[shadow1987]

Hi guys,

I'm on the lookout for a sub 450$ Headphone. I mainly listen to Indian Classical music (if u haven't heard , must give it a try. Love music where there is alagamation of several instruments and intricate sounds and detail.
After my limited knowledge research, I could home on to these two headphones. The Hifiman HE 400s(pads changes to the focus or the brainwavez pads , to get better bass response) or the meze 99 classics.
Both these headphones have got good reviews and Hall of famers in many forums.
As the meze are relatively new, not much comparisons have been made between them(rather none at all)
Any suggestions guys. I'm a noob and totally confused. Also looking at shure 535 iem.
I have no other restrictions on my method of use or where I use them. Just want the best. Any suggestions. Any better options?

PS. Presently I own the Encore MDSD Headphone amp, but might upgrade to the Chord Mojo.

 

[joe]

Hi @shadow1987! Welcome to Head-Fi!
 
I've got access to both headphones at the moment, and Here's my brief comparison impressions. The system I'm using is an iMac > Fostex HP-A4 > headphones. And to clarify, I'm assuming you are looking at the HE-400, and not the HE-400S, based on your title.
 
The track I'm using for comparison is "The Bridge of Khazad Dum" from Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring.
 

​

 
I'm finding that the presentation of the Meze 99 Classics places the music right in front of you, whereas the HE-400 places the music a bit further away.  Both show a lot of detail for their price, but I find the HE-400 (for my tastes) controls a little better when there's a lot going on in the music. But, as I said, the placement is further back than the 99 Classics. For a long listening session, I'd lean towards the HE-400 a little bit more simply as it gives a little more space to my ears. But, if I'm listening on the go, I'm going for the 99 Classics. They're more portable, and they store well in a backpack or messenger bag (using the provided case).
 
I am going to have to check out some Indian Classical. Can you recommend an album or composer?

 

[shadow1987]

hi Joe
Thank you for ur review. I was actually planning for the he400s. Is it better or worse compared to he400?

As for Indian music, I would suggest you to start of with the coke studio Indian versions especially the one AR Rahman(Oscar winner, just in case u didn't know ). There is a song called as "aao balma" or "zariya" available on YouTube(sry for that, Indian music scene is slowly shifting to high def). Its available on tidal too I guess.
Do have a listen and let me know. If it's ur taste, there is so much diversity in our musix , you'll be astonished I promise. This is not even trur Classical. It's very modern.
https://youtu.be/_UZhioKe8vg
https://youtu.be/wlaZSx6tqRo
https://youtu.be/oaXbo_PZvV4
https://youtu.be/L-9s4nTLSdA
https://youtu.be/1gukvtH_a3I
https://youtu.be/JoVkReLGpBk
https://youtu.be/5U9uP6riAZM
https://youtu.be/c-uFWNiWuGQ
https://youtu.be/7FKEy_RWwQk

This is the entire lot.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXuO_AmrcE16fDoNiq9JZZg

FyI. This is not even actual Classical. Its modern interpretation of Indian Music. This is tip of iceberg. Hope u like it. Plz do give honest comments

 

[nimnz]

Subbed..
But if m not wrong the songs in the link are not classical but are categotised as FUSION music..

 

[buke9]

The Meze are closed back and the 400S's are open back. Hence the reason for the sound of the Meze to sound more up front. I have both the 400 and 400S's and there is a big difference in the two to me. The main thing the 400's need a lot of power to get the best out of them the 400S play pretty good straight out of my iPhone 5. The Meze 99 I mostly listened to out of my QP1R but did try it on my phone but I guess you can tell what I prefer. I would prefer the 400S for me but really liked the Mezes a lot and met the guys at CanJam SoCal great people also. You need if you can to hear both to decide. That is hard to do in a lot of places try to find a meet near you if you can that is a great resource. The decision is yours in the end. If you decide on the 400S get a pair of Focus A pads you will thank me.

 

[nimnz]

Thanks @buke9
Anyone else wants to share their experience.