My Pick for Top Headphone for Call of Duty

My thoughts on the winner between the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and HD 800 S for Call of Duty.
Things mentioned in this video:
Link to the 490 Pro: amzn.to/4bjJl3e
Link to 800 S: amzn.to/3CJYvMW
Link to Zen Dac V3: amzn.to/3W2eK5c
Link to DX9: www.linsoul.com/products/topp...
Link to EF600: apos.audio/products/hifiman-e...
My Twitter: / freshreviewsyt
CODE fresh for savings of up to 5-20%:
lethalgaminggear.com
wlmouse.com
padsmith.com
pmm.gg
puretrak.com
tjexclusives.com
rogueenergy.com
Affiliate links:
addiceinc.com/?afmc=fresh
www.pulsar.gg/?ref=FreshReviews
www.linsoul.com/FreshreviewsYT
bit.ly/3TPBsuB (mechkeys)
Link to purchase my gaming gear (audio ratings can be affected by source & ear cups / tips) (IEM ratings are solely based on gaming features we look for and do not account for resolution changes across price brackets. As more things come out and/or new innovations in the audio space - certain things may also move up or move down):
__________________________
✅ Wallhack Headphone Tier List:
(A+) HD 490 Pro: amzn.to/4bjJl3e
(A+) HE1000SE - amzn.to/45m1OIg
(A) Sennheiser HD 800S - amzn.to/3CJYvMW
(B+) 900 Pro x - amzn.to/35aVutL
(B+) DT 1990 - amzn.to/3CGauei
(B+) Sennheiser HD 560S - amzn.to/3oTAY74
(B+) HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite - www.linsoul.com/products/harm...
(B-) Fiio JT1: amzn.to/4agCZQZ
__________________________
✅ Wallhack IEM Tier List (Mid Range):
(A- to B+) XENNS Top - www.linsoul.com/products/xenn...
(A- to B+) Intuaura Splendor - www.linsoul.com/products/intu...
(B+) Yanyin Canon 2 - www.linsoul.com/products/yany...
(B+) Thieaudio Hype 4 - www.linsoul.com/products/thie...
(B+ to B) Aful Performer 8 - amzn.to/46o0Mgq
(B) Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite - www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi...
(B) Yanyin Canon: www.linsoul.com/products/yany...
(B) Dunu Vulkan - www.linsoul.com/products/dunu...
__________________________
✅Wallhack IEM Tier List (Budget):
(B to B-) Simgot EM6L: www.linsoul.com/products/simg...
(B to B-) Truthear x Crin Zero (OG or Red WITH adapter): amzn.to/3Pk6gQ1
(B- to C+) 7hz Sonus: www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-...
(B- to C+) Dunu Kima: www.linsoul.com/products/dunu...
(B- to C+) Kiwi Ears Quartet (best all rounder): www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi...
(B- to C+) Simgot EW200 - www.linsoul.com/products/simg...
(B- to C+) Truthear Hexa: amzn.to/3OqOiwo
__________________________
✅ Wallhack IEM Tier List (High End):
(A) 64Audio Volur - 64audio.com
(A) GL-AMT16 - www.linsoul.com/products/gold...
(A-) Monarch MK3 - www.linsoul.com/products/thie...
__________________________
✅ 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:
Asus Rog Falchion RX LP: amzn.to/4b963uM
_________________________
✅Computer Components
Case: Phanteks NV7 - amzn.to/3UBOrBV
CPU: AMD 7950x3D - amzn.to/3rduC7C
GPU: MSI 4090 Suprim - amzn.to/3NTChAO
Mobo: Gigabyte Extreme X670 E - amzn.to/3XwsEex
Webcam: Elgato Facecam Pro - amzn.to/3R9ksQ0
As an Amazon Affiliate - I earn from all qualifying purchases (all links above are Amazon Affiliate Links and support the channel)
#counterstrike #apexlegends #valorant #gaming #thefinals

[@FreshReviewsYT]

There are great amp dac solutions in a Lower price range. Purchase responsibly.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Zen dac v3 works great with most of my IEMs and the 490s. The dx9 is more enthusiast grade

[@SamuraiBeavs]

@@FreshReviewsYT hd490 works very well on fiio k11 in my usage!

