Sennheiser HD 598 Vs Fidelio X2

Jack Ma on 28/04/2017 - 11:42
Last edited 28/04/2017 - 11:43

Hi everyone,

I am looking to get a pair of open-back headphones which I will be using them with my HTC 10 (which has a high quality dac).

The X2s are currently 20% off https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/303973, but I have concerns about their build quality. From what I've read they sound more bassier and 'fun' than the HD 598, which is something I am looking for.

Can anyone give their opinions on both headphones and describe their experiences with both, particularly with regards to build quality?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Diji1 on 28/04/2017 - 11:56
    +1

    You're probably aware of this but just in case: open back headphones are not suitable for outdoors listening eg commuting because there's no sound isolation.

    Anyhow, I've only owned the Fidelio X2 and I really didn't like them because of comfort reasons. They felt wierd like they were applying too much pressure behind my ears. I wasn't happy with sound quality either although this probably has a lot to do with comfort.

    I replaced the X2 with AKG K712 which I love.

    No experience with HD 598.

    • Jack Ma on 28/04/2017 - 12:11

      Thanks for the reply.

      Did the earcups fully cover your ear or did they touch the edges of your ear?

    • Zaenille on 28/04/2017 - 12:49

      AKG K712 master race!

  • baws9k on 28/04/2017 - 13:28
    +1

    I have the X2s and they are very comfortable. I listened to a whole bunch of audiophile headphones in Japan and the X2s imo stood out the most for my listening tastes (without going up $$$). The quality control issues that popped up were overblown and are long gone.

    If you know you prefer a 'fun' sounding headphone then definitely get the X2s. I find they are a liiiiittle bit too v-shaped for me but they are definitely more multi-purpose i.e. They are immersive for movies/games as well as music - they have amazing bass for an open headphone without being bloated.

    • Jack Ma on 28/04/2017 - 14:20

      Just wondering, what do you drive them with?

      • baws9k on 28/04/2017 - 14:34

        From my phone, nothing (it's not really necessary for X2s - you can google that). From my PC - a cheapie Topping VX1 I picked up off gumtree simply because my mobo audio chipset is known trash.

  • Zarcady on 28/04/2017 - 16:10

    If you are after comfort and build quality, I have absolutely no issue recommending the HD598. Mine is roughly 3 years old and I have slept with them on more times than I care to remember and it has gone through alot of abuse but it's still going strong apart from the earcups which have the foams starting to stick out. I have the HD700 as well but I hardly touch it as I just naturally reach for the former. Very pleasant neutral sound that won't tire your ears no matter how long your listening sessions last in terms of comfort or sound fatigue.

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