Audio Technica M50x & Sennheiser 598 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 Audio Technica M50x rather than the Sennheiser 598.
Why Do I Recommend The Audio Technica M50x?
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x features a closed-back design for superior noise isolation in loud environments, while the Sennheiser HD 598 uses an open-back design that allows more external sound to enter.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a folding swivel construction for compact storage and easier travel, whereas the Sennheiser HD 598 uses a fixed frame.
- It includes three detachable cables different lengths for flexible studio and portable use, while the Sennheiser HD 598 comes with only two cables and less length variety.
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x supports a higher clamping force to maintain a secure fit during active movement, whereas the Sennheiser HD 598 uses a lighter clamp.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x features a stronger bass response for impactful low-frequency playback in electronic or hip-hop music, while the Sennheiser HD 598 has a more neutral bass.
- It comes with a rugged, studio-grade build for long-term durability and heavy daily use, whereas the Sennheiser HD 598 uses a more delicate open-grille design.
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a tighter ear seal to reduce sound leakage and protect privacy when listening in shared spaces, compared to the Sennheiser HD 598’s open design that leaks more audio outward.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x supports higher maximum input power for clean playback at louder volumes without distortion, while the Sennheiser HD 598 handles lower maximum input power.
Maybe the Sennheiser 598 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Audio Technica M50x. 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 | Audio Technica M50x | Sennheiser 598 |
| Back Design | Closed-back | Open-back |
| Build Type | Foldable | Fixed |
| Cable Options | 3 detachable cables | 2 detachable cables |
| Clamp Pressure | Higher | Lower |
| Bass Response | Stronger | Balanced |
| Sound Isolation | Better | Minimal |
| Durability | Rugged | Delicate |
| Sound Leakage | Low | High |
| Maximum Input Power | Higher | Lower |
| Portability | Travel-friendly | Home-use oriented |
| Earcup Rotation | 90° swivel | Static |
| Ear Seal | Tight | Loose |
| Sound Signature | V-shaped | Neutral-warm |
| Price | Check Audio Technica M50x Price | Check Sennheiser 598 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Driver Type: Both headphones use dynamic drivers, which provide strong bass response and efficient power handling for a wide range of music genres. Dynamic drivers are durable and easy to drive with common devices.
- Over-Ear Design: Each model fully encloses the ears, creating a comfortable fit that helps with passive noise control and a more immersive sound experience.
- Detachable Cable: Both headphones feature detachable cables, allowing easy replacement if the cable gets damaged and enabling quick swaps between cable lengths or types.
- Stereo Wired Connection: Each uses a wired stereo connection, ensuring a stable, high-quality audio signal without wireless compression or latency issues.
- 3.5 mm Plug Compatibility: Both connect to standard 3.5 mm outputs, making them versatile with portable players, laptops, and most audio gear.
- 6.3 mm Adapter Included: Each includes a 6.3 mm (¼-inch) adapter so they can easily plug into home stereos, audio interfaces, and studio gear.
- Impedance (mid-range): Both have a moderate impedance around 38–50 ohms, which balances easy drivability from mobile devices with the ability to benefit from dedicated headphone amps.
- Frequency Response Range: Both deliver a wide frequency response, allowing reproduction of deep bass and crisp highs for detailed, full-range sound.
- Sensitivity Level: Each provides high sensitivity near the 100 dB mark, producing ample volume with typical headphone outputs and mobile devices.
- Replaceable Earpads: Both models have earpads that can be replaced, extending the headphones’ lifespan and allowing users to refresh the comfort and appearance over time.
- Headband Adjustment: Each has an adjustable headband, letting users customize the fit for different head sizes and ensuring comfortable long-term wear.
- Swivel Earcups: Both use swivel earcups that can rotate flat for easier storage and a more flexible fit during extended sessions.
- Low Total Harmonic Distortion: Each is engineered for low distortion, ensuring clean audio reproduction even at higher listening volumes.
- Lightweight Build (<300 g): Both remain under 300 grams, keeping long listening sessions comfortable and reducing neck strain.
- Studio/Hi-Fi Use: Each is well-suited for studio monitoring or high-fidelity home listening, providing accurate sound for mixing, mastering, or critical enjoyment.
- Gold-Plated Connectors: Both use gold-plated plugs for reliable connections and minimal signal loss over time, enhancing durability and sound consistency.
- Passive Noise Control (seal): While differing in back design, both provide some passive attenuation through earcup seal, reducing minor ambient distractions during listening.
Common Features
| Feature | Audio Technica M50x | Sennheiser 598 |
| Driver Type | Dynamic 45 mm | Dynamic 38 mm |
| Over-Ear Design | Yes | Yes |
| Detachable Cable | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Wired Connection | Yes | Yes |
| 3.5 mm Plug Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| 6.3 mm Adapter Included | Yes | Yes |
| Impedance (mid-range) | ~38–50 Ω | ~50 Ω |
| Frequency Response Range | Wide 15 Hz–28 kHz | Wide 12 Hz–38.5 kHz |
| Sensitivity Level | ~99 dB | ~112 dB |
| Replaceable Earpads | Yes | Yes |
| Headband Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Swivel Earcups | Yes | Yes |
| Low Total Harmonic Distortion | Yes | Yes |
| Lightweight Build (<300 g) | Yes | Yes |
| Studio/Hi-Fi Use | Yes | Yes |
| Gold-Plated Connectors | Yes | Yes |
| Passive Noise Control (seal) | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Audio Technica M50x Price | Check Sennheiser 598 Price |
FAQ
What type of drivers do the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 598 use? Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 598 over-ear headphones? Do both headphones have detachable cables? Can I connect both headphones to a 3.5 mm jack? Do the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 598 include a 6.3 mm adapter? What is the impedance range for these headphones? How wide is the frequency response of each headphone? Are these headphones suitable for studio and hi-fi listening? Do they have replaceable earpads? Is the headband adjustable on both models? Do the earcups swivel for easier storage? What is the typical weight of each headphone? Do they both have low harmonic distortion? Are the connectors gold-plated? Do they provide any passive noise control? |