HD490 VS ELEX - Under $500 Headphone Comparison

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#Sennheiser #HD490 #Headphones

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[xGooglyYT]

Bro got a baby and he just straight up doubled his hustle 😂… he’s dropping videos back to back. I feel you bro.

[Kappa-G]

They both look incredible, I love the dark tone. But 490 seem much more practical in many ways, that's what I would pick.

[NichtderMuller]

DONT LISTEN TO HIM !!! Dont start collecting these headphones- your wife/gf will leave you ^^

[Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson]

I still have a first-run Elex set - still going strong and looks mint

[ZWortek]

I am loving this upload schedule, you're killing it.

[eschultzz]

I've always thought Focal made some of the slickest, most polished looking headphones. Sennheiser has an almost charming we-only-care-about-sound sense of visual design.

[Marianst.]

Your videos are so good that I don’t watch them for headphones. I listen to what you’re saying about the headphones, but I watch the videos for editing purposes, background, lights, sound, the way you look, speak … the calmness of your voice. You deliver the whole package. Best videos on YouTube.
I think you should work for movies production, if they pay well.

[Magnesius]

how does the 490 compare to audezes new mm100?

[auro]

really love the lighting in the video! just a hint of warmth to the midrange, exceptional contrast and highly detailed without being too bright! Oh, well.. that wasn't about a headphone, right..

[chrismuir]

For the HD 490 Pro's intended use in the studio, they are a clear winner, IMO. I don't want a headphone that makes everything sound good. I want a headphone that lets good mixes sound good, and makes bad mixes sound bad.

[matthewbrashear]

How do these compare to the Hifiman Edition XS Headphones which are now $379 at several retailers in the under $500 category?

[maegnificant]

The Pro and the Pro Plus both have the two different Pads.

[nemoa]

The 490 Pro all the way. They are so underrated it’s unbelievable. I knew that when DMS was literally flip flopping his entire review that they were good. As he has a tendency to dislike headphones with soundstage, image and great detail. The guy gives the 560S the best review he’s ever given headphones and says they are the best they are the ones and the 490 Pro comes out improving on every aspect of the 560S and DMS says the 650s are better. It’s honestly amazing to me. I often wonder if he even listens to the headphones he reviews.

But yeah great review/comparison and keep up the good work. You are one of the few guys in this niche that keep it real or push the 650’s every review. I personally can’t handle the 650s dark veiled overly warm compressed sound and its lack of image and soundstage.

[rotaks]

Thanks for this episode. Well done! Josh, would you share a playlist that you use? I have always enjoyed the song picks that you mention in these reviews. Also, can you give a one-liner about HD 600 vs HD 490 Pro? Thanks for your work!

[kenjazz]

Focals are more visually appealing to me. I have the Elear w/Dekoni pads & really enjoy them. Looking forward to trying out the 490s.

[sonodistorto]

Josh. Please review the new Sony mv1 too, cause also it’s on the same price range. And we need a comparison between 490, dt1990, Sony mv1 🙌👌✌️

[EverSpaceTime]

Got the 490 in March 2025. They are absolutely fantastic. They have replaced my 600. They are easily the best headphone with Sennheiser written on them. I like them dramatically more than the 800S, even. They are NOT as people keep saying "the same thing" as the HD560S. The counterpart to that headphone is the HD400 Pro instead. The 490 pro takes everything the 560S does well and does it better, especially improving the overzealous treble that causes fatigue on the 560S. They have much more body than the 560S as well. With the producer (velour) pads the 490 has plenty of well controlled bass and the headphones themselves just disappear on your head. They are incredibly comfortable. Yes, they're more expensive, but the build and performance is worth it. You will have these headphones 20 years from now. Heavily recommended. I'm probably selling my old marble 600s.

[EastPlanet]

Thanks for the comparison. I daily the Focal Clear OG, and though I've never heard the Elex, it seems like a lot of the characteristics (full midrange, exciting presentation, somewhat buried details in some tracks) carry over. I won't lie, as a composer, I really want the 490 lol. The comfort and clarity seem intriguing. I'm afraid I'll miss the substance in the midrange, though. It's been hard to decide whether they'll be worth the purchase

[maegnificant]

How would you compare the 490s mids against the HD 600s?

[chillsteplife]

Have not heard the HD490 but between the Elex and the Sundara, I preferred the Sundara. Would be curious how the HD490 stacks up to the Sundara.