[bbophead]

I'm looking to add another open headphone to my collection.  I like my DT660 (32 ohm) very much and bought it because it was closed.  I am surprised by how much sub-bass it has.  I likee.  I'd like to find an open can with that kind of sub-bass on a $500 budget limit.  I thought maybe an open BeyerDynamic might be the ticket.  I've been reading a lot about the HiFiMan HE-400 and that might appeal, too.  But, here's the spoiler alert, I'm a Grado man so you know I likes my brites.  These are the two I've narrowed it down to because I've heard examples of both brands, DT660 and HE-5LE.
 
What do you think?  Am I on the right track?  Suggestions/advice?
 
TIA

 

[TMRaven]

You can always take advantage of head-direct's 30 day return policy.

 

[Chulta]

I have never heard the he-400 but I got grados and dt990s and I would say that the dt990 is really fun phones, I do find them highly enjoyable but I think the he400 would be less the opposite then the 990. I could not compare them since I haven't heard the hifiman but I do loved the 990s for most music.
 

 

[MattTCG]

The he400 is just a phenomenal hp across the board. Add a pair of HFM velour pads and you have the best pair of hp's that $400 can buy IMO.
 
gL!!

 

[bbophead]

Quote:

You can always take advantage of head-direct's 30 day return policy.

Good advice.  Thanks.

 

[bbophead]

Quote:

I have never heard the he-400 but I got grados and dt990s and I would say that the dt990 is really fun phones, I do find them highly enjoyable but I think the he400 would be less the opposite then the 990. I could not compare them since I haven't heard the hifiman but I do loved the 990s for most music.
 

This helps.  Thanks.

 

[Happy Camper]

Do the orthos.

 

[Chulta]

As much as I hate to admit, the he-400 is probably the best choice, might be my next buy unless I go for the lcd2

 

[bbophead]

Quote:

As much as I hate to admit, the he-400 is probably the best choice, might be my next buy unless I go for the lcd2

Already did that lcd-2 r1 thingy.  Didn't work out.  I'm hoping the HE-400 will have a more Grado like hf.  It doesn't have to be like my 325i's but it can't be dull like the Audez'e.

 

[Chulta]

Quote:

Already did that lcd-2 r1 thingy.  Didn't work out.  I'm hoping the HE-400 will have a more Grado like hf.  It doesn't have to be like my 325i's but it can't be dull like the Audez'e.

Hmm, maby I should not go for the lcd2 then, have gotten tired of my hd650 because they are a bit dull.

 

[Happy Camper]

The HEs are better balanced than the LCDs and IMO have very good bass with amps that have plenty of power supply. Don't know about a headphone amp and the 400s as I've not had the chance to hear them. If they are close to the 500, you can't go wrong. Read up on them before you buy though. Make sure you can power them adequately. We've found that with more quality power, HiFiMan's orthos have better sound. Not required but you'd be amazed at their performance on a speaker amp.

 

[Chulta]

I'm going to get a violectric v200 when I get back to sweden in 5 months, the market probably will have changed some but as it looks now i probably go with the v200. I think it will do a great job, but I'll see what happenes in the meantime.

 

[RushNerd]

Interesting you mention the sub-bass for the DT990, I have the 600ohm and I am returning it because of bass impact. It has very good bass for an open headphone for sure, great cans in their own right. But I miss my denon 2K's too much. Looking to buy 5k's now. 
 
Obviously open-headphones aren't quite my thing if I had to pick between them and closed (or whatever the hell Denon phones are).

 

[bbophead]

Quote:

Interesting you mention the sub-bass for the DT990 600ohm and I am returning it because of bass impact. It has very good bass for an open headphone for sure, great cans in their own right. But I miss my denon 2K's too much. Looking to by 5k's now. 
 
Obviously open-headphones aren't quite my thing if I had to pick between them and closed (or whatever the hell Denon phones are).

This is the most interesting thing I've read.  I guess I'm wanting the impossible.  I owned 7K's and, while I liked the sub-bass, the highs were passable but the mid-range was sucked out, not to mention that they have very little isolation.  Closed only in name. Now, remember, I'm a Grado lover.  Do we hear differently or what?

 

[bbophead]

Bumper-doodle.
 
In case someone missed the original post.