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HEADPHONES · YOUR NEXT FACE-OFF

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO vs Sennheiser HD 505

Real specs. Clear sources.Exact models · UK & US buying links

Compared products

YOUR FIRST CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

700286 · HD 490 PRO (standard, not PRO Plus) · wired

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO open-back studio headphones, front view
Full product profile Official image
Exact model & source notes

The HD 490 PRO (article 700286) is Sennheiser's open-back, around-ear wired studio reference headphone. It has a 38 mm dynamic transducer, a rated 130 Ω impedance, two interchangeable ear-pad sets for mixing and producing, a detachable cable that can plug into either ear cup, and braille-guided L/R ear cups with grooved pads for eyeglass wearers.

Specifications checked 26 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications
WHICH SUITS YOU?

Choose the HD 490 PRO for

  • Higher stated nominal impedance: 130 ohm vs 120 ohm

Choose the HD 505 for

  • Lower stated nominal impedance: 120 ohm vs 130 ohm
Built from verified specifications that differ. Not a rating or a recommendation.
See the 9 verified differences
THE CONTENDER

Sennheiser HD 505

700453 · Copper Edition (black with copper/bronze accents) · wired

Sennheiser HD 505 open-back over-ear headphones in black with copper accents, three-quarter view
Full product profile Official image
Exact model & source notes

The HD 505 (article 700453, sold as the Copper Edition) is a open-back around-ear headphone from Sennheiser's HD 500 family, with a 120-ohm dynamic transducer angled forward in the cup, high-grade metal mesh earcup covers, a detachable 1.8 m cable with a 3.5 mm plug and a rated 237 g without the cable. Sennheiser describes its response as very close to the Harman Curve and as extending further into sub-bass than the HD 599.

Specifications checked 26 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications

HD 490 PRO UK & US retailers

UK
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US
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UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

HD 505 UK & US retailers

UK
Search Amazon UKSearch eBay UK
US
Search Amazon USSearch eBay US

UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

Search links open retailer results, not a matched listing; eBay listings are checked daily. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE

Visual facts

Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.

How to read this comparison
  • Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
  • “Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
  • Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.
FEATURES SIDE BY SIDE8 topics

Yes and No describe the listed feature. Missing evidence stays unverified.

SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 08

Impedance

Nominal electrical load, not sound quality or loudness. Output capability and headphone sensitivity matter together; impedance alone cannot decide whether an amplifier is needed.

Explore the full specifications

Start with your listening environment. Open and closed earcups suit different surroundings. A closed back is not the same as active noise cancellation. Check the exact cable and headphone output. We do not turn impedance, driver size or unpaired lab results into a sound-quality score.

WHAT CHANGES BETWEEN THEM?

Key differences

Full specifications ↓

9 verified differences, most decision-relevant first. 1 is also drawn in Visual facts above. 1 feature is the same under different published names, grouped below. Missing information stays separate.

Wired / wireless connections

Sennheiser HD 490 PROWired; detachable 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug and supplied 6.3 mm adapter; right and left ear-cup jacks
Sennheiser HD 505Wired analogue; detachable 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug (left-side entry) and supplied 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Replacement 1.8 m, 3 m, balanced and coiled cables are sold separately as accessories.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Driver construction

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO38 mm dynamic transducer
Sennheiser HD 505Dynamic transducer, angled forward in the ear cups
Sources

Check whether the diameter describes the complete transducer or only its diaphragm. Different labels and driver sizes do not establish better sound.

Rated total harmonic distortion

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO<0.2% at 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL
Sennheiser HD 505<0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL)
Sources
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz and 90 dB SPL; other models use different test levels, so compare with care.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

These published limits can use different input voltages, loudness levels and standards. They cannot establish lower distortion in matched listening conditions.

Rated frequency range

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO5–36,100 Hz (−10 dB)
Sennheiser HD 50512 Hz – 38.5 kHz
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · The specification sheet states 36,100 Hz; the product page rounds the upper limit to 36,000 Hz.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · No tolerance is stated.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

Range endpoints need their stated threshold. They do not describe response flatness or prove better bass, detail or sound quality.

Show 3 more verified differences

In the box

Sennheiser HD 490 PROHD 490 PRO headphones, 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter, 1.8 m cable, mixing ear pads, producing ear pads, quick guide, safety guide
Sennheiser HD 505Headphones, 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter, drawstring bag
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · The HD 490 PRO Plus (700287) adds a 3 m cable, an extra headband pad and a case; it is a separate article.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Rated sensitivity

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO105 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms); 96 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 mW)
Sennheiser HD 505107.9 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Two references are given: per volt and per milliwatt.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

Keep the frequency and voltage or power reference attached. Sensitivity describes output for an input, not sound quality; dB/V and dB/mW are different measures.

Weight

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO260 g
Sennheiser HD 505237 g
Sources
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Without the cable.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.

Same feature, different names (1)

The sources publish different names for the same feature. Both names and their sources are shown; they are not counted as differences.

