The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee open-back headphones are the result of a collaboration with Drop (formerly Massdrop) and the former chief engineer at Sennheiser, Axel Grell. With the wisdom of a couple of decades of experience since the original Sennheiser HD 600's release, these cans are meant as a value-driven update. Aimed at providing a lower entry fee for consistent performance to audiophiles and budget-conscious producers, these headphones aren't adorned with exotic materials or luxurious extras. Do they excel where it counts?
Our Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 58X are great for neutral listening sessions. Their sound profile is warm and balanced, with a good amount of boom. Like many open-back headphones, the low bass isn't especially rumbly, but that's expected for this style of headphones. Otherwise, they don't require a headphone amp with most sound sources and they're low distortion, too. They can feel a bit tight after a long mixing session or if you wear glasses, though.
- Good frequency response consistency.
- Well-built design.
- High performance for the price.
- High leakage and low isolation, by design.
- Tight fit that can feel uncomfortable.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are a poor pick for commutes and traveling. Open-back headphones like these aren't designed for on-the-go listening because they leak audio and don't block out the noise of fellow commuters. While they're stable and will stay on, their long cable can get in the way.
- Well-built design.
- High leakage and low isolation, by design.
- Tight fit that can feel uncomfortable.
- Long cable isn't portable.
The Sennheiser HD 58X are inadequate for sports and fitness. While they're quite stable for over-ear headphones due to a tight fit, they're bulky, leak a lot of audio that'll bother others at the gym, and their long cable can catch on equipment.
- Well-built design.
- High leakage and low isolation, by design.
- Tight fit that can feel uncomfortable.
- Long cable isn't portable.
The Sennheiser HD 58X are poor for office use. Unless your office has a closed door, you'll likely disturb your colleagues with distracting audio leaking into the room. They offer a balanced sound profile, but because of their open-back design, they can't isolate you from background sounds from your coworkers that'll still reach your ears and detract from your ability to enjoy your music and podcasts. While they're decently comfortable, they can start to feel a bit tight over the course of a work shift.
- Good frequency response consistency.
- Well-built design.
- High leakage and low isolation, by design.
- Tight fit that can feel uncomfortable.
- Needs a separate mic for online work meetings.
You can't use the Sennheiser HD 58X for wireless gaming because they're wired-only headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 58X are okay for wired gaming. Their sound profile is well-balanced, if a bit light on the low end, providing clear speech and neutral music and sound effects. They're open-sounding, though their passive soundstage isn't very wide and spacious. They feel decently comfortable but can feel a bit tight after a long session or if you wear glasses. If you need to chat with teammates, you'll have to get an outboard mic.
- Good frequency response consistency.
- Well-built design.
- High leakage and low isolation, by design.
- Tight fit that can feel uncomfortable.
You can't use the Sennheiser HD 58X for phone calls because they don't have a microphone.
Changelog
- Updated Aug 05, 2024: This review has been rewritten and refreshed to match our current review standards.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sennheiser HD 58X come in a single color, 'Black.' If you encounter a different variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Sennheiser HD 58X were released alongside the Sennheiser HD 6XX through Drop. Both promise neutral sound profiles akin to pricier models like the Sennheiser HD 650 and Sennheiser HD 600. The HD58X and HD6XX sound slightly different from each other, with very slightly more rumble on the HD 58X, but their sound doesn't differ drastically, and unlike the HD 6XX, the HD 58X don't require a headphone amp with most sound sources. However, the HD 6XX deliver even more consistent audio. Compared to more casual use open-backs like the Sennheiser HD 560S, the HD 58X aren't as comfortable to wear for long stretches, though they're better built and have a warmer top-end.
See our recommendations for the best headphones, the best audiophile headphones, and the best open-back headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are two very good audiophile open-back headphones with similar frequency responses. Both feature a slightly tilted bass response and flat mids. That said the Sennheiser lack the Beyerdynamic's peak in the treble response that can render sibilants in a harsh way. The Beyerdynamic will be a better option if you care more about comfort and build quality though.
The Sennheiser HD 599 and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are very similar headphones with very small differences. The HD 58X have a slightly more accurate sound profile, but the soundstage of the HD 599 seems to be somewhat more open-sounding. However, the HD 599 are noticeably more comfortable to wear for long periods.
The Philips SHP9500 and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are both great audiophile headphones if you like a neutral sound, but they have slightly different sound profiles. The Sennheiser produce more thump and rumble while slightly reducing the presence of sibilants. The Philips sound brighter in comparison, with less bass and more intensity in the treble range. They also have a wider soundstage and are much more comfortable for long listening sessions, but the Sennheiser feel more durable.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are very similar to the Sennheiser HD 600. If you don't find them too tight, you'll enjoy the additional punch and boom in the HD 58X's bass range. The HD 58X also have lower retail price, which will appeal to audiophiles looking for a wallet-friendly pair of over-ears.
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