suits listeners who prioritize acoustic accuracy and physical comfort over wireless convenience.
Pros
- Open-back acoustic design for natural soundstage
- Aluminum voice coils for low distortion
- Includes 6.3mm and 3.5mm detachable cables
- Velour ear pads for comfort
Cons
- Wired only with no Bluetooth support
- Open-back design leaks sound to others
- Heavier at 1.56 pounds than many competitors
Good fit if
- You want high-fidelity audio for home listening
- You prefer wired connections for stability
- You need comfortable ear pads for long sessions
Skip if
- You need wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- You require noise isolation in public spaces
- You want lightweight portable headphones
Verdict: Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones is a solid choice for home audiophiles who value comfort and open sound. It fits those who prioritize wired fidelity over portability.
Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones
Best for: Critical listening in quiet environments
- Acoustic Design
- Open-Back
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 0.39 × 0.39 × 0.39 inches
- Weight
- 1.1 pounds
View on Amazon: Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones Affiliate link
The Sennheiser HD 600 is an open-back wired headphone designed for professional audio. It uses lightweight aluminum voice coils and neodymium magnets for clear dynamics. The detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable reduces handling noise. Weighing 1.1 pounds, it offers a balanced fit. This model suits listeners who prioritize sound accuracy and durable build quality over wireless convenience.
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum voice coils for excellent transient response
- Neodymium ferrous magnets for optimum sensitivity and dynamics
- Detachable Kevlar-reinforced oxygen-free copper cable with low handling noise
Cons
- Open-back design does not isolate you from outside noise
- Wired connection requires a constant cable run
- No included carrying case or protective pouch
Good fit if
- You want accurate, neutral sound for mixing or critical listening
- You prefer a durable build with replaceable cables
- You use headphones in a quiet, controlled environment
Skip if
- You need wireless freedom for commuting or travel
- You require noise isolation in loud public spaces
- You want a lightweight, portable setup for on-the-go use
Verdict: Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Headphones deliver professional-grade clarity for studio work or quiet home listening. You should buy this if you value sound precision and cable durability over portability.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 599 Open-Back Headphones | Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Around-ear | not stated |
| Connectivity | Wired, 6.3mm jack, 3.5mm jack | not stated |
| Acoustic Design | Open-Back | Open-Back |
| Color | Ivory | Black |
| Dimensions | 8.1 × 3.95 × 10.3 inches | 0.39 × 0.39 × 0.39 inches |
| Weight | 1.56 pounds | 1.1 pounds |
| Size | Normal | not stated |
| Model | 506831 | HD600 |
Frequently asked questions
Are both headphones open-back designs?
Yes, both models utilize an open-back acoustic design. This configuration allows air to flow through the ear cups, creating a more natural and spacious soundstage. You should expect some sound leakage, meaning these headphones are best for quiet environments where others nearby will not be disturbed by your audio.
Do these headphones connect wirelessly?
No, neither model offers wireless connectivity. Both the Sennheiser HD 599 and the Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones rely on wired connections for audio transmission. This ensures a stable signal without latency or battery concerns, prioritizing audio fidelity and consistent performance for critical listening sessions at home.
Which model is heavier?
The Sennheiser HD 599 is heavier at 1.56 pounds. The Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones weigh 1.1 pounds. The HD 599 measures 10.3 inches in height, while the other model lists dimensions of 0.39 inches for width, height, and length. You may notice the difference in weight during extended wear.
What colors are available for these headphones?
The Sennheiser HD 599 comes in an Ivory color. The Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones are available in Black. These color options allow you to choose a finish that matches your personal style or home audio setup. The visual design complements the functional acoustic engineering of each model.
Who should buy the HD 599?
You should buy the Sennheiser HD 599 if you are a home audiophile who prioritizes comfort. It is designed for long listening sessions with plush padding. This model fits users who value wired fidelity and an open sound profile over portability, making it ideal for dedicated home listening environments.
Who should buy the Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones?
You should purchase the Sennheiser Open-Back Wired Headphones if you need professional-grade clarity for studio work. This model is best for critical listening in quiet environments. It suits users who value sound precision and cable durability, offering a focused audio experience for those who demand accuracy in their playback.