Table of Contents▼
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee offers 90-95% of the HD 660S experience at a fraction of the cost ($150 vs $500). This review covers:
- Sound Signature: Darker, more intimate, and warmer than the HD 660S with better bass emphasis
- Build Quality: Slightly cheaper materials but still solid — lightweight at 260g
- Value: The best budget entry for high-quality open-back headphones
- Gaming: Outstanding imaging makes it a top choice for competitive gaming
- Downsides: Short cable (1.8m), high power requirement, stiff earpads
I think I finally offer my review of the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee because I don't think my opinion is going to change at this point anymore.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Massdrop x Sennheiser |
| Headband | Glossy black, gray metal grilles |
| Ear coupling | Over-ear (circumaural) |
| Transducer principle | Open, dynamic |
| Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Frequency response | 12–38,500 Hz (-10 dB) |
| THD + N | < 0.1% at 1 kHz, 100 dB |
| SPL | 104 dB at 1V, 1 kHz |
| Connector | ⅛ in (3.5 mm) gold-plated stereo jack |
| Cable | 6 ft (1.8 m) OFC, detachable |
| Weight without cable | Approx. 9.2 oz (260 g) |
| Made in | Romania |
First Impressions
Even though I have to say, this is not how I remember the Sennheiser HD 660S sounds. There are people who say this is the exact same driver — which by now we know is not the same because people have taken them apart. It is very similar but not the same.
Most people agree it is about 99% similar to the HD 660S, which with the price difference still makes it an easy recommendation. The HD 660S is $500 where this one from Massdrop is $150.
| Comparison | HD 58X Jubilee | HD 660S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $500 |
| Price (Germany) | ~$180 (imported) | ~$420 |
| Driver similarity | ~90-95% similar | Reference |
| Sound signature | Darker, warmer | Brighter, wider |
| Soundstage | Narrow but airy | Wider |
| Power required | Surprisingly high | Easier to drive |
| Build | Slightly cheaper | More premium |
| Cable | 1.8m, single | 2 cables (incl. balanced) |
At $150 vs $500, the HD 58X offers incredible value. Even with the compromises, it's an easy recommendation for anyone wanting high-quality open-back headphones without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality
It's made from two different kinds of plastic, and I don't love the combination or the overall quality, but for $150 I can let it slide. It feels okay, but it definitely doesn't have a premium feel.
| Aspect | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Materials | Two types of plastic, mixed quality |
| Slider | Functional, sturdy |
| Headband | Good fit, stiff but comfortable |
| Clamping force | Good, not excessive |
| Top splits | 2 splits (HD 600 has 4 — preferred) |
| Earpads | Stiffer than HD 600, less forgiving |
| Grill | Looks a bit odd |
| Weight | Very lightweight — 260g |
Your ear definitely shouldn't touch the inside — it's deep enough and big enough. This is more oval like the HD 600, not the round Beyerdynamic style.
Even after 2-3 months, I still don't love the comfort as much as my HD 600. The HD 600 feel way softer from the start. The pads on the 58X are less flexible and less forgiving. There are tricks to bend the headband outward to loosen the clamping force.
Cable
The cable is not what I wanted — I don't like it at all. The cable splits into two pieces way too early and is therefore too short at 1.8 meters. This is more like mobile use length, but I will never use an open-back headphone outside.
| Cable Issue | Why It's a Problem |
|---|---|
| Too short (1.8m) | Designed for mobile, not desktop use |
| Splits too early | Annoying to manage |
| No balanced cable | HD 660S includes one |
Power Requirements
I don't know why I have to power this just as much as my old Audeze LCD-2. The HD 660S I had a difference of like 10 on the volume mixer. This is already where my confusion starts.
| Headphone | Volume Level (relative) |
|---|---|
| HD 58X Jubilee | High (similar to LCD-2) |
| HD 660S | Lower by ~10 steps |
| Audeze LCD-2 | High (reference) |
The HD 58X requires surprisingly high power for a 150 ohm headphone. A dedicated headphone amp will make a significant difference in performance.
Sound Signature
I see quite a big difference between the HD 58X and HD 660S. Not so much in terms of soundstage, even though there is a difference there too. The HD 58X soundstage is very small and claustrophobic, but it still somehow manages to feel very open and airy.
Bass
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Quantity | Slightly more emphasis than HD 660S |
| Depth | Plays deep — great response |
| Quality | Tight, controlled |
| Comparison to 660S | More bass presence |
Mids
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Presentation | Pushed forward nicely |
| Vocals | Intimate, slightly pushed in |
| Clarity | Excellent detail |
| Comparison to 660S | Similar, slightly warmer |
Highs
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brightness | Not super bright, but detailed |
| Fatigue | Low — easy to listen to for long periods |
| Air | Good, despite dark signature |
| Comparison to 660S | Darker, less extended |
For competitive gaming, the HD 58X is one of the best budget choices. The imaging is outstanding — you can pinpoint exactly where sounds are coming from. Pair it with an external microphone and you'll have a setup that beats any gaming headset at any price point.
Mods
There is one mod that seems to be the best one based on measurements:
- Remove the foam from behind the driver
- Use double-sided tape and a different foam/filler to protect the driver
- This brightens the sound, pushes the highs, and makes the bass more neutral
The mod opens up the sound and brings it closer to the HD 660S signature.
Music Performance
I still like that the vocals are pushed in a bit. From all the headphones I have right now, this sounds the most like an LCD-2 — not that it sounds like it, but it's the closest in character. There's still a significant difference, but the LCD-2 costs way more.
It doesn't sound nearly as neutral as some headphones out there — it's quite dark — but it's super nice in detail.
HD 58X vs HD 600 Comparison
| Aspect | HD 58X Jubilee | HD 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | More emphasis | Lighter, more neutral |
| Mids | Warm, intimate | Neutral, reference |
| Highs | Darker, smoother | Brighter, more detailed |
| Soundstage | Narrow but airy | Wider |
| Comfort | Good, stiffer pads | Better, softer pads |
| Price | $150 | $300+ |
I absolutely can still easily recommend the HD 58X. I bought it for myself and I don't regret it at all. The only thing I'll replace is the cable. For podcasts, movies, and especially gaming, this is an amazing choice. You won't get anywhere close at this price point in terms of imaging and detail.
Conclusion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible value at $150 | Cheap cable (too short) |
| Excellent imaging for gaming | Stiffer earpads than HD 600 |
| Lightweight (260g) | Higher power requirement than expected |
| Open, airy soundstage | Build feels cheaper than HD 600/660S |
| Great bass response | Not as neutral as HD 600 |
| Dark, non-fatiguing signature | — |
If I had a choice between HD 660S and HD 58X at the same price, I would obviously go for the 660S — the difference feels about 10% better to me. But at the actual price difference ($150 vs $500), the HD 58X is an absolute steal.
The biggest confusion for me is that I did not remember the HD 660S sounding like this. The 660S felt a little bit wider, a little bit brighter. The HD 58X feels narrower and darker — more like an LCD-2 in character. Taking out the foam mod might close that gap to about 5%.
Even so, for $150, you won't find better open-back headphones for gaming, podcasts, movies, and music.