[YungFrieza]

I've been trying look for a new pair of headphones from my Grado SR-125e's with the quarter mod, and I think this is the one, but I have a few questions, how do the details, the soundstage, and bass compare to the SR-125e's? And will the Audeze pads fit this? Thanks

 

[Hachiko270296]

Where is the bass in this headphone? has hardly any low bass at all. I like it's slightly smooth character but it still sounds a bit grainy to me. It's not as superior as the HD600/HD650 I'd say this is an entry level headphone trading blows with headphones like the SR60i etc. I think with the good build etc it's a good package. 

 

[mejoshua]

Low bass enters with focus pads but definitely not as low as the he560

 

[peepr]

Bass improves significantly with break in (atleast 125 hours) and different pads. Denon D2000 pads added a lot of texture to the bass, more impact.

 

[Hachiko270296]

Bass improves significantly with break in (atleast 125 hours) and different pads. Denon D2000 pads added a lot of texture to the bass, more impact.

If a headphone doesn't have bass extension it's not going to magically grow some after so many hours.

 

[StolenToast]

I've been trying look for a new pair of headphones from my Grado SR-125e's with the quarter mod, and I think this is the one, but I have a few questions, how do the details, the soundstage, and bass compare to the SR-125e's? And will the Audeze pads fit this? Thanks

 


I don't have those but compared to my sr325i I can say they have a more separated and enveloping soundstage (still a close feel) and better bass straight up. They had similar detailing to my ear, I don't think I could say much about them in that regard. The Grados definitely felt "brighter" compared to the hifiman "smooth and soothing".

 

[peepr]

  If a headphone doesn't have bass extension it's not going to magically grow some after so many hours.

Believe what you like. When I first listened to the 400S the sound was very thin, lifeless, disappointing bass. Very big difference after 100 hours or so, much different than I had experienced with my D2000 or HD598. I do think something like cable burn-in is probably BS though.

 

[nwavesailor]

Peepr:
 
Are you using the Denon 2000 pads on the HE400S or that you saw an improvement when changing pads on your Denon HP?

 

[peepr]

  Peepr:
 
Are you using the Denon 2000 pads on the HE400S or that you saw an improvement when changing pads on your Denon HP?

using D2000 pads on the HE-400S I saw major improvement in bass on the 400S. 
 
Have not used any other pads on the D2000.

 

[nwavesailor]

Thanks!
 
Have you tried other pads (FocusPad or FocusPad-A) on the HE400S?
 
Did the Denon pads fit as well as the oem HIFIMAN pads on the 400S?

 

[peepr]

  Thanks!
 
Have you tried other pads (FocusPad or FocusPad-A) on the HE400S?
 
Did the Denon pads fit as well as the oem HIFIMAN pads on the 400S?

Have not tried other hifiman pads. I am trading the 400S in for a HE-560 :x
 
Denon pads require some finagling but do fit well. Not 100% flush but very close. 95% flush to the cup.

 

[nwavesailor]

Thanks Peepr........... I think I'll start with the HE400S and FocusPad 'A'. 
 
I'm sure they will be a nice step up from what I am currently using. (too embarrassing to admit on a HP forum!!!)
 
As we know, there will always be more audio related 'shiny objects' out there......... and the HE560's may be on that list for me as well..........we'll see.

 

[peepr]

  Thanks Peepr........... I think I'll start with the HE400S and FocusPad 'A'. 
 
I'm sure they will be a nice step up from what I am currently using. (too embarrassing to admit on a HP forum!!!)
 
As we know, there will always be more audio related 'shiny objects' out there......... and the HE560's may be on that list for me as well..........we'll see.

Sure. The 400S are great headphones no doubt about it, but I bought the emotiva amp and knew the 400S weren't making full use of it.
 
I had heard the 560 at CanJam and was really really impressed even in a loud meet environment. I don't think I will be upgrading my system for awhile at this point. 

 

[Mr Rick]

My 400s should arrive tomorrow. It will be interesting to see where they fall in the pecking order of my collection.

 

[ayres]

I've been trying look for a new pair of headphones from my Grado SR-125e's with the quarter mod, and I think this is the one, but I have a few questions, how do the details, the soundstage, and bass compare to the SR-125e's? And will the Audeze pads fit this? Thanks

 
 

 

I've been trying look for a new pair of headphones from my Grado SR-125e's with the quarter mod, and I think this is the one, but I have a few questions, how do the details, the soundstage, and bass compare to the SR-125e's? And will the Audeze pads fit this? Thanks

 


I don't have those but compared to my sr325i I can say they have a more separated and enveloping soundstage (still a close feel) and better bass straight up. They had similar detailing to my ear, I don't think I could say much about them in that regard. The Grados definitely felt "brighter" compared to the hifiman "smooth and soothing".

grados are a very different sounding beast compared to these 400s cans.  it's been a while since i owned the senn 600 but this 400s reminds me a lot of them.
 
you'll feel base a lot more with the 400s.  soundstage... yes.  separation... yes.  but you probably knew that already.  we choose grados, knowing these things, but we still love them for what they give us.
 
my opinion... the 400s should be a complimentary can - not a replacement can for your grados.