[@ACE112ACE112]

@@FreshReviewsYTwoah new if zen dac

[@xXxRainingxNukesxXx]

What’s your opinion on the SMSL D6s?Not sure if you’ve gotten a chance to try it but it’s a newer dac and I paired it with a Monoprice THX 887 and Zeus Elites and personally have never heard so crisp and clear before and sound staging I found to be phenomenal for the price the dac comes in at.

[@Phantom1000]

I had paired my 490 with my smsl c200, they worked really well together. However, upgraded to smsl do300ex to have even wider sound stage and better tonality for music.

[@GeroldYT]

thank you for your continued dedication to audio testing

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Thanks

[@sennheiser]

Not us creeping around your KZbin channel finding this gem... 👀🙏

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha a goodie!

[@TheFatalintention]

Uncle Senn, this most be the best gaming/audio channel on YT I bought my 2 sennheisers cans because of him a couple of years ago and now aiming the hd 490. Just saying wink wink.

[@matik4605]

0:27 looks like she is wearing goggles haha

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Lol

[@guybrushtwood]

ZenDac 3 review incoming? You’d be the first one up on KZbin. Been waiting for one for a week now

[@egogamesmaiker4028]

You keep pumping out Videos! Love it

[@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!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Great to hear!

[@Sammy0h]

Hey bro I have the dt 900s, 490 Pro worth the upgrade?

[@nanker8687]

Great review, like always. Incase if you didn't try one- epos h6 pro are discontinued and they offer close and open back, amazing quality of build and sound and mic as well, comfort is phenomenal. Those are very cheap now because soon will be not existing. Every audiophile guy should have them just because. Thanks for review

[@Alex-oj8po]

I didn't know you got a EF600, nice. I've got the older EF400 and it is absolutely excellent, the Hifiman dacs are really something special. With IEMs though for sure the amps in these units are way overpowered, I think using something like an IEMatch is recommended because these units are primary built to be capable of powering the high-end low sensitivity hifiman planars properly, even the 6kUSD Susvara.

[@ShadelessDen]

Thank you for this!!!!!!! I needed to hear this. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ShadelessDen]

I saw that the new DT770 PRO X was released. You going to test those?

[@dc6953]

Literally was looking at COD videos and thought, “I wonder what fresh has uploaded lately?” So I scoot on over here to see this beauty of a video.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Hah

[@oluna8369]

Great take Fresh!

[@idonats]

Love to see tested audio gear specific for certain games. Can you do one for valorant?

[@sierra7534]

Thanks for this review man. I bought a set of HD560S a couple weeks ago based on your recommendation to replace my older sennheiser gaming headset I've been using for 10 years. They sound great, especially after Oratory1990's eq, but didn't feel they were all that much better than what I had. I just purchased the HD490 Pro as my end game. I'm excited and hoping I like them as much as you do

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Let’s gooooo!

[@princekittipon6510]

HOW WAS IT

[@Justin-bm7zn]

Yeah...how are they in comparison to 560s? We'd like to hear your thoughts too.

[@sierra7534]

@@Justin-bm7zn @princekittipon6510 It's hard guys. I'm still A/B testing them. HD560s with Oratory's EQ (with a little added bass) sound amazing. The HD490s sound a little "better" in the bass thump department but also sound a little muddy/ less detail than the 560s eq'd. I'm REALLY wanting to love the HD490 but I honestly can't say it's worth almost 3x the cost of the HD560 when it's soooo close. The 490s are better but should be priced at $200-$250 max. Asking $400 for these things make them not worth it to me but I have a few more weeks left in the return window so maybe I'll change my mind

[@whosane8172]

love your content man! but i NEEEED a budget iem video for call of duty!

[@cliftonamponsah1832]

Love these comparison videos! I only play valorant but it’s still interesting to hear

[@N1T3MAN1969]

Great review - Would love to hear our thoughts on the little brother the hd400 pro

[@LouBou100]

Thank you for this great comparative update! I know you can't cater to ALL FPS games but out of curiosity, have you ever played Overwatch? I would love to hear your imput about the sound cues of this game and if you think the 490 Pro would still dominate here.

