Short answer: the Sennheiser HD 599. It ranks #215 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $189.95. The Sony MDR-CD900ST ranks #250, rated 3.5/5, at $181, $8.95 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for 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. The catch: Sub-bass falls about 6 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the extra warmth sits higher up and the deepest rumble is missing.
What the Sony MDR-CD900ST does well: The bass and mids are close to target, with bass within 0.3 dB and low mids about 1.8 dB up, and the 63 ohm, 106 dB/mW design is easy to drive. The catch: Sub-bass is about 8.7 dB under target and the highs roll off, with treble 4.5 dB low from 6 to 10 kHz and air 6.8 dB low above 10 kHz.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 599. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $8.95 you would save on the Sony MDR-CD900ST does not close the gap.
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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 $189.95 eBay
The bass and mids are close to target, with bass within 0.3 dB and low mids about 1.8 dB up, and the 63 ohm, 106 dB/mW design is easy to drive.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 599 | Sony MDR-CD900ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.95 | $181.00 |
| Ranked | #215 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #250 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 70 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.74 dB standard deviation | 2.59 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.42 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.76 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-9.3 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 50 Hz (-12.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 63 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms) | 106 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) | 0.4 lbs (200 g) |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 38.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
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