[spacequeen7]

Sure it's safe. The potential problem with OTLs is that they have less power at low impedances. It depends on the amp of course, but I found that my Little Dot Mk3 clipped into the HE-400 at high volumes on certain tracks. It sounded fine when it wasn't clipping though. Even so, the combination ultimately wasn't to my taste. If you like the Darkvoice then go for it.

there is setting in Foobar that will prevent clipping 

 

[manbear]

I don't think so... Foobar doesn't even know what amp I'm using, let alone when it will clip. I am not talking about clipping in the recording. I'm talking about the amp running out of juice.

 

[spacequeen7]

I see ,thanks 

 

[Solarium]

The HE-400's are phenomenal with the Magni, I've never heard EDM's like this. At this rate, I might have to sell my HD650's... if I can finally get used to the weight

 

[MattTCG]

^^ Don't sell the hd650. Those two hp's have different and complementary signatures. Go build yourself a crack and thank me later. 

 

[jay628]

  The HE-400's are phenomenal with the Magni, I've never heard EDM's like this. At this rate, I might have to sell my HD650's... if I can finally get used to the weight

Wow...that's very nice to hear. I am so excited right now, my HE-400 will be arriving anytime soon, can't wait to try it with my Magni

 

[Solarium]

  ^^ Don't sell the hd650. Those two hp's have different and complementary signatures. Go build yourself a crack and thank me later. 

My HD650 definitely sound better with the right genre, specifically my Coldplay or Norah Jones collection. Even with the Magni (I returned the Vali since it brought the HD650 too dark and warm), it sounds terrific with most genres. But with the HE400, and its bass extension, more energetic feel, and clearer trebels, my EDM's gives me goosebumps! EDM's are also the main genre I listen to, and the HD400's are so crazy good with them that I don't think anything will come close. I also like the larger soundstage and imaging, so when I play competitive FPS shooters the sound positioning is better. I don't want to return the HD650 since I bought it only 1 month used for $260, but I can only keep 1.
 

  Wow...that's very nice to hear. I am so excited right now, my HE-400 will be arriving anytime soon, can't wait to try it with my Magni

I can definitely tell that the Magni pairs better with the HD-400 than the HD650. I think the general consensus is that the Magni is a good match with the HE-400. Too bad it doesn't pair with the HD650 so superbly, maybe another reason I want to sell the HD650, that I can't afford any amps that pairs well with it like the bottlehead crack.

 

[jay628]

 
I can definitely tell that the Magni pairs better with the HD-400 than the HD650. I think the general consensus is that the Magni is a good match with the HE-400. Too bad it doesn't pair with the HD650 so superbly, maybe another reason I want to sell the HD650, that I can't afford any amps that pairs well with it like the bottlehead crack.

Have you tried the HE-400 with Vali? Is it too warm and dark for HE-400 given the HE-400 is considered warm itself?

 

[SEALBoy]

I have the HE-400 (looks like rev 2 with white frames). I did the jergpad mod, and while it seems to have helped the treble a bit, I still get too much sibilance for my liking.
 
Has anyone EQed these down because they hate sibilance as much as I do? I'd be interested in what EQ settings you used - I don't have a lot of experience using equalizers and don't want to kill the sound quality by accident...

 

[Lohb]

  I have the HE-400 (looks like rev 2 with white frames). I did the jergpad mod, and while it seems to have helped the treble a bit, I still get too much sibilance for my liking.
 
Has anyone EQed these down because they hate sibilance as much as I do? I'd be interested in what EQ settings you used - I don't have a lot of experience using equalizers and don't want to kill the sound quality by accident...

Member Nicholars has some excellent EQ guide in this thread or elsewhere that will help you out tailored for the 400's ....also Beaver316.

 

[nicholars]

They will always have some sibilance unless you EQ them so much that it messes up the sound, you can make it a lot better with EQ though. Try lowering everything above 6.5khz or if you have parametric EQ you can lower 7.5khz and 12.5khz.

 

[FeelThaBeat]

For me I EQ the 9 or 10kHz to 16kHz range down like 5dB and bring up 2 or 3dB around the 4 to 5kHz range and it sounds great because it helps to even out the big dip in that area and control most of the siblance. 

 

[electrolover]

I placed an order for the Headstage Arrow 4N. I can't wait!
 
Question: I will mainly be using this portable amp with my Dell laptop. I am also checking out various portable USB DACs, such as [1], but will such a small DAC bring a significant improvement in SQ over the laptop?
 
[1] http://audioengineusa.com/Store/D3-24-Bit-DAC

 

[manbear]

I hear a difference between plugging my amp into a laptop headphone jack (I'm assuming you don't have a line out?) and into a DAC, but significant has different meanings for different people.

 

[ben_r_]

Oh yea, the HE-400 is DEFINITELY NOT an HD-650 replacement.