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Sennheiser HD 485 Explore New Sound Dimensions in Headphones

Sennheiser HD 485 Explore New Sound Dimensions in Headphones
Brand: Sennheiser

List Price: $99.95
Buy New: $69.79
You Save: $30.16 (30%)



New (32)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

Color: Black and Silver
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Fragile: No
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 9 x 10 x 4
nv: Model: HD485
Frequency Response: 1624,500 Hz
Transducer Principle: Dynamic
Ear Coupling: Supraural
Distortion:  0.2
Nominal Impedance: 32 Ohm
Connector: 3.5 mm stereo jack plug with adaptor to 14 6.3 mm
Weight without cable: 220 gram
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.

MPN: HD 485
Model: HD 485
UPC: 015104102161
EAN: 0015104102161
ASIN: B0007QN18K

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • Open headphones that provide detailed stereo sound
  • Uses high-grade voice coils and diaphragm geometry for superior sound
  • Gold-plated adaptor ensures high-quality connections
  • Headphone holder provided for easy storage
  • Comes with manufacturer's 2-year warranty

Accessories:

  • Monster Cable AICYP iSplitter Mini Y-Adapter for iPod and Mac
  • Arista - Audio extender - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm (M) - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm (F) - 10 ft
  • 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Extension 15 ft. Coiled
  • 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Extension 15 ft. Straight
  • 3.5mm Stereo Y Adapter 1 Plug To 2 Jacks

Similar Items:

  • Sennheiser PX 100 Collapsible Headphones
  • Sennheiser HD-280 Professional Headphones
  • Sennheiser HD-595 Premier Headphone
  • Sennheiser HD-555 Audiophile Headphones
  • Sennheiser HD201 Headphones

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com Product Description
The Sennheiser HD 485 Headphones are open, circumaural stereo headphones with exceptional sound characteristics and outstanding comfort. The HD 485 uses the latest diaphragm geometry for detailed stereo sound, lightweight aluminum voice coils for excellent dynamics and high efficiency, and a gold-plated adapter for superior connections. The HD 485 comes with a headphone holder that you can attach to a table or shelf, as well as a three-meter single-sided cable.

Product Description
The HD 485 are open, circumaural stereo headphones with exceptional sound characteristics and outstanding comfort. The HD 485 include a headphone holder that easily attaches to a table or shelf, making certain that the headphones are always at hand.


Customer Reviews:   Read 33 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars Take the time to break them in.   May 13, 2005
jellokomputer (New York, NY United States)
71 out of 77 found this review helpful

Before purchasing these headphones, I tried and returned the hd-215 "dj" headphones, which had insipid, lifeless bass and midrange --though crisp and sparkling highs. Definitely useless for dj's despite their 32ohm rating. their subjective volume and projection were somehow incredibly weak --perhaps the set was a lemon.


Now for the 485's:

At first I was divided about these cans. For headphones with 32 ohm impedance & 1/8" outputs --i.e. portable player ready--, they are the first phones I had heard with any appreciable soundstage. That is amazing considering the price of the phones; I paid U$ 70.00.

Since I was not expecting anything resembling soundstaging --or spatial placement of the different voices/instruments--, I initially mistook the sound as uneven and biased toward certain frequencies, especially the bass. (note: the 485's sound phenomenal for electronic music right from the beginning.)
I even tried --unsuccessfully-- to return the headphones.

Resigned to using them with as many different kinds of music as possible, even those with "trouble spots" for the phones, I thought they might sound different upon passing the 30-60 hour "break-in" stage.

