GRADO SR80e vs Sennheiser HD 599

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How do wired headphones manage to remain popular these days? This is something I was trying to figure out in the comparison GRADO SR80e vs Sennheiser HD 599. Both of them are open-back. The first difference you can notice is that the first device is on-ear, while the second one has an over-ear design.

Features

There is a pretty big distinction in their frequency response, as GRADO SR80e has a range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz, whilst Sennheiser HD 599 works in a wider range — from 12 Hz to 38 kHz. Speaking of impedance, the first appliance has a lower rate. In the case with GRADO SR80e, the impedance is 32 Ohm, while Sennheiser HD 599 has 50 Ohm. The difference in the sensitivity is not very remarkable since the device made by GRADO has 100 dB and the one made by Sennheiser has 106 dB.

Sound

GRADO SR80e has an absolutely unique sound for an open-back pair of headphones, being airy but very intimate, engaging, and slightly aggressive. The bass fills out the sound keeping it very exciting, but it is never encroaching on the rest of the frequency range.

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones have a nice, smooth sound that does not sacrifice detail at all. The device shows great consistency in the bass range as its open-back design lets HD 599 to rely less on an air-tight seal to create their low-end.

Comfort and design

Like lots of other modern headphone models, the considered devices have an adjustable headband. Also, there are pretty light, as GRADO SR80e weighs 230 g and Sennheiser HD 599 has 250 g. However, if you are looking for a pair of headphones for travelling, these are not the best option since they do not fold and you will not get a carry case with them.

The audio cable that comes with the appliances is detachable only in the case with Sennheiser HD 599. This wire is 300 cm long.

GRADO SR80e pros and cons

Sennheiser HD 599 pros and cons