Sennheiser HD 598

Design

The Bowers and Wilkins PF-M5Is aren’t exactly audiophile headphones, but what they lack in high-performance they make up for in style. Though on-ears are typically a little less than outstanding performers, the PF-M5Is will give you decent quality portable audio and a splash of style that you can take outside (unlike the Sennheiser HD 598s).

Sennheiser HD 598	Bowers & Wilkins P5-MFI

Frequency Response

This comparison plays to the Sennheiser HD 598s’ strengths, as their frequency response is remarkably flat, and without many blemishes. Still, there are those who like emphasis on bass frequencies, and those who are looking for a little more punch may be interested in the sound output of the PF-M5Is.

Sennheiser HD 598	Bowers & Wilkins P5-MFI

Distortion

Both headphones have slight distortion issues, the PF-M5Is having a low general distortion problem, and the Sennheiser HD 598s having an issue with only the low end.

Sennheiser HD 598	Bowers & Wilkins P5-MFI

Tracking

The Sennheiser HD 598s take this one, hands-down. Though their tracking isn’t perfect, they absolutely do a better job than the more erratic PF-M5Is.

Sennheiser HD 598	Bowers & Wilkins P5-MFI

Isolation

The PF-M5Is do a better job of isolation, but just barely. Though it isn’t much of a problem if your headphones block out much sound at home, it can lead to problems outdoors if you adjust your volume to drown out the outside world.

Sennheiser HD 598	Bowers & Wilkins P5-MFI

Comfort

We’re going to give this one to the Sennheiser HD 598s, though your mileage can and often will vary. The HD 598s have very soft padding, and distribute their weight more evenly than the on-ear PF-M5Is. Still, you may decide that you like the Bowers & Wilkins design better, so try on your cans before you buy; it’s the only real way you can be sure that you will enjoy the fit is to try them on for yourself.

Wear
Sennheiser HD 598	Bowers & Wilkins P5-MFI

Verdict

We’re going to give this one to the Sennheiser HD 598s, but only if you intend to use them at the computer with a good source. Otherwise, if you’re going to be going out in the world, you can’t exactly rely on open-backed headphones to survive the wear and tear of life away from climate control. You’ll just have to weigh your options for yourself.