Wearing style

Sennheiser HD 490 PROOver-ear (circumaural), open-back wired studio headphones
Sennheiser HD 505Over-ear (circumaural), open-back dynamic headphones
Sources

Both sources state the same feature under different published names. This is not a verified difference; check the exact feature you need.

Missing or non-comparable evidence (12)

Active noise cancellation

Sennheiser HD 490 PRONot verified
Sennheiser HD 505Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish active noise cancellation absence. Preserve separately sourced acoustic design and passive attenuation; they cannot turn omitted ANC into a false capability. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish active noise cancellation absence. Preserve separately sourced acoustic design and passive attenuation; they cannot turn omitted ANC into a false capability. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Microphone

In Visual facts
Sennheiser HD 490 PRONot verified
Sennheiser HD 505Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Battery life

Sennheiser HD 490 PRONot verified
Sennheiser HD 505Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Accessibility features

Sennheiser HD 490 PROBraille-guided L/R ear cups; grooved ear pads for eyeglasses
Sennheiser HD 505Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser describes these as patented accessibility features.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical data
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Cable arrangement

Sennheiser HD 490 PRODetachable 1.8 m cable; right and left ear-cup jacks, so the cable can be connected on either side
Sennheiser HD 505Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser: 'Right and left ear jacks with detachable cable easily adapts to any studio configuration'. Only one 1.8 m cable is in the standard 700286 box.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical data
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Frequency tuning

Sennheiser HD 490 PRONot verified
Sennheiser HD 505Response described as very close to the Harman Curve
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

No source recorded for this side.

Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's description of its published HD 505 response graph; not a measurement by this site.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rated power

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO300 mW (100 h, noise IEC 60268)
Sennheiser HD 505Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · The datasheet labels this 'Power rating'; the product page lists the same figure as 'Power consumption (Amp)'.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Serviceability

Sennheiser HD 490 PRONot verified
Sennheiser HD 505HD 500-series cables and accessories are compatible; replacement parts such as ear cushions are offered
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Manufacturer sub-bass claim

Sennheiser HD 490 PRONot verified
Sennheiser HD 505Extends further into sub-bass than the HD 599
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

2 shared fields have the same recorded value.

YOUR HEADPHONES. YOUR RULES.

Check against your must-haves

Feature matching for the features you select. It doesn’t rate sound or comfort.

Start with your listening setup.

Choose a starting point, then fine-tune your must-haves.

FINE-TUNE THE DETAILS

Your essentials.

These shortcuts select the features shown above. Check the fit against your own equipment and listening space.

A feature match describes the selected requirements. It doesn’t rate sound or comfort.

YOUR CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Select a feature to check your fit.

YOUR CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 505

Select a feature to check your fit.

Feature matching, not a sound-quality score. The specification table links to the evidence for each feature.
WHAT EACH CHOICE ASKS OF YOU

What it brings and what to check

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

What it brings

  • Two washable, replaceable ear-pad sets come in the box, one for mixing and one for producing, so the listener can switch pad type without buying accessories.
    Manufacturer source Manufacturer source
  • Sensitivity is stated both per volt (105 dB SPL) and per milliwatt (96 dB SPL) at 130 Ω, which helps when matching it to an interface or headphone amplifier.
    Manufacturer source

What to check

  • It uses an open acoustic principle; Sennheiser presents the open-back design as providing natural ventilation and publishes no ambient-noise attenuation figure.
    Manufacturer source Manufacturer source
  • The standard 700286 box has one 1.8 m cable and no case. The 3 m cable, extra headband pad and case come with the separate PRO Plus article.
    Manufacturer source

Sennheiser HD 505

What it brings

  • Its 107.9 dB at 1 V rating and 120-ohm impedance are published together, so buyers can judge how much voltage a phone, computer or amplifier needs to supply.
    Manufacturer source
  • The cable is detachable, HD 500-series cables and accessories are stated to fit, and replacement ear cushions are offered.
    Manufacturer source
  • A 3.5 mm plug with a screw-on 6.35 mm adapter covers both portable and hi-fi headphone sockets.
    Manufacturer source

What to check

COMPARE THE DETAILS

Full specifications

How we verify
24 of 24 specifications Sources in each row
Source-backed specifications for Sennheiser HD 490 PRO and Sennheiser HD 505
SpecificationSennheiser HD 490 PROSennheiser HD 505
Wearing style
Sources
Over-ear (circumaural), open-back wired studio headphonesOver-ear (circumaural), open-back dynamic headphones
WeightDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Without the cable.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
260 g237 g
Acoustic design
Sources
Open-backOpen-back
Ear padsDifferent
Sources
Two washable, replaceable sets supplied: mixing pads and producing padsSynthetic velour
Construction
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

No source recorded.

Not providedHigh-grade metal mesh earcup covers; revised synthetic leather headband
Serviceability
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

No source recorded.

