Sennheiser HD 1 vs HD 598

[Ross6860]

I have both of these headphones, but just got the 598's for Christmas.

98% of my listening has been just through my iPhone. In this use the HD 1 "on ear" Momentums have a much better sound. They are nowhere near as comfortable as the HD 598.

Is the difference due to the voice coils? The 598's are 50 ohm, and the Momentum are 18 ohm. Are the Momentum's just easier for the little iPhone amp to drive?

 

[cratz2]

I have the 598s but have never heard the HD1s.

I think the 598s are designed with home listening as their major role while the HD1s are designed with mobile and home use in mind. I don't doubt that the HD1s are easier to drive but I'd give the 598s a little more time to get broken in/run in/loosened up or whatever you want to call it.

I bought my 598s used but I had a pair of 429 (or maybe 428s) that I boughy used and they sounded much better with my Sony Walkman than my Galaxy S5 when I first got them but a couple months later, I swear they sound about the same now or at least quite a bit closer.

I don't listen to headphones much 'on the go' but I am all about comfort and though I generally prefer AKGs to Sennheisers, those 598s are very comfortable.

 

[Ross6860]

I fall asleep to music quite a bit, listening to my iPhone or my Pioneer SX-626. If I use the iPhone, I use headphones.

I'm very happy with the sound from the Momentum (HD 1). Not the most comfortable, but definitely more comfortable than iPhone or other cheap ear buds I've tried.

I used the HD 598 last night through my Apt Holman preamp, and they do sound quite a bit better than through the iPhone. I'll continue to "run them in". I can wear them as long as I want.

How many hours does it take to reach "break in"? Hell, I'll let them sit and run playing to the ether. I've broken in guitar amp speakers playing into a stack of towels overnight.

 

[cratz2]

Usually when I get a new headphone, I play Closer by Nine Inch Nails through them at a fairly high volume for about a week plus whatever time I'm actually listening to them so about 150 hours.

 

[keilau]

I fall asleep to music quite a bit, listening to my iPhone or my Pioneer SX-626. If I use the iPhone, I use headphones.

I'm very happy with the sound from the Momentum (HD 1). Not the most comfortable, but definitely more comfortable than iPhone or other cheap ear buds I've tried.

I used the HD 598 last night through my Apt Holman preamp, and they do sound quite a bit better than through the iPhone. I'll continue to "run them in". I can wear them as long as I want.

How many hours does it take to reach "break in"? Hell, I'll let them sit and run playing to the ether. I've broken in guitar amp speakers playing into a stack of towels overnight.

The sound from the Sennheiser HD-598 and the Momentum are diagonally opposite by design. The HD-598 is an accurate, natural sounding headphone with flat frequency response, tight bass that appeals to audiophiles. On the other hand, the momentum market target is the so called general premium consumer market, namely, Beats by Dr. Dre and Boss headphone users. MOMENTUM is a headphone with some bass emphasis, which makes it sound more exciting for portable users, but the bass is somewhat loose. Momentum is also designed with high sensitivity to make it more suitable for phone uses. You can check out the review of Momentum at Head-Fi.org.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/627587/sennheiser-momentum-review

On the other hand, you will need an AC powered, dedicated headamp to bring the best out of HD-598, which draws more than 1 watt peak in transient. The Apt Holman preamp is not an ideal driver for the HD-598, but far better than an IPhone output or the pad downed receiver output. The Apt Holman preamp uses a RC4558CP general purpose IC to drive the headamp output jacks. The RC4558CP is rated for 170 mW at room temperature.

I have the 598s but have never heard the HD1s.

I think the 598s are designed with home listening as their major role while the HD1s are designed with mobile and home use in mind. I don't doubt that the HD1s are easier to drive but I'd give the 598s a little more time to get broken in/run in/loosened up or whatever you want to call it.

The final choice between the Sennheiser HD-598 and the Momentum is personal and a matter of music taste.

 

[Ross6860]

The sound from the Sennheiser HD-598 and the Momentum are diagonally opposite by design. The HD-598 is an accurate, natural sounding headphone with flat frequency response, tight bass that appeals to audiophiles. On the other hand, the momentum market target is the so called general premium consumer market, namely, Beats by Dr. Dre and Boss headphone users. MOMENTUM is a headphone with some bass emphasis, which makes it sound more exciting for portable users, but the bass is somewhat loose. Momentum is also designed with high sensitivity to make it more suitable for phone uses.

On the other hand, you will need a dedicated headamp to bring the best out of HD-598. The Apt Holman preamp is not an ideal driver for the HD-598, but far better than an IPhone output or the pad downed receiver output. The Apt Holman preamp uses a RC4558CP general purpose IC to drive the headamp output. The RC4558CP is rated for 170 mW at room temperature.

The final choice between the Sennheiser HD-598 and the Momentum is personal and a matter of music taste.

Thanks much for the info.

I also have a Kenwood Basic C2 preamp. Any advantage over the Apt Holman for headphone use?

The Apt Holman has a second set of outputs I could use for a dedicated headphone amp, so any recommendations before I go heading down that rabbit hole? I don't have a budget since I have no idea at this point what I'm getting into. I definitely want something decent to better than average if I'm going to make the investment.

