[Okamoto]

I always thought the build quality was one of the strong points of these headphones. I'm surprised to see there are people who think otherwise.

 

[Spiderman]

Quote:

Felt cheap? The HE-400s are probably the most high-end looking headphones you can get in the price bracket.

Well compared to something like an hd 650 I would have to respectfully disagree.

 

[Spiderman]

Quote:

The main thing that irks me about the build quality is the plastic piece that has the hifiman logo and l/r markers. The point where it connects to the headband looks like it could separate/rip apart. Seen this on both the HE4 and HE400.

That's exactly the part that I'm talking about since it's what basically holds up the earcup. Someone even posted a picture of that happening to their he-500's.

 

[Okamoto]

Quote:

Well compared to something like an hd 650 I would have to respectfully disagree.

 
And I'll have to respectfully disagree with HD650's build quality being superior to HE-400's. I already had a pair in my hands and they're atleast on par, although in my opinion HE-400s look more solid.
 
To tell you the truth, it was the HD650s which I found to be cheap looking for a $500 headphone.

 

[beaver316]

For those who use the beyer headband  from ebay, can you try to remove it and comment (or post pics) of how the stock headband leather is holding up. It looks like its being squeezed a lot.

 

[dryvadeum]

Hmm... what's we got here?

Hey did you get dust covers with your J $ pads?

 

[davidsh]

*Drops hd650 on the floor* - Probably nothing will happen except for scratches.
*Drops HE-400 on the floor* - Something will probably break.

 

[cheuh]

Quote:

*Drops hd650 on the floor* - Probably nothing will happen except for scratches.
*Drops HE-400 on the floor* - Something will probably break.

 
What about HE-500 since it weighs more?

 

[Marleybob217]

Quote:

how does the weight of the he-400 compare to the he-500 and senn hd600/650?  which would be preferable for long listening sessions (several uninterrupted hours)?

I don't think the weight is an issue for most people here. It will take some getting used to, but after a week or so, you'll barely notice it.
 
The clamp can be a bit annoying though, and the sennheiser headphones are obviously more comfortable. I have a fairly wide head, and the J$ pads are quite deep. So after a about 3-4 hours this can cause some irritation. 

 

[beaver316]

Quote:

I don't think the weight is an issue for most people here. It will take some getting used to, but after a week or so, you'll barely notice it.
 
The clamp can be a bit annoying though, and the sennheiser headphones are obviously more comfortable. I have a fairly wide head, and the J$ pads are quite deep. So after a about 3-4 hours this can cause some irritation. 

 
Have you tried bending the headband? I think Hifiman mention it on the manual. It's bendable unlike the plastic Sennheisers.

 

[chewy4]

Quote:

*Drops hd650 on the floor* - Probably nothing will happen except for scratches.
*Drops HE-400 on the floor* - Something will probably break.

I've dropped my he-400 on the floor several times, even whipped it on the floor by snagging the cable.
 
It's fine.

 

[davidsh]

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I've dropped my he-400 on the floor several times, even whipped it on the floor by snagging the cable.
 
It's fine.

Oooh, my heart would skip a beat if that happened with my HE-500!
 
I get angry with people if they drag my HE-500 an inch on the table while they pick them up or put them down.

 

[Okamoto]

Quote:

For those who use the beyer headband  from ebay, can you try to remove it and comment (or post pics) of how the stock headband leather is holding up. It looks like its being squeezed a lot.

It squeezes a little bit. Why do you ask?

 

[gnosp]

for long durations of listening, are these preferable over the hd600/650s in terms of weight and fatigue?

 

[Okamoto]

Quote:

for long durations of listening, are these preferable over the hd600/650s in terms of weight and fatigue?

HD60x's are way less fatiguing, from the sound signature to the weight and comfort, although I found these to be comfortable after stretching the headband a little and putting the beyer headband.
 
By the way, the weight of the orthodynamics is what makes me afraid of upgrading to something like LCD2 or HE-500. Both are heavier than the HE-400, which is already quite heavy.