[Elgrindio]

I've read and watched pretty much every 400S review and comparison to the 400i, but most of them came out when the 400S was brand new and the 400i still cost $500. Of course, compared to that the $300 400S was a great value and the purchasing decision was easy.

My question is, now that the 400i is only $219 on Amazon, and the 400S is still $299, does that change anything? Is the 400S really a better headphone, or was it just cheaper. Most reviews don't compare them at the new price. If both cost the same, which one would you choose? Thanks!

 

[ProtegeManiac]

I've read and watched pretty much every 400S review and comparison to the 400i, but most of them came out when the 400S was brand new and the 400i still cost $500. Of course, compared to that the $300 400S was a great value and the purchasing decision was easy.

My question is, now that the 400i is only $219 on Amazon, and the 400S is still $299, does that change anything? Is the 400S really a better headphone, or was it just cheaper. Most reviews don't compare them at the new price. If both cost the same, which one would you choose? Thanks!

You don't need to spend much more on an amp to drive the HE400S. The HE400i will need roughly double the power to match whatever output level the HE400S does at a given power input.

If you can add the $80 difference to an amp then might as well get the HE400i.

 

[jimbop54]

Or buy them used. There ere usually 400i's available in the classifieds.

I haven't listed mine, but would be willing to sell my 400s

 

[Elgrindio]

You don't need to spend much more on an amp to drive the HE400S. The HE400i will need roughly double the power to match whatever output level the HE400S does at a given power input.

If you can add the $80 difference to an amp then might as well get the HE400i.

Thanks for the quick reply! I forgot to mention that I already have the Schiit Magni 2 amp, so when you take that into consideration, I guess that's an even stronger vote for the 400i!

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Thanks for the quick reply! I forgot to mention that I already have the Schiit Magni 2 amp, so when you take that into consideration, I guess that's an even stronger vote for the 400i!

If you have the Magni then power in quantity isn't a problem anymore. It comes down to response. Do you want it flat from 1000hz down with a relatively jagged but not too spiky (over 1000hz) above 1000hz? Or do you want a curve more similar to a good dynamic headphone with boost in the upper bass at the cost of a bass roll off?

 

[Elgrindio]

If you have the Magni then power in quantity isn't a problem anymore. It comes down to response. Do you want it flat from 1000hz down with a relatively jagged but not too spiky (over 1000hz) above 1000hz? Or do you want a curve more similar to a good dynamic headphone with boost in the upper bass at the cost of a bass roll off?

Uhhh... Ok...Which is which? Also, is one a clearly superior phone, or is it just a matter of preference at this point? Thanks again!

 

[serman005]

I own both and I believe it is a matter of personal preference. Personally, I prefer the HE-400S, but that's just me. The HE-400i pricing is very attractive, though.

 

[Elgrindio]

I own both and I believe it is a matter of personal preference. Personally, I prefer the HE-400S, but that's just me. The HE-400i pricing is very attractive, though.

Very interesting. Thanks for your opinion. Why exactly do you like the 400S better? How would you describe the difference?

 

[buke9]

+1 on the 400S. A bit more bass and the highs rolled off just a bit. They both do better with more juice IMO. If your running a Schiit amp which to me are on the neutral to bright side the 400i might be a bit bright.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Uhhh... Ok...Which is which? Also, is one a clearly superior phone, or is it just a matter of preference at this point? Thanks again!

HE400i is flat from 1000hz to 10hz but not above 1000hz, though the peaks at 4000hz and 9000hz are barely taller than 1000hz.

HE400S has a response graph more similar to an AKG K7xx series headphone - upper bass hump, rolls off the deep bass, taller peak in the treble.

From a technical standpoint the HE400i is better but there's still that problem of the dips above 1000hz, so as a matter of personal preference, you might want a relatively smoother upper midrange (where more of the music is) and go with a slight boost to the hard bass notes at the cost of very even bass response by going with the HE400S.