Z Review - Sennheiser HD518
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- Pick Your Poison
518 [amzn.to/1P712QD] (Balance)
558 [amzn.to/1LkMB0x] (More Wub)
598 [amzn.to/1QQX7wM] (Clear as sh*t Highs)
The Hosa 1/4" adapter I spoke of [amzn.to/1QSF9ca]
Sound Demo : • Video
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I come here often for the wallpapers I ain't gon lie..
Dude, i got these headphones for 2 years now, and i just realized i can pull out the cable from the top XD
You mean from the headphones itself? xD
Jay Miller yea
Ahahahahah
Nicolas De Giosa dont laugh XD By the way, if you are using this headphone, are you using ANY equalizer?
+Swaglock Yolmes Nope i don't have these
Protip for HD5x8 series: you can remove the locking mechanism and put there 3.5mm->2.5mm adapter and just use any regular cable. The cables for ATH-M40x/50x also fit without modding.
how?
How?
Well, it doesn't make sense because there are great after market cable with 2.5 jack. Perform the hack will invalidate the warranty and it would cost you more money than buy a cable.
@@biomorphic Depends on the country, US has a ton of aftermarket cables but here we're not so lucky
Funny that, I went from the 518s to the 600s.
When I had just the 518s I was perfectly content to be honest, it's a great way to be introduced to the world of open headphones, and is mostly neutral.
I did the same thing. I still have my 518s, still listen to them occasionally. Really do enjoy how they sound.
In case it isn't known, the 518/558/598 have the same drivers inside. Quality of the plastics, the plastics determining how open/closed they are, and the pads are what determine the sound signature.
+Nathan Young It is WAY more than the pads changing the sound.
+Z Reviews The 598 and 558 actually have the same drivers inside, on the Sennheiser website, when you search for driver replacements, you can buy System Sennheiser HD 558/598.
The 518 is using a similiar but different driver: graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=7&graphID[]=2851&graphID[]=2861&graphID[]=2821&scale=30
I've had these headphones for years and years... over a decade I think. And I only just started getting into higher tier audio gear the last couple of years. These are totally liveable. I've had to replace the cable and pads a few times. But otherwise *highly reccomended*. Except that I don't think they make them anymore.
I own HD518's first and only real audiophile headphones and honestly all i've needed. If I was to upgrade i'd go for the HD600s. I honestly agree that if these looked better, had better pads and a all black colour they'd sell better then most other Sennheiser headphones. They'd be the goto cheap HD600s. I love them and can't complain, honestly they kind of have that old classic feel about them like the HD598's try to pull off. 50 years time I'd be happy to still rock these.
Are they good for rock/metal?
@@dylansantos5958 Yes.
Remove the grills from the back of the earcups. Soundstage gets so much better and the bass becomes much more neutral. Extremely nice mod for the 518s, have to be careful with the cables in the earcup of the drivers. Some adhesive is used to fix the little tabs on grills, that are there to attach them to the earcups. Remove those with a little screwdriver. Mine is over 3 years old now, never sounded better. :)
Five years of daily use, i can absolutely recommend these if you're looking for your first open headphones. I've had to replace the pads in that span of time, but that's expected. I picked up my 518's for $35 on a Newegg sale. I would've picked up a couple if i knew how much i liked them. Great budget headphones!
Bought HD 518 like a 10+ years ago. All pads disintegrated since, plastic parts got cracked and broken, but it still works and still sounds good.
Money well spent
Get new pads and you’re good
I just picked up a pair of the HD518's refurbished for $40 and love them. I have them hooked up to a cheap MUSE USB DAC and a Little Bear P2 tube valve amp with Voshkod tubes. Very warm and smooth sound. I can listen to them for hours without ear fatigue. The pads are a little stiff and get a little warm but it's only a small inconvenience. I might change out the pads later on.
these were my first ever PROPER music headphones i got these in 2011. and they are still with me, the headband is great, the earpads are not that great. its hot here most of the year where i live, and you sweat with these.. the best thing about these is sound and even more their ease and comfort. i can wear these for 8 straight hour and i would not notice and these would not be burden on my head. these are that great! i changed the earcups once. highly recommend these for anyone looking for serious music listening with lots of enjoyment. these are worth every single penny!
