[jeffxx]

I have had my HE-400s for about a month now and I'm experiencing fatigue and slight ringing that I have never dealt with before.  I've used K702, Pro 900, DT 770 and never had these issues.
 
I'm guessing it is an issue with the treble on these?  I'm thinking the most logical solution is to sell these and pick up a different pair. Is the LCD-2 more subtle in the treble?  I really enjoyed the planar sound so I think the LCD-2 would be good for me.

 

[TMRaven]

Yeah either get the LCD-2 or turn the volume down.  Ringing is a sign that you're damaging your hearing.

 

[jeffxx]

Volume hasn't been very high. Just feel much more fatigued after listening to the HE-400.

 

[soundeffect]

You might have the he400 r3, which is them trying to solve some issues the 2nd time. They have recalled these from retailers as they are too bright and fatiguing. They have a light brown color driver I believe. Hope this is your issue.

Read this thread on the original poster blue writing last paragraph:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/604583/hifiman-he-400-impressions-and-discussion-thread

 

[Katun]

So, they're on R4 now correct? What color drivers does it have (wasn't mentioned in the linked post).

 

[Caessa]

Quote:

So, they're on R4 now correct? What color drivers does it have (wasn't mentioned in the linked post).

From what I gathered after reading the link, it sounded like they just recalled R3 and went back to R2.  I didn't see anything about a 4th revision yet.  Feel free to correct me if I am wrong though

 

[MadMolly]

So, they're on R4 now correct? What color drivers does it have (wasn't mentioned in the linked post).

 
All he-400 currently sold are the rev 2 (aka rev 4), unless their being sold as used, then it may be older revs  The rev 2 has the cloudy white driver.  

 

[Katun]

Oh alright. Thanks for the clarification.
 
Got one on it's way.

 

[Caessa]

Quote:

Oh alright. Thanks for the clarification.
 
Got one on it's way.

Ditto!  Should be getting shipped tomorrow, as well as a Magni.  This is my first tentative step into the world of planar magnetics and open HPs; I'm eager to see how it turns out.

 

[jerg]

For everyone's interest, here is the HE400 lineage (topmost = more recent revisions).
 
 
 
 
Post-defect rev2 drivers (what all people who buy new HE400s should have received) clear translucent white:
 

 
 
 
Problematic "rev 3" drivers (no longer avail) - opaque yellow:
 

 
 
 
Pre-defect rev2 drivers (no longer avail) - opaque pearl white
 

 
 
revision 1 drivers (no longer avail) - black:
 

 
Preproduction rev 0 prototype drivers (no longer avail) - silver:
 

 

[jeffxx]

I have the new ones. I guess I shouldn't be having this issue with them then.

 

[chewy4]

Quote:

I have the new ones. I guess I shouldn't be having this issue with them then.

Yeah, so stop it.

 
You could always try toning down the treble(~9kHz) with an EQ and see if that helps.

 

[Katun]

Thanks for the pictures jerg. Very helpful.

 

[jk70007]

I had the same issues with these headphones fatigue and ringing at low volume levels.  It could be that I had an r3 (I do not know which version I had)  as it has been several months since I purchased my pair, but you are not the only person who has experienced this issue.  

 

[jeffxx]

Thank you. I will either buy some near field monitors or upgrade to LCD-2. thanks all