Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal (John Nathala), subjective preferences and is solely based on my experiences with the product. It's important to note that The Audio Store (TAS) does not influence this review, and I have not received any compensation. As always, I highly recommend testing the product yourself before purchasing. I want to thank TAS for organising this review tour and allowing me to share my thoughts on the product.
Introduction:
Sennheiser has long been synonymous with premium audio quality, and their HD series of headphones are revered among audiophiles worldwide. In this comparison, we'll be focusing on the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus, a versatile and customizable option, and contrasting it with the renowned Sennheiser HD660S2.
Chain Used for This Review: MacBook Pro via (USB iPurifier) > Chord M-Scaler (via Headgear Audio Custom BNC Interconnects) > Chord HugoTT2 > 660S2/HD490 Pro Plus
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus:
The HD 490 Pro Plus stands out for its versatility and customization options, thanks to its interchangeable earpads. With the Producer pads, it offers a warm midrange tilt, providing a distinct sound signature that caters to certain preferences. However, switching to the Mixing pads refines the midrange presentation, offering a more balanced and neutral sound profile. Despite some imperfections in treble tuning, the
HD 490 Pro Plus remains an attractive option for those seeking a fun, comfortable and relaxed listening experience.
Sennheiser HD660S2:
On the other hand, the HD660S2 represents the pinnacle of Sennheiser's engineering prowess, delivering a refined and balanced sound signature across the frequency spectrum. With a deeper, richer bass and smooth, extended highs, the HD660S2 oRers an immersive listening experience suitable for critical listening and a wide range of music genres. Its forward, mid-centric tuning highlights human voices and certain instruments, providing an engaging and intimate listening experience.
Comparison:
Bass Performance: The HD660S2 excels in delivering a deeper, richer bass compared to its predecessors, offering tight control and impressive speed. In contrast, the HD 490 Pro Plus emphasizes bass frequencies with a cleaner decay, providing punchy and impactful presentation, especially with the Producer pads.
Midrange Performance: While the HD660S2 oRers a forward, mid-centric tuning with balanced lower mid-range and emphasized centre mid-range, the HD 490 Pro Plus varies significantly depending on the choice of earpads. With the Mixing pads, it provides a more refined and neutral midrange presentation, offering a balanced and pleasant listening experience.
Treble Performance: The HD660S2's treble performance is characterised by smooth and extended highs, complementing its midrange and bass for a cohesive sound signature. In comparison, the HD 490 Pro Plus exhibits low-treble elevations, resulting in a crunchy and oR-putting treble, particularly with the Producer pads.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus and the Sennheiser HD660S2 offers unique sound signatures and performance characteristics. While the HD660S2 excels in delivering a refined and balanced sound suitable for critical listening, the HD 490 Pro Plus provides versatility and customization options, making it an attractive option for users seeking a comfortable and relaxed listening experience tailored to their preferences.
