HD490 VS ELEX - Under $500 Headphone Comparison
Vložit
- čas přidán 29. 02. 2024
- Patreon Early Access - / joshvalour
HD490 Pro Here - amzn.to/3ukMb7K
HD490 PLUS Here - amzn.to/3SVyUMh
Focal Elex - headphones.com/products/focal...
HD660S2 Here - amzn.to/3uuJf8w
RECOMMENDED HEADPHONES!
$0-$100 Recommendations
SHP9600 - amzn.to/3GeKBq7
K361 - amzn.to/3QLut48
HD569 - amzn.to/49U9JQL
Zex Pro - amzn.to/49U9y83
Truthear Red - amzn.to/46tAw3l
Aria (now aria 2) - amzn.to/46K16pb
$100-$200
Airpods Pro 2 - amzn.to/47peqQX
HD560S - amzn.to/47szXb8
PC38X - amzn.to/47KsZOA
$200-$500
Audeze Maxwell - amzn.to/49TX8x0
HD600 - amzn.to/3uswN8N
Sundara - amzn.to/3QVUD4k
$500 - $1000
Stealth Arya - amzn.to/40QK1sc
109 Pro - amzn.to/3GfpEeQ
LCD2C - amzn.to/3uvveqI
$1000 - $2000
Arya Organic - amzn.to/40UXW0m
MM500 - amzn.to/3Reatsu
HE1000SE - amzn.to/3sTkl1m
Focal Clear MG - amzn.to/3MXOraQ
$2000 +
Empyrean 2 - mezeaudio.com/products/empyre...
Diana MR - abyss-headphones.com/products...
Fir M5 - www.firaudio.com/store/m5
AB1266 - abyss-headphones.com/collecti...
HE-1 - www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en...
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIERS
$0-$10
Apple Dongle (Lightning)- amzn.to/3QSYZte
Apple Dongle (USB-C) - amzn.to/47ucMgS
$10-$100
Dawn Pro - apos.audio/products/moondrop-...
Magni + - amzn.to/3uwfdRr
Fulla 4 (now fulla E)- amzn.to/3RgkFAT
$100 - $200
Fiio K7 - apos.audio/products/fiio-k7?_...
DX3 Pro + - apos.audio/products/topping-d...
$200 - $500
TA-22 - apos.audio/products/xduoo-ta-...
A90D - apos.audio/products/topping-a...
A70 Pro - apos.audio/products/topping-a...
$500 +
Fiio R7 - apos.audio/products/fiio-r7?_...
WA7 - wooaudio.com/amplifiers/wa7
HPA-4 - benchmarkmedia.com/products/hpa4
WA-23 - wooaudio.com/amplifiers/wa23-...
#Sennheiser #HD490 #Headphones
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this CZcams channel at no additional cost to you.
📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
Email Me - JoshuaValourYT@gmail.com
*As an Amazon, Drop and Apos Associate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
I use this money back towards the quality of video of this channel. To see how, watch this video - Věda a technologie
Bro got a baby and he just straight up doubled his hustle 😂… he’s dropping videos back to back. I feel you bro.
babies are expensive
@@Slambear believe me I know.. 😂
@@Slambear ye ungrateful expensive pet
I would wager his day job is paying for the baby @Slambear 🙃
I am loving this upload schedule, you're killing it.
They both look incredible, I love the dark tone. But 490 seem much more practical in many ways, that's what I would pick.
I still have a first-run Elex set - still going strong and looks mint
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!
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..
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.
That’s a good way of putting it and I agree.
seems to exemplify the French vs German design sensibilities lol 😅
and after time that nice looking Focals start to annoy me, headband is real plastic shit that make crackling sounds, earpads get thinner and dirty (for clear color it start to look rly ugly) at top of that drivers can make rattle sound in sub bass 😒 so no thank you
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 CZcams.
I think you should work for movies production , if they pay well.
Great comparison review!
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.
How do these compare to the Hifiman Edition XS Headphones which are now $379 at several retailers in the under $500 category?
11:35 "Imaging is much more finite on the 490". Finite means having limits. But then the way you go on to describe it and it sounds like you liked it? Is it limited or good?
Focals are more visually appealing to me. I have the Elear w/Dekoni pads & really enjoy them. Looking forward to trying out the 490s.
Hi Josh, it’s CZcams Subcribers
Josh...the Hart cable XLR mini to XLR standard for the HD490 is a beast. It literally adds all those things you were on the fence about. The soundstage get so wide now. The bass is hits much harder and the mids are even more present.
The 490 Pro all the way. They are so underrated it’s unbelievable. I knew that when DMS was literally flip flopping his entire review that they were good. As he has a tendency to dislike headphones with soundstage, image and great detail. The guy gives the 560S the best review he’s ever given headphones and says they are the best they are the ones and the 490 Pro comes out improving on every aspect of the 560S and DMS says the 650s are better. It’s honestly amazing to me. I often wonder if he even listens to the headphones he reviews.
