BEST HEADPHONES of 2024? Sennheiser HD490 Pro Studio Headphones

[@EdThorne]

Which Headphones Do You Want To Replace? 🎧 WORKING AUDIO TOOLS PODCAST 🎧 linktr.ee/workingaudiotools

[@fiddlix]

I’ve had the HD490 Pros for a few days now, they still have the Sennheiser mids that we know and love, the tasteful extension is a welcome addition. The upper mids and treble clarity is very apparent, never causing listening fatigue,,,,even at insanely loud volume. The soundstage is another standout feature, much more open and airy. Drum roll please…..and the number one feature that has nothing to do with sound is the comfort and build quality, these are the most comfortable set of cans I have ever worn. I have had them on my head for 12+hrs a day with no fatigue issues at all with heat and to be honest l I forgot they were on my head. These suit my ears and head to a tee.

[@EdThorne]

A great review! And I completely agree. 🔥

[@RicShaa]

I just got a pair of the 490 Pro this week. Previously i had been mixing through my Beyerdynamics DT770 Pro, which are much more useful for recording and producing. With the 490 Pros i was finally able to hear a more detailed picture of any recorded audio. For instance: details in a snare, room sounds in a vocal recording and the overall balance of my mixes. However i have to do some more testing.But for now, i believe this was money well spent.

[@EdThorne]

Great feedback. I’m glad you like them.

[@DavidKing-zi4vk]

The HD600 is such a stellar headphone in the audiophile community - they will go nuts for this once the word gets around

[@EdThorne]

I recon so. I think they’re the best average of everything you could want in a headphone (Damn, I should have said that in the video😅)

[@DavidKing-zi4vk]

Quick, edit that in :D thanks

[@Aquiiin]

Hey Ed, may I ask you: which ones do you like more? HD490 Pro or Ananda Nano? And why? Thanks alot !

[@EdThorne]

Hi, they’re different beasts. The HD490s are the best dynamic headphone I’ve heard. Very good all rounder. The Nano’s have the best low-end transient response I’ve heard in a headphone (by a long way!). So I use them to highlight different elements.

[@sennheiser]

👏🔥

[@EdThorne]

🤘🔥

[@richardpenrose1968]

Interested to hear how these compare to the Neumann NDH-30's and my old Beyer DT880-Pro's

[@EdThorne]

I’ll hopefully have the Neumann’s soon and I’m sure I can borrow the 880s or 1990s.

[@richardpenrose1968]

@@EdThorne Great. Interested to hear your thoughts on these

[@StephenBaysted]

Just bought a pair of the Neumanns - superb.

[@sapphiro]

DT880 250ohm comparison would be great.

[@richardpenrose1968]

Yep, that's what I use@@sapphiro

[@swarl-o8054]

I've been looking at an upgrade to my hd 58x lately. I want to try these out. I'm hoping they are similar to the 58x but with more soundstage, detail, and clarity. Especially in the upper end

[@EdThorne]

Definitely check these out too.

[@ikipearl]

luv the Jubilee 🙏

[@torukmahtomahto409]

No need to upgrade, but if you need a WOW HP, Ananda Stealth at 399 blown all Sehn from all the points of view...and NO balance cable option for HD490 to keep in mind,,,

[@drizzlydr4ke]

the 560s is already an upgrade over the 58x lol

[@DavidKing-zi4vk]

Can you please tell us if the soundstage is an improvement on the HD600 series? Better yet how does it compare with the more complete soundstage on the HD560S / HD400 Pro? If these offer a larger soundstage than the HD560S then I must try these

[@EdThorne]

It’s a deeper and wider sound stage than the HD600s. I haven’t used the other models you mentioned.

[@lifeaspoorartists2558]

Hello, sorry for this late comment, I love your content and i'm pretty sold by Paul and you recommendations, like hifiman or topping. I consider hd600 for mastering, as I want to learn this art. Would you recommend Hd 490 pro over it for this task and for my situation ? Thx

[@EdThorne]

For mastering you can’t beat the Hifiman Amanda Nanos tuned to Harmann with a good HP amp such as a Topping.

[@govindnair5917]

does this need an external amp if plugged into to a dap (hiby r4)?

[@ComposerRealm]

How would these compare to the Sundaras for mixing and mastering? I have the DT 990 Pros atm and looking for an upgrade. I'm mostly after a "flat" sounding open headphone in the 400-500EUR/USD price bracket.