Not providedHD 500-series cables and accessories are compatible; replacement parts such as ear cushions are offered
Wired / wireless connectionsDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Replacement 1.8 m, 3 m, balanced and coiled cables are sold separately as accessories.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Wired; detachable 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug and supplied 6.3 mm adapter; right and left ear-cup jacksWired analogue; detachable 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug (left-side entry) and supplied 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter
Cable arrangement
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser: 'Right and left ear jacks with detachable cable easily adapts to any studio configuration'. Only one 1.8 m cable is in the standard 700286 box.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical data
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded.

Detachable 1.8 m cable; right and left ear-cup jacks, so the cable can be connected on either sideNot provided
Cable length
Sources
1.8 m1.8 m
Driver constructionDifferent
Sources
38 mm dynamic transducerDynamic transducer, angled forward in the ear cups
Driver diameter
Sources
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded.

38 mmNot provided
Rated frequency rangeDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · The specification sheet states 36,100 Hz; the product page rounds the upper limit to 36,000 Hz.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · No tolerance is stated.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
5–36,100 Hz (−10 dB)12 Hz – 38.5 kHz
Nominal impedanceDifferent
Sources
130 ohm120 ohm
Rated sensitivityDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Two references are given: per volt and per milliwatt.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
105 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms); 96 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 mW)107.9 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
Rated total harmonic distortionDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz and 90 dB SPL; other models use different test levels, so compare with care.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
<0.2% at 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL<0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL)
Maximum sound pressure level
Sources
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded.

128 dB SPL (1 kHz, 5% THD)Not provided
Rated power
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · The datasheet labels this 'Power rating'; the product page lists the same figure as 'Power consumption (Amp)'.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded.

300 mW (100 h, noise IEC 60268)Not provided
Frequency tuning
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

No source recorded.

Sennheiser HD 505

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's description of its published HD 505 response graph; not a measurement by this site.

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
Not providedResponse described as very close to the Harman Curve
Manufacturer sub-bass claim
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

No source recorded.

Not providedExtends further into sub-bass than the HD 599
Accessibility features
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser describes these as patented accessibility features.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical data
Sennheiser HD 505

No source recorded.

Braille-guided L/R ear cups; grooved ear pads for eyeglassesNot provided
In the boxDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

Manufacturer specification · The HD 490 PRO Plus (700287) adds a 3 m cable, an extra headband pad and a case; it is a separate article.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
HD 490 PRO headphones, 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter, 1.8 m cable, mixing ear pads, producing ear pads, quick guide, safety guideHeadphones, 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter, drawstring bag
Show unverified (3)Not verified, not provided or conflicting for both products. Kept for completeness; never counted as a difference.
Specifications without verified values for either product
Microphone
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
Not listed by the manufacturerNot listed by the manufacturer
Active noise cancellation
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish active noise cancellation absence. Preserve separately sourced acoustic design and passive attenuation; they cannot turn omitted ANC into a false capability. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish active noise cancellation absence. Preserve separately sourced acoustic design and passive attenuation; they cannot turn omitted ANC into a false capability. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
Not listed by the manufacturerNot listed by the manufacturer
Battery life
Sources
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (article 700286) — official UK product page and technical dataSennheiser HD 490 PRO | HD 490 PRO Plus — product specification sheet (EN)
Sennheiser HD 505

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 505 — official UK product page and specifications
Not listed by the manufacturerNot listed by the manufacturer
First product manufacturer sourceSecond product manufacturer source
FIND YOUR CONTENDERS

More products

Closest headphones to this pair by shared key specifications. Not a popularity ranking.

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Sennheiser HD 400 PRO open-back studio headphones in black lying on their side, showing the whole padded headband and attached coiled cable

Sennheiser HD 400 PRO

Impedance
120 Ω
Cable length
1.8 m
Wearing style
Over-ear (circumaural), open-back wired studio headphones
Prices & product profile
Sennheiser HD 550 open-back over-ear headphones in black, three-quarter view

Sennheiser HD 550

Impedance
150 Ω
Cable length
1.8 m
Wearing style
Over-ear, open-back dynamic headphones
Prices & product profile
Sennheiser HD 560S open-back over-ear headphones in black, three-quarter view

Sennheiser HD 560S

Impedance
120 Ω
Wearing style
Over-ear, open-back dynamic headphones
Wired / wireless connections
Wired analogue; detachable cable with a 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm plug/adapter pair (which end is the plug conflicts across Sennheiser's sources)
Prices & product profile
Sennheiser HD 660S2 open-back over-ear headphones with model badge and detachable cable visible

Sennheiser HD 660S2

Impedance
300 Ω
Cable length
1.8 m
Wearing style
Over-ear (circumaural), open-back dynamic headphones
Prices & product profile

Each record represents an explicitly checked model and configuration. Original import: 5 Sept 2026; this is not its verification date. This is not a list of current offers or a popularity ranking.