But yeah great review/comparison and keep up the good work. You are one of the few guys in this niche that keep it real or push the 650’s every review. I personally can’t handle the 650s dark veiled overly warm compressed sound and its lack of image and soundstage.
Hi Josh, Once again amazing video buddy! Congrats💯
I am inclined to the HD490, because I am looking for a great amazing headphone for gaming and music.
Currently, I have a Hifiman Edition XS, which is a bit too heavy and after a few hours stars to get a bit uncomfortable. Do you think that the HD490 suppress the XS in imaging and soundstage?
Or should I look for another headphone for these features? Up to 600$?
Best regards,
Nuno
Look freshreviews. he said hd490 is the best for fps game
s
How would you compare the 490s mids against the HD 600s?
ELEX audiophile, 490 studio. One is delicate and the other is robust. I'm for 490 in terms of design.
6XX on tubes over Elex anyday
6xx is thin and unnatural imo.. I won’t use them for recreational listening.
The 490 has grown on me quite a bit. Originally picked it up thinking it would replace my HD600 for mixing work; ended up deciding to keep them both. And now I find myself listening to the 490 for casual listening quite a bit more than I expected, despite having pricier sets in my collection.
If you could to choose between the two as your first open back, mostly for casual listening, any definitive pick or thought? Both cost arround 500$ canadian here. I like the look and package of the 490s, but I fear missing out on the 600. 😂 Thanks
@@madolf1234 I lean in the direction of the 490 if your main goal is casual listening. I think there are some valid reasons the HD600 is still the better set for critical listening work, but the 490s improved bass extension gives it a more well rounded presentation. It is a very good set.
Up to about 3k the tuning is similar to the Meze 109 Pros. This would probably be a good comparison to make, considering the Meze is nearly twice the price and was also lauded for its comfort. I do prefer the treble of the 109s, but, again, I find myself not reaching for them as often as I used to.
@@Silverjerk thanks!
Do a review of the mm100 vs the Sennheiser 490 they in the exact price range would love to hear
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 🙌👌✌️
Curious how the sound stage and imaging of the 490 compares to the 560s. Was looking at the 490s since the dropped and might pick them up.
Hey! Sorry quick question. Since these are marketed for music production, how would these compare against the Audeze MM-100’s? Lmk thanks! :)
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
crackling cheap headband of Clear + failure of drivers in deep bass killed that model for me, even cups are too shallow for longer sessions
@@soulfulfool I don't have those issues personally. Especially not the shallow cups, those things are deep af
@@EastPlanet you obviously never had deep earcups in your life xD
@@soulfulfool Idk man, the clear cups are definitely deeper than a lot of popular cans, and are at least deep enough to accommodate a lot of different ears. I have issues with shallow cups and the clears work well for me personally. It's a bummer your experience with them wasn't as good
@@EastPlanet just after many hours thou, mainly I sold them because I have few headphones and those had problems with bass, common issue with Focal drivers and to be honest shame for company name
I have the Focal Elear and I really like it!
how does the 490 compare to audezes new mm100?
What are the best headphones for bass response?
I'm on the hunt for new cans for the studio - Semi-professional use:
What and why would you choose
- Focal Elex
- Audeze MM-100
- Senns HD600
My budget is around the 500$ mark. If any other headphones springs to mind, let me know! Thx!
Review of focal utopia 22, Please ! not the 3rd review of focal elex, it’s crazy !
Yo...Josh...your take on the Dune Part 2 soundtrack?
Hey man could u test the ESS Sabre amps in the old lg phones. They called it quad dac and could in theory drive upto 600 ohms. Have one lying around and can spend extra money on better headphones.
DONT LISTEN TO HIM !!! Dont start collecting these headphones- your wife/gf will leave you ^^
You've convinced me to purchase them, thank you!
😂
😂
DONT GET IT TWISTED IT WILL WORK OUT TO SPEND ALL YOUR MONEY ON HEADPHONED
I really like the way Focal headphones sound, but alas, the ear-pad openings are just too small to be comfortable.
I saw on another video that the 490s are fantastic for binaural/immersive audio tracks. I have both an A8 and A16 Realiser, and I'm currently using the HD800s and DT 1990s with them, and I think at some point in the future I'll also get the 490s for them as well.
You prefer them over the 1990's? I was thinking about buying those since an accident during a recent move ruined my 900 pro x's. Beyer quality really impressed me
@@hovhannes5 I don't have the 490s, I am considering getting them.
As far as the 1990s go, I love them, and actually prefer them to everything else for now with a huge caveat.
