Sennheiser 599 & Audio Technica M50x share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sennheiser 599 rather than the Audio Technica M50x.
Why Do I Recommend The Sennheiser 599?
- The Sennheiser HD 599 features an open-back acoustic design for a wider, more natural soundstage that enhances spatial awareness and instrument separation, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x uses a closed-back design.
- Sennheiser HD 599 comes with soft velour ear pads for cooler, breathable comfort during long listening sessions, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x comes with synthetic leather pads.
- It has a lighter 250-gram build for reduced head pressure and easier all-day wear, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a heavier 285-gram build.
- The Sennheiser HD 599 includes 0.7 pounds lower clamping force for a relaxed fit and less jaw pressure, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x uses a clamping force closer to 1 pound.
- Sennheiser HD 599 features 38,500 Hz frequency response for enhanced treble detail and airy high-end reproduction, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x reaches only 28,000 Hz.
- It comes with larger oval earcups for a more spacious fit and better ear coverage, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x uses smaller round earcups.
- The Sennheiser HD 599 supports a more neutral midrange tuning for accurate vocal and acoustic instrument reproduction, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x features a V-shaped sound signature.
- Sennheiser HD 599 includes a detachable 3-meter cable for convenient home or studio setups without strain on connectors, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provides shorter straight wires.
Maybe the Audio Technica M50x price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sennheiser 599. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Sennheiser 599 | Audio Technica M50x |
| Enclosure Type | Open-back | Closed-back |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity (1V) | 106 dB SPL | ~99 dB |
| Frequency Response | 12-38,500 Hz | 15-28,000 Hz |
| Weight (w/o cable) | ~250 g | ~295 g |
| Cables Included | Two detachable cables: 3 m + 1.2 m, adapter included | Three cables (short, long, coiled) + 1/4-inch adapter |
| Pad Material | Velour pads | Pleather (synthetic leather) pads |
| Isolation (passive) | Good | Moderate |
| SPL / Max Volume | Max SPL ~120 dB | Max SPL higher |
| Price | Check Sennheiser 599 Price | Check Audio Technica M50x Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Dynamic Driver Type: Both headphones use dynamic transducers, which employ a voice coil and diaphragm to produce sound. This design is reliable and efficient, giving them broad frequency coverage and natural tonal balance.
- Over-Ear Circumaural Fit: Each model fully surrounds the ears, providing comfort and a spacious listening experience. The circumaural fit helps with passive isolation and supports extended sessions without pressing directly on the ears.
- Wired Connection: Both are traditional wired headphones, ensuring zero latency and consistent audio quality. This makes them ideal for critical listening and professional monitoring where wireless lag or compression could be an issue.
- Detachable Cable: Each includes a removable cable, making it easy to replace or swap lengths as needed. This feature adds longevity and flexibility for different listening setups.
- 3.5 mm Plug with 6.3 mm Adapter: Both provide a standard 3.5 mm plug and a 6.3 mm adapter, allowing direct connection to portable devices and professional equipment. This ensures compatibility with everything from smartphones to studio gear.
- Stereo Output: Both deliver true stereo sound, enabling accurate left-right imaging. Stereo reproduction is essential for music enjoyment and mixing tasks.
- Passive Noise Isolation (basic): While the HD 599 is open-back and the M50x is closed-back, each provides some passive isolation from external noise due to the over-ear design and padded ear cups. This helps maintain listening focus in moderately quiet environments.
- Impedance Range for Portable Devices (30–60 Ω): With impedances of 50 Ω and 38 Ω, both headphones can be driven easily by portable players, laptops, or audio interfaces without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier.
- Sensitivity Near 100 dB SPL: Both achieve around 100 dB SPL at standard input, so they can reach loud, detailed playback without excessive power. This ensures strong volume from a variety of sources.
- Frequency Response Below 20 Hz: Each extends into sub-bass frequencies, allowing reproduction of deep low-end content for genres like electronic or orchestral music. This adds weight and realism to recordings.
- Frequency Response Above 20 kHz: Both reach beyond the upper range of human hearing, capturing high-frequency overtones that add air and detail to music. Extended treble response contributes to a more open sound.
- Replaceable Ear Pads: Both models feature user-replaceable ear cushions, which helps maintain hygiene and comfort over years of use. Swapping pads can also refresh the sound and fit.
- Adjustable Headband: Each has a sliding, padded headband for a custom fit. This ensures comfort for different head sizes and reduces pressure during long listening sessions.
- Lightweight Build (< 300 g): At roughly a quarter of a kilogram, both are light enough for prolonged wear without causing neck strain. Low weight enhances comfort during multi-hour listening.
- Gold-Plated Connectors: Both use gold-plated plugs to minimize signal loss and resist corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent audio quality.
- Left-Side Cable Entry: Each routes the cable into the left ear cup, keeping the cord positioned consistently for studio or home use. This helps avoid tangling and allows for easy orientation when wearing.
- Suitable for Studio/Hi-Fi Listening: Both are designed for accurate, high-fidelity playback, making them appropriate for home hi-fi setups and studio monitoring. They deliver detailed audio that satisfies critical listeners.
Common Features
| Feature | Sennheiser 599 | Audio Technica M50x |
| Dynamic Driver Type | Yes | Yes |
| Over-Ear Circumaural Fit | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Detachable Cable | Yes | Yes |
| 3.5 mm Plug with 6.3 mm Adapter | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Output | Yes | Yes |
| Passive Noise Isolation (basic) | Yes | Yes |
| Impedance Range for Portable Devices (30–60 Ω) | 50 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity Near 100 dB SPL | 106 dB | 99 dB |
| Frequency Response Below 20 Hz | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response Above 20 kHz | Yes | Yes |
| Replaceable Ear Pads | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
| Lightweight Build (< 300 g) | 250 g | 285 g |
| Gold-Plated Connectors | Yes | Yes |
| Left-Side Cable Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Studio/Hi-Fi Listening | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Sennheiser 599 Price | Check Audio Technica M50x Price |
FAQ
Are the Sennheiser HD 599 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x suitable for studio monitoring? Do these headphones need a separate headphone amplifier? Which one provides better noise isolation? Can the ear pads be replaced on both models? Which model is more comfortable for long listening sessions? Are the cables detachable on both headphones? Do they support balanced connections? How do their sound signatures differ? Which headphone is more durable for travel? Do both headphones include a 6.3 mm adapter? Are these headphones good for gaming? Can these headphones be used for phone calls or video conferencing? What is the weight difference between the two? Do they come with multiple cable options? Which one is better for outdoor use? |