Mini comparison - HD 600 vs HD 480 Pro
Hello there, I'm excited to tell you all that I have, in my hands, the HD 480 Pro, so, here is a short and crisp comparison between the new kid on the block and the Old guard veteran.
Power usage: The HD 480 pro is far more efficient, I can use it with my fiio retro nano no problem, whereas the HD 600 definitely needs a desktop amp for it to reach full potential.
Comfort: HD 480 pro has wider and deeper cups than the likes of the HD 600, the 480 pro cups can also rotate to 90 degrees to either side and lay flat on a table, thus giving a better fit. The HD 600 is more breathable though, the full velour pads, and it’s open back nature helps with the ventilation whereas, the HD 480 pro has a mix of velour + leatherette pads and it being a closed back results in heat building up quicker than the HD 600.
QoL features: The HD 480 pro has better Qol features, it has markings on the headband to help with adjusting which the HD 600 lacks, it also has an XLR connector input that one can put either on the right or the left side, which in my opinion, is a far better option than the proprietary connection on the HD 600.
Bass: In both sub-bass and mid-bass, the HD 480 pro has a stronger presence compared to the HD 600, yet, it does not have mid-bass bleeding into the mids. HD 480 pro wins here
Mids: The HD 600 is still a league above here, if we compare in terms of food, it’s the difference between your first favourite (the HD 600) and the second favourite (the HD 480 Pro), this could also be attributed to open back nature of the HD 600 that just has less soundwaves bouncing around (not that I noticed any in the HD 480 pro).
Treble: I personally liked the HD 480 pro’s treble here, it felt more refined than the HD 600’s treble, though if you are listening to metal and rock more, I would edge it more towards the HD 600. As in, the HD 600 is brighter than the HD 480 Pro
Imaging: To my ears, these two are almost same, with the HD 480 edging out in depth and height while HD 600 in breadth.
Soundstage: HD 480 pro stomps on the HD 600 easily here, in every axis.
Timbre: The HD 600 is still the clear winner here, though the HD 480 pro is no slouch either, to my ears, the HD 480 pro hit about 85-90% when compared to the HD 600.
That’s all folks!
Posted Jun 5, 2026, 4:55 AM UTC