[mejoshua]

Can anyone do a 400s vs 560 comparison please?

 

[obsidyen]

I never said HE-400S is V-shaped, just more so than the HE-400i. Bass has more slam and treble more extension hence More V shaped. But the quality isnt the same as the HE-400i. The reason He-400s has slightly better soundstage is because of the treble extension. But IMO HE-400i is still better to me

Ok then, tastes differ. We all have different preferences. I prefer more engaging, visceral sound.

 

[mysticstryk]

Would these be a good upgrade to my HD595?  I've been trying to decide between the 400s here, HD600/650 and the Fidelio X2.
 
Would have about $300 left over to spend on an amp and dac, was thinking of getting a Magni/Modi stack.

 

[Nekrosov]

After 1h of listening switching between fidelio X2 and he-400s on different type of music, here are some initial impressions :

He400s is more comfortable (mainly because it has less clamp, don't want to say it will fall easily)

He-400s is less sensitive than X2. not so easy to drive as previously said. I would say it needs 20% more power to achieve the same sound level

He-400s has far less bass quantity than x2. Not for bass head as already said. Can't say something now on bass extension or bass slam difference between the two. I'll have to spend more time with them

He-400s is definitely more spacious and airy than X2 (both soundstage and instrument separation)
I feel listening to he-400s more relaxing. It let me have a better impression that music is bringing me to another place.
Soundstage seems to be sensitive to position. Improves by placing it in front

Please note that I currently have only my iPhone to drive them so now I have to invest in something better to drive He-400s. That was not anticipated at all...

Thanks e_resolu !!
 
It seems they are not very different from each other.

 

[manywelps]

  Would these be a good upgrade to my HD595?  I've been trying to decide between the 400s here, HD600/650 and the Fidelio X2.
 
Would have about $300 left over to spend on an amp and dac, was thinking of getting a Magni/Modi stack.

If you're burning $600, inspect a used ESP-950 (comes with electrostatic amp) and Modi 2.

 

[manbear]

 
If you're burning $600, inspect a used ESP-950 (comes with electrostatic amp) and Modi 2.

The ESP-950 can also be had new for $600 on Amazon at times (usually the Christmas season). 
 
If you're considering the 400s, HD600/650, and X2, the ESP-950 may or not be up your alley. It's very smooth and clean sounding and probably has more detail than any of those 4. It also has very nice mids. However, its subbass is on par or less than the HD600/650--in other words, it has the least of the 4. It has a satisfying physical heft to the midbass, but if bass performance is a priority you may want to look elsewhere. 

 

[Capt369]

Source...onkyo c7030
Amp...A2
 
Can anyone shed some light on how these may match up with the 400S?
Probably asking the impossible but worth a shot.

 

[Alamei]

 
Source...onkyo c7030
Amp...A2
 
Can anyone shed some light on how these may match up with the 400S?
Probably asking the impossible but worth a shot.

I haven't used either of those myself pieces of equipment personally, but the specs on the A2 suggest it should be powerful enough to drive a relatively sensitive headphone like the 400S to reasonable listening levels.

 

[Capt369]

 
I haven't used either of those myself pieces of equipment personally, but the specs on the A2 suggest it should be powerful enough to drive a relatively sensitive headphone like the 400S to reasonable listening levels.

Thanks for the reply, yes the A2 should drive them fine. I'm just wondering, on the small chance that someone having this combo would relate their listening impression. I really like the c7030/A2 with my x2's and would like to try a planar.

 

[paulguru]

the 400s sound is similar to HD650 or not ?

 

[jjgr]

Anyone run these with a Pono player yet - balanced or not - is that enough power?

 

[mysticstryk]

If you're burning $600, inspect a used ESP-950 (comes with electrostatic amp) and Modi 2.

Don't think those are really what I would like sound signature wise.

 

[manywelps]

 

If you're burning $600, inspect a used ESP-950 (comes with electrostatic amp) and Modi 2.

Don't think those are really what I would like sound signature wise.

Potentially.  They're very balanced.  They do not lack bass, but it is not pumped up.  The bass is also detailed and controlled.  (You can use an EQ if you want more bass)
 
Mind you they have QA issues they need to solve.
 
Anyway we're offtopic.  I am interested in the 400S as something I'd take with me when I'm not going to drag the DAC+E/90 with me.

 

[mysticstryk]

Potentially.  They're very balanced.  They do not lack bass, but it is not pumped up.  The bass is also detailed and controlled.  (You can use an EQ if you want more bass)

Mind you they have QA issues they need to solve.

Anyway we're offtopic.  I am interested in the 400S as something I'd take with me when I'm not going to drag the DAC+E/90 with me.

Saw that too. I don't want any QC issues when I'm spending $600+ on equipment.

How does the magni/modi pair with the 400s? Or would a vali/modi work better? Any other amps and dacs I should consider in a similar price range?

 

[bowei006]

Can anyone do a 400s vs 560 comparison please?

The 560s are more dark and have a more pronounced level of energy in the mids.
 
400S are a bit lighter with a tad bit less bass (if my memory recalls) but with more airiness in the sonic range.
 
The full review will have more information when it's up. We'll have it posted and linked on HF