Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus Review (Quest for the Best for Gaming)

Addicted to gaming, might as well have audio that kicks ass.
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__________________________
✅ Wallhack Headphone Tier List (no order):
HD 490 Pro: amzn.to/4bjJl3e
DT 900 Pro x - amzn.to/35aVutL
DT 1990 - amzn.to/3CGauei
Sennheiser HD 560S - amzn.to/3oTAY74
Sennheiser HD 800S - amzn.to/3CJYvMW
HE1000SE - amzn.to/45m1OIg
HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite - www.linsoul.com/products/harm...
__________________________
✅ Wallhack IEM Tier List (mid range - my happy place):
(1) XENNS Top - www.linsoul.com/products/xenn...
(2) Yanyin Canon 2 - www.linsoul.com/products/yany...
(3) Thieaudio Hype 4 - www.linsoul.com/products/thie... (depending on this title, this could go down one)
(4) Aful Performer 8 - amzn.to/46o0Mgq
(5) Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite - www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi...
(6) Yanyin Canon: www.linsoul.com/products/yany...
(7) Dunu Vulkan - www.linsoul.com/products/dunu...
__________________________
✅ TOP Wallhack IEM (HIGH END MONEY IS NO OBJECT TO YOU):
64Audio Volur - 64audio.com
GL-AMT16 - www.linsoul.com/products/gold...
Monarch MK3 - www.linsoul.com/products/thie...
__________________________
✅Wallhack IEM Tier List (budget):
(1) Simgot EM6L: www.linsoul.com/products/simg...
(2) Truthear x Crin Zero (OG or Red WITH adapter): amzn.to/3Pk6gQ1
(3) 7hz Sonus: www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-...
(4) Dunu Kima: www.linsoul.com/products/dunu...
(5) Kiwi Ears Quartet (best all rounder): www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi...
(6) Simgot EW200 - www.linsoul.com/products/simg...
(7) Truthear Hexa: amzn.to/3OqOiwo
__________________________
✅ My Amp/Dac:
Topping DX9: www.linsoul.com/products/topp...
__________________________
✅Affordable amp/dac:
iFi Zen Dac v2 - amzn.to/3xchaQe
Topping DX3 Pro+ - amzn.to/3SgDth7
SMSL C200 - amzn.to/3Nui0Am
SMSL DO400 - www.linsoul.com/products/smsl...
__________________________
✅Monitors:
Asus 1440P 360 (primary) - amzn.to/44oPUxg
Asus PG259QN: amzn.to/3qMXNuG (Secondary)
__________________________
✅ Top Mice Picks:
G Pro Superlight 2: amzn.to/46mOOTL
Pulsar X2H / X2 & X2V2: amzn.to/3xx0Dru
Pulsar Xlite V3 ES: amzn.to/3tiRhRd
Vaxee Outset AX Wireless: www.vaxee.co/
WLMouse Beast X: www.wlmouse.com/?ref=yzptre79
__________________________
✅ My Keyboard:
Razer BlackWidow V4: amzn.to/46nRoZK
Arbiter 65: arbiterstudio.com/products/po...
_________________________
✅Mousepad Picks
Artisan Raiden Xsoft - amzn.to/4573RzT
Lethal Gaming Gear Saturn Pro (soft) - lethal.gg
Pulsar Superglide (polarity)
ESPTiger Shan Hai Series
4114 Aero - 4114.gg/
LaOnda - Rizz / Pelz
Artisan Shidenkai V2
_________________________
✅Computer Components
Case: Neo Qube 2 - amzn.to/3rfaodK
CPU: AMD 7950x3D - amzn.to/3rduC7C
RAM: G.Skill DDR5 64gb - amzn.to/3NyqJS4
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Mobo: Gigabyte Extreme X670 E - amzn.to/3XwsEex
Fans: Corsair AF120 - amzn.to/3XCVnhY
AIO: Corsair H150i Elite - amzn.to/43cu5jo
Webcam: Elgato Facecam Pro - amzn.to/3R9ksQ0
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#counterstrike #apexlegends #valorant #gaming #thefinals
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - In the box
3:13 - Performance
11:38 - Closing

[@MydenYT]

Another amazing and super detailed review. Keep it up Fresh!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty myden!!!!

