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Head-to-head · Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Audeze LCD-X vs Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about studio engineers needing bass extension and pad flexibility — read the strengths below before deciding.

Audeze LCD-X
Ranked #5 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing
Audeze LCD-X
7 sources2 derived$1,199as of Sep 25

The Audeze LCD-X headphones feature open-back planar magnetic drivers with ultra-thin diaphragms, delivering a flat frequency response and vivid soundstage. Reviewers noted their exceptional comfort and lack of listener fatigue during extended use, making them suitable for studio mixing and critical listening. The headphones come with premium leather ear pads and detachable cables, enhancing longevity and customization. While praised for their accuracy and build quality, the $1,200 price point and slightly heavier weight compared to prior versions are noted drawbacks. These headphones are ideal for professional audio work and discerning listeners seeking accurate reproduction.

Strengths
  • — Planar magnetic drivers with ultra-thin diaphragms deliver detailed audio reproduction
  • — Premium leather ear pads (with vegan microfiber suede option) offer comfort and durability
  • — Detachable cables allow for easy replacement and reduce risk of cable damage
Watch-outs
  • — High price point at $1,200 for the Creator's Edition
  • — The headphones are heavy and bulky
$1,199 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
10 sources2 derived$429as of Sep 25

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro delivers exceptional comfort and significantly improved sub-bass extension compared to earlier models like the HD 650. It offers two ear pad options—fabric mixing pads for analytical neutrality and velour producing pads for enhanced bass and treble. While it provides excellent channel balance and is well-suited for mixing, mastering, and production, the high-mids and treble response falls slightly short of the HD 650's neutrality. The headphones are ideal for professionals seeking accurate sound reproduction and long listening sessions.

Strengths
  • — Superb comfort with relaxed clamping force and evenly distributed pressure
  • — Vastly improved sub-bass extension over previous models like the HD 650
  • — Usable with mobile devices via 3.5mm jack and 6.3mm adapter
Watch-outs
  • — High-mids and treble are less neutral than the HD 650
  • — Hard plastic parts may inspire concerns about long-term reliability, per Sonarworks
$429 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Audeze LCD-X

The Audeze LCD-X surpasses the HD 490 Pro and HD 650 with its planar magnetic drivers and wide frequency response, offering more detail and soundstage. While it's heavier and more expensive than the K-712 Pro, it avoids the bass over-emphasis and treble dip issues that affect the AKG model, making it ideal for critical listening.

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro stands out from the HD 650 with its improved sub-bass extension and dual ear pad options for mixing or producing, while the HD 650 maintains its iconic neutrality and plastic design. Unlike the Audeze LCD-X, it avoids the high price point and bulkiness, though it lacks the open-back design that makes the HD 800 S more immersive.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAudeze LCD-XSennheiser HD 490 Pro
DriverPlanar magneticDynamic
Impedance20 ohms128 Ohm
Sensitivity103 dB105 dB SPL / 1 Vrms @ 1 kHz
Frequency Response5 Hz – 20 kHz (extended to 50 kHz)5 - 36,000 Hz (-10 dB)
DesignOpen-backOpen back, Over-ear
Connector4-pin XLR comboThreaded straight 3.5 mm jack
Cablebraided OCC copper 4-pin XLR combo cable with single-ended 1/4" adapter1.8m cable
Weight—260 g (without cable)
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