I agreed, instead of a fancy box, I'd rather get extra earpads, a pair of smc connectors for custom cabling, and extra cables.  Also, I really wish they do away with the screw on smc connectors.
 
I have yet to find a good amp.  I am eyeing the Hifiman EF-100 and the Lyr 2.  I am aiming for a warmer amp.  I was really considering the WA7 fireflies, but everywhere I read, they are saying it is not good with WA7.

@nos024 as far as i know the WA7 is very good with magnatic planer HPs, i used it with TH900 and it was super, ofc you need the right tubes and the WA7tp brought the tube rolling options, made the WA7 super. 

I heard the HE560 with the Lyr2 and it sounds great. Though I wouldn't call the Lyr2 necessary warm... Can't comment on the EF-100. I really like the HE-560 with the Gustard H10 (Violectric V200 clone). They really suck up power, these HE560 - less than the H6 but still quite power hungry.

Great review, and I have to say I agree with pretty much everything you reported hearing. The HE 560 is a stellar performer and considering it can be found new and used at very reasonable prices I have to think this is one of the best headphone values period. Slight caveat as it is a tad more difficult to drive, but not HE 6 difficult. Nice review.

Hi Koolpep, great write up, curious as to which of your many amps (Lyr, H10, Gloveaudio A1 or Cayin C5) you were using for evaluating the sound?  Also, nice close up photos.

@nos024 @Shini44
 
I heard the wa7 with the he 560 and like some other head fi'ers, the wa7 doesn't drive it properly and the dac is only decent at best. You're better off with a standalone dac and a wa6 amp or better if you want woo audio.

Nicely done Koolpep.  I went from Senn HD600 to HE-400i and then to the HE-560.  I was completely blown away by the HE-560 and it is the long term keeper.  The sense of veil free immediacy, or "jump factor" as some would say, is what sealed the deal for me.  That, combined with a realistically wide and deep soundstage makes me completely understand being "in" the music and  "taking a bath" in it.  These inherent qualities of the HE-560 are made even more impressive with the right associated equipment - the amplifier being the most important IMHO.  The Gustard H10 is the cost/performance champ in this regard... and of course you already knew that (grins).  

Thanks, am glad you all liked the review. @DavidA I mostly used the H10, the Lyr2 I had only for a week from a friend. It did equally good with the HE-560 and with the right tubes brought out s bit more bass as well. The CEntrance DACmini CX added a bit more clarity in the upper end and could also drive the HE-560 well, but the smoother, more tubey H10 is my favorite. @stuartmc haha, yes, the Gustard H10 and this headphone really do it for me. A great combo. I also found the DAC less important than the amp, these guys love power and a smooth overall signature. It's the only headphone that makes me feel that involved and "inside, surrounded by" the music. Am glad I am not the only one who hears them like this once you experienced this headphone for a while - it's hard to let it go. It's for sure a keeper. Am very glad @mazen4samma3a literally forced me to try it. It wasn't really on my radar without him, I would have missed out on this amazing headphone...

Koolpep if you had to chose between the two ( he560 or lcd2), which one would you go with? sounds as if you lean more toward the 560. i'm on the fence on my next can and it's one of these.

Great review Koolpep! I've had the same experience with the HE-560. Awesome headphone.I'm using the Lyr-with the right tubes that soundstage can expand a great deal-the best term I've heard is "holographic." The right tubes can be pricey though-as I've discovered.I had the chance to compare a live performance with a great recording-same venue, orchestra and conductor! Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony and a great Soprano. I got home and popped in the SACD of Mahler's 4th-that I had just heard live. The HE-560 did a fabulous job. I could even tell that the conductor has arranged the orchestra in the same way in the recording as in the live performance. THAT is instrument placement! The angelic soprano-who I heard from about 20 feet away-sounded angelic in the recording as well.

Cool Review with Cool pictures!

koolpep, thanks for responding.  I might have to try the Lyr2 and the EF100 and see which one I like.
 
cs098, yeah that's the same response I get from people who have tried the wa7 with the HE560. Thanks. 

@raybone0566 very tough choice. HE-560 wins the comfort section and sound wise they are a bit different. I would say it depends on the music you are listening to. Let me know your favorite genres....

Does anyone know if these are THAT much better than the HE-400i to warrant costing twice as much?

Koolpep,
All I really listen to is metal, classic rock, and a lot of blues. I've been reading plenty reviews but no review really leans toward either of the two cans. Guess I could grab one now and one next year. Wife will not be happy amp I'll be using is a violectric hpa v-90.

@raybone0566 pragmatic approach - start with the more affordable one, the HE-560 and if there is anything you miss (I doubt that with the music you like) then try the LCD2. The HE560 is faster, a bit more lively in the mids and should play very well with the genres you like. If I had the HE-560 before, I probably wouldn't have bought the LCD2f. Now, the more I listen to it, the less I feel the only real "con" still being there. The bass seems to have developed into something amazing. Hifiman recommends 150 hours of burn in. While I think that's exaggerated, 12-24 hours do already work wonders on the bass. After that it's just audio bliss....