Not sure for music experience, it depends on the listeners. The 500 feels more like felt and stays cool even after long sessions. ROI = 5/5At under $15 to protect an item that costs $200 is a no brainer. Great product, would recommend to anyonePros:-Sound quality is excellent, I listen to audiobooks primarily, audio is crisp, with nice range-Build quality of the case feels solid in the hand, with nice snap to lid close, and head phones fit snuggly so they charge easily. - Thumb buttons are well placed and easily accessible with very light actuation compared to my G203 with snappy feedback. Im picky about sound and felt like these pads didnt change the sound. A bit painful to load and tie to the racks, but it is expected with this type of bags. I did not encounter any issues with the product delivered; all the pieces were there. I also purchased a light blue and I have burgundy and black on standby I will also get white. The colors and design of the product was just as I expected however I ordered the wrong size.