[superfrognyc]

Oh sorry, I'm talking about the HE-400i headphones...

There is a version of your Hifiman HE-400i on Massdrop, but at $180 it's as expensive as the regular HE-400i

https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-planar-magnetic-headphones

 

[tim0chan]

The 400i is slated to be discontinued with the release of the sundara.
The 4xx in the other hand is also not quite as 400i when you look at the internals, it's closer to a 400. Tbh I prefer the 4xx sound but the headband is horrendous

 

[superfrognyc]

The 400i is slated to be discontinued with the release of the sundara.
The 4xx in the other hand is also not quite as 400i when you look at the internals, it's closer to a 400. Tbh I prefer the 4xx sound but the headband is horrendous

Don't get me started on headbands! I had the first version of the Audeze LDC-X that headband was a torture device the new version is better but still no first prize for comfort. The only headband I found to be very comfortable was Mr Speaker Aeon series headphone designers should all copy that design.

 

[superfrognyc]

The 400i is slated to be discontinued with the release of the sundara.
The 4xx in the other hand is also not quite as 400i when you look at the internals, it's closer to a 400. Tbh I prefer the 4xx sound but the headband is horrendous

Also, I found the Sundara to be very unattractive plain industrial looking headphone I thought the 400 series was better looking, I will soon try the HIFIMAN brand but Sundara won't be it.

 

[Sgt. Ear Ache]

the current price for the 400i is a pretty sweet deal. I paid $349 cdn about 18 months ago. Now they are $250cdn. They sound awesome...but the yokes suck. When mine snapped (which is very common) Hifiman sent me new ones and I think they were the reinforced version. they seem to be holding up nicely...

 

[superfrognyc]

the current price for the 400i is a pretty sweet deal. I paid $349 cdn about 18 months ago. Now they are $250cdn. They sound awesome...but the yokes suck. When mine snapped (which is very common) Hifiman sent me new ones and I think they were the reinforced version. they seem to be holding up nicely...

I was tempted by the 400i on Amazon $180 but I have too many gears right now my gf think I have gone crazy

 

[FiLoh]

the current price for the 400i is a pretty sweet deal. I paid $349 cdn about 18 months ago. Now they are $250cdn. They sound awesome...but the yokes suck. When mine snapped (which is very common) Hifiman sent me new ones and I think they were the reinforced version. they seem to be holding up nicely...

I've also seen a few of the 400i's and 400s' go for as low as 100 used, and one local sale that was $80!

 

[muckyfingers]

Just wanted to say that this amp sounds wonderful and drives my LCD-3F and Aeon Flow Open headphones with plenty of power to spare.

 

[superfrognyc]

Just wanted to say that this amp sounds wonderful and drives my LCD-3F and Aeon Flow Open headphones with plenty of power to spare.

The Questyle 400i?

 

[superfrognyc]

I've also seen a few of the 400i's and 400s' go for as low as 100 used, and one local sale that was $80!

Damn at that price I might buy one

 

[muckyfingers]

The Questyle 400i?

My apologies, I should have been more specific, the Liquid Spark is what I’m referring too. It’s a wonderful little amp.

 

[superfrognyc]

My apologies, I should have been more specific, the Liquid Spark is what I’m referring too. It’s a wonderful little amp.

Best amp for under $500! I'm comparing it right now with its older big brother Liquid Carbon ($599) and it's surprisingly close!

 

[Zachik]

Best amp for under $500! I'm comparing it right now with its older big brother Liquid Carbon ($599) and it's surprisingly close!

Some people prefer the $100 JDS Labs Atom over it...
For what it's worth:
1. I have auditioned both at RMAF, and liked both very much. What great times to be in, when $100 amp can be so awesome!!
2. The JDS labs guys (@theotherjude and co.) are awesome, despite being Blues fans... (the NHL team, not the music genre...)
3. Personally, I wish one (or both) would come up with a DAC/Amp version, which would become my work setup.

 

[superfrognyc]

Some people prefer the $100 JDS Labs Atom over it...
For what it's worth:
1. I have auditioned both at RMAF, and liked both very much. What great times to be in, when $100 amp can be so awesome!!
2. The JDS labs guys (@theotherjude and co.) are awesome, despite being Blues fans... (the NHL team, not the music genre...)
3. Personally, I wish one (or both) would come up with a DAC/Amp version, which would become my work setup.

I agree with you about the need for a one box solution a amp/dac combo using Cavalli amp design and a dac designer like SMSL or another affordable dac manufacturer (common Monoprice!)

 

[gargani]

When using the preamp output to drive powered speakers, is the amp in the speakers being bypassed? Or is the liquid spark feeding the power amp in the speakers? Or am I misunderstanding what powered speakers are?
I don't own powered speakers.