I've had these for several years and the ear pads have all but completely fell apart. Everything else is ok. And I just ordered 58x jubilee and I'm excited to see the difference. I gotta say my favorite thing is the matte finish, but not the color. The jubilee shiny black looks kinda cheepo but at least they're easy to paint!
I use these in the office, and I love them. Bought them 4 years ago. They are very confortable, light, and you will not need an external amplifier. With 6xx you need one, at least on a laptop. This is a good entry level headset and for me a perfect way to partially isolate in the office. Not good on the metro, not portable, but the single connector, with a decent short cable, that yuu can buy separately on Amazon, make these a great option for the office or for video games. And I love the fact I can replace pads. I have two pair of pads, so I can wash one and use the other, because headset get stinky, you need to clean them.
Another alternative that I chose for a 3.5mm jack, when I use them on a tablet on phone, is the 1.2m cable they sell. Solves two issues: It reduces the cable clutter and you get the 3.5mm jack without a huge heavy dongle. Google _Sennheiser 505638 HD 5X8 Replacement Headphone Cable 1.2m_ to find them. I got mine off Amazon.
(It's still the same cheap rubber type cable, but shorter :) )
It is really awesome that you give people the chance to sound demo headphones. Kudos for that! My only quibble would be that your playlists are a bit inconsistent. For the purpose of comparison, there must be at least one song shared among all your demos. I understand that doing so, can be "too revealing" and most headphone companies wouldn't like it. But really, what's the point of having a completely different playlist for the HD518, from both HD558 and HD598 headphones?? It's like trying to "protect" the two higher-priced models against their "lowly" HD518 brother.
Anyway, you are doing a really good job. Keep it up!
I have these and the X2s, and had the shp9500 which Z lauded as the best. Well 518s are 10times better than 9500s. Also there is an easy mod for the 518s which makes them more open and clear and not so muddied and boomy: just open the headphones, remove the plastic cups on the sides and add a grill for styling if you like. Sounds way better! X2s obliterates the 518s though but for 65$ and a mod you get really good value
lol... youre not alone
Funny enough I sold my x2s because I hated the sound compared to my 9500s
Why would you like insane treble and no bass? The shp9500 are so inferior its not even funny. But philips makes good headphones like the x2(better than the hd600s dryness). Just stating facts. But they are comfy af though, that might be influencing your view
Not sure if you've already read my previous comment on the HD598 review, but now I'm pretty unsure whether to stay with my already owned HD518 or upgrade to HD600.
600 for sure
I have these for a few years now and i bought them used, still work just fine. What they are great at is the comfort, i can wear them for a very long time to the point i forget i have them on my head.
Yup 558 are certainly on the warm side, but depending on the source they can certainly get a lot more clear.
ive had these for two years now. got these for $61 new on amazon. couldn't be happier especially for the money.
What the actual fuck. I was looking for a review about this ones on your channel YESTERDAY. Holy Ballz, the coincidence :v
+Hiro Hito uh happens so often
Z, you have influenced...inspired...infected? me. I'm addicted to your vid reviews. I just got these 518's today from newegg for $50 shipped. I have a Schiit B-Stock Magni in the mail to be delivered tomorrow and I'm trying to figure out how I want to upgrade my Klipsch Promedia 2.1 system to amp driven Micca MB42x's. I thank you and my wife curses you. Keep it up!
Coincidence! Z reviews HD518 same day i received these on mail
These? More neutral?
Why does the frequency response chart I found online disagree with that statement?
+NotOrdinaryInGames Same
***** This guy is right these are bassier than the 558
+Dylan Harrison while in some cases that is true, on the charts the 518 have more bass than the 558 and you would also perceive the 518s with more bass. Zeos said 558 had more bass, which just isn't true.
+Dylan Harrison while in some cases that is true, on the charts the 518 have more bass than the 558 and you would also perceive the 518s with more bass. Zeos said 558 had more bass, which just isn't true.
