Would you recommend me the Sennheiser HD 598?

[Bove]

Hi! I'm planning on buying a good pair of headphones to use with my pc, and I've heard very good reviews for the 598, I see they take advantage of the open design, sacrificing the public use, but that's ok for me. Now, I'll be using these headphones for gaming, but I don't mean shooters like BF3, I usually play RPGs which have orchestral soundtracks or ambient music, I'm not really looking for headphones that let you listen to footsteps or make explosions sound better, I mostly want to take advantage of soundtracks, orchestral music, clashing swords, etc to improve the immersion, also I listen to a lot of orchestral soundtracks from movies and videogames. I see that the bass isn't the 598 strength, maybe it distributes better quality in the medium and highs area?

I'm still very new to audio in general, but I really want some high quality headphones under $200, maybe someone with more experience will point me in the right direction?

Do you consider the 598 are good for what I intend to use them? If not do you have a suggestion?

If it helps here are some links to the kind of soundtracks I usually listen to.
(Opened Way - Shadow of the Colossus Soundtrack)
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbOnvj9wZKc

(3200 Years Ago - Troy Soundtrack)
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN2WfrAR1Gs

(Dragonborn - Skyrim Soundtrack)
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVVXNDv8rY0

 

[ssddx]

i would go with a pair of audiotechnica ath-m50s instead. (your choice of black, red or white)

why?

1) hd598 isnt sound isolating. while not completely sound isolating the m50s will close you off from the outside world more. the drawback is that you may need to take them off for a few minutes every few hours (since they get a bit hot). sound isolating headphones will generally sound better.

2)the hd598 is 50ohm while the m50s are 38ohm. just about anything from a pc, phone to mp3 player can drive the m50s without trouble. i'm not sure about the sennheisers but you might get a little bit less volume out of them at the very least if on a mobile device.

3) the hd598 uses a half plastic "adapter" piece to convert from 1/4" to 3.5mm. the m50 uses a screw off design which is all metal. this means that there would be a long extension sticking out the back of your pc (or front) using the hd598 but not with the m50s. having something like this means its easier to bump and perhaps break off or damage your port. the m50s end is also a bit higher quality.

4) the hd598 is more costly than the m50s but is in the same general performance category (people compare the m50s to headphones up to $250 despite that you can get them for $99 in some places new.

5) the hd598 (and sennheisers in general) lack substantial bass output. the m50s provide a decent kick on the low end without becoming overpowering. the hd598 is known for in general good quality minus a low bass output. for games, uprising theme music and battles you will want decent bass output.

6) the m50s fold up and fit in a nice little leather bag. i dont think the sennheisers do.

 

[ssddx]

yes, i personally use a pair of ath-m50s... so if you have any more questions i didnt cover go ahead and ask.

i've played everything from fps to rts to rgp to mmo on them as well as music ranging from electronica to rock to pop to classical.

pretty much 80% of anything you could have possibly thrown at them. in my own opinion they pass with flying colors and i would definitely buy them again.

i've used them with an amp (front jack of my receiver with the 1/4 plug), smartphone, pc, laptop and ipod and everything was able to power them to louder levels than i would care to listen at.