[@Ph3nomen0N]

Your videos look great, but at only 720p it's hard to appreciate fully

[@EdThorne]

Thanks, yeh, I’ve since realised FCPX had defaulted to 720 bounces after an update. I have no idea how many videos went out at 720. This has been fixed.

[@machine3lves]

Top notch review. Thank you for saving me hours of research 👍

[@EdThorne]

You won’t regret buying these! I use them everyday!

[@johanchandy6238]

Awesome review!. Having had the hd6xx, hd600, hd660s in the past, and currently daily driving a pair of hd660s2's, i really like the tonality and how natural the mid range sounds of this series of headphones. Considering you have the hd600's, how does the hd490 pro compare in this regard?

[@EdThorne]

Thanks, Johan. It’s night and day. Dull versus energised. My 600s have been demoted 😅

[@johanchandy6238]

​@EdThorne Haha nice! Can't wait to get my hands on a pair. Thanks again!

[@DISTANTSHOREGames]

Ey, have you been able to compare them with the 650 ? thanks !

[@EdThorne]

Not directly to the 650s, only my 600s. The 490s are a considerable improvement in clarity and transient response, and not as dull. A solid upgrade I would say (over the 600s).

[@arbcovers]

Another classy video review.

[@EdThorne]

Haha, thanks, Gavin! 🔥🤘

[@TmaterShow]

So, I've been looking at Studio headphones for both Podcasting and gaming. Originally, I was considering the HD600, would you say this would be better than the 600's for what I plan to use them for?

[@EdThorne]

For podcasting you’d want closed backs to minimise mic bleed. For gaming, the 490s are definitely more ‘exciting’ than the 600s but you may be able to play for longer with the 600 because they’re quite dull. Although the producer pads with the 490s are designed for long listening hours.

[@SLI1337]

Just got the HD660S2 and am conflicted. I like the tuning/sound of those and wondering if I'd really enjoy the more neutral tuning of the HD490 Pro. The new construction of the HD490 Pro alone is a huge upgrade. I'm not a mixer/producer and am just an enjoyer of music.

[@EdThorne]

I think they sound more alive than my 600s. Haven’t heard the 660s.

[@clickbaitpro]

If you want to enjoy, get the 660s2 because these pro headphones are tuned differently, less enjoyable and are they're tuned to pick on mistakes during the production process rather than enjoyment

[@SLI1337]

Appreciate the input. I may give them a shot after they show up on Amazon to compare.

[@Barnsey87]

That plugin is the reason I bought them. I had a HIFIMAN ANANDA in the basket for £300 and still picked these for making music I will let me Iems give me joy 😅

[@Beatsnmotivation]

Awesome job! So how u think they compare to the hd 400 pro? Any thoughts?

[@BrendanMacWade]

I was going to pull the trigger on the Sony MDR-MV1. After all, I grew up on the Sony MDR-7506. But then these Sennheizers arrived. They promise to be a more comfortable HF 600 series. I am sold.

[@EdThorne]

I have the new Sony’s - HD490s all day for stereo mixing. Although, for special/immersive the Sony’s are strong.

[@Magnesius]

impedence does not correlate to power requirements necessarily. It's impedance and SENSITIVITY.

[@matthewrezuke8130]

Wonder how it compares to my hd700? They don’t make it anymore.. sadly

[@MatthewMuzik]

I bought them and, I love them! Coming from HD 650

[@DISTANTSHOREGames]

Hi, could you be a bit more detailed ? What is better compared to the 650s ?

[@DavidKing-zi4vk]

Have you used the DT 1990 Pro? Soundstage and detail similar, do you think?

[@EdThorne]

Alas, I haven’t yet.

[@DavidKing-zi4vk]

I ordered 1990s just this morning. Really tempted to get the 490 to do an A/B

[@EdThorne]

Please do and report back 🙂🤘

[@shaggings]

I have a feeling these will be wider than DT1990 Pros, i mean most of the soundstage for the beyer is just compensated for with the extreme treble. They are not too wide sounding comparing for example to Sundaras.

[@DavidKing-zi4vk]

@@shaggings Guess I'll be getting these 490s then! Thanks

[@wrinkleneckbass]

I wonder if the HD490 Pro is the reason HifiMan dropped the price of the Ananda Nano to $419, which is now only $20 more. I'd love to try them both and decide which is better for listening to music.

[@pedrosanciny6345]

Hi, what is internal pad depth please?

[@rtnjo6936]

Hello! I have a volt2 interface, can I use it with Sennheiser HD490 Pro or do I need to upgrade or buy something to get the full potential of the Sennheiser HD490 Pro? Thanks!

