My Sennheiser 598s sound like trash after experiencing Genelec

[Pancreas]

For the longest time, all I had was a cheap soundbar from Taotronics. So "audiophile" for me was the 598s. I would either connect them directly to my PC or to a Scarlett solo I had

I haven't used them in a long time since I got Genelec 8030c

I also have a very good audio interface Motu Ultralite MK5 which has ESS Sabre32.

I bought new cables for these headphones. I connected to the Motu which is a better DAC than my PC or Scarlett. The sound is like mehhh now and I used to think they sounded good. There is nothing wrong with them, they just don't sound as good as I thought they did

I've been using Genelec for almost a year, and now everything else I hear sounds like trash in comparison

 

[Galliardist]

Are you EQ'ing the headphones?

 

[Pancreas]

Are you EQ'ing the headphones?

No but I'm not EQ the speakers either so lol

 

[Music1969]

No but I'm not EQ the speakers either so lol

You listen very close ? 1m distance ?

Probably dont need any EQ in nearfield

I've been using Genelec for almost a year, and now everything else I hear sounds like trash in comparison

Yes this happens after you hear accurate sound reproduction

Now get HiFiMan Sundara or Dan Clarke Audio headphones that Amir has measured here

 

[Soria Moria]

Always EQ headphones because there are always gains to be had from the stock tuning.

 

[NTK]

Frequency response from Amir's review of the HD598SE (modified with replacement "leather" pads):

Amir's conclusion:

Conclusions
The measurements and subjective results by no less than three humans agree that out of box tuning of this headphone is horrible. This doesn't jive with any review I read on the 598 or 598 SE. I tend to think that there is more to this SE version than just color back. Anyway, I am not going to generalize the response to all 598 SEs. The walk-away point though is that objective measurements proved their worth strongly in confirming subjective listening tests and showing the path to equalization.

For this specific Sennheiser HD598SE, I cannot recommend it without EQ. It simply is horrid. With EQ however, it becomes a keeper. I understand you can pick these up used for $100 or so at times. If so, and they all measure/EQ like this, they would be a good choic.

 

[Doodski]

@Pancreas not using EQ on a 598 is severely limiting the sound quality. I mean severe. Are you on Windows or Mac?

 

[fpitas]

The lesson here is to not listen to good speakers. You'll just get spoiled.

 

[bodhi]

I kind of agree. There are no clear audible benefits in my headphones compared to my 2.1 Genelec system. I wouldn't say the headphones sound bad, it's just a different experience.

Main benefit of headphones is that you get the top tier performance so much cheaper. It's a rude awakening if one decides to get speakers to match for example 50€ Truthear Zero Reds.

 

[Pancreas]

The point is the quality of Genelec

Im not using EQ on either, but I do plan to get sonarworks for both speakers and headphones.

I just recently bought the Genelec stands $250 for my speakers.

My room isn’t the greatest but I plan in putting some sound treatment. I did receive some recommendations from a sound engineer so i have an idea what to use and where to put it

 

[Pancreas]

@Pancreas not using EQ on a 598 is severely limiting the sound quality. I mean severe. Are you on Windows or Mac?

Im on windows

Frequency response from Amir's review of the HD598SE (modified with replacement "leather" pads):

Amir's conclusion:

I don’t have the SE

I have the cream/brown one

 

[Zensō]

Save up and get a Sennheiser HD800S, then apply EQ to taste. After that you will want to replace your Genelecs.

 

[Pancreas]

Save up and get a Sennheiser HD800S, then apply EQ to taste. After that you will want to replace your Genelecs.

I have big ears and a big head. After using the 598s for more than half hour i get hot, fatigued, and a bit uncomfortable and these are supposed to be one of the most if not the most comfortable headphones in the sennheiser line

 

[Zensō]

I have big ears and a big head. After using the 598s for more than half hour i get hot, fatigued, and a bit uncomfortable and these are supposed to be one of the most if not the most comfortable headphones in the sennheiser line

In my experience, there is no headphone more comfortable than the HD800S. Certainly, the 598 is not in the same class comfort wise or sonically.

 

[Doodski]

Im on windows

For Win pooders install EQ APO and then install Peace EQ as the GUI/skin. Open Peace and adjust.

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Fenix84]

Had the 599s which are similar, went to the 6XXs, never wanted to wear the 599s again.

 

[solderdude]

For the longest time, all I had was a cheap soundbar from Taotronics. So "audiophile" for me was the 598s. I would either connect them directly to my PC or to a Scarlett solo I had

I haven't used them in a long time since I got Genelec 8030c

I also have a very good audio interface Motu Ultralite MK5 which has ESS Sabre32.

I bought new cables for these headphones. I connected to the Motu which is a better DAC than my PC or Scarlett. The sound is like mehhh now and I used to think they sounded good. There is nothing wrong with them, they just don't sound as good as I thought they did

I've been using Genelec for almost a year, and now everything else I hear sounds like trash in comparison

HD 598:

Lacks subbass which was a bit masked by excess warmth (midbass hump) and a little bit of 'sharpness' in it.
Not sounding similar to genelec monitors but was not a particular poor sounding headphone.

The HD599 had a bit better bass extension but was overall quite similar but not the same.

 

[Pancreas]

Had the 599s which are similar, went to the 6XXs, never wanted to wear the 599s again.

massdrop?

 

[kemmler3D]

I have some pretty nice headphones (LCD-XC) and I've EQ'd them and even added crossfeed. I still prefer my speakers. Speakers have a physical / tangible experience (especially in the bass) that headphones lack, and the soundstage on headphones is just never really as interesting to me as it is with speakers.

It's too bad because in terms of FR and distortion, headphones can beat speakers for much less money, dollar for dollar... but IMO speakers are the gold standard.

I know not everyone agrees, but I can totally understand your point of view.

That said, you should DEFINITELY EQ those cans. It's a free, major upgrade. EQAPO and don't look back.

 

[Pancreas]

I have some pretty nice headphones (LCD-XC) and I've EQ'd them and even added crossfeed. I still prefer my speakers. Speakers have a physical / tangible experience (especially in the bass) that headphones lack, and the soundstage on headphones is just never really as interesting to me as it is with speakers.

It's too bad because in terms of FR and distortion, headphones can beat speakers for much less money, dollar for dollar... but IMO speakers are the gold standard.

I know not everyone agrees, but I can totally understand your point of view.

That said, you should DEFINITELY EQ those cans. It's a free, major upgrade. EQAPO and don't look back.

They're also uncomfortable to use. It doesn't matter if they are the most comfortable pair, they are still uncomfortable in comparison to having nothing on your head.

I would much rather not sacrifice comfort, in that case, headphones for me, are more of a privacy gadget, only used when i need privacy, if i dont need privacy, then speakers all day everyday