[@NachoOchoSix]

FINALLY a gaming review of these. Been waiting for this review! Running these through the K11. Do they have the same slight separation deterioration as the K9 Pro on the K11 or worse?

[@kuronisama2007]

Thanks for the review. I was waiting on that one.

[@_rdub_]

Great review! Thanks for mentioning the 560's, I love mine but looking at these, hopefully pair pretty well with the iFi zen dac.

[@nonameeeeEeno]

did you try it and how was your experience? 😅

[@chrisnedelchew]

same question

[@aledsionwright]

I’ve been waiting for this review! My DT900 Pro X have a loose cable and are on their way out so I was hoping you’d say they were great

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Glad I could help!

[@yov023]

Just copped. Really keen for these

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Let’s gooooi

[@randomusage5515]

loved the video you should do a video on sound settings in your games so we can have a deeper insight on what ur hearing ie. if you have htrf enabled on valorant etc

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Default windows settings. No Spatial Audio. Straight headphone to amp dac. Filter 2 on my topping dx9

[@pumpkin1escobar]

Thanks for this video! This was basically what I've been thinking as a replacement for my hd560s with a topping DX3...But I'm also kinda looking for something with a little more bass for music listening so I was also looking at the 660s2 lol.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Glad I could help!

[@sykoticmonkey]

My guy thanks for being such an asset to the community! Best reviewer, really appreciate all your hard work! GBY brother !

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty!!

[@xGnashty]

Second this comment ❤

[@abhijithmukundan8002]

He is truly a gem among the gaming community, hats off to you sir 👍

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@abhijithmukundan8002 tysm!!!

[@nukert658]

@@FreshReviewsYT My current headphone and favorite that i have tried thus far is the harmonicdyne zeus elite, how do you think these compare for music listening? Also my audio source is fiio q15. also have you had chance to try simgot ea500lm?

[@Cemito]

Great review going to be subbing

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Awesome thank you!

[@ElRobin]

How do they compare to the 800S?

[@DEM0NJEDI]

Another banger!!

[@CrafteG]

Hello Fresh! Got DT 900 PRO X after your review and pair it with iFi Zen Dac v2. Then got DT 1990 PRO and added ZEN CAN to the stack with Zen Dac v2. Now I got HD 490 Pro and put my DT 1990 PRO aside. HD 490 Pro wow, just wow. Thanks for your handy reviews Man!

[@Sammy0h]

Hey bro 490s worth it over 900 pro for gaming do you think

[@CrafteG]

@Sammy0h For sure. They so well sounded and lightweight. I used DT 1990 Pro for about a year playing Tarkov mainly. I got my pair HD 490 recently and can hear everything in Tarkov so much better. My teammates called me a cheater once I used DT 1990 because I was able to hear the enemy much better than they do. Now, they can not believe I'm not cheating - because I hear everything way waaay better than with DT 1990. The first day when I got HD 490 and started to play Tarkov with them, I had a feeling like I played with earplugs wearing DT 1990. HD 490 is phenomenal and extremely comfortable to wear if I compare them vs DT 1990 PRO or DT 900 PRO X. It is also very good for music. I'm using them with cloth earpads straight out of the box. P.S: I wish Sennheiser paid me for this review 😂. It is amazing headphones for gaming and music. Definitely my main headphones now, and I'm currently selling all the rest of the headphones I have.

[@5YRID]

@CrafteG im wondering if i should get these for tarkov and other comp games i have truthear zeros and 560s atm.

[@CrafteG]

@@5YRID Hey. I don't use IEM's and can compare only vs DT 1990 PRO, DT 900 PRO X, Philips X2HR, SHP9500 and ATH-M50X. HD 490 PRO beat them all in terms of sound in competitive FPS and comfort. For Tarkov HD 490 PRO feels like legal cheating. I hear well better than on DT 1990 PRO which was my last main pair of headphones. I use them on stack iFi Zen DAC v2 + iFi Zen CAN. iFi Zen DAC v2/v3 only is more than enough for HD 490 PRO.