[@EdThorne]

A designated HP amp will always be better but the Volt is fine.

[@CedricPytelRagtimeStudioUk]

Nice. Will check it out. I would love a review as well of your IGS rubber band ME that I can see in the background. What do you think of it?

[@EdThorne]

That video is coming! I really like. It’s meaty sounding.

[@CedricPytelRagtimeStudioUk]

Oh cool

[@wanderlustniall]

Are this a good option to listening music all day on my MacBook Pro M2 ? Or definitely better options out there

[@EdThorne]

Yes, they’re a great option. The different cups give you sonic options to minimise ear fatigue.

[@EminUZUN]

Apple silicon mbpros can drive 250 ohm headphones. I have no issues using beyer dt770 pro 250 ohm plugged straight into my mbpro m1max

[@Nick_in_the_6ix]

What would be the price of these? Any Idea? Did I miss it in this video?

[@EdThorne]

You missed it twice in the video 😉 But I got you - £349/$399€ and £419/$479€ for the Pro PLUS package

[@Nick_in_the_6ix]

@@EdThorne Wow. Thanks a lot. I can surely replace and upgrade my HD560s now.

[@danieleturrin5625]

I think it's actually the opposite: the fabric is for producing and the velvet for mixing, the idea behind it is that mixing needs flatness and fatigue free sound for long mixing sessions, while producing can let the headphone play a little bit more v-shaped.

[@EdThorne]

The Fabric is closer to the Harman curve though, for more accurate mixing. I think the argument is producers produce for longer than mix engineers mix (knowing they need to frequency rest their ears).

[@edenekendahl1791]

Have you tried the Slate VSX headphones? If so, are the Sennheiser HD490 Pro any different?

[@Studio22mix]

I wonder how many people eq to the Harman target ?

[@EdThorne]

I suspect very few are even aware of it…

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

well guess what there is a brainwashed sucker suckered in every minute . You sir have been brainwashed into thinking the harman curve propaganda is neutral or natural in the way we hear perceived sound . Well you sir are the sucker , the current iteration of the harman curve is totally wrong , far from neutral , far from natural in the way we humans hear sound . Im aware of it , the harman curve is totally awful , so it's a damn good job those who dismiss it as i do ..

[@artureff3046]

I hate to eq, thus switch headphones/amp set-up, more costly option for home listening though, but....; Harman target is more for manufacturers to sell, hearing is very subjective and changes (ie w. age)

[@حبیببختیاری-ش8ذ]

Tank you

[@SteamingNoodle]

Fine, I want it.

[@mywdarksider]

how much？It hasn't been on sale in China😮

[@EdThorne]

Please see affiliate links in the description for up to date shop prices.

[@mywdarksider]

Got it,thanks 😂

[@terhohalme]

Sorry, but high impedance headpnones need more voltage, not power. P=UI or P=I^Z or P=U^2/Z

[@EdThorne]

Power/voltage are interchangeable terms in an explanation this basic. I avoided being to technical for the majority of my audience who don’t care or understand the complexities of electronic engineering.

[@Cheeseypoofs85]

these might be the JL of the headphone industry

[@EdThorne]

What’s the JL?

[@JayzBeerz]

The headphones I use cost me $14.99. 😂

[@thuanvu5582]

all gotta start somewhere.

[@JTB--]

KOSS Porta Pro Classic for $40 bucks is a great bang for the buck HP

[@LienoGenesis]

Once you replace your HD600 pads they will no longer sound dull like you described them. HD600 are notorious for requiring earpad change every a year or so

[@jeanbeezy]

i never liked the sound of the HD650. to me they sounded very boring with no bass. i hope these new 490 pro are a big improvement over the HD6XX in these areas.

[@EdThorne]

The 490s are a big improvement in low and top end. They’re definitely livelier.

[@Maxi3242]

plastic feels cheap and brittle in my opinion, I was dissapointed with build quality! they feel like they will break after 2 years of use.

[@michaelsi6770]

why would you mention fartman curve? it immediately killed this review for me, no serious audio professional should ever mention this idi0tic virtual concept...................

[@EdThorne]

Hahaha. Lol.

[@philcibley1804]

The HD600 is NOT a planar headphone.

[@EdThorne]

I didn’t say it was if you’d have paid attention 😉 I compared the HD490s to both the HD600s AND planar headphones (being the Audeze’s I showed in the video).