Short answer: the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro. It ranks #191 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $423. The Monoprice M1060 ranks #229, rated 3.6/5, at $392.98, $30.02 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro: Across 12 hobbyist measurements on squig.link it earns a preference score of 75.1 with a smooth 2.0 dB spread around the target, so nothing in the response jumps out as harsh or hollow. Watch for: Low mids run about 2.3 dB hot while the upper mids sit 1.7 dB low, which thickens vocals and guitars and pushes them slightly behind the bass.
Why pick the Monoprice M1060: Measured response gives it a solid Harman preference score of 72 with a 3.02 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 1.2 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. The tradeoff: A 5.6 dB peak near 4.4 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound sharp.
Buy the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $30.02 with the Monoprice M1060 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Across 12 hobbyist measurements on squig.link it earns a preference score of 75.1 with a smooth 2.0 dB spread around the target, so nothing in the response jumps out as harsh or hollow.
Amazon $423.00 Lowest Sennheiser $429.00 eBay
Measured response gives it a solid Harman preference score of 72 with a 3.02 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 1.2 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser HD 490 Pro | Monoprice M1060 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $423.00 | $392.98 |
| Ranked | #191 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #229 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (median of 12 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 72 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.00 dB standard deviation | 3.02 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.84 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.28 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 38mm dynamic | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 130 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB SPL/V | 96 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) | 1.1 lbs (500g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 36kHz (-10 dB, Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
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