Sennheiser HD 595 Headphones

Reviews: Multimedia

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Cameron Baker
Kurtis
Sennheiser
Nov. 21, 2008

Specifications

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Introduction

I've been covering in-ear monitors lately, but it's time to change pace for a set of full-fledged, open, over-the-ear cans. This time around I'll be jamming with Sennheiser's HD 595, which sits in the middle of their audiophile headphone line.

Ah, the classic scene of powering on your Hi-Fi system in the living room, dimming the lights, tossing on a pair of huge headphones, and settling into your favorite easy chair with a glass of Glenlivet 25, neat. My modern equivalent involves my iMac, a desk chair, and a Lone Star tall boy. Not quite as classy, but the phones I'm sporting spruce the picture up a bit.

I've used Sennheiser mics for live music on several occasions, and they've never disappointed. This is the first time, however, that a pair of their headphones have graced my ears with their presence. Given the company's excellent reputation for producing high-quality audio products, I had high expectations coming into this review. You'll have to read on to see if those expectations were met.

First Impressions

Once you unlock the box (yeah, there's a little tab you pull to actually "unlock" it), it swings open to reveal the headphones, a shelf-mountable headphone rack, and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter. The goods are flanked on either side by printed features and product descriptions in six different languages. The HD 595's specs are located on the back of the box.

My first observation upon removing the headphones from their minimal packaging was their weight. The HD595s are large, over-the-ear style cans, but they don't feel like it. That's a plus for listening comfort right out of the gate.

They're also really attractive. The chrome accents around the open-back drivers and the attachment point for the cable are nice little touches, as are the white Sennheiser logos showing through the black metal mesh covering the drivers. It's a fairly simple yet classy design.

The cable is single sided, exiting from the bottom of the left earpiece and ending, 3 meters later, with a 1/4" gold-plated stereo jack. A 1/4" to 3.5 mm adapter is included so you can hook up with the audio port on your computer or your favorite portable player. The cable, velour earpads, and headband are end-user replaceable; you don't have to worry too much about wearing them out as replacement parts are just a phone call or web inquiry away.

The included headphone rack isn't anything to write home about, but it's nice if you have a special corner of the house that you sneak off to for listening sessions.

Overall, it's a fairly simple package - you get what you need, and nothing else. Just plug 'em in and get down with your music collection.

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Page 1: Introduction, First Impressions
Page 2: Usability & Sound Quality
Page 3: Conclusion

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