SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone Ivory - Natural, Comfortable

In this review the SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone in Ivory is judged as a premium choice for listeners who prioritize natural sound and extended comfort. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of Sennheiser's proprietary transducer technology and a roomy open back design, which deliver an impressively natural spatial presentation and near audiophile performance. The package and finish also make it suitable for listeners who want a refined look alongside long listening sessions without ear fatigue.

Key Features

• Open back design: Provides a wide, natural soundstage that helps instruments and vocals feel more spatially separated and realistic during extended listening.
• Premium comfort: Large ear cups, luxurious velour covered ear pads and a padded headband keep pressure off the ears for long sessions.
• High-quality transducers: Sennheiser engineered transducers with aluminum voice coils deliver low distortion, strong dynamics and efficient response across the range.
• Multiple detachable cables: Includes a robust 3 m cable with 6.3 mm jack and a 1.2 m cable with 3.5 mm jack for flexible wired connections at home or portable use.
• Timeless Ivory finish: Matte ivory color with matte metallic details and brown stitched headband gives a refined appearance that complements audio performance.

Who It's For

The HD 599 is for discerning listeners, home listeners and audiophile-minded users who prefer an open, airy presentation and long-term comfort. It suits those who listen to acoustic, classical, jazz or well-produced mixes where spatial cues and instrument separation matter most.

It is less suitable for commuters or anyone needing noise isolation or portable Bluetooth connectivity; users who require closed-back isolation or wireless convenience should look elsewhere. Also, the wired design expects a source with a headphone output and, for best performance, a clean amp or quality headphone jack.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Natural, wide soundstage from the open back design for realistic imaging.
• Very comfortable for long sessions thanks to plush velour pads and a padded headband.
• Removable cables offer useful versatility for home and near-portable use.
• Refined materials and finish convey premium build quality and aesthetic appeal.

Cons

• Open back design leaks sound and does not isolate, so not ideal for noisy or public environments.
• Wired-only connectivity means no onboard wireless or battery-free portability advantages.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The SENNHEISER HD 599 Ivory is an excellent value for home listeners seeking near audiophile sound and exceptional comfort. Its open back presentation and premium components deliver natural imaging and low distortion, making it a strong buy for dedicated listening at home, provided isolation and wireless features are not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the ear pads replaceable?
Yes, the soft velour ear pads are replaceable to extend comfort and lifespan.

Does it work with a smartphone?
Yes, the included 1.2 m detachable cable with 3.5 mm jack works with smartphones, though the open back design will leak sound and reduce privacy.

Is there wireless or battery power?
No, the HD 599 is wired and does not use batteries; it relies on a headphone output for power.