Sony MDR-1R vs Sennheiser HD 598 SR

The included carrying pouch of these headphones adds extra protection against dust, scratches, and minor impact. Also, the pouch looks well made and stylish, making it a great inclusion to the headphone package.

The ear cups of the MDR-1R can be folded flat. This gives the headphones a slimmer profile which makes them easily fit in bags for utmost portability.

The cable can be easily detached from the headphone. This makes the wire much easier to organize and makes the headphone much more convenient to take on the go.

The MDR-1R is designed to be a studio headphone and its sound signature follows that design. These headphones are very balanced with little emphasis on either bass, mids, or highs. As a result this headphone will work well for a wide range of music. But if you're looking for an emphasis on bass you may need to look elsewhere.

For a headphone with a closed-back design, the MDR-1R has been noted to have impressive soundstage.

The MDR-1 is really comfortable to wear and can be worn for many hours straight. The ear pads and headband feature synthetic leather surfaces, but this material actually feels very supple and soft on the skin. This is complimented by the ample padding which makes these materials seem like pillows on the user's head.

The bass of the MDR-1R is not overly powerful with a neutral bass response.

The large ear pads feature a velour surface and a soft foam material underneath. The comfort of the headband is also notable. It features a synthetic leather material with a thick foam inside. In combination, these cushioned parts feel like pillows on the head.

These headphones are in a price range that is quite affordable, yet offers sound and build quality that is beyond the standards in its price bracket.

The bass takes a bit of a back seat compared to the other frequencies, yet is still enough to give fullness and punch to the sound. The mids are the star of these headphones' sound signature. They are clear and a little bit forward, which give a lot of extra detail and presence to guitars and vocals. The highs are pretty crisp and clean, and complement the other frequencies really well.

Even for open back headphones, the soundstage that the HD 598 produces is amazing. It is quite wide yet natural at the same time, which makes it feel like you're listening to the artist perform in front of you live. This wide sound stage and great imaging also make these ideal for games and movies, as these can enhance audio immersion.

This makes the headphones quite easy to store, and the cable easy to replace. Also, the attachment mechanism is a twist to lock system which minimizes the chances of the cable getting disconnected while in use.