Quote:   Thanks for the thoughts. Certainly useful. I have already expected the kind of hostile reception I am receiving from folks who own some of these state-of-the-art headphones, and I don't blame them. Most of the points you mentioned in #3 of your post above are indeed valid. Some...

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Just in case if anyone is interested to know. If anyone finds the HD800s to be cold, sterile and analytical, failing to invoke enjoyment or satisfaction in the listening experience, have a look at the JVC S500s if you are looking for a cheap portable design that doesn't require amplification...

Have not tried FX40s. I am not exactly a headphone man. The only headphones I"ve owned/tried are as follows:-   Beyerdynamic T1 Beyerdynamic DT-880 Sennheiser HD800 JVC S500.

As a side-note, the character of the headphones can be established even though it's still new out from the box. I really like what I'm hearing even though the drivers are still new and not burned in yet. No ear pains and headaches. Definitely a good sign.

Quote: To be exact $66 plus shipping from ebay.   They sound very decent fresh out from the box. I'm going to listen for 2-3 days and see if there are any tangible improvements. I'll create a new thread on the Full Headphones forum later. The S500 surely sounds more enjoyable than the...

Got the headphones today. Fresh outta box, I dare say it sounded  more enjoyable than the Sennheiser HD800 which costs 20 times more. Just a nice balanced sound with a bass that is just nice, tight and full and a treble that is sweet, airy and detailed. Wonderful stuff at $60.

Quote:   Thanks man. I've ordered the JVC S500s. I'll be getting them anytime now. Bought them for $60 though.   Cheers.

If you are hearing clipping that indicates distortion. It can be either the amp is not providing enough juice to drive the headphones, or the SPL limit of the headphones is exceeded in the case where the user listens way too loud past their dynamic limits, which I suspect is what that is...

Quote:   Thanks for the reply. Surely an important one. That's it man. The S500 here i come.   Cheers.

Guys,   I need your help here. I have narrowed it down to either the JVC or the Sony. Either the S500 or the XB400 or XB600.   I know all this is subjective, but I need some opinions from those who have owned or heard both S500 and XB400(or XB600). Basically just two simple questions as...

By the way, this may be a bit off-topic. Is there any chance that any of you guys have compared the JVC S500 to the XB400 or XB600? I know all this is subjective, but which is supposed to be a better sounding design, the S500 or XB400/600?

Hifiguy528 and Malevolent,   I would really appreciate if you can let me know your views on the XB400 ASAP or when the you have the time. I have basically narrowed down the choices to the XB400 and XB600 (XB500 probably not an option anymore) although the JVC S500 is another contender.  ...

Quote:   Okay, I guess the S-series (S400, S500) are better sounding designs than the RX-series (RX500, RX700 etc.) and play at a higher league.   Cheers.

Anybody compared the S400/S500 to the RX500? Which is supposed to be a better sounding model(or a higher-end model)?   I am assuming all these models can be run directly from portable devices unamped.   Thanks.