[sperkowitz]

$500 gives you access to the HE400, HE400i and the HE500 headphones -- all very good choices.

Any chance you can listen to them? I spent some time in an audio store with the HE400 and HE500 and decided to wait to purchase the HE500; just a better fit for my tastes. Then...the HE400i came out. For me it was the perfect compromise in the lower end of the HiFiMan line and was also less expensive than the HE500.

Here's a couple threads that might be worth reading:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/673378/hifiman-he-400-or-he-500
http://www.head-fi.org/t/698974/hifiman-he-400i-impressions-and-discussion
http://www.head-fi.org/t/756217/he-400-vs-he400i-vs-fidelio-x2-need-input

BTW, the X2 might be worth considering; supposed to be a great set of cans. Haven't heard them, but wonder if they would be as 'fast" as the HiFiMans; probably not since they're Dynamic instead of Planar. Based on the other comments in this thread, it sounds like 'fast' is key for listening to Trance.

As for listening to them, there was a time way back there was a store that offered a run on any headphone they carried connected to an amp. But they couldn't survive, and blamed Amazon (and probably rightfully so). Headphones are one of those things that are really hard to quantify as everyone has different tastes (and hearing). I did try to find another store like it, but I couldn't at the time.

 

[GearMe]

I paid the extra few bucks and the HE-400's arrived not too long ago. Already got them plugged in and going. Wow....





Next up would probably be upgrading to another DAC amp.

Nice, think you'll enjoy them. Great value at the lower price...and should leave you enough for a Schiit Modi/Magni stack!

 

[Beyakusenn]

  I paid the extra few bucks and the HE-400's arrived not too long ago. Already got them plugged in and going. Wow....

Spoiler: Large pics

 

 
Next up would probably be upgrading to another DAC amp.

I'm glad you like them Have fun!