I'd say these DO have more bass. Sadly, does not make them neutral.
I like how this guy Reviews an itemps got my hd 518 $15.00 thrift shop last summer
I like that you disregard other peoples opinions and just do your own take on it. I would be curious to see if you think the HD598SE has more bass than the HD598 or other HD5x8 headphones.
+InfestedScapegoat I tried my brothers. Not enough more bass.
Bought these new for $52. I am really missing the clarity that I get with my Senn HD 439's. I love the clamping force though.
Yay i have been waiting for this review :33 thanks Z
the "6.3 to 3.5" adapter is not bad if you also have a 3.5 extension
Just got these for ten bucks and they are amazing
The big jump? Will my fuckhuge 5 knuckle ears fit in 600s if the 518s only just fit?
He's right with the adapter on even the slightest force it bends the tip, you can fix with your fingers.
+David Morris I wouldn't do that. A plug that's been bent once is at risk of breaking off completely on the next bump or two. Then it's fun times trying to fish that broken plug piece out of the socket.
These or Samson SR850 / Superlux HD 668b ? In fidelity and quality of sound and nothing else ?
I own both a pair of 518's and 598's. I agree about that the top pad being a lot better on the 518's. I like both pairs for different applications.
are the 598 really "bass-less"? in italy the 598se and 518 are similarly priced on amazon. I listen 40% rap/hip hop, and for the rest mogway, god is an astronaut, chvrches, lana del rey, oasis, a day to remember and so on...
Would you prefer the SHP9500 or the HD518 for general music listening given their at roughly the same price point?
+Andrew Herrett 9500's. But people want that Sennheiser name sometimes.
518, 559, 558, or any other 500 senns. the 9500s are kinda wack. theyre really dry
what's the wallpaper on your right monitor? for research purposes of course.
Correction: The drivers are the same. The main difference is different amounts of foam covering the openings, and maybe different enclosures inside.
+BakedThePotato I already annotated. But still pretty odd how they change.
Wow, that was a quick response. But yes. I've never actually heard the 500 series but I do have the 439s which sound very good out of the box for the price but pretty bass light.
+BakedThePotato 439s sound like the original Momentum with a wiser stage and less refinement
I really like my 558's. I definitely have to eq the bass up several db from 30-100hz but damn are they great after that. They have a really warm and smooth signature and a super fast decay. I'd place them right on the level of the X1's and DT990's I used to have.
Anyone know where to find a good replacement cable for these? Would appreciate the assistance.
Nice review zeos!
The shure srh840 also define no bass but I love them for a very clean clear sound.
Lol, totally wasnt expecting that... i remembered the HD 518 having the smallest soundstage out of the HD 518/558/598 bunch, and even the HD 558 beeing warmer and having more subbass, the HD 518 had much more punch while the lower frequencys were a bit rolled off.
The reason why i picked the HD 598 was that i really care much about soundstage that i dont give a shit if a headphones lacks a bit of bass when it goes deep and is well controlled, cause im using "Equalizer APO" and a sine generator to make headphone completely flat to my ears.
Well as it seems 518 has The Best soundstage eqaul to 598.
FINALLY SOMEONE SAID IT! HD518s are not garbage. These headphones were my babies for 5 years before i gave them to my brother. Took them everywhere (when i replaced the stupid wire) did everything, and beat the hell out of them. they are long over due for replacement pads, but even after all the abuse it took, they still work like new.
+Nik Hulstein hey i need help about these hd518s.do they have good noise isolation.
Open back headphones never do. Look elsewhere for isolation, ala something with a closed/sealed design.
the most common, and most ridiculous question asked about any open back headphone, period
That's a great review my dude. Very few people critically listen to all the ones in the series and have an unconscious bias of "lower numbers and lower price means worse, higher numbers and price are automatically better".
I have a question though. Do you plan on reviewing the new 5x9 series any time soon? I don't really see all too much information on them.
I used all the patreon money to buy five from the new series.
