FullBright1
Headphoneus Supremus
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Last edited:
1-26-2026
Wanted to share a few observations with you regarding the "new" Senn HD490.
And this is "right out of the box" impressions.
I'll only speak about the sound that is produced using the VELOUR Pads.
The "mix" pads are going to reduce the Treble and Bass, which will elevate the midrange.
Box : Typical of the box you get with any of the recent "HD" series, other than the HD800 or HD820
Traveling Case : Its good.
Build Quality : No frills and no thrills... Frame is all about the Plastic with a metal headband that is padded where it meets your head.
Pads : 2 sets if you pay the extra price. And the softer Velour Pads are very comfy, and the "mix" pads are less so.
Cables : 2 "non-balanced".. if you pay the upgraded price, and both are rubber and possess "jank".
Headband is comfy and the headphones are very light.
Clamping force is slightly less than medium.
Sound Q.. :
So, what is this new Senn gear. ???
I'll tell you... Its a frame that is unique.. its not a remodel of the 560 or the 600 or the 600s or sV2.
Its a new design, and its pretty basic, and not unattractive for plastic.
What does it sound better than?
It sounds better then the recent Sony MDR-MV1. And that is because this Sony, tho advertised as a "mix" and "reference" gear, is actually a "V" shaped, Bass heavy "consumer" tuning.
The HD-490 is not that, but, with the Velour pads, its sonic presentation is very slightly in the direct of a mild "V" shape, and offers substantial low end and is definitely not lacking in treble clarity.
Its very possible that a highly detailed sound is going to be much more sonically governed by your chain.
As this gear is going to ultra reflect everything So, lossy files will sound terrible and a bright headphone/dac is going to sound very bright.
This gear is more or less a straight wire.
What is a one word description of the Sonics found inside the HD-490's Cups?
A.) Crisp and Refined
"What does it sound like"?
In general, it sounds somewhat like a cross between the HD600 and the HD 598, and it leans more in the direction of a ultra refined HD598 regarding its "dynamic clarity" overall presentation.
Treble : Decisive. There is a mild bump right where the cymbals like to play that isn't offensive.
MIdrange : Neutral in the middle and the Upper Mids are not veiled at all.
Lower Mids : Take a back seat to the Treble and the upper mids.
Bass : Its substantial and deep. Its somewhat like a Philips Fidelio X2, regarding the size of the bass, but its tighter and much more accurate.
Soundstage : Its good... with excellent side to side perspective.
Instrument Separation : Outstanding.
Overall Resolution : Impressive.
Vocal Clarity... Dynamic Presentation... Detail Retrieval : ALL Very Good.
So what we have here is a comfy Sennheiser that offers a dynamic and crisp presentation with good soundstage and ample low end.
Tonality is good. But because the leading edge of the sound is so responsive, the headphones definitely exist as a : "all about the details, moreso than a relax and enjoy the sound type of listening gear.
This gear sounds as if its designed to seriously REVEAL your music, (as marketed)... so, it is very surgical regarding the way it presents its sonic information, while still being an enjoyable listen.
I just compared it to the Susvara, and it didnt fall down.
=--
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This is pretty much in line w what I heard tonight from the 490. Very impressed w this set so far.
This is a bold statement and doesn't add up to my listening experience with the HD490 Pro.Its an impressive Sennheiser gear.
It has resolution and clarity that is pretty much on par with the 800S.
This is a bold statement and doesn't add up to my listening experience with the HD490 Pro.
embarrassing forum behavior. you remind me of myself at age 8
I appreciate your opinion..
Now let me share this with you....so that you might make an attempt to actually comprehend the situation.
The spammer has previously posted their own Review of this same gear.
They decided to post their review, on my Thread, as well.
I would never do that, because im not rude, and im not ignorant, and im also not that desperate for attention.
Are you?
So, what they did, works for you, but not for me.
I asked them to remove it, and they declined.
So, i removed my review, and now you are welcome to read theirs... 2x... Here on my Thread and on theirs.
Enjoy it, @toni2068
- FB1
Did you notice that i didn't need to post my review on "that other HD490" Thread?
Perhaps you can delete your "cut and past" post, and stay where you were, for the obvious reason?
^ Quoted in case you decide to delete.I appreciate your opinion..
Now let me share this with you....so that you might make an attempt to actually comprehend the situation.
The spammer has previously posted their own Review of this same gear.
They decided to post their review, on my Thread, as well.
I would never do that, because im not rude, and im not ignorant, and im also not that desperate for attention.
Are you?
So, what they did, works for you, but not for me.
I asked them to remove it, and they declined.
So, i removed my review, and now you are welcome to read theirs... 2x... Here on my Thread and on theirs.
Enjoy it, @toni2068
- FB1
Youre not wrong, but the rest of bfreedma’s post is applicable. ToS is arbitrarily enforced and their to serve admins needs when convenient. If cross-posting is disallowed or condemned for spam reasons then the same logic should be applied to fullbright’s threads.Terms of Service ( yeah the writing at bottom of page, click on it. ) > Posting Etiquette > 7. Do Not Cross Post.