**Hifiman HE-400 Impressions and Discussion Thread**
Apr 20, 2014 at 10:18 PM Post #17,056 of 22,116
My advice, slow down. The 400 will sound very good from the x3. Use it for a month or so and get a feel for how good you think it is. I was on the 400 and e17 for nearly a year, and very happy, before the upgrade bug struck. The 400 doesn't need much amping to get to a very enjoyable level. 

Cool...I certainly don't mind waiting I just wanted to make sure I could enjoy them when I got them.


It will sound good on the x3 but can only get moderately loud on high gain.. Which will degrade sq
The x3 is better sounding than the e12, when you upgrade don't buy any more fiio products. You have the best already. When you do upgrade go for the schitt stack(modi/magni or if you want tubes vali/modi). It's a rather small investment and I can't see at least myself wanting to get somthing more expensive for my he400.
 
Apr 20, 2014 at 10:44 PM Post #17,057 of 22,116
It will sound good on the x3 but can only get moderately loud on high gain.. Which will degrade sq
The x3 is better sounding than the e12, when you upgrade don't buy any more fiio products. You have the best already. When you do upgrade go for the schitt stack(modi/magni or if you want tubes vali/modi). It's a rather small investment and I can't see at least myself wanting to get somthing more expensive for my he400.

Thanks for the advice...we will see how it sounds in a couple of days. I can always get the schiit stack.
 
Apr 21, 2014 at 4:14 AM Post #17,059 of 22,116
  So I've realized that I'm rather treble sensitive. For about 60-75% of my music (mainly indie, electronica, pop, and hip-hop) this is the only way I seem to be able to enjoy my HE-400s. 
 

 
No longer using Jergpads - found them to make my ears too hot, back to velours.

 
you could try the other part of the jergpad mod.
 
which includes velour on top of the pleather.
 
Apr 21, 2014 at 4:20 AM Post #17,060 of 22,116
  Any definitive comfort solutions for the HE400? I just can't wear them for more than 5min (weight + headband/clamp issues). I've tried Alpha pads but they ruin the sound :frowning2: 

the beyer headband helps a ton. i took it off for a bit, and went without it for the last 2 weeks. and went back to it tonight as I type. it's night and day for me.
 
and in the OP. You can alter or bend the top for the clamp. the clamp did hurt.
 
the weight takes some getting used to. AT first I didn't think i could handle it, but try like an hour to two a day with it, and you'll possibly get used to it.
 
Apr 21, 2014 at 4:24 AM Post #17,061 of 22,116
  I would also like to know the answer to this question.  (tube amp)

 
I use the schiit vali amp with the he 400 and it really works well imo. I thought it was a big improvement coming from the E17
 
Apr 21, 2014 at 7:20 AM Post #17,062 of 22,116
Only moderately loud? I listen to the he-400 on the x3 at 30/60, I'd hate to imagine how loud 60/60 is


Yes...my EarSonics SM64 are difficult to drive and I use between 28-30 high gain, so I was curious about this.
 
Apr 21, 2014 at 1:11 PM Post #17,063 of 22,116
Most other things I listen at around 20 +/- 2. I don't think anything else I have require as much power as the he-400, but it sounds phenomenal. I have yet to hear it from a schiit stack for comparison, but I agree in just using the x3 for now and seeing what you think. For me, it's certainly my end game setup, for now at least.
 
Apr 23, 2014 at 7:39 AM Post #17,064 of 22,116
I just received my HE-400's from Hifiman & I'm not sure whether my ears are playing tricks on me or not but it seems like the left channel is a db or two off from the right channel. It's slight but I'm pretty sure it's there. I don't know any real way to measure it to confirm though. I've tried different sources & amps but it still feels like there's a slight difference? Any suggestions? Other than that I really like the sound, I can just completely relax & enjoy the music vs my Q701's.
 
Apr 23, 2014 at 9:06 AM Post #17,065 of 22,116
I just received my HE-400's from Hifiman & I'm not sure whether my ears are playing tricks on me or not but it seems like the left channel is a db or two off from the right channel. It's slight but I'm pretty sure it's there. I don't know any real way to measure it to confirm though. I've tried different sources & amps but it still feels like there's a slight difference? Any suggestions? Other than that I really like the sound, I can just completely relax & enjoy the music vs my Q701's.

 
Try putting them on the opposite way - left cup on right ear, right cup on left ear.  Does the imbalance follow?
 
Apr 23, 2014 at 1:53 PM Post #17,068 of 22,116
Is it related to the bass only or the total spectrum ??

The problem now is that you'll focus on that all the time :mad:

Contact Hifiman and get a replacement !!
 
Apr 23, 2014 at 2:03 PM Post #17,069 of 22,116
switch tubes also on pan am to check, and try
 
Apr 23, 2014 at 7:40 PM Post #17,070 of 22,116
Just received my HE-400 about an hour ago. I also received velour pads... Is it worth it to put them on or try the stock pads for awhile? I also now see that the X3 sounds good but the HE-400 likes power. They sound really good with the X3 but I do have to give them a little extra volume.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top