This proved correct, both subjectively and in my concept of how headphones should sound. The bass, which had been a bit up front, but always tight and defined --the dynamic range well beyond human hearing in both directions--, smoothed out considerably.
The previously hidden frequencies became distinctly audible and, thanks to the soundstaging, revealed more about the music than I had previously heard. The players I used were an iRiver slimX 350 --main unit--, a top of the line riovolt player, and the humble, but mighty Sony Psyc 320.
These phones ultimately blew away all expectations for something in this pricerange; I quickly forgot about my Sony mdrv-600's.
Don't be put off by the initial apparent distance of certain elements of the sound; they make it to the forefront in about 35 hours of listening time. Use an appreciable volume for the entire process.
These phones fit over the average ear are very comfortable unless, perhaps, you have large earlobes --but even then, I can only imagine that the gentle earpads exert less pressure than most against-the-ear units.
The cord (which is thicker than on any sets I've seen for under several hundred dollars) is detachable and replacable, as are the earpads. The 485's are very aesthetically pleasing and unpretentious looking. The attached adjustable undertable hanger is not likely to be useful to anyone.
Nonetheless, these are phenomenal headphones for --well-- under $250.00. I can't imagine anything in this price range even approaching the combination of sensitive and aggressive sound qualities of the Sennheiser HD 485's. Anything resembling a sound stage at this price is simply unheard-of, and these headphones are, somehow, top notch in that respect. They excel --perhaps even sound better-- at lower volumes as well.
I have heard many different phones in different price ranges, both with and without preamps, and I really think these stand up to some high-end units. They are comfortable with all different genres of music --I have over 1800 cd's. Just give them a little time.
BTW, I don't recommend the "express" method of breaking-in headphones --wherein one plugs them into a stereo, puts a cd on repeat and leaves them for hours on end (they are not catcher's mitts) If you want to truly acclimate a set of headphones, you must take the time to listen to them with whatever different kinds of music you like (or even different artists, if you listen only to one genre). Also take into account that I have yet to hear these on my home system through a 1/4" connection --that will undoubtedly push them beyond what I have heard with the little, but formidable, iRiver.

Lucky me for encountering a strict return policy :)

Lucky you if you have a similar experience with these headphones.



5 out of 5 stars Great Headphones - but not for super large ears   March 27, 2005
G. Simmons (NJ)
25 out of 27 found this review helpful

Despite what the picture shows, these headphones fully cover the ear and do no lay flat on your ears like the 465's. The main selling point for these things is the great sound and diaphram technology. Well I can tell you, compared to my HD-527's these things are amazing. They really offfer a full range to the music withouth the heavy bass of the 527. It is fairly even sounding through the spectrum, with maybe some loss for solely classical music - but I am no audiophile!

Another great thing is that the impedance is only 32 ohms so it will work with your mp3 player or portable device, though it might look a bit funny when the small player is carried around and listened through these fairly large headphones.

For the larger eared people, if you dont like the feeling of your ears touching the inside of the headphone then don't get these. My ears are pushing it, but they just fit. I have worn these for a couple days now and they are exxxtreemely confortable even for long periods - this is attributed to the nice cloth earpads. And don't forget these badboys are warrantied for 2 years, which is more than most companies.

The box includes the headphones, a screw on 1" adapter and a stupid faux leather headphone stand. Do not buy these just for the stand, since you may never use it!

Otherwise, the price for these is pretty good for best sounding headphones you can buy that still work for portable players. Plus it has a detachable cord for those out there who constantly step on or snag the 3 meter cord. I gave these 5 stars for durability, sound, ease of use and quality you get with sennheisers proven equipment.



2 out of 5 stars Save Up -- You can do much better.   April 26, 2006
Wong Dong (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
10 out of 13 found this review helpful

The previous comments about these headphones being "distance-sounding" are right on the mark. They have very little soundstage, and the mid-range sounded muddy to me. Bass is decent, and they have treble, but do yourself a big favor. Save up some more money and go for the Sennheiser HD-555's. For about $150 you'll be getting a killer set of cans with great soundstage. If you get a chance to A/B the difference between the HD-485's and HD-555's you will not be able to buy the 485's. The HD-555 are very close in sound to Sennheiser's primo HD-595's, but cost $100 less than the 595's. Go for the real value of the HD-555's. If your really in a pinch for cans, I think the open-ear Koss KTX Titanium phones (for about $20 bucks) make a much nicer sound than the HD-485's. Comfort of the HD-485's is also a big issue. They aren't nearly as comfortable for long wearing sessions as the Sennheiser 500-series headphones or the Koss. In summary, the HD-485 is a mediocre headphone even at this price range.


5 out of 5 stars Great sound ...but not blown away.   June 11, 2006
Jon-michael Sima (Florida)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

First off, I am comparing the 485's to the OEM iPod earbuds for reference.

On first impression, these sound really great -- a major improvement in range and audible frequencies. Out of the box the high frequencies are a little sharp and over accentuated so I modified the equalizer to tone them down till break-in is complete(10 hours so far). Besides that, the sounds are full and rich, and I am even able to pick up some I have never heard before in my music with the iPod earbuds. I also like the obvious improvement in bass. It isn't overpowering or muddy which is common, especially in very low sub-60hz frequences.

