Nice review
Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
XxDobermanxX
lovehurts
Thanks for the review
PrisonNurse
Great review!
I've been sneaking around the Head-Fi forums for months now, researching the heck out of the main contenders - 'phones, DACs, amps, etc. Finally decided to sign up, log in, and get involved...
In the beginning of my journey, a number of comments in the forums about the personality or signature of planar magnetics (vs. dynamic drivers) really piqued my curiosity - and the HE-5E (and then the HE-500) rocketed to the top of my "most wanted" list. But sticker shock flat knocked me on my can. (Pun not intended.)
Then the HE-400 was birthed, and on price alone, knocked the HE-500 off the pedestal. I was THIS close to pulling the trigger.... but then I read some reviews that made me think twice. Comments about slight coloration, basiness, brashness/brightness, and a "less-than-real" quality as compared to the HE-500.
What to do?
I am having a real hard time justifying almost twice the price for the HE-500, when I can get the *delicious* orthodynamic sound for only 399 bones.... Aaaarrrgh! Decisions, decisions....
Your review made me want the HE-400 again, as much as ever, but I'm still waffling a tad.
Being a noob on a budget, I'm trying to build a setup that sounds as good as possible for as little as possible (gotta deal with the WAF), and I know that the orthodynamic 'phones really call for good source material (working on it), DAC, and amp...
Could you tell us what your setup is like? Are you still using the FiiO E10?
...and could you expound further (or clarify) what you meant by "The HE400 is prone to get a little fuzzy..." I was under the impression that the planar magnetics were known for their accuracy and clarity.
Thanks again for a great review!
I've been sneaking around the Head-Fi forums for months now, researching the heck out of the main contenders - 'phones, DACs, amps, etc. Finally decided to sign up, log in, and get involved...
In the beginning of my journey, a number of comments in the forums about the personality or signature of planar magnetics (vs. dynamic drivers) really piqued my curiosity - and the HE-5E (and then the HE-500) rocketed to the top of my "most wanted" list. But sticker shock flat knocked me on my can. (Pun not intended.)
Then the HE-400 was birthed, and on price alone, knocked the HE-500 off the pedestal. I was THIS close to pulling the trigger.... but then I read some reviews that made me think twice. Comments about slight coloration, basiness, brashness/brightness, and a "less-than-real" quality as compared to the HE-500.
What to do?
I am having a real hard time justifying almost twice the price for the HE-500, when I can get the *delicious* orthodynamic sound for only 399 bones.... Aaaarrrgh! Decisions, decisions....
Your review made me want the HE-400 again, as much as ever, but I'm still waffling a tad.
Being a noob on a budget, I'm trying to build a setup that sounds as good as possible for as little as possible (gotta deal with the WAF), and I know that the orthodynamic 'phones really call for good source material (working on it), DAC, and amp...
Could you tell us what your setup is like? Are you still using the FiiO E10?
...and could you expound further (or clarify) what you meant by "The HE400 is prone to get a little fuzzy..." I was under the impression that the planar magnetics were known for their accuracy and clarity.
Thanks again for a great review!
