[monkey4054]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a nice pair of open back headphones that are great all-rounders and are good with rock and metal genres. My budget is 600 AUD.
 
I'm really tossing up between the Phillips Fidelio X2 and the HiFiMan HE-400 or HE-400i. I'm open to suggestions. 
 
 
 
For the Amp and Dac I've been considering the setups ($450):
 
-Dragonfly 1.2
-Dragonfly + Objective 2
-Dragonfly + Magni 2
-O2 and ODAC
-Magni + Modi combo
 
 
 
I'd really appreciate any help or suggestions.
 
Thanks. 

 

[billybob_jcv]

I have not heard X2, and I can't remember which ortho Hifiman I heard (I think it might have been the HE-500, but I'm not sure) - so feel free to ignore me... From the charts, it seems like the Philips has a bit of a bump in the bass around 80 Hz, then rolls off after that. The HE-400 extends essentially flat from 500 Hz down to below 30 Hz. I prefer more warm sound, and I thought the Hifiman I heard was a little too bright. I know many others that love the HE-400. I do think at the new lower price, the HE-400 is a bargain.

 

[benthughes]

Own the X1 and the 400i. They are fairly similar but the 400i has a more controlled but well extended bottom and a bit more natural sound all around. The X1 may image a little better but I've only had the he400i for a few hours.

The 400i is definitely faster and more accurate for metal, especially the down tuned heavier stuff ie Meshuggah, After The Burial, ect.

 

[monkey4054]

Own the X1 and the 400i. They are fairly similar but the 400i has a more controlled but well extended bottom and a bit more natural sound all around. The X1 may image a little better but I've only had the he400i for a few hours.

The 400i is definitely faster and more accurate for metal, especially the down tuned heavier stuff ie Meshuggah, After The Burial, ect.

Thanks for the reply. Would you recommend the 400i over the Phillips for heavy music? Which one would you say is the best all-rounder?

 

[benthughes]

400i fir the best all around the be headphone. Have not heard the x2 but would imagine it's a close call. Both have been said to slightly best the HD600

 

[Jbgoth]

I bought the X2 from Amazon and ended up returning them. I also wanted an all rounder since I listen to rock & Electronica. I found them a little too warm for me, lacking transparency. Haven't tried the 400i. I ended up with the Grado PS500e which I love. The Grado 325e is in the $300 range and the reviews are very positive.

 

[monkeysixtysix]

If you can find one if your neck of the woods, I would highly recommend the Hifiman HE-500. They can still be found new and have dramatically dropped in price over the last year. If not, I would recommend the HE-400i.

 

[monkey4054]

If you can find one if your neck of the woods, I would highly recommend the Hifiman HE-500. They can still be found new and have dramatically dropped in price over the last year. If not, I would recommend the HE-400i.

Yeah, I looked into the he-500, however I wouldn't really have any room in my budget to afford an amp that would do it justice. I'm really leaning towards the he-400i. Have you listened to the he-4 by any chance? I read a review that preferred it over the 400i.

 

[monkeysixtysix]

Unfortunately I have not listened to the HE-4... 
 
If you don't think you will be able to get an decent amp for the HE-500 any time soon, then I say go for the 400i's. They are great headphones.