[swspiers]

For the record, I love the 400i's soundstage as is. Focused, with an "as if I am there' presentation.  That being the case, if the recording has massive soundstage, it's presented. It's just not created- which is my overall preference with all things headphone related.

 

[TMRaven]

The small soundstage is largely a component of the 400i's voicing from my experience.  I've tried the grill mod with the original 400 and didn't find much difference, and since then have not touched anything relating to regrilling my 560 or the 400i I had.  I doubt 400i's soundstage will expand to the size of the 560's with a grill mod.

 

[money4me247]

The small soundstage is largely a component of the 400i's voicing from my experience.  I've tried the grill mod with the original 400 and didn't find much difference, and since then have not touched anything relating to regrilling my 560 or the 400i I had.  I doubt 400i's soundstage will expand to the size of the 560's with a grill mod.

the he560 has very incredible soundstage and imaging from my personal experience, so i personally wld b satisfied w the any pair of headphones w 60-80% of its performance.

 

[ClassicClay]

Just to chime in on the the portables discussion some were having a few posts back. Check out the Cayin C5. I recently just got one for my DT 990s. My friend who owns the e12 did some ABX testing and general impressions are that the C5's a little smoother with just as much, if not more juice than the e12.
 
Also, maybe the bass boost function of these amps could help make people coming from the HE-400s a little happier? idk, all I know is that the HE-400i's are my next goal in all that is audio. In a few months I should have saved enough (I'm a student). I'll give you guys a comparison of the 400i's with the e12 and c5 if anyone still cares haha
 
Just from the owners here who have heard both the DT 990s and the HE 400i's, what would some of the things one could look forward to?

 

[q2klepto]

Dammit - the one thing the 400s have going for it is the phenomenal bass quantity apparently - now im hesitant on selling mine once the 400i's get here. I originally wanted to recoup some of the costs, but now i want to do a A/B comparison between the 2. 
 
I am hoping the exponentially better comfort the 400i will be so much that i wont even want to put on the 400s anymore.  Especially since i also to listen to more modern stuff - some hip hop/pop/top 40 

 

[money4me247]

  Dammit - the one thing the 400s have going for it is the phenomenal bass quantity apparently - now im hesitant on selling mine once the 400i's get here. I originally wanted to recoup some of the costs, but now i want to do a A/B comparison between the 2. 
 
I am hoping the exponentially better comfort the 400i will be so much that i wont even want to put on the 400s anymore.  Especially since i also to listen to more modern stuff - some hip hop/pop/top 40 

look forward to hearing your comparison impressions!

 

[q2klepto]

  look forward to hearing your comparison impressions!

 
Definately! Right now my plan is
 
Pre-burn in impressions - I dont normally believe in burn in, but since HFM supposedly recommends 150hrs worth i guess ill evaluate the two cans twice. 
 
HE-400s have Focus Pads and are grill modded
 
1. Non-EQ'd 400s vs stock 400i
2. Bass head/Sibilance EQ'd HE-400 vs stock HE-400i
   +4db bump < 100hz and -6db around 10khz, my "bass head" config -  the best (fun) sounding 400 for modern songs 
3. Sibilance only reduced HE-400s vs stock HE-400i.
   -6db around 10khz, my best sounding 400 for all other genres. 
 
And then again but with the 400i's grill modded. 
 
I'd also like to see if i can approach stock 400 bass quanity by EQing the 400is - maybe +4db < 100hz. 

 

[SigRHassan]

swspiers, would you be kind enough to compare sound of 400i to your Grado 225?

 

[wrists]

  Dammit - the one thing the 400s have going for it is the phenomenal bass quantity apparently - now im hesitant on selling mine once the 400i's get here. I originally wanted to recoup some of the costs, but now i want to do a A/B comparison between the 2. 
 
I am hoping the exponentially better comfort the 400i will be so much that i wont even want to put on the 400s anymore.  Especially since i also to listen to more modern stuff - some hip hop/pop/top 40 

the comfort is way better. i tried both and found the 400 to be way too heavy. the 400i are one of the most comfortable ones that ive tried (hd600,hd650,hifiman he400, akg 702 anniversary)

 

[Ekul61]

Dont sell the 400.. tho not as clear as the 400i. A very fun sound that cant be matched

 

[swspiers]

  swspiers, would you be kind enough to compare sound of 400i to your Grado 225?

I think I can do that tomorrow...

 

[SigRHassan]

I think I can do that tomorrow... 

Thanks so much. Look forward to hearing your observations.

 

[q2klepto]

Dont sell the 400.. tho not as clear as the 400i. A very fun sound that cant be matched

 
It would take a lot for me to keep the 400s, id rather not have $800 worth of mid-fi headphones for different purposes - with that kind of value id buy a open box 560 or a used HD800 and call it a day i think  

 

[monkeysixtysix]

Hey guys, just wanted to give a plug to Brian at Razordog Audio. Just took delivery of a pair of open box 400i's and could not be happier. They are in perfect condition and appear as new to me. If anybody is looking for a great deal, Brian sells these for $395! Unbeatable deal and it appears he still has some in stock...
 
As for the sound, initial impressions are very positive. My all time favorite headphone is the HE-500 and these sound very similar to me. The comfort is icing on the cake...

 

[Ekul61]

It would take a lot for me to keep the 400s, id rather not have $800 worth of mid-fi headphones for different purposes - with that kind of value id buy a open box 560 or a used HD800 and call it a day i think  

true.. but the resale value is low.. not worth getting rid of.