When comparing Sennheiser HD 598 SR vs Plantronics BackBeat Sense Special Edition, the Slant community recommends Sennheiser HD 598 SR for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones around $200? ” Sennheiser HD 598 SR is ranked 4th while Plantronics BackBeat Sense Special Edition is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Sennheiser HD 598 SR is:
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.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Can be worn for hours without discomfort
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.
Pro Offers great value for money
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.
Pro Well-balanced sound
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.
Pro Great soundstage
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.
Pro Cable is detachable
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.
Pro Balanced sound signature with good clarity
The highs, mids and lows are all fairly balanced, and there are no frequencies that stand out from the rest. Audio is clear and with minimal distortion. These are versatile sounding cans that will work with a wide range of music genres.
Pro Solid battery life
These can play music continuously for 18 hours from a full charge before the battery is depleted.
Pro Splash resistance
The main difference of the Special Edition over the standard Sense is that it has a special nano-coating applied, making these headphones splash-proof. Splashes of sweat and other liquids should not pose a problem for these headphones.
Pro Sensors in headphones automatically play/pause music
There are built-in sensors inside the BackBeat Sense which detects if you are taking off or putting on the headphones. Music is paused/resumed depending on the detected motion.
Pro Won't put a lot of weight on the head
The BackBeat Sense features a slim and lightweight design, making these very easy to wear even for extended periods. The headband also features a hammock-style mechanism which feels quite soft and comfortable.
Cons
Con Lackluster bass
Sennheiser headphones are known for relatively mild lower ends. If you prefer huge bass sounds, you might be better off looking at other options.
Con Leaks a lot of sound
The open design does not keep the audio within the ear cups. People in the room with you will be able to hear sound coming from these headphones.
Con Feels flimsy and unreliable
These are mostly made from plastic which results in the light weight. However, the materials and build quality, along with the slim design make these headphones feel flimsy.