[@MistikF]

@@CrafteG How's it going? Still on them, like?

[@Official_ISmokeyTheBear]

Hi fresh! Looking for a dac/amp and saw you recommend the dx3 pro+. You think that would make a great pair with this?

[@InvictusLegend]

Are the DT 900 Pro X's better than the Xenns Top in terms of a super wide soundstage and imaging?

[@YTjuanchicod]

Awesome hear you talk about soundstage depth and layering in gaming, terms that only audiophiles use, but that are very important for gaming. Also, waiting your reviews of the HE1000se, i hear those have the better layering ever

[@H_e_X_n]

I have not tried the HE1000se but I do own the HE1000 Stealth and they are amazing for gaming and music.

[@YTjuanchicod]

@@H_e_X_n awesome! , what is your chain to feed the HEk?

[@H_e_X_n]

@@YTjuanchicod I also picked up the Dx9 so I'm using that but previously had a JDS Labs Element 3

[@MertLDN]

@@H_e_X_n How are you finding your DX9 compared to your Element 3?

[@H_e_X_n]

@@MertLDN I have not sat down and done an in depth a/b test but from swapping things around one morning I want to say the soundstage is bigger on the Dx9 but I'm not completely sure. It was quick but it was something that stood out to me. The Dx9, like the element 3 has the ability to switch to UAC1 mode but unfortunately the PS5 doesn't recognize it being connected. This leaves me to believe there needs to be a firmware update to get it to work. Topping support said they were planning on testing it out on a ps5 so take that for what it's worth. The element 3 works great so from a gaming perspective I don't have the ability to find out if the Dx9 offers something more.

[@dmicik1]

Ah man, so many options to choose from in the audio space. currently I only have the em6l but I've been thinking about getting some headphones for those days I don't feel like wearing an IEM. curious if the dx3 pro+ will sound better than my motu m2 interface I have my xlr mic going into -- that interface is praised for having a good dac. I could either get these, or the dx3pro + AND either the 900 pro x or 560s. So many choices xD

[@whthppndndnwll]

The repeated emphasis on the sound quality difference depending on sources is appreciated. It's also true of IEMs, yet so many in the community proudly disregard it in favor of pushing something like the Apple dongle.

[@v1rtual_reality656]

Have you ever reviewed any hifiman headphones for gaming? ive got a pair so im curious

[@P4sta.]

glad to see u doing headphone reviews again, keep it up love the content as always :)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

❤️

[@Rokkit.]

Definitely!

[@djethreii]

Given that you've emphasized the topping dx9, I think it's high time that you compare your wall hack certified tier list to motherboard audio ( if applicable). I know that would mean more time spent on testing, but it's something that, I believe, would be helpful for your viewers. Great video as always.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

The problem with that is everyone’s board is different. So even if I had a bad experience it doesn’t necessarily mean someone else would with potentially a better chip

[@BlueScreen64]

@@FreshReviewsYT Would the Topping DX9 compare well with the Schiit Magni Unity (internal DAC option)?

[@djethreii]

@@FreshReviewsYT Makes sense actually, how about maybe for reference point atleast? or maybe try comparing those to your recommended budget dacs? because here lies the problem, not everyone has the luxury to splurge 1300 usd on the topping dx9. 200? 400? no problem, but 1300? that's a lot of commitment for audio equipment. What if there was someone like me who was just sick of how bad gaming headsets were and just decided to look for something else (how i found this channel) but doesn't have anything over 200 or even 100 to spend on new gear (also me) and that's how I ended up with the Truthear Crinacle Zero paired with a 10 usd dongle and that was such a game changer for me. Will always be grateful to have found this channel and I don't want new comers to think that they need to spend 1300 to get a similar experience that you had on your reviews and testing.

[@kephrentv]

Can you buy balanced cable for this? My fiio k3 the sound is too low in 3.5mm

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yea you can. Hart audio has some affordable ones

[@reignxcv2960]

Could you compare these to DT 1990 Pro?

[@mento730]

I am currently running the HD58x. How do these compare? Would it be worth upgrading to these?

[@BrendanMacWade]

I didn't think I'd go back to wired headphones, but these and the less new SONY MDR-MV1 are now on my comparison list.

