Sennheiser HD 480 PRO

Sound quality - 9.5/10 These headphones are truly some of the best sounding headphones I've ever heard. They're extremely clear and detailed, and have excellent instrument separation. I'm an avid music listener, and I can hear details in songs I've listened to for years that I've never heard before. I mostly listen to/produce EDM, but they sound amazing with just about anything you throw at them. I do have two minor complaints, but they're nothing that can't be solved with a little EQ. First, the bass is a little lacking/inconsistent for my preferences. I love hearing bass in my mixes, and these headphones have ~2dB less bass than I would prefer, particularly at 100hz and lower. Most other reviews and test I've seen have stated the exact opposite, but it all comes down to personal preference. There is a slight dip in the response curve at ~70hz, which can cause low bass notes to sound inconsistent on occasion, but it's something most people probably won't notice in their listening. With that said, the bass is smooth, clear, and extremely detailed, I just wish there was more of it. Second, the headphones sound a hair boxy to me, particularly with speech. It's nothing crazy, as a 1-2dB cut from ~1-2k solved this for me. I'm not typically someone who likes to EQ their system audio, and have since reverted the changes to get used to the sound signature of these headphones. Build Quality - 9.3/10 These are extremely lightweight headphones, and as such there's not a whole lot to them. The materials feel premium and the headphones look great, but I'm unsure of their long-term durability. Only time will tell. Fit/Comfort - 10/10 These are easily some of if not the most comfortable headphones I've worn. I have a larger head, and they fit perfectly. The earcups fit over my ears well, and are super comfortable along with the padding on the headband. Due to their lightweight nature, they are perfect for long listening sessions, and I've felt no fatigue as I have with previous headphones. Noise Isolation - 9.8/10 Due to the amazing fit of the earcups, these headphones provide an excellent seal and block out most outside noise, especially in the higher frequencies. Accessories - 9.4/10 While these headphones don't come with much--just a soft carrying case and a coiled cable--everything is high quality and premium feeling. I wish they came with a hard case, especially for the price, but they've unfortunately decided to sell it as a $40 upcharge in their plus bundle. Another highlight is the cable type/connection options. These headphones use a mini-XLR connector (not a proprietary cable like some other Sennheiser headphones), which can be easily found for sale cheaply online if you ever need a replacement. I additionally love the ability to plug in to either earcup. I can move my audio interface to the other side of my desk and I won't have to deal with a cable running across my chest like I have in the past. After over 5 years of daily driving the Beyerdynamic Amiron Home Wireless with numerous issues (never actually got to use the wireless mode as one of the Bluetooth drivers died right outside of the warranty period :P), they finally kicked the bucket, and I decided to try something new. So far I have not been disappointed in these headphones. Every issue I have so far is minor and can be remedied easily. These headphones have clinical precision and can truly expose an improper mix, but they still sound great to listen to. If you're in the market for a new set of closed-back headphones, these ones beat out competitors at 2-3x the price, and I would highly recommend giving them a shot.

For context, I’m using a FiiO M21 DAP/DAC set to line out and then driving it all with an Apos Gremlin hybrid solid state/tube amp with Gold Lion (B749) tubes . For the record, I was able to drive them past an acceptable volume using my iPhone and a dongle, so a computer or laptop should also be fine. Though I own many Bluetooth closed back ANC headphones as well a several wired open back Sennheiser headphones, my only other wired closed backs are my Dan Clark Audio (DCA) Noire X. SOUND: I’ll start by saying these are my new daily drivers. I did add some bass, but less than 2 DB. They will thump when required without complaining. Bass is tight and well-extended. Though never muddy, the bass could be more articulate. The mids approach that of the HD 600 in my opinion. Stevie Nicks’ vocals on “Landslide” are nearly perfect. They’re textured and raspy, just as they should be. The timbre is phenomenal. I can listen to singers harmonize in “Lay Down Sally” by Eric Clapton and easily distinguish between them. “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles is a greater test, but the HD 480 Pro have the timbre to pull it off. I did very little to the mids, just taking 2 DB off at 1000 kHz and adding .5 DB at 2500 hHz.. The treble is nearly perfect. I added .4 DB at both 4000 and 7500 kHz. I’ve not experienced any sibilance. Instruments have air around them. While the detail retrieval is good, I don’t think it quite matches my DCA Noire X, which retail for nearly 3X ($1099) the price of the HD 480 Pro. The 480 are never shrill or shouty. Overall, with some very minor EQ adjustment, I would say they’re very accurate and extremely pleasant-sounding. Not that the stock sound is bad, it just can be improved by modest adjustments. For a headphone this resolving, they’re still relatively forgiving. The soundstage is surprisingly expansive for a pair of close back headphones. Sound attenuation could be better, but it’s still every bit as good as my Noire X. They do drown out some sound, but nothing like a good pair of ANC headphones. I can listen at a decent volume and they won’t leak sound. In conclusion, once I start listening, I don’t want to stop, which is the highest compliment I can give a pair of headphones. COMFORT: Put simply, they are the most-comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn. They are identical to the HD 490 Pro. The ear cups are so soft and supple. They conform nicely to your head. The cups are sufficiently big and deep. I’ve no problem getting my ears inside the them. There is sufficient clamp force that you could head bang without them sliding around, yet they’re nowhere near as tight as the 600 series. This is probably going to sound weird, but I nearly prefer them to wearing nothing on my head. They are that comfortable. BUILD QUALITY: They are deceptively well built. Everything except the headband and the velour ear cups is plastic, yet they feel sturdy. Anyone familiar with Sennheiser headphones knows of their ability to build very light cans that still last a very long time. I’ve no concerns regarding build quality. Also, Sennheiser makes parts available for nearly every part of the headphone, so rest-assured, you’ll get years out of your investment. I do have one complaint. I can’t stand the anaconda-like cable. It’s too long for casual listening, and I would have preferred a 4.4 mm balanced cable (like the one included with the HD 660S2). I did purchase an aftermarket balanced cable. The ability to connect it to either cup is very convenient. CONCLUSION: I give these my highest recommendation. I’ve seen some people complain about the price. I don’t get it. After playing around with the EQ, I have trouble telling them apart from my DCA Noire X. For the record, I actually prefer the 480 Pro’s overall sound to my Noire X, but it’s close. I hope that helps. If it did, then please click “helpful” so that I know I’m on the right track with the info I’ve provided. I get nothing else out of it. Thank you & happy listening!