[@MertLDN]

Great video. Have you tried EQing the HD 800S to Harman using Oratory1990’s preset? I think that might fix a lot of the Cons you’re experiencing with the HD 800S. In my opinion the HD 800S EQ’d to Harman is the best headphone for gaming

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Actually. I meant to add that into the video. The EQ capability in the 800 is probably fantastic. I haven’t tried yet. You’ll have to tell me more about it

[@KaibillKaan]

Good update review/comparison. If you continue to do budget dac/amp reviews, do try getting your hands on the new Schiit Magni Unity and JDS Labs Atom 2 stack. Would love to see how they compete with the current offerings. Also, now that youve gotten a good amount of dacs under your belt, any opinion on which chip you prefer, AKM or ESS? Do they sound any different to you? Thanks for the quality of content Fresh!! Top Tier as always!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’m preferring akm tbh

[@Mr.E.C]

I love your reviews. Will you also update the IEMs from your tier list with info on how they perform in COD?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’ll have a video soon to update on my favorite / top IEM for cod

[@twinkletheater8237]

Please post this as soon as you can! Would be wonderful! Thank you so much for all of your help, knowledge and insight!

[@Mr.E.C]

@@FreshReviewsYT I'm really happy to hear that. Thank you so much for all your work. It was your reviews that made me buy a budget IEM for gaming and to be honest, I'm really impressed. Next up is an IEM that you put at the top of the tier list for COD. The audio quality of the game is shit, but I'm still tired of being confused by the headphones not being able to locate the enemys properly.

[@ArthurYouT]

Very interested to see how the ifi zen dac v3 compares to the v2's and if they are worth the upgrade

[@Rixdler]

Great video! I hope at some point you can try out the Sennheiser HD620S from a gaming perspective. 😁

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Pre ordered it!

[@EvLTimE]

I didnt expect that video. Thank you. You need to try hd490 with balanced cable. From many people i hear that it scales really well with source. Not picky as hd800s but opinions a little bit diiferent about how good is sound of hd490 on more expensive gear

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Thanks. I grabbed a hart cable and a grave digger. Sound great!!!

[@EvLTimE]

@@FreshReviewsYT By the way thanks for your advice to pick more powerful amo for Arya. I was torn apart between Dx9 and fiio k19. Decided to pick Dx9 with OG AKM. It's really musical after K9 pro ess and bass layering is superb. Thank you for your advice

[@Pe721]

i like my pc360=hd560=g4me more than the akg k702 for gaming so i will buy your recommendation next. Did you try any planars like hifiman ananda? Well i see you tried some but the Ananda seem to be in your liking for what i read online. Will try them next month

[@user-jn1px7rp3h]

how much of difference between IEM & headphones right now? thanks for videos, ordered orchestra lite, yanyin cannon 2 and truthear chronicle to compare.

[@drizzlydr4ke]

Whats the difference between the zen dac v2 and v3?

[@gingi_swagg9304]

I know you said the Yanyin Canon 2 has been the best IEM you’ve tried for CoD. How does it stack up against the HD490’s?

[@Slabsymcslabserson]

Great video! do you think the zen dac would work better than the schitt stack or something similar for the 490s for gaming?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haven’t used a schiit stack I hear the zen dac is fine

[@dootdoloodoot]

Just found out ur channel and i have a question, what do you think about these headphones for gaming and music: - shure srh440/840 - akg k361/371 - hifiman he400se - sennheiser hd 569 - audio technica m40x Thanks in advance!

[@akoskolok]

Great review man! Do you recommend the HD 490 Pro over the PC38X? I want to upgrade. Thanks!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yes, definitely

[@markus301]

Hi, I wanted to ask you if your main iem right now is the momarch mk3 for fps games?

[@qurat9788]

hey just wondering, whats your sens / dpi for cod? :)

[@Find_the_Door]

I have HD-800-S, iFi Zen Dac v2 and Schiit Jotunheim. Should I move the the 490 Pro if I primarily game? I just want something with more impact and to not lose the imaging of the HD800S or as little of it as possible.