[@naoh8026]

Hi, I’m also comparing 490 and MV1, how’s your decision?

[@rickgear2579]

I am very interested myself in the MDR-MV1. I haven't seen anyone talk about them in terms of gaming, but Sony has always produced a nice sound for me.

[@fxcolin]

Hello ! Thanks to your video I decided to buy the HD 490 pro. I use it with the ifi zen dac v2 + ifi zen can combo for music, movies and gaming and the result is incredible! I can't imagine what it would be like with DX9..

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I am very happy to hear that. Enjoy!!!!!!!

[@93aimar]

Just ordered the hd490 pro after watching this . Paired it with k7 i hope to get the same or close experience you had. Thanks for the review.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Have fun!

[@MistikF]

Do u like it?

[@Justmakesomenoiz]

Nice review seems like a good pair of headphones. How do they sound with the little brother topping dx3 pro+ beacuse that's a less competent ldac and amplifier. Or do you need even more power to get theese into coming alive?

[@8aked]

Would love to see you test the Meze 109 Pros

[@dustinmihalcheon5013]

Agreed. I’m curious about those too!!

[@nifty6486]

absolutely loving this series, been a massive help already. Just wondering though if a comparison video between all the current "wall hack" headphones is in the works for the near future? awesome content, keep it up

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty glad you’ve been enjoying it

[@Adixu]

hey, may i know if u were using any equalizer? or just stock settings

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t test or review anything with an eq

[@Phantom1000]

Hey Fresh, I am curious what "deterioration in separation" you had experienced when you were using the K9 PRO AKM version dac. I am eyeing on an AK4191+AK4499EX DAC/AMP, I want to make sure I can test out the issue you mentioned once I got it to see if it would hinder the hd 490 pro performance.

[@axipaxi2244]

My current audio combination is the iFi Audio Zen Signature Bundle HFM and Beyerdynamix DT 900 Pro X, is an increase possible with the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?

[@chrisnedelchew]

I have the same setup and the very same question. Too bad it was not answered.

[@x-ray3431]

Did you compare these to the HD800S?

[@lammiwinks3775]

Love the review! Question do you use Dolby Atmos or prefer stereo?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Stereo for sure

[@TreSwayy]

I might need to get a better source. I learned that the ps5 through mini dac doesn’t really affect audio quality since the smsl c200 can connect directly with ps5 via uac 1.1. This means I can buy the higher end stuff like your dx9 or the geshelli gear.

[@DeusRegum]

Will the Schiit Fulla SCH-19-2 (Fulla 2) drive these properly? I'd hate to have to buy yet another dac/amp. Thanks!

[@TheTechne]

I need the Palworld sound profile 😂

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Techne!! I thought of you for this one. The ambient noise in palworld on this can is insane. I can listen to the waterfalls and wind blowing for hours 🤣

[@TheTechne]

@@FreshReviewsYT LOL, I hope I get the same results with the $3k headphones I just purchased, 🤣

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@TheTechne let’s goooooo! Can’t wait to hear about em!

[@sevr0w]

Hey fresh, was wondering if you ever tested a Closed-Back Headphone and it was almost good enough for the Wallhack Tier List? Love my DT1990 and DT900 but living close to a highly frequented street makes me wish i had an capable closed-back too. Best regards

[@avedgy]

Do these drivers come from another headphone or are they made specific for theirself in this headphone?

[@Thebossreserve]

Would it be possible to test the Drop Epos H3X?

[@Mariscos420]

Damn you have these already! Nice surprise. The non plus comes with both earpads.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Glad to hear that!

