There is a bass boost switch next to the volume control on the NX4 DSD. Try that first before spending money on another set of headphones (I know that's heresy)

The Monoprice Stage Right meets all your requirements except the bass is linear, not exaggerated. $30 and a replaceable cable. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=605055

Updated review of the 422H on Positive Feedback https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ess-422h-headphones/

For me, it was the foam ear pads that deteriorated that ended their "life". Maybe it was the either the difficulty or expense of obtaining replacement ear pads that spelled DOOM.

Agree with above. Ordered them on 11.11 and listening for over a week. Somewhat weird looking. Comfortable and light. Love the sound of these phones. Great bass extension without being overblown, clear mid-range, extended treble. Very fun sounding headphones. Reminded me of the Sennheiser HD...

Can you provide more description of the replacement pads ? Are they velour pleather, perforated, brand or angled ? Are these the ones you tried? https://www.amazon.com/Shure-HPAEC1540-Replacement-Alcantara-Headphones/dp/B00HXAV0UY

I am looking for something like this, but less pricey: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OCC-Silver-Plated-Cable-Hifiman-2-x-2-5mm-HE-350-HE400i-HE560-HE1000-Nighthawk/173389707344?hash=item285ed4f850:m:mEzvMBbVUTGGI2AGhLprdJg:rk:3:pf:0

Any links for cables 3.5mm to 3.5mm for headphones ? Or 3.5mm to 2.5mm/2.5mm for my HiFiMan HE4XX ?

I have purchased the Stellar Labs versions of both the closed and open back models. I can assure you that they produce excellent sound, are lightweight and comfortable. I did upgrade the ear pads on the closed back model with the LyxPro HAS-30 pads and I don't regret it. That further improved...

I have several Topping products (TP-31, NX1, NX4 DSD) None have failed after up to 3 years of use. Price/performance ratio is very high.

Check out the Topping NX4s portable DAC/amp. I have recently received this unit from Massdrop.com and I love it ! Has a Gain switch and a bass boost switch which is most welcome if you have the HE400i's. I have the HE4XX among other headphones. If you listen to anything other than classical...

After 150 hours of burn-in they are definitely sounding much better. Have not tried to invert the driver assembly, yet. I need to do more listening. I will also try out after market ear pads.

I ordered one on Massdrop. Still waiting for delivery.

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ess-252-ess-422h-headphones/ Well, I don't usually post a review but I feel compelled to respond to the wildly, over-the-top review posted in PF that is referenced above. I have been a fan of the ESS Heil AMT driver since the 1970s. I...

Your favorite ones

I believe that someone/reviewer/forum recently has listened to a variety of optical cables and could not reliably discern a difference. Trust your ears and protect your wallet. I have several inexpensive optical cables and could never hear a difference despite differences in construction. If...

Stellar Labs version ($36+shipping) can be found here: http://www.newark.com/stellar-labs/hc-5985/full-size-monitor-dj-headphones/dp/78Y7635

Try LyxPro HAS-30 replacement pads, $8 at Amazon. Improved (smoother, less mid-bass) the bass response for me and an easy fit. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6DLLMN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Consumer Alert !!! I own an older Etymotic model the ER6i. (and I love their sound) Anyone considering a purchase of Etymotic IEMs should be aware that the company does not support older versions of their products, essentially rendering them obsolete. This has everything to do with their...

I have had these headphones for about a month. Purchased on-sale for $17.99. A enjoyable sounding headphone for the price. Not even going to compare these with my HiFiMan HE4XX cans. Comfortable and light on my head. Good bass, midrange and treble. To my ears the sound is V shaped but musical...

The ESS RLM-713 headphones seem to be identical to GoGroove headphones currently selling for $49;  ...