Hey Z, good to see my headphones getting reviewed. I picked up a pair of these about 6 months ago and love them. I also hate the cable just as much as you. Do you have any recommendations for a replacement cable (with the proprietary Sennheiser end)?
+MikeyP93 There are Shure cables that will fit.
How do these compare against AKG K240? Also Z now that PSVR is taking per-orders maybe you should review a couple more IEM's and include neckband headphones, neckband style earphones.
0:44 man, wtf is that on yo monitor 💀
lol good review
Can you cover the "to review table" with a blanket or something?
The tease kills me.
+GrumpyKitten NO!
Z Reviews
okay :c
>Kotegawa Yui
Zeos you one good man.
When you refer to the 598 are you talking about the 598 or 598cs? thanks
I like the emotion haha.
Hey Z, I would love to see a review of a JVC HARX900 - rated pretty high on Amazon, surprised you never mentioned them...
Which one would you recommend for gaming? Not for the CoD types, but the calm ones like RPG's and can also function for watching movies or music? Also, is there an option with leather ear pads?
+Rocky You just need comfy headphones that sound good for music etc. Tons of those. Philips 9500
Z Reviews Alright, I'll check those out.
Hey Z, good review! I am watching this video using HD518. hehe. I have a question though. I agree with you that the wire is suck and too long, the pads are a bit uncomfortable and the adapter is huge.
So, can you recommend any pads to go with HD 518? And what Amp/DAC you used in this video? Thanks
See if you can get the 598 pads. They are far superior.
It is the FiiO K5 hooked to my Emotiva Dac.
nice review
how are some comments here a week ago when the video is posted just yesterday?
+mahee Patreon supporters get to see the videos first.
Should I Get The Sennheiser HD 518's Or The Beyerdynamic Dt 990 Premium 32 Ohm?
what was name the headphones he pointed to at the end and said that they were better than the 518s
I really like my hd 598. But the bass is lacking on those. The 598 do have crisp clear vocals and treble is good. Detailing and sound quality is great.
You should try getting your hands on a pair of 580s then try justifying the price of buying the 600s. I got mine for $90 used and had no desire to get another pair of cans since, I actually prefer them over my 'flagship' W5000 from audio technica which sounds makes vocals sound like people are singing out of their noses.
Since these have better sound stage than the 598's would you say they are better for gaming, and also how hard are these to drive compared to the 598's.
+Matthew Finateri Same difficulty to drive. The 598 have sharper highs which for gaming is probably going to be more desireable.
I've been waiting for this 😏
+z reviews First off I love your reviews! Secondly thanks for doing reviews on a wide range of headphones. Now I'm stuck between the 558s and the 518s to make a gaming headset that I can also listen to edm with. Do the 558s perform all around better than the 518s? Do they still have a respectable amount of low end while having better mids and highs?
They perform.. Differently. The drivers are apparently the same so it is just a matter of implementation.
+Z Reviews alright thanks for the reply. Is there a pair of headphones at 100 or less you would recommend over the 518s and 558s for gaming that also have good low end?
are the 598 really "bass-less"? I really want them!
in italy the 598se and 518 are similarly priced on amazon.
598se are 130 euros(144uad), only 30 euros more than the 518 (37 bucks) and few usd less than 558.
I want an open canfor casual home listening, a lot different genres of music, film, videos... I listen 40% rap/hip hop, and for the rest mogway, god is an astronaut, chvrches, lana del rey, oasis, a day to remember and so on...
what do you suggest? (the shp9500 isn't available here)
I got low budget, 140usd max, but only if it really worth that much,
thank you z!
Paolo Soddu, i cant recommend anything, because i dont know enough about headphones, but i have the 598se's, and i really like them. I listen to 50% rock/metal, and 50% hip hop, and i can say they sound good for rock, but not enough bass for hip hop
They cost more than the 558 now :( I really wanted them too, with a switch of the pads theses would've been perfect...
If you don't mind me asking, what is the audio player you are using? Cheers!
+Benoit Roberge Foobar2000
+Z Reviews extremely customizable music player that starts out as the most simple one. cool idea. took me 3 hours to figure out how to use panel splitter to create background images. can you maybe make a tutorial for how to customize foobar more?