[@piitviiper]

Great review as always! So they work great on your $1,300 amp, not so great on a $650-$800 amp, would it even be worth it to consider these for something in the budget range? I'm running the EM6L's on a Schiit Magni Unity right now and for my peasant/uncultured ears they sound great. Do you think the quality would suffer too much if I tried to run these on the Magni?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

It might be worth a try. Have to always keep in mind that even though I tested them on expensive amps, it doesn’t exclude the possibility of them shining on less expensive things. This is just all I had on hand to test it on. In fact in general, I’ve had better experiences on cheaper things in terms of depth and separation compared to the k9. Such as the smsl do400 and topping dx3 pro+

[@alexandern5296]

omg finally something new from senn? thanks for the review. are these a noticeable upgrade to the hd660s or hifiman sundaras? both music and gaming.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I personally think it’s an upgrade over the sundara for sure for gaming

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I can’t recall my experience with the 660

[@alexandern5296]

@@FreshReviewsYT awesome thanks! I told myself I would stop buying headphones, mice and keyboards 😩😭 LOL

[@JasonCioffi]

Do you have a suggestion for a low impedence headphone that you can attach a boom mic to and run off a controller?

[@skepti.r6]

I have a hifiman sundara with a fiio k7. do you think this would be worth the upgrade? i mainly play rainbow six siege. Thoughts vs the HD 650/600

[@yherz3825]

have you tried R70x ? and what you think about symphonium audio iems if you heard about them?

[@itzturtlexd1721]

Yo the apex clips playing on the side are wild 😂 Homies accuracy is incredible. 🔥

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha ty

[@ryanbeflyin8388]

Just got mine today! love them so far and the comfort is extremely nice! Do you ever EQ any of these headphones when you go from game to game or just regular use?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t. But I will test to see which ear cup sounds best

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! Does it use 4-pin mini XLR or 3-pin mini XLR connector? Thanks.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

4 pin. I got a corpse cables gravedigger cable recently. Going to test it soon.

[@danny_3511]

Great review! What audio interface would I need to power and get the most out of the hd490 pro and a shure sm7b for about $300.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’d get a scarlet solo 4th gen and ifi zen dac v2

[@ASTROSR4]

How do these compare to DT1990/900 Prox or Zeus Elite? If I have the Zeus Elite is it worth swapping to the 490 Pro

[@msd5808]

I wonder if the Sony MDR-MV1 compares well since it seems to specialize in spatial audio and has a frequency response like DT 990.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I actually didn’t like the profile of the sony unfortunately

[@dustinmihalcheon5013]

These were one of two I was considering. Have you tried out the Audeze MM-100 yet? I just got them and adore them for gaming.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I haven’t yet

[@An_Enraged_Pig]

How do those compare to the maxwells?

[@dustinmihalcheon5013]

The Maxwell and the MM-100 I guess you mean? The imaging is a little more precise with the MM-100 and I found the soundstage to be more realistic then the Maxwell. They didn't have the depth for things in the distance where as it felt organic with the MM-100 to know how far away a gun battle was taking place for example. Otherwise they are very simular. The MM-100 is a little more airy and subdued because it isn't close back as well.@@An_Enraged_Pig

[@Rokkit.]

I wonder how these would compare to the Nuenann NDH 30 headphones.

[@HD-nv9ru]

Sup fresh I got the harmonicdyne Zeus elite because of u and they are great still … question, is this better than the Zeus elite?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Both headphones are very good. I give the slight edge to the 490. Probably not worth the full upgrade, but I do have to say I do give the gaming lead to the 490

[@zanderxu4113]

Great video! Any plans for a comprehensive review of the DX9?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I should do a more full review

[@nogonperson7357]

Hi which headphones/IEMs would you go with without amp/dac below 350?

[@user-vr6vy8nu1j]

Sorry for my bad english, I want to know if k9 pro ess separation worsening only happens in hd490 pro? Doesn't this happen with other in-ears or headphones you've tested?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yes sir it does

[@monjbaker]

Only just found you recently, love the videos. Looking to get myself some high end headphones for gaming, specifically FPS' such as Rainbow Six and CS2. I'm not planning on getting an amp /dax. Plugging straight into the PC do you think the 490s would still be the best wall hack headphone?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I think the experience will be different because of your source. Whether your on board audio is decent I can’t say

[@littlebear4543]

How would these compare to the kiwi orchestra light? Especially for warzone.

[@LazersPewPew]

I’ve been using the Steel series arctis nova pro wireless for almost 2 years. Would this be an upgrade? I don’t have a dac atm but what would be a cost effective dac to pair with the 490 pro plus if I were to get it. Amazing video btw!