Some say they sound distant and I have to disagree. At first listen I was looking for that effect and thought I may agree with whoever said it until I continued to listen and realized that I was just looking for things to pick at, and that it really wasn't distant.

I have had no issues with comfort such as high pressure clamping or rubbing and I always thought I had a large head. I have worn them recently for about 3 hours with out feeling I need to switch to the desktop speakers ...why would I abuse my ears with such low quality anyway ;)

I can easily make use of the provided headphone stand so I don't see why so many poke at that.

Last night I was watching a movie on my non-amplified computer and there was a thunder sequence that startled me because it sounded so realistic.

For this review, I just now watched The Cave on my home theater setup and despite the cheesy intro, I heard every water drop and all the dust falling when they opened the old doors in the cave. The bass was powerful during the explosives seen, maybe too much for my taste ...but that is easily adjusted. I also heard a new sound the creatures were making ...so it definitely captures the entire range.

I would give these a 4.5/5 if I could, only because I wasn't blown away like I thought would happen when I switched to an over-the-ear type and because they don't enclose the sounds too well -- but I knew that would happen anyway since they are open.

Pros:
Comfortable
Full range of sounds
Headphone stand
Price
Comparitive style

Neutral:
Long cord
Bulky

Cons:
Takes time to break them in and develop a richer/fuller range of sounds



4 out of 5 stars Mainstream Performance Headphones   June 18, 2006
Mohammed J. Al Abbadi
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

----------------------
Bundles

Nice headphones holder and 1/4, 1/8 mini-jack connection with installation manual.

----------------------
Design and Durability:

they have a stylish and solid construction, long and thick wire and firm attached components, unbreakable easily with low weight. they can last long with you.

----------------------
Comfortability:

Wearing these headphones doesn't hurt or bother you, especialy around your two ears but above arc in your head can cause a pressure in you head so you have to adjust it properly to fit in your head without causing too much pressure upon your head. And if for long wearing if you are not setting in cool room you will be bothered by these headphones because it made your head and ears hotter.

----------------------
----------------------
Testing System:

Platform : PC
Audio Device : Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
----------------------

Objective Quality :

Frequency Response 16-24,000 Hz, THD < 0.2% which is not that bad taking it from Average high quality listening. The rated impedance = 32 Ohm , the ideal power for portable players and computer sound cards with no need for external Amplifier, you can get an ample loudness of 110 db as good as you wish.


----------------------
Subjective Quality:

High-Freq: Average flat high, the treble is not crisp to the high-freq fans

Mid-Freq : It play Mids pretty good for its class

Low-Freq : Excellent Lows punch, that's the best you can find in these headphones


----------------------
Entertainment Fields:


Music : they play pop music pretty good and bass & drums' music outstandingly with nice and detailed stereo separation since it is connected to exceptional Audio card. On the other hand, Rock and jazz music needs other headphones to handle these types clearly of music and also for classical or NewAge (Orchestral) music which is more demanding for wider sound stage and imaging it is not suited for me since I listen to many NewAge genre.

Movies : with nice stereo separation between Right & left Channels you'll be pleased with this headphone movie effects and vocals are handled good for its class in home entertainment.

Gaming : As I mentioned, with nice stereo separation between Right & left Channels, the audio card SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeMusic enabled a new technology for gaming which is CMSS-3D surround in headphone listening. You'll expect to reach to a good 3D surround around your head with different game titles: Battlefield2, Oblivion, F.E.A.R & Prince of Persia Warrior Within - you'll be immersed inside the game atmosphere even better imaging and feeling of the rear sounds.

Creation Monitoring:
These are an Open headphones types which doesn't isolate you from background noise comparing it to professional headphones so monitoring with this is not appropriate.

----------------------

Verdict :
They are good headphones with nice construction, comfort & quality and low Impedance make it possible to drive it ipod player.The diameter of holder jack plug is thick bothering users of PC in sound card out-jack and other line-in mic-jack.
However, people who like the genre of music (especially pop music with a lot of bass) Where this headphone shines he will love this headphone and will gave it 5 out 5, but for those people who like Orchestral and a lot of treble music won't be satisfied for its price and must look for first for low rating reviews in order to gather much information about it rather than high rating reviews of users with different tastes & preferences to their types of music.
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