beaver316
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2011
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Please report back soon - you might either save or cost me $300
Its always good to read another opinion in the HE400 vs HE500 debate.
Please report back soon - you might either save or cost me $300
In my profile
And yes, it does drive HE500 loud enough. Just...doesn't have the dynamics nor the bass control nor the immersive soundstage that a much superior more powerful amp delivers.
Its always good to read another opinion in the HE400 vs HE500 debate.Patientlyimpatiently waiting for the comparison.
Try the Schiit Magni. I thought my HE-500 had zero sound stage on the E9. It was only with the Magni that I got that 'bang-zoom' effect. The jump from E9 to Magni was as big as the jump from the HD650 to the HE-500 originally was (both on the E9 or O2). I can't believe how much better they sound with the Schiit amp.
I have both here right now. There's not a clear winner. They sound alike yet different. I expected the 500 to have less Bass, but to my ears they are about the same, but again, different. The 400 is more punchy and the 500 is deeper and more full. They both have great articulation.
The 500 is able to be driven by the CEntrance DACMini,but for my listening levels I wouldn't mind a little more power. The 400 is a more efficient in that regard. It sounds more dynamic on the DACMini and the highs are more defined. The 500 is a bit smoother at the top end. If you A/B compare both phones the 500s make the 400s sound a bit too bright. Something I hadn't thought before, but in comparison, the 500 has smoother highs with no trace of Tizz or Siblance. Vocals are good on both, but are a little more forward on the 500.
So far, it's a tough call if I were to keep only one. I'd feel like I'd need more power to drive the 500 to the volumes I like, but it's looking like there might be a Burson Conductor in my future (4 wpc!) so power wouldn't be a problem anyway. If I had to pick one and they both cost the same, I guess I'd probably take the 500 at this point. There doesn't seem to be much downside if you have a powerful Amp and the highs and mids are really sweet. My biggest concern was that it was going to be "Bass light" and that would never do. Turns out, It's anything but, and throws down great Bass just like the 400. I think anyone would be happy with either. If cost is a consideration then go for the 400s. You aren't losing much and the price is a heck of a lot more reasonable.
Excellent writeup, and very informative. I also thought that by moving to the HE500 I would sacrifice the great bass on the HE400 but you have allayed those fears. So it seems there's nothing but positives moving to the HE500. Would you say it's worth the extra $300, considering you have the right amp to power it? There may be a new Hifiman in my future.
I'm using the Pico amp/dac. I was considering Asgard 2 anyways, so I might pick one up along with a Bifrost. Originally I was set on the HE-500, but after all the rave reviews of the HE-400, I figured I would save some cash.
I'm still considering the HE-500 after my experience with the HE-400. Don't get me wrong, the HE-400 is pleasing--just not quite the religious experience I was hoping for (and might not exist with any can for me).
Excellent writeup, and very informative. I also thought that by moving to the HE500 I would sacrifice the great bass on the HE400 but you have allayed those fears. So it seems there's nothing but positives moving to the HE500. Would you say it's worth the extra $300, considering you have the right amp to power it? There may be a new Hifiman in my future.
There are two main things that HE500s just do right where HE400s don't, in my opinion.
1) HE500's midrange is much closer to neutrality, without that upper midrange dip
2) HE500 is more refined, smooth, and transparent across the entire frequency range
Whether or not those two things are worth almost doubling the price, depends on if you value them. I personally value them a lot so to me the price difference is more than justified; but for many others it is trivial.
There are two main things that HE500s just do right where HE400s don't, in my opinion.
1) HE500's midrange is much closer to neutrality, without that upper midrange dip
2) HE500 is more refined, smooth, and transparent across the entire frequency range
Whether or not those two things are worth almost doubling the price, depends on if you value them. I personally value them a lot so to me the price difference is more than justified; but for many others it is trivial.
See, I lucked out on a great Amazon Warehouse deal where I got the HE-500 for around $500. I made a huge leap in sound quality over the HD650 and then AGAIN with the Magni. If I already had the HE-400 I'm not sure I'd go for 'the same but better'. Since I've never heard the HE-400, I can't compare them. However Katun has a really amazing review of the HE-500 on Amazon where he compares the HE-500 to the HE-400 (as well as the HD650). I'd link it, but I'm posting from my phone.