Sound Quality
So far, we’ve covered build quality, comfort, and accessories—but how does it sound?
In short, the HD 490 Pro is designed for studio accuracy. Its tonal balance is close to the Harman Target curve, with the main deviation being in the bass response. The bass is less emphasized, which is common for studio headphones, as they prioritize accuracy over boosted bass. The default producer pads add a subtle amount of sub-bass, while the mixing pads offer a flatter, more neutral sound.
The midrange-to-treble transition remains consistent between the two pads. The producer pads deliver a warmer lower midrange and a slight sparkle in the treble. The mixing pads, however, offer a flatter response, staying true to the Harman curve. Personally, I prefer the mixing pads for their cohesive sound, but the difference is subtle and comes down to personal preference.
Soundstage and imaging are good—wider than the HD 600 series but not as expansive as the HD 800S. Compared to its predecessor, the HD 400 Pro, the HD 490 Pro has a slightly larger soundstage, making it a solid option for studio use.
While the HD 490 Pro is primarily a studio headphone, it holds its own for casual music listening, with accurate, neutral sound and vocals that strike the right balance—not too forward, not too recessed.
Amplification
A quick note on amplification: the HD 490 Pro does benefit from an external amplifier, especially at higher volumes, thanks to its 130-ohm impedance. It performs decently without one, but if you have an amp, it’s worth using it.
Comparisons
Compared to the HD 400 Pro (also known as the HD 560S), the HD 490 Pro sounds very similar with the mixing pads. The HD 400 Pro is a bit brighter and more forward in the midrange, but I’d take the HD 490 Pro for its more refined design and accessories—though it does come at a higher price.
The Neumann NDH 30, another studio headphone, has a darker, more muted sound. The HD 490 Pro’s producer pads come close to this sound, but the NDH 30 still sounds more subdued.
Compared to the HD 660S, a non-studio headphone, the differences are more noticeable. The HD 660S has a more resolving midrange and smoother treble, but a smaller soundstage and weaker bass extension. For poorly recorded tracks, the HD 660S is more forgiving.
Lastly, the HD8XX (a retuned HD 800S) offers a wider soundstage and superior technical performance, but it lacks the fullness and cohesion of the HD 490 Pro. For linear sound, the HD 490 Pro holds up better.
Conclusion
The HD 490 Pro checks many boxes as a studio headphone: accurate, neutral sound, solid build quality, and a nice selection of accessories. But is it worth the $400 price tag? If you’re looking for studio headphones, the answer is yes, especially with the added benefits of the better design and included extras. However, if you’re primarily using them for music listening, there are better-sounding options at this price point, like the HD 600 line or the Hifiman Sundara.
For studio use, the HD 490 Pro is recommended if you’re ready to invest. If not, the HD 400 Pro or the HD 560S offer similar performance at a lower cost. Sennheiser also offers more affordable studio headphones, such as the HD 200 Pro, HD 280 Pro, and HD 300 Pro, which are closed-back models for noisier environments.
Check out the HD 490 Pro on Sennheiser’s website, and if you’re in the Philippines, visit JB Store Music to try them out.