I'm also considering pulling the trigger on the vegan pads. Looking forward to more impressions with the HE-500. I think I just need one more rave review to push me over the edge. 

So is this part of the acoustic design of the earphones or some kind of software solution? I can't tell from the information given.

The JVC sz2000 is the king when it comes to pure bass punch. 

Even though the fundamental notes may all fall under 5khz harmonics and overtones reach well above. This is especially apparent with cymbals and strings. If you cut out all the information above 10khz you'll notice an immediate difference in any recording of acoustic instruments.    I do agree...

I sure hope not, that line of thinking led to the pro II. 

I prefer the look of these, and, admittedly, when it comes to portable audio, there's always a sound compromise, so looks matter. I'd definitely be interested if the price was in the $200 range. 

Yes and yes. Just being overly cautious I suppose.

I, stupidly, was fooling around with converting DSD to flac on mac using XLD. When I opened an SACD iso it gave me the option to open it as "Raw PCM + Cue" and convert from there. So I did. I got a flac file and played it in Decibel. The most awful static I've ever heard came out of my...

I also have giant monkey ears! The focus pads fixed the problem for me. 

You can get the pads off taobao for around $20.

Do you think part IV of the mod would be effective with focuspads? 

I'm almost definitely going custom. I have some very nice DAC components lying around and I'm ordering a DAC/Amp combo. What kind of power output would be optimal? I hear that 1w is considered the minimum for good performance with the HE-500, but does it benefit from more power? 

Spec-wise what would you guys say an ideal amp for the HE-500 would be? I live in China so I have the option of having one custom built for a surprisingly reasonable price. 

I was thinking that the new headband would make the headphones a bit more stable on the head, and maybe be a bit more fashionable. Weight reduction would be a pleasant bonus. I like tinkering, even when it's not really necessary 

I'll email Hifiman and see if it might be possible to buy a headband assembly separately. I doubt it is though, and I'm definitely not going to cannibalize a 560 or 400i. I could claim I own one of the new models and my headband broke, but that seems disingenuous. If I can get ahold of the...

I mean, it might not be a direct replacement, but if the cup dimensions re the same I seems like it could be done. 

Do you guys think it might be possible to mount the HE-500 drivers on the new 400i/560 headband? That would be a fantastic upgrade comfort-wise.

Speaking of mixing pleather and velour, I've just made v.1 jergpads, and I'm working up the courage to go up to v2.5. The v.1 pads are a definite improvement over the stock pads. I think the modded pads tightened up the bass a bit, and the mids extend into the treble more smoothly. I did some...

You know, you might be right. I just thought they were particularly nice pleathers haha.

What are your thoughts on velour pads vs. pleathers? 

Has anyone had any experience with the Music Hall A25.2? 

How do you guys think the focus pads compare to the jergpads? 

I looked around and read that the headphone out is decent. I'm still looking for a dedicated headphone amp though. It excites me to know that these headphones have even more potential to be unlocked! I'll look into a custom cable in the meantime. 

I'm using a Music Hall a25.2. Listening to the headphones right now, actually. 

Any suggestions on a powerful chinese amp? (1 watt into 32ohms or more?)