In market for HE-500, what else to consider? - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by planx 

 

It's fair for people to see that the FR on the two are similar, as they are here and there, but with that said, the real-life experience sort of makes the graph absolutely useless. I never trust graphs as I only trust my ears, but sometimes I agree with graphs and the graphs back-up my thoughts. But with that said, take a look at the HE-400 graph. To me, it does not sound like what it shows on the graph. That's why I don't trust machines and devices to tell me the story as I'm a storytelling type of person and choose to do things my way.

 

Yes, the DT880 definitely sounds leaner while the HE-500 sounds much, much more full, liquid, smooth, and organic. But I won't be much help to the OP if he/she is considering the DT880 as I don't like a lot of Beyerdynamic products myself.

Yeah, again, they only help to explain stuff. In this case, they kind of don't, because they do not sound (to me) similar at all. Different measuring methods make stuff harder for us as well. Too much skepticism on them though, which are totally within the rights of the people, but I wish they would keep a more open mind at times, and be less argumentative. 

I remember you share my hatred for the DT990, and love for the COPs. I'd tell the OP to go for the HE-500.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbophead 

Oh, please.  If you're interested in orchestral bass drum, double bassoon, organ pedal notes below 40 Hz, that's sub-bass.

Hmmm. Sounds like the sort of thing I only worry about after everything else is exactly right.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by pp312 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbophead 

Oh, please.  If you're interested in orchestral bass drum, double bassoon, organ pedal notes below 40 Hz, that's sub-bass.

 

Hmmm. Sounds like the sort of thing I only worry about after everything else is exactly right.  

Absolutely, but it's a lot harder to get it "exactly right" and then search for sub-bass.

Hi Planx,

did you notice huge differences between the dt880 32 ohms and the 2 other versions (250/600) - would you say the 32 ohms version is definitely a step below the 2 others, for the sound quality ?

thanks
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by planx 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbophead 

But why then even bring up graphs?

 

There's no way the 880 600 ohm has the sub-bass of the HE500, is there?  I own the 600 ohm and it does not have sub-bass.

 

I only brought up a graph to show "recorded" measurements of the two headphones. And you are correct, the DT880 is no where near the same in terms of bass as the HE-500. The HE-500 has both more quantity and quality in that segment. But with that said, the DT880 DOES have sub-bass. It might be your amplification that is causing it. I used the DT880 600ohm, and both the 250ohm and 32ohm, on the Hifiman EF-5 and Schiit Lyr.

You may be right.  I only have the WOO WA6, transformer coupled with high impedance switch and a Peachtree Audio NOVA.  They certainly seem to play loud enough.  Perhaps there's an amp that you could recommend that would make the sub-bass appear.

Anyone here have owned (or at least listened to) both the HE-400 and HE-500? Can someone tell me how different the two sound?

Quote:

Originally Posted by olsenn 

Anyone here have owned (or at least listened to) both the HE-400 and HE-500? Can someone tell me how different the two sound?

HE500 is a more refined, neutral, transparent headphone, but is less open/dynamic-sounding, relative to HE400.

Quote:

Originally Posted by olsenn 

Anyone here have owned (or at least listened to) both the HE-400 and HE-500? Can someone tell me how different the two sound?

I own the two. The HE-400 is the more "fun" of the two by far, sparkling treble and very bass prominent. The HE-500 is the more mid-centric analytical one. If I listen to 70's rock or acoustic music I reach for the HE-500. If I am in the mood for hip-hop, jazz, dub-step or watching a movie I reach for the HE-400.  The dynamics of the HE-400 is suited more to my style, and at 399 I really do not think you can find better(other then the HD650 with a good amp, I love the 650!). I reach for the HE-400 more often then not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerg 

HE500 is a more refined, neutral, transparent headphone, but is less open/dynamic-sounding, relative to HE400.

Heya Jerg,  any improvement/change in the sound of the 500 with the grill mod? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fearless1 

Heya Jerg,  any improvement/change in the sound of the 500 with the grill mod? 

