Yamaha HPH PRO500 Review | 93 Data compared

The Yamaha PRO 500Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. ($399.95) offers a premium, closed-back design delivering audiophile-grade audio with powerful, distortion-free bass and an expansive soundstage, earning it a place among top-tier headphones. Pros include excellent sound depth, detachable cables with inline controls, and a robust build, according to PCMag. However, the headphones face limitations due to a heavy, high-clamping design that can cause discomfort over long periods, and a high price point. While the glossy plastic exterior may not appeal to all, the exceptional sound quality justifies the investment for serious listeners, per PCMag.

The Yamaha Pro 500 headphones are designed for audiophiles, offering a neutral and highly accurate sound profile that avoids the artificially boosted bass common in many consumer models. Featuring large 50mm drivers, these closed-back headphones deliver impressive clarity and stereo imaging, making them excellent for a variety of genres—especially acoustic and classical music—as well as movies. Key pros include the inclusion of two high-quality flat cables (one with an Apple-friendly mic and remote), a sturdy "semihard" travel case, and an extra input jack that allows a second listener to plug in and share the audio. However, the Pro 500 has notable drawbacks, primarily regarding its $400 price tag and comfort. At 13 ounces, they are significantly heavier than competitors like the V-Moda M-100, and the combination of firm earpad clamping and headband pressure can make them fatiguing during long listening sessions. Additionally, while the design features real aluminum earcups and a flashy high-gloss finish, the heavy use of plastic and limited vertical/horizontal pivoting of the earcups raise concerns about long-term durability and the ability to fit all head shapes perfectly.

The Head-Fi community review of the Yamaha HPH-PRO500Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. highlights a highly dramatic, V-shaped sound signature defined by powerful, agile bass and an open, clear midrange. These closed-back headphones offer excellent instrument separation, a wide soundstage, and high efficiency, allowing for detailed, energetic audio even from mobile sources. Conversely, the review notes significant cons regarding listening fatigue, as the intense, bass-heavy sound can become overwhelming over time. Physical limitations include a heavy, bulky design with aggressive clamping pressure and small earcup diameters, which often lead to discomfort during extended listening sessions.

The Sound & Vision review of the Yamaha Pro 500 headphones highlights a bold design with exceptional midrange/treble detail, offering a powerful bottom end and low distortion above 100 Hz. While praising their styling, the analysis reveals a 500 Hz midrange dip that accentuates bass, coupled with high distortion at 20 Hz and average noise isolation. Sound &

The Audioholics review describes the Yamaha PRO 500 as a premium, over-ear model offering a punchy, linear sound with rich, powerful bass and forward, detailed mids. These headphones, which feature an expansive soundstage for a closed-back design, excel in vocal clarity and offer high-fidelity performance with a luxurious build. However, the review notes that the PRO 500 sacrifices extreme high-frequency extension to achieve its smooth, fatigue-free sound, resulting in laid-back cymbals and a slightly boxy top end on some recordings. Despite lacking the absolute lowest subsonic extension, the $399 headphones are recommended for listeners prioritizing high-fidelity performance and midrange detail.

The Yamaha HPH-PRO500 is a pair of flagship, large, closed-back headphones designed to bridge the gap between mainstream, fashionable styles and high-end audiophile sound quality. Structurally, the headphones offer a highly durable, "virtually indestructible" reinforced headband and rigid aluminum alloy ear cups that give them a exceptionally solid, premium feel. They feature 50mm drivers with mobile-optimized neodymium magnets, a foldable frame, and dual-sided inputs that allow a detachable cable to connect to either ear cup. Included in the premium, luxurious packaging is a protective hard carry case, a 3-meter home cable, a 6.25mm adapter, and a 1.2-meter mobile cable equipped with an in-line microphone and remote controls. Audio performance delivers a deep, wide soundstage, powerful bass response, and articulate highs, making it versatile across multiple music genres. However, the headphones suffer from several design and acoustic drawbacks. On the audio side, they are mid-range heavy, which can make vocals sound unnaturally boxy, tinny, or difficult to gauge in terms of depth, and low-bitrate tracks can sound noticeably harsh at the top end. Physically, they are considerably heavy and exert too...

The Sound & Vision review of the Yamaha PRO 500 highlights the over-ear headphones as a stylish, high-gloss product featuring an exciting, detailed sound signature with a prominent, impactful bass bump and spacious soundstage, particularly when using a dedicated amplifier. While performance is strong, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a substantial midrange frequency dip at 500 Hz that can obscure vocals and excessive treble sizzle. Additional cons include high total harmonic distortion in the low-end and only average ambient noise isolation for a closed-back model. Sound &

The Yamaha HPH-PRO 500 premium over-ear headphones deliver highly accurate sound reproduction with deep, well-mannered bass that never overwhelms audiophile-level detail and clarity. Designed with a smooth, glossy aesthetic reminiscent of Beats Studio headphones, they feature a steel-reinforced headband and soft, spacious earpads. The packaging includes a semi-rigid carrying case, a gold-plated 1/4" adapter, and two distinct cables: a short 4-foot flat cable optimized with an Apple-compatible inline mic/remote, and a 10-foot flat cable tailored for home listening. These features make them a highly versatile choice, shifting seamlessly from a morning commute to analytic listening later in the day. Despite their premium sonic performance, the review highlights notable drawbacks regarding comfort and investment. The primary cons identified are the high $299.00 price tag and a restrictive fit caused by a lack of horizontal and vertical pivoting ranges, which can result in painful ear pressure for some head shapes. On the positive side, the clear pros include excellent sense of space, an exquisite sound texture, and perfect compatibility for Apple users. Ultimately, they are a powerful, youthful option best suited for...