[@Lost1ntheSauc3]

Absolutely, it'll be a very noticeable upgrade in sound quality. There are lots of nice affordable dongle dacs these days such as the Moondrop Moonriver Ti or the Questyle m12/m15. Schitt or ifi audios' lower end gear are all great desktop solutions too.

[@LazersPewPew]

@@Lost1ntheSauc3 thank you for the recommendations!

[@dul1k]

hey my friend, how do you compare hd 490 pro plus vs HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite ? Listening to your review i figured those two could be a fair matchup

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Most definitely a fair match up. The 490 comes off very analytical. More of a tool in comparison to the fun factor. Depth I’d say is better. Both great headphones but for gaming I’d probably go 490. Close call

[@GazzaHazza]

How do these sounds when being powered by DX3 Pro+?

[@zeromy88]

whats your favourite pick for cs2? i own dt1990pro´s but tbh i dont like them to use all the time and rlly want to minmax in sound benefits

[@kaioukun2505]

Hey Fresh ! Cheers from Switzerland, Do you mind sometimes try your "audio setup" on a game like EFT ? for me it's where i see changes between one and another. Continue your work it's amazing and fresh to get a gaming point of view !

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’ll try to make it my mission to test in EFT! Love ya Switzerland

[@ItsZim0]

Fresh, pls review Thieaudio Prestige Ltd if you can. You might love it since you like Monarch Mk3 so much

[@samk1301]

Hey Fresh! Would the topping dx3 pro + be powerful enough to drive these headphones? Also, is this a big upgrade over the hd 560s? I currently have the 560s but love the swivel earcups and the look of these

[@Gridpipe]

Yeah audiosciencereview says that amp runs the hd650 well which is harder to drive. Topping ftw

[@CVNTGETENOUGH]

Which would be better for movie watching in your opinion?

[@littlebear4543]

Would the sound blaster x3 amp be good enough for these?

[@invisiblesailboat5355]

Hey FreshReviews, I recently got the headset today and they sound absolutely amazing for gaming. I am using the Fiio K11 to run them, but I was wondering since the amp/dac is a very budget option would it be better to get the 560s?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Not necessarily. I haven’t tested either on the k11 yet though to say for sure. As long as they are sounding really good to you though that’s awesome!

[@c-samleystudios1573]

Which ear pads do you think would be better outside of competitive gaming? Would the velour’s warmer tone maybe be better for immersive single player games, music, and/or movies?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I think so

[@bentoby2123]

Have you tried the hifiman sundaras? Would love to hear your thoughts on them for gaming in terms of imagery and spatial clarity.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I have. Did not enjoy

[@novabum3792]

Would these go great with the JDS Atom 2 stack?

[@An_Enraged_Pig]

I just bought the audeze maxwells, they are amazing. But I already have ear ringing and they sound narrow (I’m assuming all closed backs do) I wonder if this open back headset will give me more of a wider sound feel. Sometimes in apex although the maxwells are great I get narrowed in the audio and I lose track of people

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Essentially yea

[@PeterrDingDong]

Can you make a tier list in order with all the wall hack headphones?

[@ThiagoSecundo]

Can you test the hifiman he 400se v2?

[@gigolocalypsetv5520]

So this vs the HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite? Your thoughts?

[@sierra7534]

Wondering this as well. Would love to know what he’d choose between these, Zeus Elite, or HD560S

[@ktg_2castle960]

I was looking at the vzr model one and ended up here. I might have to try the vzr one over this. It is just too interesting

[@JF9DM51]

@FreshReviewsYT I watched this video over a month ago and you sold me on them. My first step into a true quality headphone for gaming. Along with my first step I bought a Topping DX3 Pro Plus to go with the 490. Do you think I'm leaving a lot on the table using this DAC/amp?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t think so. It’s great for what it is. You will hear improvements though going better

[@JF9DM51]

@@FreshReviewsYT Really appreciate the rapid response. You gave me the comfort in buying these in the first place and now you confirmed it. I've been loving them!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@JF9DM51 happy to hear!

[@xGnashty]

Would I be able to run these well on a Topping DX3?

