Back to the Sennheiser HD598 SE Headphones, I am impressed!
After having a couple of days to listen to them, my first impression is--At $102 after tax, I should have bought a couple pairs! I don't think much else needs to be said, these do not sound like $100 headphones, nor do they really look like $100 headphones.
The balance across the freq range is excellent, and the imaging and separation is incredible. They are nice and light and very comfortable.
It makes me wonder how the upper tier of headphones sound. But, it also makes me wonder how much more $ it takes to get that next little step up.
Comparing to the AKG 845BT (wireless) headphones, I do think the Senn's are better (no real surprise, and we are comparing wired to wireless). But, the AKG do seem to dig a bit deeper with a bit more punch in the bass.
I've also been giving the ATH-50 some play time. These are pretty good cans too, very comfortable fit. They are just a little bass heavy for my tastes, but they are good none the less. It would probably be wise to reserve these for hiphop and other bass heavy tracks.