[@Drue21]

asked you about this the other day, thank you bro

[@SodaUploads]

I am currently still on the DT 900 Pro X, I have the C200 still that you sold to me, the question is, if I want to go up from here, what is your best recommendation? Always appreciate your help man!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Worth trying the 490 on the SMSL

[@rach7962]

Awesome reviews!! INTUAURA SplendorII or HD 490 Pro for PS5? also which Mic I can use? I need to communicate with teammates. It's really hard in COD to find where the enemies are.. the sound is kind of muffled.. thanks

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I think the 490s would be too hard to drive well. The splendor 2 should be ok

[@manlikeg2794]

I got both the 490, 800s and the DX9 in the end. Agree that the 490 are better for fps gaming, feel like the 800 are almost too wide. Like I can hear someone is there but harder to know where they are exactly. Need to try 800s with eq

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yea exactly!

[@Atomiqal]

Could you please review the Hisenior Mega5EST IEM? I need your perspective on it for gaming.

[@ezrahsenseii]

Can you make a new review on the IFI Dac V3 for gaming please

[@mr.bopington6065]

would a go xlr mini be able to drive these or is it not powerful enough?

[@BLAKGRIP]

I'm gonna get those HD 490 pro. those are my endgame. Also you got a favorite glass pad to combo with the Beast X?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Love the Akari but it’s limited. Other options are great including the sp004 and superglide or padsmith empress

[@ruilobaodefigueiredo349]

Do you have the same opinion for CS2? i'm looking for a new audio setup for Gaming(90% cs2) , and i'm tired of waste money on gaming headset.

[@thereaperscoming]

Hey Fresh, I've been looking for some info and ended up finding your channel. Congrats on the great content, I appreciate how you break things down so people like me can understand (old folks 😂). After days in the rabbit hole, I ended returning my new gaming headset ( astro a50x), now I'm looking into diving in the IEM's world and headphones for gaming. Thought about going the old route, buying one piece of equipment for all my gaming, but after all the homework, I think I'm going to buy 2. One for story based game where I can get lost in that world and one first person shooters. I'm usually playing more first person shooters, Apex and COD, so maybe that would be the priority. I keep looking at wallhack list and not sure what to do. If you had $300 dollars to spend buying one IEM and one Headphone , knowing what mentioned here and your awesome knowledge, how would you spend? What would you buy. Thank you in advance and to anyone in the community that answers. Many blessings.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

The harmonicdyne Zeus elite would slap for a headphone for both fps and story games. The yanyin canon 2 or splendor would be great for an IEM.

[@thereaperscoming]

@FreshReviewsYT thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. I will definitely let you know which one I go with. Out of curiosity, which one of those two would go with? Have a blessed day. Thank you for what you do.

[@BionicEdit]

Do you use any EQ settings or tweak any windows settings with these ?

[@cryapa]

Since you gave hd490s pro so high rating, i order one 😂hope it works great with my topping dx7 pro+😅

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Should be great!

[@kamsole]

Would you say the 490s are a worthy upgrade from the harmonicdyne Zeus? Currently using zan dac v2 and looking toward your zen dac v3 review to see if I should pair that with the 490s

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I would yea

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Both great though

[@D0WnL0DeR]

Would the HD 490 Pro's with Zen dac v3 be good for competetiv FPS games aswell would you say, or are there better options for this?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yes that’s mainly what I focus my audio on. Competitive gaming

[@mertozdemir4348]

@FreshReviewsYT Nice review as always, but Which IEM would you recommmend for competative gaming from these two? EM6L or Sennheiser IE200, i want it to be sound neutral and warm not so much harsh treble.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t recommend the 200 for gaming

[@mertozdemir4348]

@@FreshReviewsYT Okay ty good to know and which One would recommend for competetive fps Gaming, which Sounds warm neutral without harsh treble?

[@leoclacks]

purchasing the 490s was the greatest purchase that i have done so far!:)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Let’s go! Love to hear it

[@mryong4021]

What amp/dac do you have?

[@leoclacks]

@@mryong4021 ifi zen dac v2, i also tried the k11 from fiio which also did a good job but i didn't like the harsh treble on it. zen dac is the perfect balance, if you don't wanna completely ruin your bank account, for competitive gaming and music imo :)!

[@Rokkit.]

Topping e50 L50

[@garychen4063]

After your last HD490pro video, I purchased the HD490pro to work with my DX5, and I feel very good about using it, but it's still very loud when shooting within COD without turning on the loudness EQ. Can you share the audio setting of COD, or have you used the loudness eq?

