Both Audio Technica and Sennheiser are well-known headphone companies that stand out from many other manufacturers. However, as great as the variety of headphones on the market is, it comes with much confusion. Hence, users need to do a little research before picking a new pair of headphones.
In this article, we’ll compare two models that have been gaining much popularity ever since they came out, the Sennheiser HD 598 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X.
We made sure to focus on the user experience rather than just listing specs. This way, you’ll know what to expect from each of these headphones, and thus, make an informed decision, so without any further ado, let’s jump right into it!
The Short Answer
The Audio Technica ATH-M50X is a better bargain only because it offers more value for your money. As for sound performance, most users can’t even tell the difference between the sound quality produced by both headsets. Regardless, music enthusiasts will pick up on it, so they should check the full comparison for more details.
Specs Comparison:
| Headset | Frequency response | Impedance | Weight |
| Sennheiser HD 598 | 12 – 38500 Hz | 50 ohms | 0.6 lbs |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50X | 15 – 28000 Hz | 38 ohms | 0.63 lbs |
Sennheiser HD 598 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X – Full Comparison
In this part of the article, we’ll go through some features that make each of these headphones stand out so that you can pick the right model for the type of listener you are.
Design
Starting with the Sennheiser HD599, you’ll notice the luxurious design the minute your eyes fall on the headset. Although there’s a black edition, the ivory and maroon one is far more popular and looks astonishing for anyone looking for a stylish pair of headphones.
The ear cups are quite large; nonetheless, they’re absolutely comfortable, particularly because they swivel in all directions, so you can always find a perfect fit. You’ll also find distinctive markers on the earcups (R and L) so that you can always wear them correctly.
Moving on to the Audio Technica ATH M50X, it features an excellent balance between plastic and metal to guarantee sturdiness as well as comfort.
The materials used are of excellent quality, and the padding makes the headset comfortable to keep on your head for extended periods and lengthy gaming sessions. The headphones are only available in black color; however, with the silver rings and accessories, the headphones look quite appealing.
Both headphones are wired with a 3.5mm jack and detachable, so you won’t have to throw them out if the cables get damaged with time; instead, you can replace them with any 3.5mm jack, and you’ll be good to go.
Winner: Draw
Sound Quality
The Sennheiser HD 598 does such a fantastic job with mid-range tones. Although we wish it sounded a little more natural, the sound is tweaked for a better listening experience. Consequently, the headphones aren’t the smartest choice for those looking for fidelity and need the pair for critical listening.
On the other hand, classical genre and jazz lovers will appreciate how engaging these headphones can be. It’s even more impressive that the headphones can keep the sound clear at high volumes; distortions are no option with the Sennheiser HD 598.
The treble quality is mind-blowing and certainly makes up for the not-so-great bass. The soundstage is quite impressive as well.
Regarding the Audio Technica ATH M50X, you opt for a remarkable sound signature that, despite being a bit unnatural, doesn’t throw off the bass, at least when compared to the Sennheiser model.
These headphones are ideal for all types of music genres, offering a crisp sound, regardless of the volume. In fact, we appreciate the balance between clarity and keeping things down with low-range tunes. You’d expect a little overpowering there; surprisingly, though, the sound stays clean regardless of range.
Winner: Audio Technica ATH M50X
Accessories
Even though it might seem like such a trivial thing to consider, accessories add much value to your headset.
The Audio Technica ATH M50X wins when it comes to this category as it comes with way more extras. You’ll find a carrying case, a 3-meter straight cable, a 2-meter straight cable, a 3-meter coiled cable, and a 3mm screw-on adaptor. On the other hand, the Sennheiser HD 598 headsets only come with a 3-meter cable and two adaptors, one is 3.5mm, and the other is 6.3mm.
As we were saying, having more accessories makes the user experience much better. For instance, since the Audio Technica ATH M50X comes with a 3mm jack, you can use it with an amp if you want to. Moreover, there’s a little chance you’ll need to buy new cables for the headset, at least until you upgrade to a newer model.
Winner: Audio Technica ATH M50X
Other Features
Of course, sound quality is the major factor to consider when you’re choosing a headset, but there are other factors to consider as well.
For instance, the Sennheiser HD 598 comes with a sound reflector that extends and makes the sound much better. You can choose whether to activate or deactivate the feature according to your preference and what you’re listening to.
Also, the headphones feature a one-of-a-kind internal design that relies on cellulose fleece. This design was implemented to keep the distortion as minimal as possible.
The Audio Technica ATHM50X has a bag full of features as well. First off, the impedance is lower than that of the Sennheiser HD 598, which makes the sound louder and clearer.
Also, as we were just saying, the headphones are more flexible to work with because they come with a variety of cables. Yet, they’re as expensive as the Sennheiser HD 598. This might sound as if the Audio Technica ATHM50X is the better option; we dare say it’s a draw; each is unique in its own way, leaving the cost aside.
Winner: Draw
Pros and Cons of Sennheiser HD 598 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
In this section, we’ll pinpoint the best and the worst of both headsets so as to sum things up and make things as clear as possible. Hence, it’ll become much easier for you to make the right choice.
Sennheiser HD 598
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Detachable cables
- Excellent design and sturdy construction
- Comfortable fit with swiveling earcups
- Engaging sound with excellent treble
- No distortions even with high volumes
Cons:
- Sound fidelity is a bit compromised
- Bass could be enhanced
- Poor sound isolation
- Doesn’t come with many accessories
- Relatively pricey
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable
- Comfortable
- Detachable cords
- It comes with many cables
- Suitable for all music genres
- Crisp sound with great signature
- Great values for money
Cons:
- Limited colors
- Poor sound isolation
- Slightly heavier than the Sennheiser HD 598
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, the Audio Technica ATH M50X is a better option than the Sennheiser HD 598, particularly for bass lovers looking for rich tones.
If you’re not into bass, though, you won’t find much difference between the two headphones in terms of sound quality. Still, the Audio Technica would be the better choice because it comes with a carrying case and far more accessories, so why should you settle for less if they both fall into the same price range and offer similar sound performance?