**Hifiman HE-400 Impressions and Discussion Thread** - Page 155

I know Matt did a comparison with the HE-400s and the Mad Dogs.  Good job on that Matt.  Can anyone compare these (HE-400) with the Paradox?

I want to know the same thing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madmollusk 

The angled pads cost 100 smackers, folks, so I wouldn't anticipate the price for hifiman pads (hypothetically speaking, of course) to be any cheaper than that, especially if quality materials are used. Custom made products are always going to cost more than mass produced products; on top of that, the hypothetical pad-maker needs to make a tidy profit too, or he will have no incentive to even consider this enterprise.  With all that said, I am hopping that these potential pads will cost no more than 80 bucks or so, but am willing, of course, to pay a little more. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by rawrster 


my thoughts exactly. also the hd800 pads cost around 85 or so from sennheiser usa so I anticipate a cost around the same if it is velour. of course if it approaches black o2 pads then its too restrictive. there's a fine line between profit and excessive

Well, we don't know for certain the actual costs of material, and I won't count on anyone divulging them soon (not the best business practice). But generally these things cost much less that what we would think. Hopefully the maker won't stick it to us too hard for a profit. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinQY 

 

Well, we don't know for certain the actual costs of material, and I won't count on anyone divulging them soon (not the best business practice). But generally these things cost much less that what we would think. Hopefully the maker won't stick it to us too hard for a profit. 

I'm sure the maker is smart enough to price them at maximum profit while just a bit under the "this is a rip-off" threshold for most potential buyers.

It usually isn't the cost of materials that's the pricing. It's the R&D or in this case making the pads after acquiring the materials. Take a look inside your amp or dac and the cost of materials will not be near the cost you bought it for unless it was DIY. I remember some article about the cost of an iphone was much less than the msrp. That will always be the case with pricing. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerg 

I'm sure the maker is smart enough to price them at maximum profit while just a bit under the "this is a rip-off" threshold for most potential buyers.

Hmm, like the HD6xx replacement pads? Hopefully we'll avoid that sort of markup. I've seen weird prices on accessories that could easily be made for a few cents. 

Maybe if the pads come with some magical 13th century pebbles or some actual anaconda oil for my interconnects, I'd pay for the $100. Perhaps bundle some as extras for us Head-Fiers?

Okay, R&D should be taken into account as well. I'm actually curious (not skeptical, just wondering) how one would go about with research for these pads? Group experiments? Input from us?

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Originally Posted by RushNerd 

I agree with the realistic comment, it's all subjective of course, but with the 400's extended treble, I think it things sound a lot more authentic. Drummers could attest for this listening to cymbals through the 400's vs other cans.

There's a big difference between "some instruments sound incredibly natural" and "these headphones sound incredibly natural".  But you're right, it's subjective and also dependent on what you listen to (ie whether your tracks expose the weaknesses or not).

Well it probably has to be hand made as I can't imagine it being made by machine since most companies that tailor towards our community are not large such as Audeze, Hifiman, etc. That requires time and labor as well as probably some trial and error to make sure they are made to certain specs such as fitting the Hifiman cans. It could also be having the cans to test them out on if whoever is making the pads do not own them to make sure everything is good. I'm assuming this company is one that already makes pads so I'm guessing the needles, threads and the stuffing for the pads won't be an issue.

That is what I could think of for R&D. I'm sure there's more than this.

+1 to the memory foam idea. But the stuff is finicky - I have a 4 inch mem foam mattress pad that is great to sleep on. Too firm, and they may not seem to deform enough. Too weak, and they won't feel much different than regular ole' foam. Plus the stuff can smell.

Given the density they may have too much of a damping effect on the sound however.

Oh ya, I'm poor - I'll pay about 10-15 bucks max. And they better be awesome. It is perfectly possible to a good mem foam pad (thick enough to BE a bed) for $100 bucks give or take.

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Originally Posted by hifimanrookie 


Maybe a bit offtopic..but u also planning to make improved pads for the he500?

The HE-400 pads fit the HE-500, I think. Remember swapping pads on them no problem. The swapping system is the same or something. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by RushNerd 

I agree with the realistic comment, it's all subjective of course, but with the 400's extended treble, I think it things sound a lot more authentic. Drummers could attest for this listening to cymbals through the 400's vs other cans.

Drummer here, and yes, that's absolutely true. That's actually why I'm buying this thing, cymbals sound incredibly real.