I want new pads for this miracle. HD 518
The 598s have more soundstage than the 518 and are more articulate and clear, especially in the high mids and treble.
+Matthew D The better highs are what make the 598's sound wider. But really they all share the same width.
+Z Reviews No, im really sure the HD 598 has the best widh, tryed virtual barbershop with both, i even tryed to added more clarity via eq to the 518 and the 598 still was the best in this regard.
just saying...
Sennheiser HD 600 forever
the hd558 are worth modding. you save $50 and get the same results as the hd598
Z, will you ever review the HD 580's?
NEVER!.. Or maybe. Im swamped with reviews right now.
to be honest, my perception when I tried out these cans was affected by the price. I rated it low even though I'm a basshead. Anyway, I'm saving up for those hd600's
Is it Meze 99 Classics on your desk?
+Przemysław Pendyk Yes
+Z Reviews Can't wait for your opinion about them.
Zeos you are lately liking all the headphones or its just me?
+franco guinard I'm defending them, not necessarily liking/loving them. Don't worry, the AKG K612 is probably next.
+Z Reviews haha waiting for it
LMAO "Climb into the dumpster and get these..." I listen to your reviews cause I've never laughed so hard! Also good info. Hoping you review the KRK KNS 8400 sometime. Also, since I work in a recording studio, curious best tracking headphones, best mixing headphones? Currently I'm into my 32ohm Beyer 770's and can't get away from my Sony 7506's used for years.
+Justin Ar Try HD600's
Hey Z I have the HD429s and I am looking for an open ear solution just as you described these (between bassy and highs). Would purchasing the HD518s be worth it for gaming?
+Tone Tech and Gaming I haven't had the 429's in the shop so I am not sure if there is a great benefit.
Z Reviews
ok thanks
+Tone Tech and Gaming it defently is an benefit... ive heared the 429 in a store, well closedback typical soundstage
You didn't mention the SHP9500s here, but if people can still get them at a similar price range ($60-70 USD), they are better at that price range, and are better sounding than the 518s (and even 558s and 598s - not a fan of that line anymore).
+Leo Natan I still love the 9500's.
Yo Z what kind of head rig for the camera do you have? Did you buy it or did you make one?
+Tulder Just a hero4 in a standard gopro head mount.
Ohhh ok. Thanks. Been dying to know
Would you say that these and the 558s are more "fun" sounding than the 598s because they apparently sound boring.
+Amstaff 94 The 598 are not boring. These just have bass. Same as the 558's do. So it is up to what you want.
+Z Reviews I'm just trying to find some open headphones that have a good soundstage as well as decent bass (mostly for gaming). I also don't want headphones that are a bitch to drive that require $100+ dacs/amps (i play on console so all that would be a real bitch). I might try the 558s.
Two quick questions:
How does the openness of the sound-stage compare between all three?
Can I get any old cord to replace one the 518 or can I only get ones that do the special locking thing?
+Greenhatguy Im gonna say almost the same for SS and leak. You need a cord that has a skinny, long locking connector. The cords for the Shure 840's will fit.
+Z Reviews Thanks! I'm mainly going to be using them with my computer plugging them into the back, so I guess I wouldn't really need a different cord. The reason I ask about the openness is because I might use them to play video-games and I wanted an ok open sound-stage so I could hear things better positional wise without leaking too bad and so that explosions aren't so overpowering because of the sound signature. I listen to things at a pretty low volume anyway (10% windows and 1 dot on an iPhone) so I guess the leakage wouldn't be to bad.
+Greenhatguy as far as i can remember the soundstage gets better from the 518 over the 558 to the 598, but it is still really good on the 518.
My ear is crying for mercy, while watching this with my HD 518! but I have broken glasses
so buy these, and buy $30 pads, instead of just buying the 558s for the same total price?
+kronbison ... yes.
+Z Reviews ... i've owned all 3, just wanted to make sure that is what you were recommending.
+kronbison so what? 518=558(But 558 has little better pads?)
can we replace the pad with velour?