[@legendarytony6418]

Subscribed, I think audiophile and gaming should be on par an that's helpful !

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Thanks!

[@L330HH]

Great review! Of all your wallhack tier list headphones, if you could only choose one to game with until the end of time, which would it be?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Man, if I could only choose one right now it would either be the he1000se or hd490

[@djsoulfilter]

@@FreshReviewsYT Wow the HD490's are that good?! I'm definitely thinking of buying a pair!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@djsoulfilter they’re quite nice and really comfortable

[@djsoulfilter]

@@FreshReviewsYT I'm currently using a set of Sennheiser HD518's so the 490's would be a big upgrade.

[@WyattOShea]

Sheeeeeeeeeeesh another papa Fresh banger

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha ty

[@WyattOShea]

@@FreshReviewsYT ❤️

[@janchovanec8624]

Hi Fresh, what's your opinion on "beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R"? Thank you for the good work!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Good headphone. I much more so enjoy the 490. And Ty!

[@janchovanec8624]

@@FreshReviewsYT Yeah, I went up buying the 560s because Bayer earcups don't sit well on my ears. Thanks for the answer though.

[@LarpingSupply]

What do you like better about these over your IEMs? I love my Xenns Top but I may experiment with headphone…

[@FreshReviewsYT]

More engaging sound stage larger sound stage better depth perception

[@LarpingSupply]

@@FreshReviewsYTAny benefit to IEMs? You think you would buy these over Xenns Top or other high end IEMs?!

[@Impecable..]

How would you compare these to the ATH-R70X’s? My DAC/AMP is the smsl dl200

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I like this way more

[@Mr_ZFG]

Do you know if any microphone can be utilized to that plug to make it more like a headset? Im enjoying my dt 990 pro but not heaving built in mic annoys the hell out of me

[@55Jeffrey]

ModMic from Antlion Audio?

[@Mr_ZFG]

​@55Jeffrey not a fan (have it) I wonder if there are any that would plug into headphones similar to audeze lcd-gx (I really don't want to spend $900 for mic)

[@Redtop1989]

got these headphones but onfortunately one speaker wasnt working or very low volume. i didnt manage to get full sound by wiggling the cable and from what i heard of them they were awesome for gaming. i sent them back and just have an email to say my replacements are on the way i cant wait. sounded great with a fiio k5 pro ess.

[@aGrimTurtle]

How big are the ear cups? I currently have the HD8XX’s and considering downgrading because these were so expensive and almost doesn’t feel worth it

[@jross1798]

Burn em. 8xx is a tragedy. Sell em, pocket cash and get these.

[@aGrimTurtle]

@@jross1798 lol I know stock they suck but with EQ they come pretty close to 800s. But yeah these 490's seem veeeeery enticing. I've been thinking for a while that if Sennheiser made an HD600 with better soundstage it'd be perfect for me and this seems close to that

[@calpispop]

I would love to try these against my thrift store HD700.

[@matthewrezuke8130]

I have a pair of HD700, I am using a dac/amp for my computer and they are amazing.

[@StevoJacobs]

FINALLY a real world video review!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha I didn’t realize there were so few!

[@StevoJacobs]

@@FreshReviewsYT you briefly talked about comfort. In comparison to other senn cans, how are the HD 490 pros? They seem like you could wear them for longer hours than the typical fixed hinge sennheisers.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@StevoJacobs dude. Way longer. I wish I stressed this more. So I game with glasses and take my contacts off when I get home. These are probably the most comfortable headphone i have right now. Better than the 560, 900, he1000se etc. I can wear them forever. Super light weight and really enjoyable. The velour cups do get a little hotter than the cloth

[@StevoJacobs]

@@FreshReviewsYTI figured so regarding the pads. Very interesting about wearing them for a long time. You know there’s a company that makes a mini xlr mic worth looking at !

