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Sketchy QC? Not what I wanted to hear. Maybe I'll hold out a bit, in no hurry actually.
I seriously don't think there's much to worry about. Keep in mind, there have been a few reported issues - yet, quite a few others who have had no issues at all. In my case, I'm 99% sure that my "self resolution" of sufficiently applying the correct tension by tightening the 7 small bolts / nuts and then applying an adhesive lock, so the bolts and nuts would not come loose again, would have probably been fine for the remainder of their life. Yet, by the time I had taken my "self resolution" to the degree I did, that was when I had heard from HifiMAN on what involvement (costs) would allow me a proper exchange to a version #2 of the HE-400. Also, keep in mind, a larger portion of the HE-400 assembly process is more automated than HifiMAN's other orthodynamic offerings. It was because of this automation, which requires less human labor, that HifiMAN is able to offer the HE-400 at such a competitive price level for an orthodynamic price point.
Now, having both the HE-400s and the HE-500s, I can say with some degree of confidence that while there is a sound difference between the two, the HifiMAN signature is shared to a high degree between the two models. Now, for the buyer, if they want to opt for the more expensive HE-500, they can. However, they should also consider what $300 in additional cost might offer them, and if it will be worth it or not. If I didn't have both to my avail, I will state that I'd be quite content with the HE-400. But, also having access to the HE-500 provides me with the subtle differences that the higher level model offers, which comes mainly in the mid-range being offered. While the HE-400 doesn't have a bad mid-range at all, the HE-500 provides the benefit of an more level frequency response over the spectrum.
I can also state that there is actually a bit of a different signature in the HE-5LE offering vs. the HE-400 and HE-500 models. The HE-5LE, is very likable in its sound performance. Yet, I find it to handle the details of separate instruments very, very well. The details on the HE-5LE are quite refined and offers some benefits in a direction that the HE-400 and HE-500 don't necessarily offer. Now, as an owner of the three, I don't think there's really a component of either of them that wouldn't make any buyer or user of the model unhappy and not being able to enjoy them to the fullest, with the exception of their open design. For those who need a more sealed design, they must look elsewhere. But, if one wants a detailed, open headphone, with great performance, the orthodynamic series from HifiMAN really delivers, if you ask me.
. I like the HM5 pads but man they get my ears so hot after a short while. Comfort wise I have to say I liked the Hifiman leathers on the T50RP's best but honestly anything is miles better than the stock pads by far for me. SQ wise it's hard for me to compare because by the time I switch out the pads I forget how the last ones compared and I don't really have the time or patience to switch em back and fourth xD.
