Want to upgrade from my HD485's.

Hi guys Ive been reading these forums a bit as i want to upgrade my HD 485's which i have loved for years. I really like the sound signature from the HD485's but im looking for a cleaner more refined sound. After much reading i think the HD 650's will be a good upgrade. How do these compare in bass output and impact to my 485's? Any other cans that i should consider, i listen to alot of rock/metal/hiphop.  Im also after some advise on a decent amp/dac combo for around $500 Aus. I really like the Schiit Bifrost/Asgard combo but its over my budget, anything more in my price range? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by valerianaoff 

 

I think you should also look at the Hifimans...HE-400 / 500.

Just a suggestion.

 

Cheerz !

Do the HE-400's require amplification to sound decent?

After reading about the HE-400 im thinking they could be a great option, would they pair well with a Fiio E17 amp.

Hey guys im now trying to choose between the Hifiman HE-400's and the Ultrasone PRO 2900's.  Any advise on which is the better choice for listening to Rock, Metal and Hiphop?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fearless1 

The HE-400 outclasses the Pro 2900 in every aspect I can think of. The only thing I may give the nod to the 2900 in is gaming, it has very concise positioning.  And yes, you would need an amp.

Even in bass response? I really want a headphone with bass that is on par with my 485's but without the boomy muddled sound. Cheers.

Well i just ended up ordering the HE-400's.  I can't wait to listen to them :D

Well my HE-400's turned up about an hour ago and here are my initial impressions. The bass is ok in quantity but goes nice and low and is very controlled with plenty of detail, the mids are really nice, they are laid back but really nice imo. The treble is not very nice at all, it is really harsh at certain frequency's. Im hoping the burn in process will chill the treble out a fair bit. I will have to do some more listening and let them get some hours up before i report back.

Well i now have 12 hours on my HE-400's and i am loving them. The only music that i don't like though them are my Nirvana tracks, Kurts voice sounds overly gritty though the HE-400's. These cans are extremely comfortable even though they are heavy. One thing i will say is my old HD485's are not that far off these HP's in SQ and my HD485's actually have them truly beat regarding bass impact and quantity using the E17 to drive them both. The HE-400's do come into thier own in the mids and treble though with a slightly more open sound with more definition and sparkly highs when not being driven to loud. I can't wait for my Velours to arrive after all the good comments about them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TontonJoK 

I love Nirvana tracks on the He 400 what kind of amping are you using with hifiman ? I have flac files and love the punch and voicing
edit : you have E17 sorry don't know about it

Im just using ones downloaded from itunes, so not flac but i do have a few tracks in flac format and kurts voice is still very gritty. I think im just so used to the HD485s which are much darker then the HE-400's. The HE-400's sound signature is quickly growing on me though. :)