[Skp44]

Although I preferred balanced mode in the limited number of balanced capable systems I have heard, I am not a huge proponent of Balnced systems. Most of my gear is SE and the cost versus return for a balanced system seems too high. Back on topic, I received my HE-400s a few days ago and am very pleased so far. Except the Headband padding(or lack- there of), and the pleather pads. Are the velour pads as deep as the pleathers? I have big Dumbo ears and need the clearance, I am pretty sure I would prefer the velour as long as they are deep enough. I ordered a HD-600 headband pad, that should help with the comfort level.

 

[chewy4]

Velours are just as deep as the pleathers. They are the exact same pads in size and shape except for the density of the padding is increased, and the fabric over the drivers is thinner. Velours may be like a mm thicker all around if that.

 

[TooPoor]

Honestly, I'm disappointed...
 
 Disappointed I've wasted so much money on half a dozen pairs of headphones when these do everything I was looking for in a headphone. Even out of the lowly E17, these make almost everything I listen to sound exactly how I want it to. These will definitely hold me over long enough to save up for the next tier of headphones (HE-6, HD800, TH900,etc).

 

[rainostr]

Check this out guys, sounds so damn good
 
 

 

[tuna47]

Have had the HD 400 for 3 days and love them
I use the headroom micro amp plenty of power they are awesome
I have had AKG 702 Senn 600 and 650 like HD 400 the best

 

[palmfish]

Would you describe how you think the HE-400's sound compared to the HD600?

 

[Fearless1]

Quote:

Would you describe how you think the HE-400's sound compared to the HD600?

Better  dynamics, more sparkle and much, much  more of a bass presence.  not as accurate as the 600, but much more fun.

 

[TontonJoK]

Hello, I own a he 400 used with my PC plugged in asus essence st built in amplifier, I use flac files and mp3.
The sound is pretty damn good but I'd like to improve it (i have a musical fidelity xcan v3 but don't like the background noises)

I read almost every thing on the forum regarding ortho's but i'm a little confused (fiio, schiit etc...)

I'd like to get an other amp but i noticed that when you change headphones you can get a big improvement in sound but with headphone amps it is not as big

What upgrade should I make (or not) to really feel it is worth a 400$/500$ budget buying (400$ he 400 is the best buy i made so far)

I listen to electronics (electro house, trance... and funk, soul, pop) and love big bass line and vocals

 

[TontonJoK]

Better  dynamics, more sparkle and much, much  more of a bass presence.  not as accurate as the 600, but much more fun.

+1 totally agree for hd650 also

You have a schiit lyr and said : "Love this amp with the right tubes! Magic with the Hifiman HE 400/500s" which ones are you
talking about ??

 

[tuna47]

I liked the 600 more than the 650 but thought the Akg 702 were better than either
Like the HE400 the best more fun

 

[Skp44]

Received and installed the HD-600 headband pad today. Ahh, so much better. Not only are they more comfortable but they clamp better as well.

 

[Fearless1]

Quote:

+1 totally agree for hd650 also
You have a schiit lyr and said : "Love this amp with the right tubes! Magic with the Hifiman HE 400/500s" which ones are you
talking about ??

The Lorenz Pcc88s and/or the Miniwatt 6BQ7As are my two favorites.

 

[Gribble]

Quote:

Received and installed the HD-600 headband pad today. Ahh, so much better. Not only are they more comfortable but they clamp better as well.

How does it fit on? Do you need to remove the old one?

 

[rawrster]

I'm tempted to try these. Usually I would try to borrow but no one I know who lives near me has them or at least anyone who would let me borrow them.
 
I do have a few questions. What kind of bass quantity do these have? Are we talking HE-300 type bass, something like the HD650 or say the HE-500 in terms of quantity at least. I'm not expecting HD800 quality bass but quantity I'm assuming somewhere between the 650 and HE300 based on what I've read but I could be wrong. Has anyone tried these balanced vs SE and does it benefit from it or is SE good enough. 
 
So far from the descriptions it is what I wanted the HE-300 and HD650 to sound like but not quite there. A darker headphone would be a nice mix to my collection as none of the headphones I own you can consider that.

 

[TMRaven]

When I first heard the HE-400 it was what I'd expect the HD650 to sound like based on the popular description of the HD650 here.  Hope that helps.
 
Their bass is higher quality than HD650 and most likely HE-300 as well.  The planar magnetic bass is deep for open headphones, and seldom bloated.  HD650 has a much more bloated mid-bass than the HE-400's which is crisp in comparison, but the HE-400 still has the mid-bass impact.