Wtf is that photo on the right.
next do a review of 5 dollar headphones.
Did you not see the E-MU?
Z Reviews apparantly not, thanks.
I'm stuck between buying these or the SHP9500. Which one has a warmer sound and larger soundstage?
+Quarry Man These are warmer for sure.
I've had these for a couple years and am thinking that it's time to upgrade to some HE400i's since they're $250 on amazon, good choice or not do you think?
DO it.
Plan on getting these for gaming and seeing if I can get just low bass since I really need to hear those footsteps only problem is I have no clue how to change out pads and stuff since I'm a newbie to Headphones and I had some decent Wireless/Wired ones that were amazing and I pulled out the wire after 1 time and the wire doesn't work anymore so yeah I gotta be careful, can anyone link me to something or tell me how to change out pads for the 518 for future reference.
so don't bother doing the 558 foam mod?
+Alan Ma Ive heard a modded pair. It didn't make it as clear as the 598's which is the point.
What about 518hd for gaming cause a cant afford more then 100€
great for gaming and movies
Rafael Clara my HD 202 ii's are good for gaming but 518 might be better because they cost more
The HD518 shares the same driver as the HD598.
no, the 558 and the 598 share the same driver, the 518 only has a similiar one.
no, the 558 and the 598 share the same driver, the 518 only has a similiar one.
+Mr.Magnificent Yeah, I got a little bit mixed up there, thanks for calling me out.
Undead Osprey
no problem
+Mr.Magnificent yeah but open back headphones are extremely better than gaming headsets right? Due to open back they produce real surround right?
Hey Z,
How does HD518 compare to HD600? How much difference is it?
+BEATBOX TALK® 600 is a different category. Far more fidelity in the whole range.
I got these for 48 dollars is that a good deal?
Hey Z, i live in south africa so I dont have much to choose from as far as headphones go. I am inbetween a few headphones, HD 518, DT 990 and the DT 770. Another thing, would the Asus Xonar essence STX be able to power these? Thanks
the HD 518 are the easyest to drive, the Beyers are more analytical sounding an are pretty boosted in highs and bass, the DT770 has the most bassimpact and is closedback.
Decide from that
Well I probably wont have any issues with driving these headphones, as I've heard that people can power the 250 ohms with the stx. The DT 990 was my go to because it was the only decent thing in my price range aside from the 770 (which are closed). I fear that the 518 will sound too muffled, as most headphones described as warm usually do for me...
+LiViDHOBO The HD 518 isnt muffled at all, the DT990 can be a bit pircing to some people thought, actually id recommend using and equalizer to make the headphone perfect for your ears
sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/
Guide:
sourceforge.net/projects/peace-equalizer-apo-extension/
im buying my first good brand headphones ... choice of music is rock and metal ... and options i have r following
Marshall Monitor
HD518
ATH M40x
all cost same, i dont live where Amazon can ship nor have any other option or else i would have gone for that
so among these 3 what would u recommend?
Darth Vader m40x
Sennheiser > all , dont bother with other brands
Bought the 668b's awhile back with some better pads, do these compare at all to the 668b's?
+landophant They are not as crazy wide as the 668's. And better bass here.
+landophant Yes, overall soundstagequality is really close on both, the HD 518 sounding more alive, while the Superlux sounds more precise.
The Senn is more comfortable and it has better controlled and deeper bass, as well as better midrange.
Frequency response:
graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=2841&graphID[]=3301&scale=30
Square at 50hz:
graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=3&graphID[]=2841&graphID[]=3301&scale=30
Square at 500hz:
graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=4&graphID[]=2841&graphID[]=3301&scale=30
The 558s become even bassier if you put lambskin pads on them. Like, comparable to my dt 770s.
Hey Z, I got these a month ago. I'm powering them with an ASUS DGX and was wondering if the SMSL SD793-II would improve the sound quality on these. I'm connecting my studio monitors to my pc, but don't want to go the DAC route unless it actually improves the quality. Thanks!
I don't think you will have an appreciable gain with teh 518's. Save up.
+Z Reviews Thanks!
are these good for gaming ?