[hemipowered007]

So how does a fiio x3 line out to a cheapo topping nx1 sound with the almighty he4? We shall find out soon

 

[bassboysam]

  Wow, well that's odd. Did you turn the volume up? J/k must be those early drivers

 
 

It's not a drastic difference to me. It's subtle but definitely there. I think soundsgoodtome has what they call "golden ears". Wish I did but at the same time I like not noticing subtleties the same as some folks here.

 
 
gave it another try, and I only hear a very subtle difference.  The soundstage get a little wider but it sounds like it is mostly the treble that gets further away without sounding any quieter, if that makes sense.  not enough of an "improvement" for me to keep the mod.  I'd rather keep the felt in and reduce the amount of dust that could get into the drivers.
 
 
Since I was trying new things, I thought I'd give the hifiman velour pads another try.   I never really gave them a chance before because I did not like the comfort at all.  The extra sub bass is quite noticeable over the hifiman pleather pads, everything else sounds about the same.  I also tried the focus pads from my HE-400i and it was ok.  Gives the HE-4 a warmer, thicker sound.  The mids did sound a little to scooped though, not bad it would work for certain albums.  But in that case I would just reach for the 400i.

 

[hemipowered007]

1540 pads!

 

[bassboysam]

I actually have a pair of 1540s and the headphones did come with an extra pair of pads.  How easy are they to put on the HE-4?

 

[Stillhart]

  I actually have a pair of 1540s and the headphones did come with an extra pair of pads.  How easy are they to put on the HE-4?

 
Really easy to change pads on the HE-4.  This is coming from someone who had never tried changing pads on anything until the HE-4.

 

[stang]

I'm thinking of getting a pair of 1540 pads and some warm sounding RCA driver tubes. Thoughts? I don't want to have to buy an EQ for my vinyl rig as I have always read they significantly reduce the quality of the output as well as introduce buzzing sounds etc on some models. 

 

[Stillhart]

  I'm thinking of getting a pair of 1540 pads and some warm sounding RCA driver tubes. Thoughts? I don't want to have to buy an EQ for my vinyl rig as I have always read they significantly reduce the quality of the output as well as introduce buzzing sounds etc on some models. 

Personally, I thought the 1540 pads killed too much of the treble.  But I dunno, since I got used to the HD650, maybe I should try the 1540 pads again...

 

[stang]

  Personally, I thought the 1540 pads killed too much of the treble.  But I dunno, since I got used to the HD650, maybe I should try the 1540 pads again...

 
Yeah I did a search for 1540 in this thread and they definitely sound like they would be good for me. The HE-4 are way too treble happy for my ears. I just don't want to go too far with the 1540 pads and warm sounding tubes. I can always just revert to the pleather or velour pads though, I suppose. 

 

[hemipowered007]

It seems to me the 1540 pads slightly, slightly roll off the treble. Their real compliment to the he4/t50rp is comfort. They don't do enough to the sound to warrant a purchase if that's all you want. But they are by fat the most comfortable pads I've used. Tjwy make the he4+Beyer headband more comfy than my t50 w mrspeakers comfort strap+alpha pads. So, if you're trying to pad roll for sound alone, maybe look towards other options

 

[hemipowered007]

And hey, where's my hd700 vs he4 review!!! I think it's stillhart getting them?

 

[Stillhart]

I've got about an hour of eartime on these so far.  Patience, grasshopper!  lol
 
First impressions:  the have a similar sound signature with the HE-4 sounding a bit more V-shaped and the HD700 sounding more mid-forward.  Bass on the planars is obviously a lot cleaner and deeper.  
 
I dunno, I have been listening to the HD650 for a week so my brain needs to burn in a lot to get back to the brighter HE-4 and HD700 sound.

 

[hemipowered007]

I've got about an hour of eartime on these so far.  Patience, grasshopper!  lol

First impressions:  the have a similar sound signature with the HE-4 sounding a bit more V-shaped and the HD700 sounding more mid-forward.  Bass on the planars is obviously a lot cleaner and deeper.  

I dunno, I have been listening to the HD650 for a week so my brain needs to burn in a lot to get back to the brighter HE-4 and HD700 sound.

Cool I'll wait....I guess. I bet everyone here can't wait to see what the he4 sounds like on a $130 dap with a $30 amp!! I know I can't! Watch it sound insane....

 

[hemipowered007]

I'd also really like to see an he4 vs Koss esp950. But maybe someone already did that and my memory is just shot

 

[mrscotchguy]

I'd also really like to see an he4 vs Koss esp950. But maybe someone already did that and my memory is just shot

I did a brief impression... but not reliable.  The esp-950 I'm borrowing are probably older than me!

 

[hemipowered007]

I did a brief impression... but not reliable.  The esp-950 I'm borrowing are probably older than me!

Where? Can't find it