[Bogdan]

Hello,

I would like to get recommendations for one of these Sennheiser headphones: HD497, 485 or 515. They are similar in price (around $70), but 497 is harder to find (new). I was not able to find any of them in my town, so I have to rely on reviews and opinions. I am mostly interested in their performance for listening classical and jazz music, but also for rock, pop and electronic music. I would also like to get impressions on their build quality. I am still open for suggestions of other good headphones in the same price range ($60-80).

Thank you,
Bogdan

 

[qazwsx]

I think all three can be bettered.

First the HD497. This headphone sounded okayyyy to me. It's worth the used price of about $50 but not much more than that. They have decent bass and mids but somewhat washed out highs making them sound a bit veiled. The eH350 sounds better for the same money.

Then the HD485, which is again just okay. It has some favor to the bass, but other areas of signature are very disappointing. Not only do you have a significant lack of mids, but the highs are a bit too bright for their own good.

Then the HD515 is in the running for the worst headphone <$100. Unpunchy but still boomy bass, terribly fake mids, and overbright highs. Not even worth a quarter of what their price is.