[@vitinhomatuto]

I would like to know too

[@BionicEdit]

Same here

[@NZO777]

Can you do the best headphones for Counter Strike 2? 🙏🏾

[@konstantinFPS]

Did you get the EA 500 Lm?Please compare it to Xuan NV,Hexa and the crin zeros for gaming in your video

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ok

[@someth1ngsov1et]

Hey bro, I was searching for the new headset cuz I want to switch from my ROG asus theta 7.1 that I bought 3 years ago and I wanted to buy IE 600 because optimum tech was using IE 300 and I thought that IE 600 would be awesome for media consumption and for gaming and after I saw your review about IE 600 I was kinda disappointed in those iems and after I saw this video I wanted to ask you if you know something similar like those HD 490 pro but in a form of iem or should I just get those headphones instead of iem for best performance in games? Thanks.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Up to you really. But the splendor II and Yanyin canon 2 are great

[@LegoFerrari]

I used to use dt 990 pros i did not like it however the focal elegia's i got like almost 3 years ago one of the best closed back headphones i've ever had i hate open back headphones with a passion

[@Pe721]

Did you try eletrostatic headphones? Very expansiv and limited info for gaming sadly. Didnt know it was different from planar

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I haven’t yet

[@nickskep]

On the topic of COD, I am crazy, or do the HYPERX CLOUDs perform better than PC38x. I felt sounds were getting lost in PC38x and although can hear them I could not tell from which way enemies were coming. Was wondering if you tried the HYPERXs and your thoughts?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I didnt like the pc38x. You’re not crazy hehe

[@ParlasWOW]

Hey, have you seen anything about Aune AR5000? About $300 and apparently pretty good for music just unsure about how it would perform in game.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haven’t yet

[@Icy20]

Hey man. Thanks for the vid. I puchased the 490s eventually after a lot of vids i saw... Do u use any EQ for cod warzone? I use the Equalizer Expo with peace. Thanks

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@Icy20 I don’t. You can fool around but default tuning is good on both earcups. Try both and see which you like more

[@Icy20]

@@FreshReviewsYT thanx for answering. i got an EQ from your friend gadgetrytech from the site that does the auto EQ on your headphones for warzone specifically. i kinda liked it i just wanted to see what other ppl use for this stupid game.

[@VeIocity2k4]

Been watching your reviews for a while now and i'm trying to decide whether to give iems a try (Yanyin canon 2) or go with the 490's. Which one would provide the better "wallhack" experience?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

The 490s if you can drive them well. Both are fantastic though. Really depends if you want IEMs or cans

[@VeIocity2k4]

@@FreshReviewsYT I'm currently using a ifi zen dac v2 and dt 900 pro x. Looking for a all around upgrade. Would you consider the topping dx3 pro better than the zen dac?

[@Nik-hs3vg]

Do you recommend saving up a bit for the 490 ro buy the 900 pro x? Is there a huge difference?

[@Nik-hs3vg]

Just watched your review of the 490s and you go into detail about this. Thanks fresh! Legend

[@exactom6320]

Damn I'm still rockin the zen dac v1 with a zen can when i need a lil more juice and they have served me well for years. The zen v3 looks beautiful though I wish I could A B test it with the v1. There's too much gear coming out all the time I suppose I should just be happy with what I have. I do like watching reviews on it all though...

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yea it seems like there are amp dacs pumping out left and right t

[@paul2609]

If you like the HD800 then you might like the ATH-ADX5000. They sound similar but it has some bass unlike the HD800, so it's more balanced while being just as technical, no downsides compared to the HD800.

[@karansingh4445]

So is there a top iem pick for Call of Duty video also coming?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yes

[@justinmendoza2861]

Currently looking to upgrade, been rocking pc38x with the schiit fulla dac for a while now, will 490 be a good pair with my dac?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t really like the fulla tbh. Nice for what it is but

[@maltakar9879]

Did you test the 490 in Valorant by any chance? Of you did, whats your opinion?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Amazing

[@Aggiblr]

Is there any IEM close to the HD490pro for a similarish price for COD?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I like the splendor 2 and yanyin canon 2 so far for cod

[@jusplainscott]

I really liked my 490s, but the foam inside the earcup touches my ear. That was after only a few weeks. I'd imagine they pads would compress even more, the foam would touch even more, as time goes by.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

That’s unfortunate. Hopefully there are third party pads soon that are thicker for you

[@antonyong-ku431]

Dying to know if you think the 490s would go well with the FiiO K11?

