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.
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.
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 TH-cam. I think you should work for movies production , if they pay well.
I don't know how those headphones compare to the XS but I will say that I bought the XS when it was on sale for 270$ and I don't regret it, the sound quality is amazing, very vast, massive sound stage, and very precise sound. the only thing i don't like too much is the fact that the build isn't the best, the yokes creek at where they extend, besides that, they're amazing. (at the time of this comment the XS is still on sale for 270$ on Amazon if anyone is curious.)
Maybe someone will find it useful. I have both Elex and XS and I use a very neutral stack on the Sabre chip from JDS LAB ATOM second new version. I bought them for almost the same price (but the XS is cheaper now and new when the Elex is only off hand) and they are just different. The Elex are aggressive with a metallic sheen in the treble but great male vocals and they are great for acoustic genres but that's it, I don't understand why people call them versatile. XS in its time plays softer (if you reduce a little bit the highs which are a bit too much out of the box) and has more elastic bass in more quantity, it doesn't give a WOW effect like Elex, but XS is pleasant to listen to almost any genre.
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!
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.
Different price points, 560s sell for 100-150€. The 490 Pro sells for 400€ while being 560s with different body. No wonder he bashed on 490 Pro. You can grab HD600 or HD650 for 220€ nowadays, the HD 490 Pro are overpriced for what they offer. You are better off getting refurb HD660S + ifi zen dac v2 for the price of HD 490 Pro. Same result push of a button gets you bass and you get newer 700 series drivers
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
@@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 HD600 and the HD490 Pro. All I can tell is that the HD600 has good sound but lacks bass thus sounding treblish. The HD490 sounds the same as HD600 but with good bass thus sounding neutral.
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!
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?
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).
@@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 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.
Thanks Josh, an excellent and comprehensive review of both. I was already leaning towards the 490 and despite your noted upsides of the Elex, you sold me on to go the 490 route. My other leaning is to the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X. Any thoughts on it?
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
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.
got the 490 pro and elex i find myself using the 490 more as its so much more comfortable and i can treat them more harshly but not abused. the elex feels so fragile i rather use the 490 or hd600 with drop lambskin pads
Thanks for nice and concise video. Short feedback about Patreon - there are people who would like to support and watch extras, but they are busy (lazy) doing something else. TH-cam keeps more money from "channel members", but in general you get more paid viewers = money with that.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
HD490 is for music listening purposes a $200 upgrade to HD560s at best. Elex is better value even if HD490 was $200. MM-100 would be a better suited comparison.
Nobody should EVER but the Focal Elex. They are useless, broken and unreliable with a failure rate that should have been a mandatory recall. Steer WELL clear, not kidding. Trying to help people avoid a mistake here that may cause them anxiety.
Ordering from Drop is always a gamble for us. If you are considering the Elex but can't get them I would suggest to check out the Elegia. Got them for 305$ from Germany.
I've lost count of how many reviews/ comparisons i've watched. my understanding is that its supposed to have slightly better bass and slightly better soundstage and slightly better treble than the 560s. If that's true, than i guess it would be less than 97% the same as 560s, maybe 85-90%? Who knows?
@@mikelarry88888 I tried the 490 and returned them. Decent comfort but very overpriced. I actually like the 560s more. 560s are probably the best bang for the buck headphone under $400 I've heard and their comfort is fine. Better comfort than the HD600/650/6XX line
Why is it sooooo complicated for these reviews to talk in a more general-public manner so we, the ones who dońt understand any of the used terms in the video can actually understand and learn about!??… Are those headphones good for general listening? Listening to rock, pop, hip-hop???… PLEASE!!!!!!… What is clearity, detail, etc????….
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 🙃
They both look incredible, I love the dark tone. But 490 seem much more practical in many ways, that's what I would pick.
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.
I still have a first-run Elex set - still going strong and looks mint
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..
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 am loving this upload schedule, you're killing it.
Hi Josh, it’s TH-cam Subcribers
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
focals look and feel ugly to me, its like wearing a steel pan on your head
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 TH-cam.
I think you should work for movies production , if they pay well.
Focals are more visually appealing to me. I have the Elear w/Dekoni pads & really enjoy them. Looking forward to trying out the 490s.
How do these compare to the Hifiman Edition XS Headphones which are now $379 at several retailers in the under $500 category?
I don't know how those headphones compare to the XS but I will say that I bought the XS when it was on sale for 270$ and I don't regret it, the sound quality is amazing, very vast, massive sound stage, and very precise sound. the only thing i don't like too much is the fact that the build isn't the best, the yokes creek at where they extend, besides that, they're amazing. (at the time of this comment the XS is still on sale for 270$ on Amazon if anyone is curious.)
Maybe someone will find it useful. I have both Elex and XS and I use a very neutral stack on the Sabre chip from JDS LAB ATOM second new version. I bought them for almost the same price (but the XS is cheaper now and new when the Elex is only off hand) and they are just different. The Elex are aggressive with a metallic sheen in the treble but great male vocals and they are great for acoustic genres but that's it, I don't understand why people call them versatile. XS in its time plays softer (if you reduce a little bit the highs which are a bit too much out of the box) and has more elastic bass in more quantity, it doesn't give a WOW effect like Elex, but XS is pleasant to listen to almost any genre.
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!
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.
Different price points, 560s sell for 100-150€.
The 490 Pro sells for 400€ while being 560s with different body.
No wonder he bashed on 490 Pro.
You can grab HD600 or HD650 for 220€ nowadays, the HD 490 Pro are overpriced for what they offer.
