Sennheiser HD 598

T

TJ99

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Are they worth the insane amount of money? I really want to get some properly decent headphones, but they don't come cheap. I've been using the Razer Carcharias recently, very comfortable, looks nice and well built, but an utter piece of shyte sound-quality wise. The old, much cheaper Sennheiser HD 202 beats them by a mile. (Actually I shouldn't say that, I might want to sell them later.) :o

So, the HD 598. All the reviews say the sound quality is excellent, and I know they look stunning, like they were made from Rolls-Royce parts. I mean look at it:

Sennheiser_HD_598_Headphones_440x330.jpg


So, is it actually worth the price of a complete mid-range hi-fi, and can I use them properly without an amp by directly plugging them into my Xonar DX? They're 50 Ohm, which the card should easily be able to handle...
 
P924 said:
If you could still get the HD555's at <R1300, they are by far the best value... (in fact, I have two sets)

Oh, I see they are R1537 (were around R980 when I got them), I got the other set for R1330 at Sounds Great Centurion Mall
http://more.take2.co.za/moreusa-sen...dphones-with-sound-channeling-b0001ftvdq.html

If you were going to pay R3600 for a pair, I would rather add R800 and get the HD600...
Click to expand...

Thanks. That is an import price for the 555, they cost about R1600 locally. If I could get them for less than R1000 I'd definitely get them. The 598 is only (lol) R2800, where the 600 and 650 is like 5-6 grand I think. Why do you have 2 sets by the way?

Edit: Also, the HD600 would definitely need an amp, which is another few bucks. 300 Ohm vs 50 for the 555/558/595/598
 
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TJ99 said:
Why do you have 2 sets by the way?
Click to expand...

So that I can listen in surround :)

Just joking.

One set at home and one at work.

Edit: The local price was also R1600 at Sounds great when I bought them. I just told the guy if he can give them to me for R1300, I will take them now, so he said R1330 was the best he could do...
 
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If you can import the HD 598 from the US via a friend, then go for it - otherwise rather try and get your hands on the HD 555 for under R1300.
Another awesome headset is the HD 380 Pro DJ, which you can get locally for R1400.

The 50 Ohm headsets should work perfectly without an amplified sound card like your Xonar DX. I had the Xonar DX, and it was really difficult for me to tell the difference between it and my Xonar Essence STX, using my HD 555. If you're getting an HD 600 (300 Ohms), then I would really suggest an amplified sound card.
 
I got my HD 598's from Amazon about a month ago (R1300 thank you :D)
They are absolutely insane, the sound quality, the sound stage, then clarity is absolutely outstanding.
Im using the Xonar D1. Its More than loud enough, i never go above half way master volume - and when its at half it is pumping properly properly loud.
Comfort ? Who are you kidding, they are sennheisers AND top of the 5xx range, its like wearing sex on your head.

Like pada says, for R2800 its a lot of money and the 555 would probably be the more sensible buy.. but damn.. these things are good
 
Pada said:
If you can import the HD 598 from the US via a friend, then go for it - otherwise rather try and get your hands on the HD 555 for under R1300.
Another awesome headset is the HD 380 Pro DJ, which you can get locally for R1400.

The 50 Ohm headsets should work perfectly without an amplified sound card like your Xonar DX. I had the Xonar DX, and it was really difficult for me to tell the difference between it and my Xonar Essence STX, using my HD 555. If you're getting an HD 600 (300 Ohms), then I would really suggest an amplified sound card.
Click to expand...

Great, so where does one get the 555 for less than 1300? I'd prefer not to import it directly though, because after shipping, VAT etc the price is pretty much the same as here, and it's a lot more hassle. For example, the 598 is $250 (about R2000) in the US, shipping it will be at least another R500, and then R280 VAT. So R2780 all in all. Plus you have to then wait a month. Or am I missing something?
 
poffle said:
I got my HD 598's from Amazon about a month ago (R1300 thank you :D)
They are absolutely insane, the sound quality, the sound stage, then clarity is absolutely outstanding.
Im using the Xonar D1. Its More than loud enough, i never go above half way master volume - and when its at half it is pumping properly properly loud.
Comfort ? Who are you kidding, they are sennheisers AND top of the 5xx range, its like wearing sex on your head.

Like pada says, for R2800 its a lot of money and the 555 would probably be the more sensible buy.. but damn.. these things are good
Click to expand...

How? They're $250 and the site tells me they don't ship to SA! Tell me your secrets.
 
Do they ship to SA? I unfortunately don't have the "friend in the US" advantage, so it will have to come in that way as well.
 
Use Take2's US Amazon import service. What you see is what you pay. Does take about 20 days. Sennheiser carries international warranty.

The difference between HD598 and HD595 does not justify the huge difference in price. Plus, the HD595 come with an awesome headphone holder that screws to your desk/shelf.

And, you will actually feel comfortable wearing HD595 around other people... :D

Or, just go for HD555. After the bass mod, even the difference between them and the HD595 does not really justify the HD595's price increase. ;)

Massive difference compared to mass market cheapo gaming headsets, which ever >HD555 you go for.

Saving can go towards an amplified sound card. If you're serious, get the Asus Xonar Essence STX (amplified 6.3mm jack ;)). Or if you can't justify the price then you could consider the Asus Xonar U3, Pada claims the difference between it and the Essence STX is small and therefore might not justify the price difference.
 
I have been looking for head phones for some time now. I really love the 598, but the ridiculous price tag here. however i saw that takelot.com have them, but i cant seem to find them on the site. i find takelot's search facility of their imports page so useless i cant even find headphones in their panel on the left. can someone perhaps enlighten me on where i can find them in the product hierarchy on takelots site?
 
The best place to get Sennies is from Razordogdeals.com. They are an authorised Sennheiser agent.

They are cheap and ship to SA. and because Sennheiser carries a global warranty, they are covered here as well.
 
If you are willing to blow that amount of cash get the xonar xense from asus.

Although if you already have a very good sound card then that will be a pointless option.
 
The Philosopher said:
I have been looking for head phones for some time now. I really love the 598, but the ridiculous price tag here. however i saw that takelot.com have them, but i cant seem to find them on the site. i find takelot's search facility of their imports page so useless i cant even find headphones in their panel on the left. can someone perhaps enlighten me on where i can find them in the product hierarchy on takelots site?
Click to expand...

Anything with Sennheiser in the name seems to be blocked from the import part for some reason (unless in stock, even adding products manually by asking for quotes fails). No idea whether it is a legal issue or just technical fault with their site, which is terribly flaky.
 
Another vote for the 555 with 595-mod ... if you do have the odd R3000 lying around and you absolutely have to spend it on headphones rather look for a pair of 2nd hand 650's

If you're heavy into gaming another option may be the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700 ... bit bass shy but sound stage is phenomenal
 
Deezil said:
Another vote for the 555 with 595-mod ...
Click to expand...

And another vote from me.
Bought my HD555's second-hand here on MyBB just a few days ago for R800.

Did the 595 mod and was still a little bit disappointed at first.... until I bypassed my ****ty P8P67 M/B onboard soundcard tonight via optical to a Sony Amp.

Holy mother of...
There's no doubt I'm going to be semi tone deaf tomorrow.
*dances on bed swinging crotch around 'till the cat finds a more sane owner*
 
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