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HE-400i vs HE-500??
Feb 23, 2015 at 5:59 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 34
kawaivpc1

kawaivpc1

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Which unit sounds better to you guys?
 
It seems like HE-400i is a lighter and more comfortable unit.
HE-500 has more positive reviews on its sound quality.
Now, both unit costs the same. HE-500 is 499 dollars as used or open box and HE-400i retails for the same price.
 
Any ideas?
 
Feb 23, 2015 at 6:02 AM Post #2 of 34
IMO the HE-400i and the HE500 are very different headphones. Personally I like the HE-400i more - it is more neutral and detailed, but the HE-500 has that magical midrange that the HE-500 simply does not possess. 
 
Feb 23, 2015 at 7:52 AM Post #3 of 34
I have not heard the 400i however I have owned the HE400 and currently have the HE500 and the 500 was a substantial upgrade and everything people say about the mids is true, vocals are outstanding. Really embarrasses the HE400 side by side. Needs punchy amp though ( Schiit Lyr 2 for the moment, doing a great work). 
 
Mar 26, 2015 at 8:45 PM Post #4 of 34
danny86 said:
  I have not heard the 400i however I have owned the HE400 and currently have the HE500 and the 500 was a substantial upgrade and everything people say about the mids is true, vocals are outstanding. Really embarrasses the HE400 side by side. Needs punchy amp though ( Schiit Lyr 2 for the moment, doing a great work). 
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Not that I have tried the HE-500 but the HE400 is really an acquired taste if you were to ask me.
 
Mar 26, 2015 at 8:51 PM Post #6 of 34
kawaivpc1 said:
  Which unit sounds better to you guys?
 
It seems like HE-400i is a lighter and more comfortable unit.
HE-500 has more positive reviews on its sound quality.
Now, both unit costs the same. HE-500 is 499 dollars as used or open box and HE-400i retails for the same price.
 
Any ideas?
Click to expand...

he500 has been out longer so obviously more total positive reviews. different sound sigs though, so just depends what you are looking for.
 
Mar 27, 2015 at 4:34 AM Post #7 of 34
The HE-400i is not quite as good as the HE-500. The 500 is just wonderfully liquid and smooth with just incredible mids. The bass extends further down and the treble is more refined. The HE-400i has a slightly more dry sound in comparison. The mids of the 400i are intimate but not very lush and liquid.

The bass is thick but doesn't have as good extension. I've got both and I think if the HE500 or LCD2 is too expensive, go 400i as it is a good alternative.
 
Mar 29, 2015 at 4:40 AM Post #8 of 34
hachiko270296 said:
The HE-400i is not quite as good as the HE-500. The 500 is just wonderfully liquid and smooth with just incredible mids. The bass extends further down and the treble is more refined. The HE-400i has a slightly more dry sound in comparison. The mids of the 400i are intimate but not very lush and liquid.

The bass is thick but doesn't have as good extension. I've got both and I think if the HE500 or LCD2 is too expensive, go 400i as it is a good alternative.
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Totally agree, I have the He-500 and find it totally amazing. HE-400 and 400i don't really measure up. 
 
Mar 30, 2015 at 7:50 AM Post #10 of 34
8b2y0n said:
  i love he400i because it is easy-driving and much more comfortable..
and by the way.if you love HE500.Why not pay more for HE6!?
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Because it requires super high end amplifiers to max out and I'm not in a position to overly invest at this point in time :) 
 
Mar 30, 2015 at 7:59 AM Post #11 of 34
Well, I have the HE400i, but in a few days' time, I'd be getting a HiFiMan HE500 + Audeze Q Cable w/HiFiMan adapters, as well as a Denon AH-D2000, man, I have gotta stop buying cans!
frown.gif

 
Mar 30, 2015 at 6:04 PM Post #12 of 34
I have both and they are more similar than different. the 400i sounds a little more intimate with a slight mid bass bump. the 500 has warmer treble and more flat on the bass. but these are fairly subtle in my opinion.
 
Apr 1, 2015 at 6:22 PM Post #13 of 34
I'll contribute here as I just had a chance today to audition the HE-400i, HE-500 and HE-560 back to back.
 
I was lucky enough to find an open box 400i and NOS 500 priced the same, and threw in the 560 out of interest.
 
My pick was easily the HE-400i - I preferred the bass and midrange presence to the other 2 substantially. The HE-500 sounded a tad flat and closed in to me, and the lower/mid ranges weren't nearly as forward as I like. The 560 had slightly better highs to my ear, however, and sounded overall a tiny bit more open than the 400i. Price no object, the 400i was still my first pick, primarily since I would have been disappointed in the 560's bass long-term. The 400i to my ear outclassed the 500 in every regard.
 
All were driven from a Lyr2, and I was listening primarily to Jazz and Electronic. Also note that I have a strong liking of Grado sound, so bear that in mind.
 
Apr 2, 2015 at 4:03 AM Post #14 of 34
politbureau said:
  I'll contribute here as I just had a chance today to audition the HE-400i, HE-500 and HE-560 back to back.
 
I was lucky enough to find an open box 400i and NOS 500 priced the same, and threw in the 560 out of interest.
 
My pick was easily the HE-400i - I preferred the bass and midrange presence to the other 2 substantially. The HE-500 sounded a tad flat and closed in to me, and the lower/mid ranges weren't nearly as forward as I like. The 560 had slightly better highs to my ear, however, and sounded overall a tiny bit more open than the 400i. Price no object, the 400i was still my first pick, primarily since I would have been disappointed in the 560's bass long-term. The 400i to my ear outclassed the 500 in every regard.
 
All were driven from a Lyr2, and I was listening primarily to Jazz and Electronic. Also note that I have a strong liking of Grado sound, so bear that in mind.
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glad you found something you liked! :) fun comparisons. I went he-560 after my comparisons heh. you made the smarter move I think.
 
Apr 2, 2015 at 7:49 AM Post #15 of 34
politbureau said:
I'll contribute here as I just had a chance today to audition the HE-400i, HE-500 and HE-560 back to back.

I was lucky enough to find an open box 400i and NOS 500 priced the same, and threw in the 560 out of interest.

My pick was easily the HE-400i - I preferred the bass and midrange presence to the other 2 substantially. The HE-500 sounded a tad flat and closed in to me, and the lower/mid ranges weren't nearly as forward as I like. The 560 had slightly better highs to my ear, however, and sounded overall a tiny bit more open than the 400i. Price no object, the 400i was still my first pick, primarily since I would have been disappointed in the 560's bass long-term. The 400i to my ear outclassed the 500 in every regard.

All were driven from a Lyr2, and I was listening primarily to Jazz and Electronic. Also note that I have a strong liking of Grado sound, so bear that in mind.
Click to expand...
The 400i certainly doesn't outclass the HE-500. Preference is preference but from a technical view thw HE-500 extends lower and further up top with better imaging and air.

I did find the HE400i to jave less body and sound a little cleaner in the mids as the HE500 has those luah liquid mids.
 
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