You are better off getting refurb HD660S + ifi zen dac v2 for the price of HD 490 Pro.
Same result push of a button gets you bass and you get newer 700 series drivers
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
The Pro and the Pro Plus both have the two different Pads.
How would you compare the 490s mids against the HD 600s?
I have the HD600 and the HD490 Pro.
All I can tell is that the HD600 has good sound but lacks bass thus sounding treblish.
The HD490 sounds the same as HD600 but with good bass thus sounding neutral.
how does the 490 compare to audezes new mm100?
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 🙌👌✌️
I really like the way Focal headphones sound, but alas, the ear-pad openings are just too small to be comfortable.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
Thanks Josh, an excellent and comprehensive review of both. I was already leaning towards the 490 and despite your noted upsides of the Elex, you sold me on to go the 490 route. My other leaning is to the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X. Any thoughts on it?
Hey! Sorry quick question. Since these are marketed for music production, how would these compare against the Audeze MM-100’s? Lmk thanks! :)
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
patiently waiting for the budget vanilla HD490
Hd560s is the closest your looking for
@@LM-pg9hy they're so ugly compared to the hd490
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?
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.
got the 490 pro and elex i find myself using the 490 more as its so much more comfortable and i can treat them more harshly but not abused. the elex feels so fragile i rather use the 490 or hd600 with drop lambskin pads
Thanks for nice and concise video.
Short feedback about Patreon - there are people who would like to support and watch extras, but they are busy (lazy) doing something else. TH-cam keeps more money from "channel members", but in general you get more paid viewers = money with that.
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.
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 😢
Great comparison review!
Review of focal utopia 22, Please ! not the 3rd review of focal elex, it’s crazy !
Nice review but what is the point of comparing the 490 to a headphone that is not available?
What are the best headphones for bass response?
I have the Focal Elear and I really like it!
Great! 490 it is! Thanks Josh!
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!
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.
Price point, and his audience will be interested in both despite them being “studio” and “audiophile” headphones
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.
Do a review of the mm100 vs the Sennheiser 490 they in the exact price range would love to hear
The mm100 is a failure
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.
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
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
The 490 is more aesthetically attractive IMO.
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.
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
Would the 490 be good for fps gaming?
Search “Fresh reviews HD490” he reviewed it for gaming.
My right ear cup on the 490 buzzes and have to send it back already
Yo...Josh...your take on the Dune Part 2 soundtrack?
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?
@@Jisooee I don't understand the question.
@@Drewsterman777 compare the 490 pro to the m-100. What's the difference? & what's better?
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
how do these compare in terms of power input?
It’s a shame that European companies sell for 1/3rd of the price of a product in the USA than in Europe… (Focal)
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.
I think it's pointless to buy any of these when the hifiman xs is on sale for 379
Still rocking my Sen’s 650’s ….😂
Dune 2 soundtrack vibes in the intro :)
Visually: elex, actually putting it on my head for hours: 490
What about edition XS especially at new price?
Needed this. Now I can make the right decision.
HD490 is for music listening purposes a $200 upgrade to HD560s at best. Elex is better value even if HD490 was $200. MM-100 would be a better suited comparison.
visually i would pick the sennheiser
Nobody should EVER but the Focal Elex. They are useless, broken and unreliable with a failure rate that should have been a mandatory recall. Steer WELL clear, not kidding. Trying to help people avoid a mistake here that may cause them anxiety.
Elex is for gamblers only
How do these compare vs Sundaras?
Both will outperform the Sundaras
490 and bt1990. 4 unskilled ears mp3, Bluetooth and bass response (boombox🤪)
Wake me up when the Elex gets a replaceable headband.
sony mdr-mv1?
The intro... Damn!
Any thought vs the hifiman edition xs?
Missing the IEMs videos
I think that it would be no brainer to get 490 if u need to travel with one
660 S2 or HD 600?
650
S2
Visually, the Elex.
Of course you like the velour pads more. 😂
I do too and I had to write about it. Haha
Couldn’t let that go unnoticed. 😃
You give us wrong information regarding extra earpads 🧐
With all Respect ,Why u pretend that there is no European viewer's? Or even just Mention that is not Available for European people ?
Ordering from Drop is always a gamble for us. If you are considering the Elex but can't get them I would suggest to check out the Elegia. Got them for 305$ from Germany.
Visully the sennheiser imo. Focals look dated
Woodkid is so good!
Sennheiser looks nice
Just get an EDITION XS
Come to canjam nyc !
Do you agree that the 490 is 97% the same as the 560S (with primarily just better comfort)?
I've lost count of how many reviews/ comparisons i've watched. my understanding is that its supposed to have slightly better bass and slightly better soundstage and slightly better treble than the 560s. If that's true, than i guess it would be less than 97% the same as 560s, maybe 85-90%? Who knows?
@@mikelarry88888 I tried the 490 and returned them. Decent comfort but very overpriced. I actually like the 560s more. 560s are probably the best bang for the buck headphone under $400 I've heard and their comfort is fine. Better comfort than the HD600/650/6XX line
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?
Senhisser looks better 3:54
Voshua Jalour
The Elex is sexy
Visually, I prefer Sennheiser. By far. I wish my HD660S2 would look as good.
Why is it sooooo complicated for these reviews to talk in a more general-public manner so we, the ones who dońt understand any of the used terms in the video can actually understand and learn about!??… Are those headphones good for general listening? Listening to rock, pop, hip-hop???… PLEASE!!!!!!… What is clearity, detail, etc????….
Focal is rubbish
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.
you speak too fast, man.