[DavidA]

  From what I can remember comparing these two side by side, HE-560 is brighter. HE-400i has quite neutral tonality, similar to HD600.

Agree with most that the HE-560 is a little brighter sounding than the 400i but not by much.

 

[MickeyVee]

I actually started with the HE560 and found them to be like a little brother of the HD800 so I always ended up reaching for the HD800.  If I didn't own the HD800, I'd be happy with the HE560. I sold off the HE560 and got the HE400i.  For me, it provided more of a fun factor and different enough sound such that they compliment the HD800. The HE560 are more neutral than the HE400i, has a better soundstage and better treble extension.
For me, the HE400i is the modern HD600/650, both of which I've owned and enjoyed.  The HE400i are keepers!
 
 
Quote:

  I would think so too. I own the 400i, but I also loved the HE-560 as they are more similar than not. The only real deficiency of the 400i I think compared to the 560 is that it definitely has a smaller soundstage - otherwise, the 400i is excellent in its own right (ok, the 560 is more detailed IMO, but the 400i isn't lacking either).

 

[Jbmorrey]

So I think I am going to move forward with the Hifiman EF5, I have been looking at a lot of different options and it seems like this will be a good match for my HE400i and enough power to handle most other headphones. I understand the amp does not have a DAC, so that will be the next thing to look for, when I hook up the ef5 to my 400i without a DAC, how much of an improvement should I hear over my current magni/modi Schiit stack? It may be some time before I can drop more cash on a DAC and will probably sell my Schiit to pay for the ef5, I am just hoping I will see a significant improvement with the DACless ef5 over my current Schiit stack. Thoughts?

Thanks,
James

 

[bracko]

A question. How do you remove the ear pads on HE-400i? Is there any instruction I can follow? 

 

[esko467]

You can try Hifiman HE400i owners manual. It has short paragraph about removing pads
http://down.hifiman.com/Manual/HE400i-Owners-Manual.pdf

 

[esko467]

Try owners manual. It has short paragraph how to remove pads. Download it from Hifiman's website

 

[Draulius]

I keep reading the HE400i being regarded as an upgrade over the HD650. How many HD650 owners here agree with this, certainly the HD650 has SOMETHING over the 400i?

 

[bracko]

  I keep reading the HE400i being regarded as an upgrade over the HD650. How many HD650 owners here agree with this, certainly the HD650 has SOMETHING over the 400i?

I definitely agree that HE-400i is an upgrade over the HD650. It has clearer and cleaner, more detailed sound, nice imaging and very good tonality. I have both.

 

[bracko]

Try owners manual. It has short paragraph how to remove pads. Download it from Hifiman's website

Of course 

 Thank you.

 

[DavidA]

  A question. How do you remove the ear pads on HE-400i? Is there any instruction I can follow? 

Easiest way I found was with a credit card, there are tabs located at 2, 5, 7, and 10, gently push in and lift the pad at the same time.  All this assumes you have not over used it buying headphones

 

[bracko]

  Easiest way I found was with a credit card, there are tabs located at 2, 5, 7, and 10, gently push in and lift the pad at the same time.  All this assumes you have not over used it buying headphones

Thanks. I will try that method. 

 The owners manual is scarce. 
 
My card is quite down at heel but I am sure it will work this time 

 

[Draulius]

  I definitely agree that HE-400i is an upgrade over the HD650. It has clearer and cleaner, more detailed sound, nice imaging and very good tonality. I have both.

Is the soundstage on the 400i larger than the HD650's?

 

[CJG888]

I am about to return to Europe and will be putting all my gear in storage for about 6-8 months, having access only to a transportable rig (that will fit in my carry-on luggage). So far, I have decided on the HM-650 as a source, into a Tube Amp BL-2 (via a Van den Hul "The Tide" interconnect). I am now torn between taking my HD-600s, or packing these in the container and getting a pair of HE-400is, which I can obtain here for RMB 1,770 (about GBP 180). I listen exclusively to jazz and classical, and my favourite cans are my trusty HE-500s (with Toxic Cables Silver Poison cable), but no portable amp known to man will do these justice... Normally, I listen to the HE-500s on the end of a transformer-coupled pure tube amp with a 1W output into 32 ohms.

Would the HE-400i give a taste of the HE-500 when driven by a 500mW tube/MOSFET hybrid portable, or should I stick to the HD600s (my second favourite cans)?

 

[TMRaven]

  I keep reading the HE400i being regarded as an upgrade over the HD650. How many HD650 owners here agree with this, certainly the HD650 has SOMETHING over the 400i?

It is not.  It has a more colored sound with rougher FR, plus a treble spike around 8-9khz which you may or may not find annoying.  It also has a smaller soundstage.  It is however, way better in the bass than the 650.  Less bloated around the mid-bass and cleaner throughout.  Slightly more extension than the 650 in the bass as well.  650's midrange is better than the 400i.  The two are sidegrades.

 

[CJG888]

OK, looks like I might be better off taking the HD600...

Midrange transparency and soundstage are both important to me.