[@Redtop1989]

Got them running off my k5 pro ess no problems if that helps

[@Gershy13]

Thoughts on the EA500LM or EA1000 for gaming? Or some of the Myer audio stuff? (Pula PA02/CKLVX D41/Sliivo SL41)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Trying my best to catch up and get a video out on all three

[@Gershy13]

@@FreshReviewsYT Awesome, cant wait!

[@barkond]

I see you have a Focusrite interface lying in the corner. Also I remember you recommending Sennheiser HD 560S. I recently bought HD 560S, do you thing I'll benefit from buying dedicated dac/amp for it, or Focusrite will do? Sorry for the offtopic question.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haven’t tried running cans off of it. Currently only using it for my mic. Maybe I’ll try soon

[@barkond]

@@FreshReviewsYT got it, thank you

[@nonameeeeEeno]

How is the sound of the zen dac/ ef compared to the k9 (the normal one apart from the pro/akm) ? Like is it an upgrade in sound over something like a zen dac for you?

[@nonameeeeEeno]

cause I don‘t wanna spent 1300 or 700 on an amp/dac but maybe like 400 xD

[@nonameeeeEeno]

also extremely high quality content as always. u are basically the only channel testing these audiophile headphones for gaming on yt so +++++

[@Ali-ei3nk]

I'm about to buy HD490 or 400pro/560s, but for the price of the 490 the swiveling hinges/yokes seems like a failure point to me. How you feel them in terms of real world durability ? Thank you

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I could probably see issues if you’re taking them around and traveling unless you get the carrying case

[@atom631]

what mid-range (300-700) AMP/DAC would be best for the HD490s? Im down to JDS Atom 2 Stack, Topping DX7 pro+, Fiio K9 AKM, Fiio K9 Pro ESS

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haven’t tried anything from JDS. I’ve heard the dx7 is nice but I haven’t used it personally.

[@atom631]

@@FreshReviewsYT thanks. you think i should stay away from the FIio K9? i know in your original HD490 review, you mentioned that there was a noticable difference in sound from the dx9 (but thats out of my budget).

[@JB-wg4nd]

I"m struggling to decide between the HD560S, HD490 Pro, or the orchestra lites. Which one is the best option?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Really depends if you want an IEM or not. Personally it’s a very tough call between the 560 and 490. For me it is easier because the 490 is way more comfortable for headphones. I do think they perform better for gaming as well and I like the interchangeable earcups. The price difference is annoying though

[@dispinella92]

I just got a Xenns top. I'm using a dongle to push an HD660s, do I need to buy a dac/amp or is the dongle enough?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’d try the dongle first honestly. If it sounds good stick with it. If it doesn’t sound like it’s giving good gaming detail I’d try something even as cheap as the dx3 pro+

[@sumanthduggirala1887]

can you review he 1000v2 stealth

[@littlebear4543]

How’s the new dac? Would you say it’s an upgrade over the smsl c200? I’m still in the return window and would get the ifi if it’s better

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Both are great tbh

[@DeDovla]

Not an upgrade. V3 Zen Dac isn’t too different from V2 (similar power output, and the burr-brown dac chip). If you are looking for an upgrade, you’d have to go for separate DAC/AMP (as it’s a better value for money than a combo unit) but tbh since you already have C200 there might not be too much point in doing so it’s just for getting those last few percent (which might even be inaudible to be honest, I’m mostly talking about objective testing data). Currently the top DACs for the price are SMSL d-6s (200$), and Topping D50 III (this one has EQ software - 230$). Personally D50 III is worth it for the EQ if you feel like you need it. For AMPs good choices are Topping L50/L30 II/A30 Pro, JDS Labs Atom Amp 2. All of them have enough juice to power almost anything out of single-ended and they don’t break the bank (130-170$ except for the A30 Pro which is over 200$ but it’s the most powerful out of the ones I listed here).

