Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone

I bought these on an impulse really. I am not a pro of any kind, I am just looking for the good stuff. So I saw new Sennheiser's actually being marketed to working professionals instead of their usual "cool guy" marketing I decided it give it a go. Reviews on the usual sites like rtings were good too.I have to say these things are fantastic. They are actually MORE comfortable than Hifiman Edition XS. In part because they weigh less than half those weigh. My ears are on the large size and they fit in the cups just fine. And I listen to music all day long while working, and so far these clear 8 hours a day with comfort. Oh and I have a huge head. Like I have to get the largest sizes for hats. They fit me fine, no hot spots.Now onto build. The new adjustment mechanism is very nice, the headband is spring steel, and the earcups and hinges are fiberglass-reinforced polymer. So the stuff they make tools and firearms out of. Sure it doesn't feel all that nice to the touch, its a bit like fine sandpaper, but the stuff is 2nd only to steel in terms of durability. This is a HUGE step up from the usual simple plastics of my other headphones. This gives me hope these headphones will stand up well without physically breaking like a few have over the years.I also really like the standard 4 pin mini-XLR connector. This means these are balanced capable right out of the box. And you can switch sides. Now at present its hard to find these since not many companies offer it for headphones, but it means the cable will be easily replaceable when it inevitably breaks. Speaking of cables, the little coil near the headphones really does eliminate "microphonics" from the cable rubbing your shirt.Now for the big one. Sound. I am no pro, and I don't have a fancy set up. But I can say I really like these. I am using the velour "producer" pads because I enjoy that softer sound profile. First of all these ARE producer/mixer headphones. Meaning they are flat, and rather uncompromising. Despite that, they manage to deliver an enjoyable listening experience directly out of my DAC/amp. I can't say the same for some of the Beyerdymanics or Sony production headphones I've tried. They also are sensitive enough to run off typical audio devices like your laptop without an amp, but they do appreciate an amp.What really shines here? They are bright and detailed on the top end yet extend nicely down to give a rich, full bass. Quite possibly the strongest, best bass you are going to find in open-backed dynamic driver headphones. Its deep, rich, clean, and with a nice bit of thump/punch. I find I notice more high end details in my songs wearing these. All while avoiding the piercing, sibilant nature found in so many production headphones. They manage to keep that characteristic "Sennheiser veil" which makes these easy to use and enjoy.The bass its rich, deep, and full. Bass has always been a weakness of open back headphones. These extend down deep and loud like closed backed headphones. It even honestly thumps when the song was mixed for it. And despite this I have never felt the bass was muddy or distorted. Honestly these sound like quality planar magnetic headphones, all while using dynamic Drivers.These also have amazing sound stage, making both games and music a joy to enjoy with these. This is probably the best spatial audio I have ever heard. In games the location of audio is so good I have to resist instinctively looking over my shoulders, and I have been honestly confused if it was storming outside for real, or it was just the game until I checked the game.I have about 6 different pairs of headphones in the $400 range. These are BY FAR my favorite and the ones I keep going back to. I am not sure I am going to find better headphones unless I am willing to spend double the price they go for.I think we can rest easy that Sennheiser Pro still has their magic.

I have tried a multitude of headphones over the last 2 years trying to find something that suits my audio taste, comfort, and features. Some include (all returned for various issues) Air Pods Max, Focals, Audiotechnica, Grado. Many of these are either very heavy, uncomfortable, or power hungry and hard to drive. Some have ergonomics or packaging issues. Some had frankly unreasonable attached cable lengths and comfort issues. Sennheiser has made the best overall design of everything I've tried.Likes:-Reasonably easy to drive on all of my gear including phone, Quedelix 5K, laptop.-Good ergonomics and impressive articulation. The actual driver cups move in every direction and are very cleverly engineered.-Good build quality and materials.-Light weight-The single end output cable is a nice feature and it can be placed on the L or R side, the cable is also nice quality and the coil in the cable is a nice touch.-To me the sound is very clear and well balanced and there is impressive bass when it's present in media.-The fit of these is secure and the cable does not stick down from the driver in an obtrusive way. They feel well proportioned and at times I forget I am wearing them.Dislikes:-The pads are proprietary and although good and there is 2 to choose form in the box, there are no aftermarket options.-Sort of spendy. I did not choose the plus because of its limited usefulness to me however I wish a had the case could not justify the already high prices.I wear headphones for many hours and the most important thing for me is weight and comfort. These are good in that regard and the lower impedance then many in the category is welcome too. I am not hyper critical about sound although I could be. I find that over time I will acclimate unless there is some noticeable issue. The sound is not fatiguing to me and I find them enjoyable.Looking forward to many years of use and I'm glad Sennheiser released something with these features.