I'm using some JMoney lambskin pads that are ten years old now and falling apart. Have not found a suitable replacement for the pads either. Every other pad that fits has a much wider and more open inner ear part of the pad which negatively affects the seal and bass response.
I do not like the sound of the 1990s with their stock pads. Way too bright. The pads I have still keep them bright, but not as silibant, and with much more bass (use them mainly for movies and gaming).
@@Neonmirrorblack Thanks for the feedback! I'll probably end up getting them when I can find them discounted. I'll definitely have a look out for some alternative earpads when I do :) have a good one chief!
@@hovhannes5the only thing the 1990 do better than 900 pro x is build quality.
Out the box the 900 pro x sounds so much better, has better bass and without does not have that rediculous fatiguing treble spike.
Basically the overall tonality is much moee pleasing.
Just to add iv cut 2 round pieces of foam to size from my old hd58x and inserted them i to the earcups to make it a little darker which is such an easy and reversible mod.
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.
how do these compare in terms of power input?
Nice review but what is the point of comparing the 490 to a headphone that is not available?
Please, I have been able to try the *Hifiman Arya Organic* and I have fallen in love, they seem perfect to me, but currently they are not affordable, so I am looking for some headphones for less than 500€ that come close to their sound and that are also very comfortable.
I think these *Sennheiser HD 490 Pro* are the closest to what I'm looking for, *or are there others that are closer?* I would greatly appreciate anyone who can help me decide.
I thought about these two headphones but I choose sennheiser hd 660s2 instead as it was discounted in the uk
Where did you get it and how much ? Are they any good ? I have the Sundara ended up getting them for £110 brand new from Amazon .
@@paulgalthe open or closed sundara?
Great! 490 it is! Thanks Josh!
I kind of like Sennheiser's design better but I already have 2 headphones, so I am used to that design, I like how stealthy the Focal's look with the all black theme.
Any thought vs the hifiman edition xs?
What about edition XS especially at new price?
Dune 2 soundtrack vibes in the intro :)
patiently waiting for the budget vanilla HD490
Hd560s is the closest your looking for
@@LM-pg9hy they're so ugly compared to the hd490
Hello. I am looking for advice. I currently have the Sennheiser HD 599se as my daily driver for music listening and gaming and I want to upgrade. I can´t decide between the HD490 and the 660s2. What would be your recommendation?
Enjoyment = 660S2
Studio analysis = HD490
Check out Fresh Reviews for gaming audio. The 490 is top tier in competitive gaming (which means they're top tier even for single player gaming where sound matters).
@@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmowhich is better in the bass department?
Hd560s should be a consideration aswell. It has a lot of the benefits of the 490 without the accessories and is only about 150$
@@chillpengeru better is subjective between these, different really. Both are an improvement over the older 600 series bass, sounds tighter and more definition, less flossy. If you can hear them first though, I would.
It’s interesting to me that a lot of people have said that the elex is really, really close to the clear yet, josh who absolutely seems to love the clear doesn’t seem overly positive about the elex
I honestly think they're too exaggerated to be compared to the Clears.
you like clear better ? @@punch2277
I think there's a reason every single Focal headphone looks like a Focal headphone. I honestly think they are the king of style cans in the hifi world
The intro... Damn!
The Pro and the Pro Plus both have the two different Pads.
Elex is good for analysis, except stereo field… and too kind for mixdown. Good for early tracking to reduce fatigue then switch out to something more honest or even basic.
I don’t have any probs with LF response, guess I’m not too much of a basshead on cans. However the drivers go wonky when driven, and not evenly between L/R. I have two pairs (because warranty) and they both do it. Having said that, I don’t ever listen at that amplitude.
My right ear cup on the 490 buzzes and have to send it back already
Which one is more suitable for playing FPS games and listening to music? I was using HD 700 before and got very good sound in games.
Dude this is all I want to know just find a one and done, audio stuff so stressful 😢
Elex is for gamblers only
Hey Josh, I think you would really benifit and enjoy slending some time hanging out in a highend recording studio...and just kind of getting involved with yhe whole process of recordimg and mixing bands, musicians, singers even orchestras...let menknowbif your interested.....I can help yoi
Your video starts to be more valuable then you be able give as 3 audio samples in many different audio genres . Two from headphones against original audio reference tracks because now very subjective . Many channels are already do that. Peace
490 and bt1990. 4 unskilled ears mp3, Bluetooth and bass response (boombox🤪)
The 490 is more aesthetically attractive IMO.
The ELEX can be had right now for $399 if you look around just a little bit. I've had mine a couple of years now and love them. That said, I own the Sennheiser HD-600, 6XX and 660S2 as well as the old HD-535 so I think I have my Sennheiser needs covered unless I ever decide to pony up the dough for a pair of 800S, and I don't think I'm going to go there.
