[beaver316]

Does anyone have experience with the Valhalla?

 
I was under the impression that they're not good with orthos, but I could be wrong.

 

[subguy812]

   
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. 

I want to say that after having the HE-400 for almost a week that this was very sound advice.  I did end up buying the e11 but really only because I had a gift card from Christmas and got it for 9.00. They sound really good with the X3. I am enjoying my purchase and I want to thank you for actually giving sound advice. I made a post on 400 vs. 500 thread similar to your advice, I hope I can help someone too.

 

[sragoowanshi]

I was wondering if the HE-400 can be driven by my Ibasso DX50? I also have a small FiiO E6, but no big amp. 
 
Was looking forward to buying them soon, hoping they will be a big upgrade to my B&W P3? 
 
Thanks!  

 

[dempseyonline]

Does anyone have experience with the Valhalla?

 

   
I was under the impression that they're not good with orthos, but I could be wrong.

 
I can drive mine with the Fiio E12 on the high gain (awesome mobile solution).  That's a very clean, pretty neutral, versatile amp.  For a little less in price ($99), I also have the desktop Schiit Magni.  That's got a bit more power to drive them and matches well for my taste.  
 
Now if you want something that really can "drive" them....Schiit Lyr (desktop tube) sounds awesome with these!  
 
You can get either one of those first 2 for around $100 and never feel like you're missing anything.  If you try the Lyr you may feel like you can't live without it.  Sorry.

 

[MattTCG]

 
I want to say that after having the HE-400 for almost a week that this was very sound advice.  I did end up buying the e11 but really only because I had a gift card from Christmas and got it for 9.00. They sound really good with the X3. I am enjoying my purchase and I want to thank you for actually giving sound advice. I made a post on 400 vs. 500 thread similar to your advice, I hope I can help someone too.

 
Glad that it worked out and that you're enjoying the 400's. 

 

[Fishwater]

I have to say to say that even with the channel imbalance I am enjoying the HE-400 with the Ifi Audio iCan & iDsd better than my Pan Am. What a great pairing that's as portable as I'll ever need. I also prefer the HE-400 over the Q701,especially with the Ifi Audio.

 

[NotaLefty]

So I got my 400's today. They sound great! They're my first ortho's, and they sound so....clean. However, they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I am a little worried about bending the headband, as it doesn't seem to give as easily as a Grado headband. Any solutions to make them a bit less of a vice?

 

[Nimzerz]

  So I got my 400's today. They sound great! They're my first ortho's, and they sound so....clean. However, they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I am a little worried about bending the headband, as it doesn't seem to give as easily as a Grado headband. Any solutions to make them a bit less of a vice?

Don't be afraid lol. All you really need to worry about are putting pressure on the rodblocks/sliders, which is difficult to do anyways. Just bend it, trying to keep a nice curved shape, but still reducing clamp.

 

[MattTCG]

  So I got my 400's today. They sound great! They're my first ortho's, and they sound so....clean. However, they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I am a little worried about bending the headband, as it doesn't seem to give as easily as a Grado headband. Any solutions to make them a bit less of a vice?

Just hold the headband and stretch it flat, but carefully, a few times. Pause for about 5 second with each stretch and then test it. It's steel, it will reshape. 

 

[Bogatyr]

Does anybody use Equalizer APO - if so, would you mind sharing your settings? I'd like a darker than neutral sound from HE-400s. Thank you.

 

[Loretta]

The HE400 were my first Ortho as well. Since then I've brought the HE500 and Mad Dog 3.2 as well, but they have a special place in my heart .. especially for electronic! Listening to vocal trance, chillstep and acid house was never this fun before.

 

[beaver316]

  Does anybody use Equalizer APO - if so, would you mind sharing your settings? I'd like a darker than neutral sound from HE-400s. Thank you.

 
I use it. My settings are attached below. It's main aim is to reduce the treble peaks, which it does well imo. 
 

 
 
I also developed a tiny app which switches easily between my APO configs. It beats having to manually edit the config files whenever I switch headphones.
 

 
 
https://mega.co.nz/#!HINnAJiJ!ggS_iK9cXTV5s9DU6p032EIHg7Ls1YaP6hgBf5vAjuI

 

[TontonJoK]

Nice thanks

 

[rudeboybass]

A big pile of schiit

 

[Bogatyr]

   
I use it. My settings are attached below. It's main aim is to reduce the treble peaks, which it does well imo. 
 

 
 
I also developed a tiny app which switches easily between my APO configs. It beats having to manually edit the config files whenever I switch headphones.
 

 
 
https://mega.co.nz/#!HINnAJiJ!ggS_iK9cXTV5s9DU6p032EIHg7Ls1YaP6hgBf5vAjuI

Thanks! Would you be kind enough to share your app as well?