[seitil]

I've been using a Hifiman HE-400 for many years as my main set of cans. They were recommended to me on here and I am incredibly grateful for it! They were my first foray into planar magnetics and I really fell in love with the sound signature. More recently I have been looking to try something new and ask for your assistance.

I am looking for some open back planar magnetics (or I could be convinced by a particularly awesome dynamic driver) that have really great low end extension and oomph that would be similar to my HE-400 but a couple steps up. I prefer a warmer sound that's a lot of fun, I am not too worried about neutrality.

I am currently using a Schiit stack with a Modi 3 and Magni Heresy and plan to keep these for awhile, so perhaps something that does require a nuclear power plant to drive

My budget is $400, but a bit flexible if there are some major stunners just above the mark. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[zizzyhead]

Hifiman Sundara
https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-SUND...merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1515383085&sr=1-14

 

[Roderick]

Brainwavz Alara if you can find one. If bass is priority Alara easily outperforms he560(adorama V2), Sundara, he400i(old version), he4xx,He5xx,he400se, Audeze LCD-1, and mr.speakers afo&afc.

Sash Tres has well extended bass with decent slam, especially with some softer pads. Original he500 would also be a logical upgrade. If I recall monoprice m1060c had a pretty good bass too but I did not listen to those that much as I found them to be quite terrible overall.

 

[someguyontheinternet]

Dan Clark Audio Aeon RT is amazing, but it's 500$ which is over your suggested budget. I do think the quality justifies the price in this case though. The sound quality is simply excellent, build quality is really nice and the comfort is also amazing.

 

[seitil]

Thanks for the recommendations, its very much appreciated, wish I could buy you gents some beers for your help! I am not sure yet what I will get but I am definitely considering the Sundara, though if the Aeon RTs are really that good I might consider them.

 

[Tano]

Verum one or Sash Tres.

 

[Mhog55]

A gently used Quad Era-1. I've been at it for a while now, and these bad boys knocked my socks off right outta the gate.

 

[Dawgfish]

Easy answer Modhouse Argons provided you can find a T50 or T60RP to send to Modhouse to modify. If you are looking for a sub $400 planar with the most bass extension and power, this is it.

Having said that I can confirm the Aeon Flow Open RT or Xs are superb and well worth their $500 list price. You can usually find them for around $400 used. They are by far my favorite headphone (including over the Sundaras).