HE400s owners, do you feel the need or the urge to upgrade to the 400i? I am thinking of getting my first pair of planars and I can't really afford the 400i right now. Wondering if most of your think the 400i is worth the extra premium for those who have heard both.
I know there are 400i or 400s threads but I want to know specifically why you decided on the 400s over the 400i? Is it only money? Or you didn't think it was worh the extra money for what's you're getting back?
Also, I already own the Q701 and the DT880. Do you think the 400s will be in a completely "different league" in terms of overall sound quality? Or it's essential the same league just different sound signature?
Appreciate any comments.
I know others have answered, but I'll throw my 2 cents in...I bought my 400S December 10th. Added Focus Pads A, Made the grill mods. Upgraded from a FiiO E11 to a soundblaster E5 (dont' laugh, it is awesome) ...400I went on sale, bought it so I could compare and send back the loser....just bought an APPJ PA1502A tube amp last week.
Which do I prefer? Hands down the 400S, with the pads, grill mod, running Tidal through my laptop, out USB thru my E5 DAC, then out to my tube amp ...works awesome. The E5 has some DSP control, so I can tweak the bass in both headphones and they both have very satisfying bass, fairly tight and deep. Right now, the E5 has a better soundstage and airiness over the tube amp, but it still has the stock tubes... I still listen through the 1502 because it is just more fun.
The 400I is a great headphone...they sound quieter, have more detail, I love their looks, but are not as open and airy as the 400S. It has Focus Pads stock, (I have not tried the A's on it), and Ive modded the grills, but ti didn't have the impact that the 400S did, so I've put the stock grills back on. They also feel a little heavier and fit tighter on my head, the 400s feels lighter and softer as soon as I put them on.
I constantly swap the HPs back and forth, but the 400I's dont stay on my head for very long...I probably like the 400i's a little better for classical music, but dam, the 400s's just seem to work with everything. Everything is really broken in well now and the sound from the 400s is just so open and alive. The 400I's fell like closed back HP's. I've read through all the opinions and those that only have the 400I's say wonderful things about them. I just wonder if they've ever listened to broke-in 400s hot rod. Ive also read from people that have heard both and dont feel like there is much difference. Very curious, I wondered if both sets were broke in well and was listening to them with a good source and amp (Not out of a phone)? Or I must just have a wicked, one of a kind headphone here in my 400S. My wife spent an evening listening to both and didn't hesitate to say she preferred the 400S, she just quiet trying the 400I...she wont even try them on now.
On a side note, something I hadn't expected, but I find the open back ear cups are much easier on my ears. I have some closed back EDM head thumpers that would leave me ringing for hours after using them. I get none of that from the open back, even though I will run them fairly hard sometimes...I think the closed backs, since they have a seal, are concussing your ear drums with sonic shock waves. The bass on my planars is much more satisfying because it is detailed, deep, accurate, and blends with the rest of the music, instead of just a bloated thump on top of a veiled mid range and highs. I've never had a such a pleasing setup as I have now. My original budget for new headphones was $200...I've spent $1,000 now and didn't blink at all because this is so worth it...
Any body want to buy my HE400I's, I'll sell them for $350 with the grill mods I made!
Terry