[@Phantom1000]

Buy the HD 490 PRO for COD at your own risk! After using them in the COD warzone for a couple days, I got shadowbanned because of rage reports from the crybabies I killed... All of those crybabies accused me of hacking but I just simply heard exactly where they were in the smoke, exactly how close they were running around the corner to me, exactly where they were squatting in a room and plating up, etc..... Joke aside, the HD 490 Pros is definitely top tier for competitive FPS gaming, I compared it to my Orchestra lite and EM6L, but they are not even close. Shadowban is no joke, but it really says how good these headphones are :-)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

🤣

[@ACE112ACE112]

is shadowban actually a thing or just ur mmr is so high that you get very long queues

[@Phantom1000]

@@ACE112ACE112 it is actually a thing that you can check in there appeal system. Just google “cod appeal a ban”, you will find more infoz

[@Corporalis]

@@ACE112ACE112shadow bans are actually a thing, but it’s not based on reports. There is some sort of AI involved and just bans you. Happened to me 4-5 times now but I got unbanned within 1-2 weeks.

[@Phantom1000]

​@@Corporalis I am pretty sure COD shadowbans are heavily based on user reports. This has been the case since Warzone 2 from COD 19, it was so bad that someone even demoed it on the stream to get another player kicked by spamming report. At the beginning of S2 ranked, people just spam reporting in the pre-match lobby to get the top team kicked and Raven had to remove the "report player" button in the pre-match lobby to mitigate the unfairness.

[@Aggiblr]

I have a Fiio E10K dac, is that fine? I'm kinda clueless

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haven’t used it personally

[@ZRay507]

Could you recommend a closed-back headphone? I had the DT 770 250ohm, they were fantastic, but they broke after 5 years Now I'm looking into getting a new pair of closed-backs, but cannot decide which ones. (DT 770, 770 Pro X, 700 Pro X, DT 1770, ATH-M50x etc.) Can you help?

[@drizzlydr4ke]

Maybe get it again but with the limited edition? It is one of the best closed backs with reasonable price but if you have the budget the focals are good too

[@HaanSoIo]

Tbf 700 pro x is just the upgraded model of the 770, and the 1770's is just more expensive Imo 700x's are great pickup

[@maxkruppa3716]

Which headphones would you recommend for FPS shooters, especially COD, the Sennheiser 490 or the Arete IEMs? I'm currently using the Kiwi orchestra Lite and I'm not happy with them, they're not comfortable enough for me.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I would go one or the other depending on what you want headphones or an IEM

[@maxkruppa3716]

@@FreshReviewsYT That's the problem, I don't know. Actually, I only switched to IEMs because I was getting headaches with over-ear headphones (from too much pressure). But I didn't like the comfort of the Orchestra Lite at all; the sound was outstandingly good.

[@saaaaaamy]

Do you have a recommendation for call of duty but in-ear-headphones?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yea I have a few videos

[@DEM0NJEDI]

👍🏻👍🏻 as always

[@qryy168]

can u review the Aoshida e20

[@RyanWiggan]

would you use the hd490 or an IEM of similar/under the price of the 490?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I main IEMs.

[@TheGamesaga]

What’s your opinion on the 490 vs dt900 pro x clarity wise. Do the 900 hold its own compared to the 490? I remember the days when then 900 pros were your daily driver😅

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Oh the 900s are great. The 490s are better. But if you own a 900 you’re in a good spot

[@TheGamesaga]

@@FreshReviewsYT Love how involved you’re with your community. No wonder you’re unanimously reddit’s favourite audiophile. cheers

[@budstopseasyroadspence]

Can you rank the 490, 560, 600, 660, PC38x, h6pro? I'm trying to find the best in imaging/footsteps besides the 800s which I can't afford at the moment.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

490

[@budstopseasyroadspence]

@@FreshReviewsYT Can you rank the rest? Thanks.

[@ManOfF1re]

hey man do you recommend apple earpods over crin zero blue iems

[@FreshReviewsYT]

No

[@ManOfF1re]

@@FreshReviewsYT for apex ?

