I actually ended up ordering a Magni 3+/Modi stack! I went with the original silver instead of the black/red of the Heresy cuz some day down the line I'd like to get a Vali to try out tubes, so best to get a matching stack from the get-go. But thanks for all the advice!

I've got a pair of Anandas as an upgrade from my OG HE-400 (which sadly broke its headband, now hanging on with some superglue), and my current amp/DAC combo is a Fiio E17. Is there anything I can get for around $200-$400 that would be a significant upgrade from the E17? Currently, I'm...

I ordered a pair of open box Ananda from HiFiMan for $570 (with a discount code). I'm gonna give them a try, compare them to my HE-400, and if the Amiron Homes come in I'll try those too. And then I'll return any I don't like, but I have high hopes for the Ananda. Plus if they're not super great...

Oooh, the Ananda's do look really nice. It seems like they go for a good price used (I'm seeing some for ~$550 on eBay right now), do you think my E17's would have any trouble driving them? Or should I plan on upgrading my AMP/DAC setup eventually if I go with the Ananda?

Hi everyone! My OG HiFiMan HE-400's that I've had for like 9 years finally gave up on me. I took them off a bit too quickly and the headband broke, sadly. I tried to get a replacement in the hybrid headband from HiFiMan only to find out it wasn't compatible when I tried to install it. In doing...

Bump, changed OP.

In most cases, a separate amp/dac will make a big difference. I believe that in your case, with the D2ks, it will be a worthwhile upgrade. I would personally recommend the Fiio E17 amp/dac combo. It will make a good difference while also being relatively budget minded (Costs $140), and...

If you can stretch your budget by a little bit, you should check out the Audio Technica ATH M50s.   http://www.amazon.ca/gp/offer-listing/B007CLSRVO/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=1346293533&sr=1-5   Not so sure how reliable the seller is (I live in the U.S btw), but they are...

Trust me, when paired with an amp, they can get LOUD.   (93db is the sensitivity btw, that just means they are supposed to be efficient, as in, they can be driven by an iPod.)

I highly recommend the HiFiMAN HE-400s + Fiio E17 AMP/DAC ($540 total) for your tastes.   Sure Grados might be better for metal, but these will give you EPIC bass quantity and quality. They are open, and are, IMO the best headphones for under $500.   You might, however, want to wait for...

I can recommend the Fiio E17 as an amp/dac combo. It's price is $140 (+$10 with a LOD cable), it is a great amp, and the many features (such as hardware EQ) are very useful. If all you want is an amp, the E11 (or the upcoming E12) are viable alternatives.

Bump

If you don't mind getting an open pair of headphones, you should take a look at the HiFiMAN HE-400 paired with a Fiio E17 amp/dac. Great price/performance ratio, and amazing bass. Although, it would be of help if you specified your budget and what kinds of music you listen to. Good luck...

Thread closed.

Quote: The simple answer is, if you want something portable/isolating, go for the Ultrasones. However, if you are willing to put up with the cons of an open headphone, go for the HE-400s. IMO, the HE-400s are one of, if not the best headphones in the $400 range, especially when paired with...