The full review
Sennheiser HD 579 Open-Back Headphones Review
Into The Fascinating World Of Sound
If music, movie sounds, or game audio effects act as an elixir for you, a good pair of headphones is a must. Meet the Sennheiser HD 579 open-back headphones, a top-quality product that suits all your audio needs. You often come across the term' open-back,' and these headphones define it perfectly. Unlike the closed-back headphones, these don't isolate outside sound, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings while basking in your favorite tune. It's a valuable trait if you don't prefer total audio solitude or active noise cancellation.
Neutral Aspects of the Sennheiser 579
In the neutral corner, the build of the 579 is something to address. Made entirely out of plastic, it seems to foster a debate on the merit of spending a good average amount of money on plastic headphones. The plastic makes the headphones light and flexible, but it may not appeal to everyone. Its signature is also neutral and warm, making for a relaxed, semi-flat sound that might not appeal to all listeners, especially those partial to the "V" sound or heavy bass.
Comfort Over Anything
The comfort level of these HD 579 headphones is something to write home about. Crafted with large over-ear cups covered in soft fabric, these headphones are a joy to wear for hours, avoiding the sweaty discomfort that closed-back types sometimes cause. Frankly, the cozy fit combined with the open-back design makes these headphones stand tall in the comfort arena, even with eyeglasses on.
Unadulterated Sound Quality & Control
The Sennheiser HD 579s, being wired headphones, do away with any extra elements such as a microphone, audio controls, or a volume knob, hence ensuring an unaltered sound experience. As a music lover, controlling the volume at the source is a more suitable way to ensure quality. Plugging these headphones into a decent amplifier can make them come alive, delivering a fuller and more versatile performance than many equivalent products.
Whether I listened to Coltrane or Wu-Tang, the bass was just right - present without feeling artificial, and the overall sound quality felt a level above, with even minute details like artist breaths and swallowing sounds being distinguishable.
Great Aesthetics
Design and color are elements I consider when selecting headphones and I love the industrial feel that the grey and black style gives the 579. It's a deviation from the black-on-black monotony, and while more neutral and modern, it does not compromise style.
Impedance and Output
I married up these headphones with my third-party DAC/amp combo and found they could handle the 50ohm impedance splendidly. However, an amp is not critical for a pleasant listening experience as the headphones sound fantastic even without it.
Dealing with a Minor Concern
Sennheiser HD 579s' most notable setback is the termination of the cable in a 1/4" (6.35mm) plug instead of the more standard 1/8" (3.5mm) one. While there's a provided adapter, it does lack substantial strain relief and is somewhat large. However, this issue can be curtailed with a shorter cable adapter from 1/4" to 1/8" or by swapping the entire headphone cord with one that attaches to a 1/8" plug.
Where and How to Use
Are you considering using these on your early-morning commute or in bed beside your sleeping partner? Think again. The open-back configuration leaks quite a bit of sound, which could disturb others around you. Ideally, these headphones are best used for home, studio, and gaming needs. When indoors, these headphones let me listen to high-fidelity soundtracks without detaching entirely from my surroundings. However, I wouldn't recommend them for outdoor or on-the-go use as they may feel clumsy, and the open-back design won't filter outside noise and might leak your audio.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort and fit
- High-quality, versatile sound performance
- Durable and sturdy design
- The open-back design keeps you aware of your surroundings
Cons:
- 1/4" plug instead of a more common 1/8"
- Not suitable for outdoor or on-the-go use
- Sound leakage because of the open-back design
The Final Word
The Sennheiser HD 579 Open-Back Headphones pack value while delivering high-quality audio output. Their superior comfort, unfiltered sound, open-back design, and long-wearing delight make them an excellent choice for indoor use. All in all, it is highly recommended, except for that minor hiccup with the cable adapter.