[@Doggie64]

Yep yep, definitely appreciate you for saving us money with the honest opinion. Geez I need to hit the damn lottery...woof! 😊

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha

[@lololololololol444]

Try the Arya organics, hearing that they are amazing for gaming

[@alikilinc5073]

Hi, im just wondering coming from a 990 pro should i purchase this or the 900 pro x. The 490 would cost around 100/ 150 more pounds than the 900, is it worth the price increase. Im also looking into buying the Zen Dac.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

For me I think it is. But they’re both very good. The 900 pro x will be killer. Save the money if you need to

[@alikilinc5073]

@@FreshReviewsYT Thank you very much for the fast reply, great content. You should check out Hunt: Showdown to test some of these peripherals, its considered by many to have the greatest audio for fps games

[@StegzGaming]

I completely agree that the 490 is the best competitive headphone I have used and betterthan the 800s and 560s. I kind of hate the fact that a lot of reviewers said the 800s is hands down the best fps headphone that exists even though those reviewers barely touch competitive gaming. I still love my 800s with eq for watching shows and listening to music, but the 560s and 490s have been the best gaming headphones that I have used ever. 490 with cloth pads just has a little more separation than the 560s and better imaging, but both are excellent.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Agreed

[@Find_the_Door]

I disagree after listening to the 490 Pros and HD800 S on the EF600 today. Well, I partially disagree. I think for the average user they're gonna get most of the HD800 experience on the 490s, but the 800 S has a unique ability to recreate an almost 3D sound. For example in SWBF2 2018 go swing your lightsaber with Dooku, you can close your eyes and determine the direction of the swing pattern with the 800 S which you just can't do (or can't do as well) on the 490s.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@Find_the_Door my reviews aren’t for single player games. I appreciate the love though.

[@Find_the_Door]

@@FreshReviewsYT well SWBF2 is primarily multi-player, that's what I'm referring to.

[@Find_the_Door]

@@FreshReviewsYT also R6 Siege on "Lair" if you spawn Northside and walk up the stairs the EF600 really shines with the sounds of all the birds, the echo of the environment. HD 800 S makes you sound like you're there

[@pete6234]

If you owned the DT1990's already, would you look to replace these with the HD490's? Is the difference in your opinion, worth it? Only play FPS shooters (CS, PUBG, etc)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Worth the upgrade? I wouldn’t say so. Better? Yea. They’re both very good though.

[@pete6234]

@@FreshReviewsYT appreciate the response! Did you run the Dekoni pads on the DT1990's?

[@pete6234]

@@FreshReviewsYT just to let you know, went and purchased the HD 490's to try them out. Very impressive. Will replace my DT1990's in shooters. Excellent review.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@pete6234 thanks glad to hear!

[@Murj-vf1rb]

Fresh have you had the chance to review ASTROA40 tr w the amp are the better/worse than your wall hack T-list

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Worse

[@TreSwayy]

Lol Astro's fell off the map a long time ago.

[@StrivePeew]

Hello, Fresh I'm going to be purchasing the Splendor II on Linsoul. I was wondering if I had to pay any import tax or customs fees since this is going to be my first time purchasing overseas. I'm in the USA, by the way.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I've never had to pay import dues on anything except my cyber board r4 keyboard

[@StrivePeew]

​@@FreshReviewsYT Thank you, ordering right now.

[@StrivePeew]

​@@FreshReviewsYT I have another question how long did it take to receive your Splendor 2

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@StrivePeew my particular copy was sent for review so I don’t have an exact eta on how long it takes. Usually when I order from Linsoul if it’s express shipping it will be 2-5 days. If it’s not express usually 5-10 days

[@StrivePeew]

@@FreshReviewsYT Okay, I bought the Splendor 2 and the Orchestra Lite. What ear tips do you recommend for the Orchestra Lite and the Splendor 2?

[@MydenYT]

The 490s are so solid bro. Literally the perfect mid/high tier headphones without having to spend 1000+ dollars.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Right!!!!

[@3_kids_one_shot726]

Are the 490 pro really that good for gaming? I’m really considering them

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’ve tried a LOT. It the top of my list atm under $1,000

[@Kohgie]

Worth the money people saying just get the 560s they’re the “same” but cheaper nah these are dope I love them

[@SergioSampaio31]

Have you tried Wooting keyboards ?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I have yea. Nice

[@bradceurvels9448]

How did you EQ for COD with the 490s any video recommendations?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

No eq necessary but I do use an amp dac and not on board audio

[@bradceurvels9448]

@@FreshReviewsYT thanks for the speedy response...keep up the good work your chanel is awesome