Quote:   Thanks for the thoughts. Certainly useful. I have already expected the kind of hostile reception I am receiving from folks who own some of these state-of-the-art headphones, and I don't blame them. Most of the points you mentioned in #3 of your post above are indeed valid. Some...

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Just in case if anyone is interested to know. If anyone finds the HD800s to be cold, sterile and analytical, failing to invoke enjoyment or satisfaction in the listening experience, have a look at the JVC S500s if you are looking for a cheap portable design that doesn't require amplification...

Have not tried FX40s. I am not exactly a headphone man. The only headphones I"ve owned/tried are as follows:-   Beyerdynamic T1 Beyerdynamic DT-880 Sennheiser HD800 JVC S500.

As a side-note, the character of the headphones can be established even though it's still new out from the box. I really like what I'm hearing even though the drivers are still new and not burned in yet. No ear pains and headaches. Definitely a good sign.

Quote: To be exact $66 plus shipping from ebay.   They sound very decent fresh out from the box. I'm going to listen for 2-3 days and see if there are any tangible improvements. I'll create a new thread on the Full Headphones forum later. The S500 surely sounds more enjoyable than the...

Got the headphones today. Fresh outta box, I dare say it sounded  more enjoyable than the Sennheiser HD800 which costs 20 times more. Just a nice balanced sound with a bass that is just nice, tight and full and a treble that is sweet, airy and detailed. Wonderful stuff at $60.

Quote:   Thanks man. I've ordered the JVC S500s. I'll be getting them anytime now. Bought them for $60 though.   Cheers.

If you are hearing clipping that indicates distortion. It can be either the amp is not providing enough juice to drive the headphones, or the SPL limit of the headphones is exceeded in the case where the user listens way too loud past their dynamic limits, which I suspect is what that is...

Quote:   Thanks for the reply. Surely an important one. That's it man. The S500 here i come.   Cheers.

Guys,   I need your help here. I have narrowed it down to either the JVC or the Sony. Either the S500 or the XB400 or XB600.   I know all this is subjective, but I need some opinions from those who have owned or heard both S500 and XB400(or XB600). Basically just two simple questions as...

By the way, this may be a bit off-topic. Is there any chance that any of you guys have compared the JVC S500 to the XB400 or XB600? I know all this is subjective, but which is supposed to be a better sounding design, the S500 or XB400/600?

Hifiguy528 and Malevolent,   I would really appreciate if you can let me know your views on the XB400 ASAP or when the you have the time. I have basically narrowed down the choices to the XB400 and XB600 (XB500 probably not an option anymore) although the JVC S500 is another contender.  ...

Quote:   Okay, I guess the S-series (S400, S500) are better sounding designs than the RX-series (RX500, RX700 etc.) and play at a higher league.   Cheers.

Anybody compared the S400/S500 to the RX500? Which is supposed to be a better sounding model(or a higher-end model)?   I am assuming all these models can be run directly from portable devices unamped.   Thanks.

Quote: Thanks for the information. Certainly useful. I will be getting either the XB400 or the older XB500, that if I can still find it in the stores. I don't know but I fee the XB600 and XB700 are too large although sonically they may be superior to the smaller models. If I can still...

Quote: Hi,   I have read your posts with interest. Can you please let me know how the XB400 compare to the XB600? I am only interested in these 2 models. My priority is in both comfort and sound quality.   Also, it would be good if you can provide a very brief summary on the...

Before I forget, can the MA500 or MA900 be driven by portable devices, unamped?   Thanks.  

I was checking the archive threads here and found nothing on the MDR MA500. Found tonnes of discussion threads on the MA900 instead. Is the MA500 worth considering? Does it sound almost similar to the MA900 with reduced scale and bass weight due to the smaller drivers?   Any information...

I need some help guys. Please throw in some suggestions, any recommendations. I will need to get one before Christmas.   Cheers and happy holidays.

Hi guys, Although my username suggests I may be only looking at Beyerdynamic models, I am equally at home with other designs. Looking for a portable headphone to be used with my smartphone(it's not an iPhone5 though). Any recommendations? I want something that doesn't sound too sharp or...

That just reaffirms my thoughts on the HD800. The fact is it's just an overpriced toy. Owners are just playing up the hype and defending the HD800 for its quality but the fact is there are other designs out there that not only give higher levels of musicality to the listener but do not look like...

Quote: There are several folks here who feel the HD800 looks like a plastic toy.

Thanks for the information. That is good to hear. The plus point of the 920(vs the iPhone4) is the screen is larger and much better with higher levels of clarity, detail and colors apart from the ultra-sensitive touchscreen feature, and also the high quality built-in camera with IOS technology...

I want to purchase this phone soon. Does anybody use the 920 here, and if there is does music sound decent through this thing?   Any thoughts would be appreciated, as usual. Thanks.