A great review, liked how you went over the different types of bass and how the HE-400i dealt with bass. A very informative review.

good to hear that my inexperienced ears aren't the only ones to enjoy this quality HP. Funny that you preferred your budget rig, I know I preferred it from my modi/vali to out of my laptop. anyways, good review, and happy listening

Nicely done.. I had a short HE400i audition and I really loved them. I had the HE560 for about 6 weeks but they didn't do it for me.  Want something a little more lively (more body) for 'around the house' with my iPhone6 or AK100 MkII or travelling with my iPad/MacBookAir & AQ Dragonfly and the HE400i might be it.
Thanks again for a great review!

Excellent review. As I struggle at this very moment with my adaptation to the 400i versus my beloved (albeit uncomfortable) 400's - the difference in head stage as-well-as mid & bass signature was evident. Then, I began to "roll" through my tube collection with my Lyr (1) and, suddenly, with the replacement of my Gold Lions with a set of Voskhud "rockets" (circa 1970) made the gap virtually disappear between the two. Who would have thought? I simple change and now the 400i's approach what I wanted initially, similar head stage and improved comfort. [I need to post some images of my mod to the 400's - essentially, removing all the leather and glue from the original headband, repainting black and using an aviation comfort pad] Right, listening to Floyd's Echoes is VERY enjoyable....and comfortable. My opinion could be changing…

i hadn't really considered the he400i before, but i just might now, nice review !

I wonder how these compare to the ath ad2000x as they are in the same price range on amazon right now

Well I'll be getting the 400i soon and I have the ad2000x already (one of my favorites) and I will let you know what I think.

An enjoyable review! Well thought out, well articulated...thanks!

Wow, thanks for all the feedback!  It's nice to have something I wrote be read, although it's pretty weird as well.
 
One thing: I'm not sure I was clear on something.  I am not stating that the 400i is the equal of the 560, but that they still sound like the 400i's whether I use the Burson, the FiiO, or my laptop.  They don't 'scale' on my system, which for me is a good thing for their price point.  I would not be happy if the Alpha Dogs or Prime did the same thing, but they're more than the 400i's and should sound better with power...

Nice review!

Great review!

So how do the primes compare now ???