Sennheiser just released the new HD558 and HD598 headphones, which are successors to the mid-level HD555 and HD595 headphones.
The HD558 now wears a slick, all black look, while the HD598 took an extreme direction with tan color, wood-look trims, and leather headband pad. Both headphones remain largely faithful to the Sennheiser signature which I find to be one of the most music-friendly sound signatures around.
The HD598 in tan color with some wood look trims and brown pads.
The HD558 in a more orthodox black.
The HD598 is clearly the more refined sounding of the two, and with a slightly brighter presentation and fuller mids, with clearer background details. People who have had difficulties in getting the Sennheiser sound should find the HD598 easier to appreciate, as the slightly brighter presentation and the fuller mids really make the HD598 a more fun headphone to listen to. Compared to the HD650, it’s evident from the superior refinement and technicalities that the HD650 is the upper model in the line up, yet the HD598 is generally the more fun model, with less emphasis on the low frequency and more midrange. If the HD650 feels out of place with alternative rock, the lighter tune HD598 actually works very well with the music of the British band Oasis. Though having a generally lighter tone, the HD598 doesn’t go over the edge with the treble, and still remains very composed and easy on the ears. It may not be as refined as the HD650 or HD800 that I’m used to listening to, but the HD598 would have a wider genre bandwith than either of the two. Apparently the engineers at Sennheisers have started to listen to alternative and indie rock music lately.
The HD558 remains a more conventional Sennheiser, when compared to the HD598. It is not nearly as dark as the HD650, but the same laid back feel is there. It’s less fun than the HD598, however, mostly because its midrange are not as full as the one on the HD598. Although overall the HD558 is a good headphone, and I like the all-black look very much, yet the HD598 is clearly the star here.
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Sennheiser has many headphones on the market suitable for almost any purpose [and catering to every price range]. The HD 558, however, is one headphone that has recently come down in price and now offers some excellent value for money.
This open-back headphone can be thought of as a taster to the higher-end Sennheiser models such as the HD600 and HD800, so let’s take a look at what makes this headphone such a wonderful piece of kit for such a little price.
Sennheiser HD 558 | The Meat of the Review
First, off the Sennheisers are quite a good-looking headphone when you see them in the flesh with clean flowing lines from the ear cup into the headband; it’s very sleek, and thankfully build quality is there to match those good looks. The build is a combination of high-grade plastic and metal and integrates an incredibly comfortable set of velour ear pads and a large faux leather head pad. Both of these features, combined with the open back design allowing air to flow and the circum-aural [around the ear] fit, means that you will be able to enjoy your sweet beats from these headphones for hours on end.
The sound produced by the Sennheiser HD 558 is laid back, smooth and rich. This should suit lovers of acoustic classic rock and even more modern genres such as EDM and Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B well but not so much for those that enjoy the treble sparkle found in Jazz and Classical.
The sound is open, transparent, and clear, somewhat reminiscent of the extreme budget-friendly sound of the Superlux HD 681 Evo we review last year but nowhere near the levels found on some other really high-end stuff like the outstanding Final Audio Design Pandora. Mids are beautifully presented with a sense of intimacy and zero upper mid sibilance, and the lows are rich with power and weight. Treble is more reserved, retaining most detail but not up to par when played next to my Status Audio OB-1.
Sennheiser HD 558 | Conclusion
During the Sennheiser HD 558 review, I found myself impressed by the styling, build, and engaging sound. The might not be a treble heads dream [If that’s your thing, then check out the Grado or Phillips Fidelio], but for those that like a laid-back and smooth sound, then the HD 558 are lovely when paired with acoustic or textured music.
Most outstanding is that these are readily available on the high street or available on Amazon at the link below for just $105, which’s almost $80 off the launch price, and there is very little that can compete with the overall specs of the 558.