[Dragunov-21]

Hi guys,
 
I've been looking at Heir Audio's new 4.Ai IEMs as a better compromise between my ER4Ps and UM3Xs, but realistically, I'm looking for the best sound for my money and portability/isolation isn't an issue.  Help me out?  I know my way aroudn IEMs but full-size 'phones are completely new to me (besides my M50s which are relegated to gaming duty because they're muddy and ghey)
 
I'm assuming I should be able to get something far more satisfying than my IEMs for the money, so if that's not the case, just say so.
 
I'm currently using a Clip+ and iBasso D-Zero or laptop + D-Zero (as DAC/AMP).
 
Looking around, the HE-400 might be a good choice, but I guess that means buying a more capable amp?  How much would I be looking at for something that would do all the job I needed it to do?  I'm pushing it to justify $400 for the cans.
 
What I want is something to make songs like this really shine (or if you've heard any of Cecile Corbel's work for the Arrietty OST, pretty much that):
 

 

 

[Dragunov-21]

Bumpity bump...

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,
 
HE-400 will work well here. And the D-ZERO will power it fine.
 
Alternative options (both open & closed that are excellent for your needs):
 
Beyer DT880
Beyer T70
Denon D5000
Denon D600
AudioTechnica AD900
AudioTechnica A900X
AudioTechnica AD2000
Sennheiser HD600
Sennheiser HD598
Brainwavz HM5 (or Fischer Audio FA003)
AKG Q701
Shure SRH1440
 
Very best,

 

[iim7V7IM7]

I would suggest that you consider these open headphones in the $300-$400 price range

AKG K702 or Q701
Beyerdynamic DT880
HiFiMAN HE-400
Sennheiser HD600

Good Luck,

 

[firev1]

Among those stated above I recommend that you take a closer look at
 
Denon D5000
HD600/ HD650
DT880
 
The above to me is among the most neutral in the price range. The Audio technicas will work well with vocals but are more coloured, Q701 is fast but it really is a headphone that is not for everyone. Its genre bandwidth is pretty limited to me and will require a really good amp to get the best out of them. Shure 1440 to me is a distortion fest. Have not tried the HE400 so I can't really comment on it.

 

[Fearless1]

The HE-400 with the right amplification and female vocals is just perfection..

 

[staticfi]

Acoustic instruments sound wonderful with the HE-400. The classical musician in my house likes them for classical music. She would steal them from me if I let her.

 

[Dragunov-21]

Just as a bit of a follow-up, I found the HE-400s to be pretty lifeless, so returned them and after testing some HD650s, fell in love with them.