[ThePianoMan]

  I was under the impression that the changes with the final production model would bring slightly more bass via Jerg's suggestions? Maybe I read that wrong. 

 
I couldn't say for sure - Like I said the pre-production had more "perceived" bass, but it sounded like it was just a tad warmer than the revised model. So perhaps they're the same or even the new one has more. The pre-production felt just a little fatter in the bass, perhaps? and the new one maybe with just a little more perceived clarity. It wasn't a huge change, but the revised one sounded ever so slightly clearer to my ears (and I tried both the new ones HiFiMan had there)
Like I said, the differences were not night-and-day, but I imagine anyone chasing that thicker signature would be happier with the 400i anyways. YMMV.

 

[noluckboi]

Did you receive a tracking number when they shipped the headphone over? I haven't receive any tracking number or info from hifiman so I'm not sure if I should just wait or email them

 

[cute]

 

  I was under the impression that the changes with the final production model would bring slightly more bass via Jerg's suggestions? Maybe I read that wrong. 

 
I couldn't say for sure - Like I said the pre-production had more "perceived" bass, but it sounded like it was just a tad warmer than the revised model. So perhaps they're the same or even the new one has more. The pre-production felt just a little fatter in the bass, perhaps? and the new one maybe with just a little more perceived clarity. It wasn't a huge change, but the revised one sounded ever so slightly clearer to my ears (and I tried both the new ones HiFiMan had there)
Like I said, the differences were not night-and-day, but I imagine anyone chasing that thicker signature would be happier with the 400i anyways. YMMV.

 
Were the ear pads on both the exact same material?  I thought someone posted that the construction was the same, but the backing material was different....maybe affecting the sound slightly?

 

[ThePianoMan]

   
Were the ear pads on both the exact same material?  I thought someone posted that the construction was the same, but the backing material was different....maybe affecting the sound slightly?

 
I asked the owner of the pre-production model about something HiFiMan had said about changing something on the baffle/grill/damping? (can't find that exact comment right now, but I remember someone saying something to that effect) The leather was slightly different on the two models. As noted, perforated versus meshy. I think the perforated would probably be cooler in the long run, but both felt super comfy, and they were quite similar.

 

[cute]

 

   
Were the ear pads on both the exact same material?  I thought someone posted that the construction was the same, but the backing material was different....maybe affecting the sound slightly?

 
I asked the owner of the pre-production model about something HiFiMan had said about changing something on the baffle/grill/damping? (can't find that exact comment right now, but I remember someone saying something to that effect) The leather was slightly different on the two models. As noted, perforated versus meshy. I think the perforated would probably be cooler in the long run, but both felt super comfy, and they were quite similar.

Weren't the cables different on the preorder version vs the new release?  Another variable that can slightly affect the sound!

 

[ThePianoMan]

 
Weren't the cables different on the preorder version vs the new release?  Another variable that can slightly affect the sound!

I think so? They were visually similar (man I never realized how much those screw-in connectors suck! hahahaha) but I did hear about them being different. I didn't ask though, and there was so much speculation flying around that even the HiFiMan reps weren't 100% on what was what and who said what.
In the end you're still getting a 560, they were like very slightly different flavors. If you liked one though, you'd probably still like the other.

 

[TMRaven]

Seems as though the biggest difference between the pre-order and production models is that the pre-order version has a warmer midrange. 
 
The new pads on the production model have slightly larger openings with stiffer cushioning.  The swivel on the yokes is stiffer as well.
 
I don't care much for the braided cable.  I prefer the rubber one.

 

[MattTCG]

  Seems as though the biggest difference between the pre-order and production models is that the pre-order version has a warmer midrange. 
 
The new pads on the production model have slightly larger openings with stiffer cushioning.  The swivel on the yokes is stiffer as well.
 
I don't care much for the braided cable.  I prefer the rubber one.

 
Can you post a few pics with the cable included?

 

[TMRaven]

It's basically the same as the rubber cable but it has a nylon-esque sleeving on it instead of rubber.  It's also less thick.
 
I took the pads off both versions, and the stiffness of the pads seem to be the same when just feeling them separately.  The baffle construction and damping looks to be the exact same on both models.
 
Pics later on.

 

[Garraty]

  It's basically the same as the rubber cable but it has a nylon-esque sleeving on it instead of rubber.  It's also less thick.
 
I took the pads off both versions, and the stiffness of the pads seem to be the same when just feeling them separately.  The baffle construction and damping looks to be the exact same on both models.
 
Pics later on.

Are you thinking of purchasing or checking out the HE400i?

 

[TMRaven]

No.

 

[conquerator2]

HFM trolled us with the damping? -_-
On a serious note, as many differences as you can find, posted. Would be welcome!

 

[TMRaven]

I don't think they would lie to us about damping or anything.  However I am saying that, when you take the pads off and look at the baffle, they look the same.

 

[ThePianoMan]

Perhaps it was a materials change or something behind the baffle? I dunno.

 

[cute]

  It's basically the same as the rubber cable but it has a nylon-esque sleeving on it instead of rubber.  It's also less thick.
 
I took the pads off both versions, and the stiffness of the pads seem to be the same when just feeling them separately.  The baffle construction and damping looks to be the exact same on both models.
 
Pics later on.

It was said by Hifiman the new cable was OCC, and the sound more musical than the OFC cable on the preorder version!