Headphones definitely make my wife happy when it gets later in the evening or early in the morning

Thanks, again.
Ross

 

[keilau]

Thanks much for the info.

I also have a Kenwood Basic C2 preamp. Any advantage over the Apt Holman for headphone use?

The Apt Holman has a second set of outputs I could use for a dedicated headphone amp, so any recommendations before I go heading down that rabbit hole? I don't have a budget since I have no idea at this point what I'm getting into. I definitely want something decent to better than average if I'm going to make the investment.

Headphones definitely make my wife happy when it gets later in the evening or early in the morning

Thanks, again.
Ross

Unfortunate for you, you are a prime candidate to "heading down that rabbit hole". If you can hear the HD-598 sounding better with the Apt Holman preamp over an IPhone, you will be amazed by the sound with a high quality headamp.

The Kenwood Basic C2 preamp is a late 1980 product with high slew rate, low TIM design. One of the better audio product from Japan in that era. The sound is on the analytical side, but very, very musical. The phono pre-amp is its strength. I used one for many years and loved it.

The headphone output from Kenwood Basic C2 preamp may be slightly better than that from the Apt Holman. The Apt Holman preamp used a general purpose op-amp with limited drive capability. The Kenwood Basic C2 preamp headphone output used the Mitsubishi M5218L op-amp which had several times higher current drive capacity than the RC4558P. It is hard to quantify how much this can be translated into audible improvement. If you use the Sennheiser Momentum, both are good enough and much better than the IPhone jack.

The Sennheiser HD-598 needs much more drive power to sound good. (It is my main headphone now.) A dedicated headamp is highly recommended. Until you buy, use the headphone output from Kenwood Basic C2 preamp for the HD-598.

 

[Ross6860]

Unfortunate for you, you are a prime candidate to "heading down that rabbit hole". If you can hear the HD-598 sounding better with the Apt Holman preamp over an IPhone, you will be amazed by the sound with a high quality headamp.

Oh, the difference is not subtle IMO

The Sennheiser HD-598 needs much more drive power to sound good. (It is my main headphone now.) A dedicated headamp is highly recommended. Until you buy, use the headphone output from Kenwood Basic C2 preamp for the HD-598.

Since I own both, the Momentums stay with the iPhone and iPad. The 598 stays with my "real" gear.

Can you recommend some headphone amp manufacturers, or what to look for in a good one? I'll search for some threads that may cover this topic.

Thanks

 

[keilau]

Since I own both, the Momentums stay with the iPhone and iPad. The 598 stays with my "real" gear.

Can you recommend some headphone amp manufacturers, or what to look for in a good one? I'll search for some threads that may cover this topic.

Thanks

Well, I cannot recommend one since the headphone amplifier I like best is one I cannot afford.

Audio-Technica AT-HA5000 Headphone Amplifier

It usually goes for $1200 on Amazon.

There are many offers on Ebay who claim to be the HA5000 clone, but no one knows their quality. The Shanling PH-100 is the one clone that has received good reviews and from a reputable manufacturer. It usually goes for about $300, but is now hard to find. Occasionally, used one turned up on Ebay.

https://www.amazon.ca/Shanling-PH100-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00VAKNMHW

You can tell that I am biased toward solid state, fully symmetric, MOSFET output devices. But there are many, many good sounding headamp out there. Good luck with your search.

 

[Ross6860]

I don't own any one piece of gear that cost anywhere near $1200. Guess that's why most of my stuff is pre-enjoyed.

I appreciate the tips.

 

[cratz2]

For something much more easily afforded, the Schiit Magni is a solid bet. $100 plus shipping direct from Schiit. They charge a little more if you go through Amazon.

 

[Ross6860]

For something much more easily afforded, the Schiit Magni is a solid bet. $100 plus shipping direct from Schiit. They charge a little more if you go through Amazon.

Thanks. Been looking at the Schiit DACs and wondered how their headphone amps would fare.

 

[cratz2]

Refinement is always subjective, as is matching an amp to a headphone, but the Magni 2 is about the cheapest headphone amp that is pretty serious when it comes to power.

Plus if you do decide to upgrade, you can always use the Schiit in a secondary system or sell it for only about a $10 or $20 loss.

The 598s are about my third main headphone and the Magni 2 is the best amp I've heard with the 598s but they seem to work very well together.

 

[keilau]

Refinement is always subjective, as is matching an amp to a headphone, but the Magni 2 is about the cheapest headphone amp that is pretty serious when it comes to power.

Plus if you do decide to upgrade, you can always use the Schiit in a secondary system or sell it for only about a $10 or $20 loss.

The 598s are about my third main headphone and the Magni 2 is the best amp I've heard with the 598s but they seem to work very well together.