[@TheJuantech52]

Sir I have a quick question hopefully you can help me I have that Matrix mini I Pro 3 and the Sennheiser HD 800 S and I use it for gaming my question is is there any particular software that I should be using for audio

[@FreshReviewsYT]

No. I only use stereo sound. As in, I do not use Spatial Audio or fake surround

[@ashleystokes4669]

I would love to see the hd490 compare to the new audeze mm 100 for gaming

[@paulkwok9523]

What is the gap between DX9 and SMSL Do400 in games? I am using Xenns Top, Is there an approximate score?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

The issue is the difference is very hard to quantify in words. What I can say is the dx9 has better separation and a cleaner sound. The depth within the stage is easier to feel/read. I think the do400 is great though and should make most people happy

[@FTGTapGod]

Wow it's great to hear a Sennheiser can outside of the HD 800 series That doesn't have the dreaded three blob imaging. We'll have to give these a shot. My current rabbit hole/search is finding a closed-back over ear that I like almost as much as my HD 800s. I moved to a busy City and have to deal with a higher noise floor. The LCD XC came extremely close but they are way too heavy for long sessions. Just got in a pair of DCA aeon noires that I'm hoping to test more this week. Would love to hear your thoughts if you have any experience with a closed set you enjoy.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t yet other than the mmx300 which was pretty good

[@VexxedSR]

I've personally tried lots of different closed backs and can't say why anyone would bother when IEMs can provide a similar soundstage with superior detail retrieval and imaging for a lower price.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@VexxedSR comfort and convenience mostly. I have rolled through a ton of IEMs and haven't found a single pair that don't hurt after a while. I especially find them awkward while eating and don't find them as easy to throw on and off throughout the day when I get up and down from my desk. I'm sure custom molded IEMs would solve a lot of my gripes, but that is more of a purchase commitment as the cost of the molds hold 0 resale value. That and the need to clean them regularly is something I deal with. Lots of personal reasons why I prefer over ear cans, but if you have a favorite IEM for detail retrieval and imaging (I care more about imaging than stage size) I'd love to give them a try!

[@VexxedSR]

@@FTGTapGod My favourite would be the QDC Anole VX, great comfort, out of this world detail retrieval and imaging but costs an arm and a leg. Cheaper options I would just go and try the Shuoer S12, Hexa or the Olina SE and pick the one that sounds best to you. Kiwiears Melody is also a good choice if you want something with more bass.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@VexxedSR well I'll check them out. So far I've tried Starfield, Blessing 2, the Samsung/akg earbuds, and some midrange Sennheiser IEs. Nothing has sold me on IEMs even though I quite liked the Starfield for gaming. Maybe I just need to try higher end options around $500-1000.

[@shankly1985]

Do you use any game related audio like Doby or do you just run these at 2.0 only?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Stereo only - no Spatial Audio or surround

[@namegoeshere197]

Most games are using binaural audio so 2.0 should be fine!

[@aitchh]

do you believe the harmonicdyne zeus elite is better or worse than the senn 490? great video by the way

[@FreshReviewsYT]

The 490 is my favorite right now

[@aitchh]

@@FreshReviewsYT is there any specific thing that the 490 does significantly better? do you believe it's better or more fun for music listening?

[@D3humaniz3d]

I would love to see you review the Audiotechnica R70X's.

[@RenbroNL]

Agreed. They seem to fly a little bit under the radar. Have seen some claims that it's really good though.

[@D3humaniz3d]

​@@RenbroNL I actually own them and call them my "endgame" - I can spend all day with them on my head and never get fatigued due to the light weight build and the comfortable wing mount headband (it's not for everyone's head though, so it's a hit or miss). If not for the cable I sometimes forget that I'm wearing them. BUT, I've seen weird claims that say completely opposite things about them, and I would love to see someone with competitive skills test them out and put their opinion on the table.

[@gigolocalypsetv5520]

@@D3humaniz3d Own these and the HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite, and I juggle them. The R70x is bonkers for detail ajd soundstage, and the Zeus Elite may not be as wide but it's very detailed and it's a lil more fun in it's tone.

[@sonnyyu386]

fresh told me he didn't like the build quality on twitter

[@a2raya772]

i own them, amazing with dac/amp. great for gaming, good soundstage. even for the price.

[@toolanddie9789]

How do these compare to the harmonic dyne zues elite? Already have the harmonic and the zens top off your recommendations.?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

You’re in a great spot.

[@toolanddie9789]

@@FreshReviewsYT thank you