So, this week I picked up the HE-400 from Amazon, and I am honestly floored. It's the second set of hifi headphones/earphones I've owned (I also own the Shure SE-425), but I previously wasn't really sure how into the whole audiophile thing I was. I loved my Shures because they were incredibly comfortable, super sound isolating, and had great sound. However, I never really had "fun" listening to them. Of course I enjoyed whatever music I was listening to - they are great in ears - but I never understood what people meant when they said something like "the he-400s are just fun to listen to!"
Well, I get it now. I powered up the HE-400s this week and listened to everything from Michael Jackson, to Dave Matthews, to Miles Davis, to Tool, and I feel like I'm rediscovering music for the first time in years. I've always been a music nut, but these phones have really taken my experience to a new level, and I feel like a kid all over again. My fiance didn't really understand why i wanted to buy another pair of good headphones...but then she tried them. I played her "Don't Stop Till you Get Enough" and she basically started laughing with delight at how great it sounded, noting how clear each instrument was and how detailed and live the sound felt. It was precisely the reaction I was hoping for.
Anyway, long story short - I might have to start frequenting head-fi more often. I am absolutely LOVING these headphones.
Also, I know there are plenty of discussions about mod pads, but does anyone have an opinion about modded pads vs. the hifiman Focuspad-A?
http://head-direct.com/Products/?act=detail&id=203