You are right about the resale value of the Schiit Magni 2 which makes it a logical thing to try out. Another often mentioned entry level headamp is the Objective2 by JDS Labs. Headamp alone is only $129.

https://www.jdslabs.com/products/35/objective2-headphone-amplifier/

At similar performance level, a best deal is being offered at MassDrop. The FX Audio PH-A1 Headphone Amp uses a pair of op-amp with power transistor buffer. It promises 1000 mW at 16 ohm. At $50, it may be a better value than the previously mentioned two.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fx-audio-ph-a1

I discovered the importance of a good headamp when I purchased a Taiyun Zero DAC which has a dedicated headphone amp board inside. There was no return since then. The Sennheiser HD-598 is a low impedance phone with moderately low sensitivity. The Taiyun Zero DAC has the headamp running in class A which makes it really hot but sounds fantastic. I also have a DIY headphone amp too.

 

[twiiii]

My favorite Head phones are Electro Static Stax and Signet. But there are times you need a fairly efficient dynamic head set... I had Koss Pro 4 aa and AAA and AAT. They all failed over the years due to abuse. So I decided I wanted a headphone with comfort first and after demoing dozens of head phones at different dealers I settle on Momentum 2 over ear first. But. they were uncomfortable. So back to the search. Upon first hearing the 598 I thought something was wrong. But ordered a pair any way as they are the most comfortable head phone I have ever used. Now that have used them for 100 hours I realized that the highs were a little muted as if you were at live concert rather than in a recording studio. And as I prefer live concerts without amplification I really have learned to enjoy the sound as presented by the 598. If I want analytical sound I fire up the Stax Lambda or the Signet TK 33. If I were using head phones in the field I would want the sound of the 598 with sealed ear cups. I had 600 and 650 Sennheisers in the past that were much more costly. But the 598 I found deeply discounted make me very happy, and am using them right now with my Macbook Pro while writing this reply.

 

[Mamrak1]

I own both the ivory and black HD 598s. To me they are basically the same model. The impedance on these is 50 ohms so they are easy to drive. I like the sound as the highs are smooth and the bass is not over emphasized like some other manufacturers. For the price you really can't beat them.

 

[cratz2]

I listened to my 598s nearly all day today with my Galaxy S5 phone and/or my Sony Discman. Compared them to the 518s for a little while.

I'm still more of an AKG guy but I could happily live with the 598s or the 518s. They both benefit from using a separate amp - the Magni 2 in my case - but whereas I feel the amp gives the 598s the final maybe 5% or 10% over an S5, iPhone 6 or Walkman, with the AKGs, the amp is all but a necessity. I mean, sure, they work without an amp but the amp gives them about 40% or 50% more than the phones. The Senns are simply much less demanding. The difference is there, but I wouldn't use the AKGs with just the phone.

I know the 600s or 650s are more revealing in the mids and treble regions but feel the 598s are still very good unless comparing back to back with the 600/650 and more forgiving with lesser recordings. If I only listened to excellent recordings, I'd go for the 600s or 650s but I'm in it for the music and often listen to imperfect recordings so for me - right now - that's a trade off I'm willing to make.

 

[BMWCCA]

I own both the 598 and the 598SE. I've previously owned the HD250 Pro, Superex ST-ProB-V (still have them), B&W P5-II, and many others. I fell in love with the 598 "woodies" and jumped at the aesthetic improvement and two-cords offered in the SE once they hit $99. You simply can't beat them at that price, or three-times that much.

But I'm constantly wondering about all the headphone amp discussion. My iPod Classic drives the Sennheisers just fine. Nearly every pre-amp, CD player, or power amp I own has a "monitor" jack for headphones. If I was in a position where I felt my phones would benefit from an amp, I'd just do what studios have done for decades and plug them in to one of my Crown D45s, or D75A amps. Since these fine amps often sell for around $100, or less, what does a $1200 headphone amp offer that I can't get from these one-RU Crown D-series amps? I've visited the local Crutchfield and tried the HD598 and other headphones up to around $1000 on a variety of headphone amps and really don't see much improvement with the Senns. What am I missing?

 

[keilau]

My favorite Head phones are Electro Static Stax and Signet. But there are times you need a fairly efficient dynamic head set... I had Koss Pro 4 aa and AAA and AAT. They all failed over the years due to abuse. So I decided I wanted a headphone with comfort first and after demoing dozens of head phones at different dealers I settle on Momentum 2 over ear first. But. they were uncomfortable. So back to the search. Upon first hearing the 598 I thought something was wrong. But ordered a pair any way as they are the most comfortable head phone I have ever used. Now that have used them for 100 hours I realized that the highs were a little muted as if you were at live concert rather than in a recording studio. And as I prefer live concerts without amplification I really have learned to enjoy the sound as presented by the 598. If I want analytical sound I fire up the Stax Lambda or the Signet TK 33. If I were using head phones in the field I would want the sound of the 598 with sealed ear cups. I had 600 and 650 Sennheisers in the past that were much more costly. But the 598 I found deeply discounted make me very happy, and am using them right now with my Macbook Pro while writing this reply.

I cannot afford and never owned a Stax or Signet electrostatic. Yes, electrostatic are wonderful. I have a Superex PEP-79E which is not working for the moment. I suspect that the caps on the bias power supply went bad. I have not get around repairing it yet. The Superex is no comparison to a Stax. It sounds wonderful at norminal level, but cannot be driven hard. It is still my ATF headphone.