**Hifiman HE-400 Impressions and Discussion Thread** - Page 322

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerg 

 

Sorry but I haven't tried actual stockings, I didn't bother because I knew I wanted exactly how the pleather screens sounded so didn't want to go the extra length and test out stocking fabric.

Interesting. What was your thought process when choosing between the thicker pleather screen vs the more transparent velour one for the J$ pads? I would have thought the more the transparent the better regardless but I haven't heard the J$ pads as I haven't received them yet. Do they have a huge treble spike that you are trying to cut down with the thicker nylon?

Quote:

Originally Posted by merkil 

 

Interesting. What was your thought process when choosing between the thicker pleather screen vs the more transparent velour one for the J$ pads? I would have thought the more the transparent the better regardless but I haven't heard the J$ pads as I haven't received them yet. Do they have a huge treble spike that you are trying to cut down with the thicker nylon?

Yep, my HE500s sound a bit too bright with velours / velour nylon screen / no screen, but just right with the thicker nylon from pleathers.

A similar effect with HE400 I think, for those who complain about its tizzy treble.

Trying the velours again after a good bender with pleathers.

I've gotten so good at pad installs that I can have them swapped in like a minute flat.

I should say "so good" relative to my previous attempts :)

A brief description of my first experience with the HE-400:  SPELLBINDING.  The first albums I listened to were Ornette Coleman - The Shape of Jazz to Come, Agalloch - The Mantle and Com Truise - In Decay for variety (probably 3 of my most listened to recently).  Though I'm still waiting for my Magni, I ran them via my E11 and was entranced.  No regrets here!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dshlapak 

So, I'm heading towards ordering a pair of 400s; I'd be driving them with a first-gen Audio-GD NFB-12. How's that pairing?

In keeping with good audio practice, I'd probaby be willing to spend around the price of the HPs for a DAC and amp, if I were to upgrade.

I listen mostly to pop/rock, "classic" jazz (Miles, Trane, Monk), and small-group and solo classical. I'd like to maximize the imaging (which I know is a strong suit of these 'phones), have a realistic, stable, soundstage, and a fairly balanced sound (although, at my age, a little extra treble is not a bad thing).

I'm currently listening to ATH-AD700s, which have a ridiculous (in the good way) soundstage, but seem light in the bass and a little "thin" overall. Want better. Y'all know the feeling.

Would something like a Little Dot Mk III and an ODAC be a meaningful upgrade? Other ideas?

Thanks for advice and comments.

nfb-12 has the power, but the dac is holding it back.  I dont think you can bypass it either, so the DAC greatly limits the NFB-12.  ODAC or bifrost made the world of difference for me

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Lust Envy 

I now have a pair of OEM HE-400s... as in no Hifiman branding... nor left/right markers (that's what the cable markings are for). That cheap ass lettering was starting to rub off, so I took my nail to it and rubbed it off completely. Now it's perfectly smooth and blue. No atrocious, cheap looking Hifiman logos.

Sounds like you decided not to bother worrying about reselling them then? Dude you should totally save up and Pimp Yo Cans.

I would go for a custom colour, maybe a dark red with silver specks.

Did you scratch off the L and R too?

The hifiman logo reminds me of like a retro looking deli meat sticker.

Deli meat headphones!

I still won't rub it off though, I like it broadcasting the model number to the world/resell prospects.

Plus, it shows that I am. a Hi Fi man.