Short answer: the Sennheiser HD 599, if you are buying new. The Sennheiser HD 558 ranks higher than it (#87 vs #253 of 523 over-ear headphones, 4.2/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Sennheiser HD 599 is still sold new at $226.73.
The Sennheiser HD 558 is the better-sounding pick. An open back over-ear with a high preference score of 86 and a light 0.6 lbs (260 g) frame. The tradeoff: Sub bass rolls off early, falling 6 dB below target at 38 Hz, a 5.2 dB peak near 3.1 kHz adds glare, and dips near 10 kHz and 11.5 kHz dull the top treble.
Why pick the Sennheiser HD 599: A preference score of 73 and a modest 2.74 dB deviation from the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement make this a fairly smooth open back. Watch for: Sub-bass falls about 6 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the extra warmth sits higher up and the deepest rumble is missing.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 599 if you want one new; the Sennheiser HD 558 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
An open back over-ear with a high preference score of 86 and a light 260 g frame.
eBay
A preference score of 73 and a modest 2.74 dB deviation from the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement make this a fairly smooth open back.
Amazon $226.73 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 20, 2026 at 10:35 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 558 | Sennheiser HD 599 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 Discontinued | $226.73 |
| Ranked | #87 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones | #253 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (1 squig.link measurement, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.38 dB standard deviation | 2.74 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.42 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 38 Hz (-8.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-9.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB | 106 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 12Hz - 38.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve combines the independent measurements credited below, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the Sennheiser HD 558 from auricularesargentina; the Sennheiser HD 599 from audioamigo and capraaudio, all via squig.link.
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Sennheiser HD 558: