[MattTCG]

  Can anyone who owns all three cans compare the HE-400S, X2 and HD650 from a pure comfort standpoint? Per the early impressions, it sounds like the 400S are relatively comfortable cans, but I'm trying to get some points of reference to determine where exactly on the comfort scale they fall.

I think that most people would give the comfort crown to the hd650. It's considerablylighter than any of the others that you mention. I would call the 400s a close second being relatively light, good velour pads and suspension strap. And the x2 would be third as they are the heaviest. But I would comment that the x2 pads themselves are incredibly comfortable memory foam. 

 

[Alamei]

  I think that most people would give the comfort crown to the hd650. It's considerablylighter than any of the others that you mention. I would call the 400s a close second being relatively light, good velour pads and suspension strap. And the x2 would be third as they are the heaviest. But I would comment that the x2 pads themselves are incredibly comfortable memory foam. 

Right now I swear by my 650 (for home theater) and 558 (workstation), both primarily due to their comfort factor and non-fatiguing sound signatures for long listening sessions. I've been thinking of upgrading the 558s to a nice mid-range planar for a while, but comfort is a huge factor for me, and I haven't been able to find anything with a sound signature that's improved enough to justify a noticeable drop in comfort levels. Your saying that the 400S is a "close second" to the HD650 gives me hope that these may be the ticket. I'll probably have to order in a pair and just give them a try.

 

[john57]

  I think that most people would give the comfort crown to the hd650. It's considerablylighter than any of the others that you mention. I would call the 400s a close second being relatively light, good velour pads and suspension strap. And the x2 would be third as they are the heaviest. But I would comment that the x2 pads themselves are incredibly comfortable memory foam. 

It is not just weight the suspension scrap on the 400 models makes a big difference. I had lighter headphones but the headband was not comfortable making the headphones to feel heavier than excepted.

 

[obsidyen]

I think these would be more comfortable than HD650 for a lot of people.

 

[conquerator2]

I hope the 400S velour earpads will be available for purchase separately

 

[mejoshua]

The new hifiman lineup are all mighty comfortable but then again the old senns hd6x0 were always the benchmark for comfort. 

 

[pr1me]

HD650: 260g
HE-400S: 350g

HD650 weight almost 100g less, but some people find the hifiman more comfortable.


HD650 Compared to HE-400i:

HE-400i are even better in terms of comfort than the Sennheiser HD-650. Outstanding comfort.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/762957/from-sennheiser-hd-650-to-hifiman-he-400i-theres-no-way-back

 

[tinyman392]

HD650: 260g
HE-400S: 350g

HD650 weight almost 100g less, but some people find the hifiman more comfortable.


HD650 Compared to HE-400i:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/762957/from-sennheiser-hd-650-to-hifiman-he-400i-theres-no-way-back

Suspended headband could be the reason for that. The weight distributes more evenly on the head creating less pressure despite higher weight.

 

[tinyman392]

I finally got a chance to take a listen to these. HiFiMan does go a different direction than the HE400i/HE-560. The S is a thicker, smoother, more laid back sound with some sparkling highs. It's generally an easy headphone to listen to and quite forgiving overall. Very impressed with the 300 dollar offering.

Comparisons are on their way after some slight burn in. On the list are the orthos I have: PM-3, HE-400i, and HE-560, along with some other headphones in the price range: V-Moda M-100 and B&W P7. That's all that comes to mind at the moment. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. If I have the headphone, it'll be added to the list.

 

[Allanmarcus]

  The new hifiman lineup are all mighty comfortable but then again the old senns hd6x0 were always the benchmark for comfort. 

Funny, I always through the Beyerdynamics were the benchmark. The Senns, especially the 600 and 650 have the kung-fu grip on the head issue. Now the hd800, that is a different story. 

 

[john57]

I finally got a chance to take a listen to these. HiFiMan does go a different direction than the HE400i/HE-560. The S is a thicker, smoother, more laid back sound with some sparkling highs. It's generally an easy headphone to listen to and quite forgiving overall. Very impressed with the 300 dollar offering.

I would agree at this point. The 400s has a bit thicker bass with a bit more laid back sound as compared to the 400i. However the differences between the 400s and the 400i are smaller than the differences between the 400i and the he560 for me.

 

[tmello56]

I finally got a chance to take a listen to these. HiFiMan does go a different direction than the HE400i/HE-560. The S is a thicker, smoother, more laid back sound with some sparkling highs. It's generally an easy headphone to listen to and quite forgiving overall. Very impressed with the 300 dollar offering.

Comparisons are on their way after some slight burn in. On the list are the orthos I have: PM-3, HE-400i, and HE-560, along with some other headphones in the price range: V-Moda M-100 and B&W P7. That's all that comes to mind at the moment. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. If I have the headphone, it'll be added to the list.

Maybe a mad dog comparison? Pretty please.

 

[tinyman392]

I would agree at this point. The 400s has a bit thicker bass with a bit more laid back sound as compared to the 400i. However the differences between the 400s and the 400i are smaller than the differences between the 400i and the he560 for me.

I haven't compared them in a while (the 400i and 560). So I can't comment on that at this time. With a direct AB, the differences between the 400i and S are obvious, even from memory they are too IMO. The 400i always seemed to be more of a sterile phone to my ears (which I actually prefer). Though I should note my source at this time is a cold iPhone 6.

 

[tinyman392]

Maybe a mad dog comparison? Pretty please.

 
I would if I had one :/  

 

[maverickronin]

Personally, I find the HD650 uncomfortable.  It's light as a feather, but it just clamps too much.  Sound-wise it's my favorite dynamic though.  I wish AKG, Beyer, or AT made anything that sounded as good since those are a lot more comfy.