Could you share your thoughts about 6xx vs 660s2?
My own thoughts... the 6XX I find to be the darkest of the 600 series. I bought mine used, like new appearance, only one earcup working so being sold for parts. I figured it was just a cable issue and was correct. For $70 shipped to me I am elated, they are a terrific headphone that plays particularly well on my tube amp, as all of them do. The thing is, the 600/650/6XX are all notorious for that Sennheiser veil and for not having a very solid bass punch, though the 6XX does bass better than the 600. The 660S2, however, kicks up the bass punch a bit as well as the treble and in doing so I think it kind of lifts that veil, and as a 62 year old I appreciate the extended upper end. I don't find them sibilant or fatiguing at all. They do have that all too familiar clamping force that irks some but I've found that to be temporary. I extend the steel band all the way and press gingerly with my thumbs outward to spread it out a bit wider. Don't press on the plastic! You might put them on a desktop speaker or some books in order to loosen up that clamp. Build quality is typical plastic but the design is proven to last and the pads themselves are very comfortable. I myself prefer the S2 to the other Senns but YMMV and I won't be giving them up. I'm listening on a Burson Conductor 3 Performance and a Woo Audio WA-6.
@@tomdavis6371 thanks for such a detailed response, I really appreciate it!
@@tomdavis6371 thank you for such a detailed reply!
Come to canjam nyc !
Missing the IEMs videos
sony mdr-mv1?
Compare the Sennheiser 490 pro to the Audeze M100
I bought both and had the MM-100 for 2 weeks before returning it. The MM-100 has very little soundstage. It's imaging was ok imo. Not that great for gaming especially competitive FPS games. It's really good for music. The bass on them is quite nice and fun. The ear pads are shallow and my ears touched the driver wall. Not comfortable for me. Hope this helps.
@@Drewsterman777 what is the M100 compared to the 490 pro?
@@rionvalet I don't understand the question.
@@Drewsterman777 compare the 490 pro to the m-100. What's the difference? & what's better?
Still rocking my Sen’s 650’s ….😂
The biggest Problem with focal elex/elear is there build quality. The headphone looks very good but the the driver are offen fail and are very sensitiv.
You can read this in on so many websites
Woodkid is so good!
Needed this. Now I can make the right decision.
Would the 490 be good for fps gaming?
Search “Fresh reviews HD490” he reviewed it for gaming.
Sennheiser looks nice
How do these compare vs Sundaras?
Both will outperform the Sundaras
I think it's pointless to buy any of these when the hifiman xs is on sale for 379
Wake me up when the Elex gets a replaceable headband.
Visually: elex, actually putting it on my head for hours: 490
Visually, the Elex.
660 S2 or HD 600?
650
S2
Visully the sennheiser imo. Focals look dated
Just get an EDITION XS
I think that it would be no brainer to get 490 if u need to travel with one
HD490 is for music listening purposes a $200 upgrade to HD560s at best. Elex is better value even if HD490 was $200. MM-100 would be a better suited comparison.
It’s a shame that European companies sell for 1/3rd of the price of a product in the USA than in Europe… (Focal)
You give us wrong information regarding extra earpads 🧐
What's you're reasoning for not doing an apple to apple comparison?? You're comparing a studio headphone to an audiophile oriented headphone and other audiophile headphones.
Totally agree - kind of nonsensical. Better to compare with MM-100s for example.
Nobody should EVER but the Focal Elex. They are useless, broken and unreliable with a failure rate that should have been a mandatory recall. Steer WELL clear, not kidding. Trying to help people avoid a mistake here that may cause them anxiety.
But to be fair, are they the BEST pick for under $500, because it's always been the Sundara's (with regards to sound and imaging) so I thought?
Of course you like the velour pads more. 😂
I do too and I had to write about it. Haha
Couldn’t let that go unnoticed. 😃
Visually, I prefer Sennheiser. By far. I wish my HD660S2 would look as good.
Voshua Jalour
The Elex is sexy
Do you agree that the 490 is 97% the same as the 560S (with primarily just better comfort)?
That's kind of the gist I got watching reviews for the 490. Comfort is better on the 490.. but is that worth $250+ more? Nah
With all Respect ,Why u pretend that there is no European viewer's? Or even just Mention that is not Available for European people ?
Ordering from Drop is always a gamble for us. If you are considering the Elex but can't get them I would suggest to check out the Elegia. Got them for 305$ from Germany.
Finally a “bad video”. Too much crop from 0:43 to 0:50 … a different angle would have been better, or keep the same shot as before.
Focal is rubbish
you speak too fast, man.
had the elex for a while now & i actually really like them now when i first got them EHH. theeze with arya is a good duo