Surprisingly not much, unlike the HE400s which receive a much bigger improvement with the grill mod.

HE400s just sound more open because of the driver design I think, and that difference is amplified with the grill mod, which the HE500's drivers can't take advantage of as much as the HE400's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by breizh 

Hi Planx,

 

did you notice huge differences between the dt880 32 ohms and the 2 other versions (250/600) - would you say the 32 ohms version is definitely a step below the 2 others, for the sound quality ?

 

thanks
 

Not a huge difference, but minor ones. First of all, the 600ohm sounded the best to me as they have the most potential with a more powerful amp. The bass was better refined and the treble seemed to be a little more tamed than the lower impedance models, but that could be my mind playing tricks on me. However, the bass was a bit more powerful and a bit more loose as you went down to 32ohms, even if you powered it with a good amp. If you have a quality amp, the 600ohm might be the best for you, but the other models were pretty good as well. In short, they were all very similar to one another, just with minor differences.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbophead 

You may be right.  I only have the WOO WA6, transformer coupled with high impedance switch and a Peachtree Audio NOVA.  They certainly seem to play loud enough.  Perhaps there's an amp that you could recommend that would make the sub-bass appear.

Uhh I really don't know what the WA6 sounds like because there are no places to try up here in the great white north. I found the Lyr and EF-5 to play the Beyers nicely, but that can only be my ears. I'm not REALLY a bass-head so I'm not too concerned with bass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by olsenn 

Anyone here have owned (or at least listened to) both the HE-400 and HE-500? Can someone tell me how different the two sound?

Well, I own the HE-400 and soon am upgrading to the HE-500. The HE-400 manages a great balance of fun and critical listening, while I found the HE-500 to be more serious in the critical listening area. To be honest, the HE-400's bass is better than the HE-500. It just sounds tighter. The HE-500 has glorious mids, even better than the HE-400 and the HE-400 manages very satisfying mids as well. The HE-500's treble sounds a bit more splashy and crisp while the HE-400's sounds just as good, but lacking in detail and quantity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by planx 

 

Not a huge difference, but minor ones. First of all, the 600ohm sounded the best to me as they have the most potential with a more powerful amp. The bass was better refined and the treble seemed to be a little more tamed than the lower impedance models, but that could be my mind playing tricks on me. However, the bass was a bit more powerful and a bit more loose as you went down to 32ohms, even if you powered it with a good amp. If you have a quality amp, the 600ohm might be the best for you, but the other models were pretty good as well. In short, they were all very similar to one another, just with minor differences.

 

Uhh I really don't know what the WA6 sounds like because there are no places to try up here in the great white north. I found the Lyr and EF-5 to play the Beyers nicely, but that can only be my ears. I'm not REALLY a bass-head so I'm not too concerned with bass.

 

Well, I own the HE-400 and soon am upgrading to the HE-500. The HE-400 manages a great balance of fun and critical listening, while I found the HE-500 to be more serious in the critical listening area. To be honest, the HE-400's bass is better than the HE-500. It just sounds tighter. The HE-500 has glorious mids, even better than the HE-400 and the HE-400 manages very satisfying mids as well. The HE-500's treble sounds a bit more splashy and crisp while the HE-400's sounds just as good, but lacking in detail and quantity.

ok that's clear, thank you very much

I think you would be happy with the hE500's for your music genres. They sound great with electronic music. I personally wouldn't want any more bass or top end for dubstep etc. They've got just the right balance for me. Also I'm sure you'll appreciate the great mids with rock music too, guitar sounds very good. But as has been said, you may very well appreciate a more fun type phone such as the HE400's. (haven't heard) I find the HE500's to be the more "fun" hp compared to my LCD2's as they are more dynamic and have such an addictive treble. It's smooth and none fatiguing yet sharp and fast... Well done Mr Fang!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbophead 

Absolutely, but it's a lot harder to get it "exactly right" and then search for sub-bass.

Well, I'm currently listening to a DT880-250 and I'm not aware of the bassoons or even the bass drum lacking much, so maybe I'll just put sub bass out of mind.

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