The Sennheiser HD 560S and the HD 599 are highly-praised headphones from the company that have a lot of similarities. They are both open-back, over-ear headphones with 38mm angled drivers. They are also priced similarly. If you are in the market for a pair of mid-range open-back headphones with a neutral sound profile, it’s highly probable that you’ve come across these two. So, how do they differ and which pair should you choose? We compare them below.
Sennheiser HD 560S vs 599 Comparison Chart
Build Quality and Design
Both the Sennheiser HD 560S and HD 599 are built decently enough for their price.
These two headphones are decently built. They are not the most well-built, but they are also not the worst. Both are made of dense plastic that feel sturdy enough, but are still lacking when compared to other headphones in the same price range. The hinges are potential weak points, but these headphones will last a very long time as long as you don’t abuse them.
When it comes to design, these two are similar, and newer HD 560S’ chassis is based on the chassis of the HD 599. The only differences in their designs are the colorway, the size of the grilles and the headband padding. You can get the Sennheiser HD 560S in black, while the HD 599 are available in ivory/black with silver accents and black with silver accents.
These two headphones aren’t the most portable. They do have detachable cables, but that’s the only portability feature that they have. The two are bulky and they don’t even come with a carrying bag. These are designed for home or studio use.
Comfort
The Sennheiser HD 560S and HD 599 are both comfortable, but the latter have a slightly tighter clamping force.
The Sennheiser HD 560S and HD 599 are both comfortable. You can wear them for hours without feeling fatigued due to how lightweight they are and since they have nice padding on the headband and ear cups. Weighing 280 grams, the HD 560S are a bit heavier than the HD 599, which weigh only 250 grams, but both are still very light for full-sized headphones. They both have oval-shaped ear cups that will fit even larger ears, and the velour ear pads are nice on the skin.
Since they are open back, these headphones are breathable. They don’t trap heat, unlike closed-back headphones. Coupled with their soft ear pads, these are a treat to wear even during extended listening sessions.
When it comes to clamping force, the Sennheiser HD 560S have a more relaxed fit than the HD 599. That said, the HD 599 do not clamp on your head too tightly. These headphones will stay on your head even when moving your head.
Sound
The Sennheiser HD 560S have a more accurate & neutral sound profile than the the HD 599.
Both headphones have a neutral sound profile but with subtle differences. They output a flat and balanced sound that’s well-suited to any genre of music, well, except for those that are bass-centric since these headphones lack low-bass due to their open design.
The Sennheiser HD 560S’ bass is a bit more accurate than the 599’s. The 560S lack low-bass, but their mid and high-bass are neutral. The 599 offer similar low and mid-bass as the 560S, but the high-bass is a bit emphasized, resulting in a tiny bit of boominess to the mix.
These two headphones have excellent mid-range response. The mids are present, clear and detailed. Vocals and instruments in this range are accurate and clearly heard. In the treble range, the HD 560S have a slight bump in the mid-treble while the HD 599 outputs balanced highs.
When it comes to soundstage, these two are excellent due to their open-back design. They offer a wide soundstage where you can easily distinguish each instruments in the track you’re listening to. That said, the Sennheiser HD 560S perform just a little bit better in this area than the HD 599.
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 560S offer a more neutral and flat bass and mid-range, while the HD 599 offer better treble accuracy.
Sennheiser HD 560S
Better mid and bass accuracy
Sennheiser HD 599
Better treble accuracy
You can’t go wrong with either of these Sennheiser headphones. They have a lot of similarities when it comes to build quality, comfort, design and they are even priced the same. Choosing one will ultimately depend on your sound preference. If you want a more accurate bass and mid-range, the Sennheiser HD 560S are a better pick. However, if you want better treble accuracy, you should go with the Sennheiser HD 599.
FAQs
The HD 560S are better when it comes to bass and mid accuracy, while the HD 599 offer better treble accuracy and a wider soundstage. Both of them sound very good.
Yes, if you want a pair of neutral open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599 are worth considering and buying.
Due to their accurate mid-range and bass, the Sennheiser HD 560S are good for mixing.
No, the Sennheiser HD 599 do not have a microphone.