[TekeRugburn]

   
I own both.  The S500 can't compete, even after equalization.  The Marleys are particularly good with instrumental separation and have a soundstage that surpasses my Creative Arurvana live, as well as tighter bass and less laid-back highs (they actually sparkle!).

 if it needs that much EQ its not a good headphone imo.  

 

[Darknecron]

   if it needs that much EQ its not a good headphone imo.  

 
It's design is for bassheads, no question about that.  However, I have to use almost equally extreme EQ settings to make my S500s listenable.

 

[penmarker]

Honestly for me they're good for people who go around and about as portable headphones. They're a little overhyped, not to say they don't sound good, for the money they're pretty good, but as giant killers? I doubt so. They're certainly better than other consumer level headphones like Sony and the lot, but they're more suitable for people who wants to start venturing into hifi audio, not audio enthusiasts. Much like PortaPros.

 

[marone]

Honestly for me they're good for people who go around and about as portable headphones. They're a little overhyped, not to say they don't sound good, for the money they're pretty good, but as giant killers? I doubt so. They're certainly better than other consumer level headphones like Sony and the lot, but they're more suitable for people who wants to start venturing into hifi audio, not audio enthusiasts. Much like PortaPros.

Agree 100%. Perhaps a case of those who had not heard anything close to this SQ level hearing their first nearly good can and being overly-enthusiastic.

That's cool and 'all, but it's at the top of the stack for most of their experience and when compared to a wider range of hps does not fare as well.

Still, it does have its place as it would make for a very good portable to give someone to listen to music on their smartphone, a great upgrade from stock IEM's or such. Good for the gf/bf or family member.

 

[BenF]

  Honestly for me they're good for people who go around and about as portable headphones. They're a little overhyped, not to say they don't sound good, for the money they're pretty good, but as giant killers? I doubt so. They're certainly better than other consumer level headphones like Sony and the lot, but they're more suitable for people who wants to start venturing into hifi audio, not audio enthusiasts. Much like PortaPros.

You should try HA-S680, they are a huge step up:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/690493/the-jvc-ha-s680-s400s-and-s500s-big-brother-is-here/150#post_10101326

 

[Lifted Andreas]

You should try HA-S680, they are a huge step up:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/690493/the-jvc-ha-s680-s400s-and-s500s-big-brother-is-here/150#post_10101326

+1

Im one of the lucky ones that owns the S500 and the new S680,they are definitely an improvement in all aspects.

Although the one that screams at me the most is comfort and dimension of sound.

 

[penmarker]

+1

Im one of the lucky ones that owns the S500 and the new S680,they are definitely an improvement in all aspects.

Although the one that screams at me the most is comfort and dimension of sound.

Ugh... temptations.
 
It's okay you guys had apologized for my wallet before.

 

[Lifted Andreas]

Ugh... temptations.

It's okay you guys had apologized for my wallet before.

Everyone that owns the S400/S500 should buy the new S680 as an upgrade! They are just a massive improvement overall. Fact!

Your wallet will hate you, but your ears will love you.

 

[TrollDragon]

I am starting to think this thread needs the title changed to "Headphones that are better than the S500's"...
 
If I want an improvement over the S500's then I'd put on my 'Sones, SOMiC's, German Maestro's or in all reality even the Monoprice 8323's sound better. BUT considering the price of these for a nice portable headphone, the S500's share equal time with the PortaPro's in my daily carry and they fit that job to a tee!
 
I don't know about everyone else, but since this is an Appreciation Thread for the S500's I am starting to get real tired of all the S680 hype and foolishness. If you don't think the S500's are a good headphone anymore then please sell your pair and move along to your OWN thread where life is so much better...

 

[TekeRugburn]

  I am starting to think this thread needs the title changed to "Headphones that are better than the S500's"...
 
If I want an improvement over the S500's then I'd put on my 'Sones, SOMiC's, German Maestro's or in all reality even the Monoprice 8323's sound better. BUT considering the price of these for a nice portable headphone, the S500's share equal time with the PortaPro's in my daily carry and they fit that job to a tee!
 
I don't know about everyone else, but since this is an Appreciation Thread for the S500's I am starting to get real tired of all the S680 hype and foolishness. If you don't think the S500's are a good headphone anymore then please sell your pair and move along to your OWN thread where life is so much better...

 

.... you just have to wait 1,000,000 hours for the final form of burn-in to take place and then the S500 will magically transform; AGAIN!  

 

[TrollDragon]

.... you just have to wait 1,000,000 hours for the final form of burn-in to take place and then the S500 will magically transform; AGAIN!  

LOL, Too Fine!

 

[Achmedisdead]

  I am starting to think this thread needs the title changed to "Headphones that are better than the S500's"...
 
If I want an improvement over the S500's then I'd put on my 'Sones, SOMiC's, German Maestro's or in all reality even the Monoprice 8323's sound better. BUT considering the price of these for a nice portable headphone, the S500's share equal time with the PortaPro's in my daily carry and they fit that job to a tee!
 
I don't know about everyone else, but since this is an Appreciation Thread for the S500's I am starting to get real tired of all the S680 hype and foolishness. If you don't think the S500's are a good headphone anymore then please sell your pair and move along to your OWN thread where life is so much better...

 
You have an excellent point! 

 

[Lifted Andreas]

  I am starting to think this thread needs the title changed to "Headphones that are better than the S500's"...
 
If I want an improvement over the S500's then I'd put on my 'Sones, SOMiC's, German Maestro's or in all reality even the Monoprice 8323's sound better. BUT considering the price of these for a nice portable headphone, the S500's share equal time with the PortaPro's in my daily carry and they fit that job to a tee!
 
I don't know about everyone else, but since this is an Appreciation Thread for the S500's I am starting to get real tired of all the S680 hype and foolishness. If you don't think the S500's are a good headphone anymore then please sell your pair and move along to your OWN thread where life is so much better...

 
Very true! I agree.
 
However, people need to know that the S680 is an upgrade to the S500 that costs the same and provides many improvements. Anyone thats thinking about buying the S500 should get the S680 instead as they will be getting just benefits.

 

[TekeRugburn]

   
Very true! I agree.
 
However, people need to know that the S680 is an upgrade to the S500 that costs the same and provides many improvements. Anyone thats thinking about buying the S500 should get the S680 instead as they will be getting just benefits.

 
upgrade is subjective.  Looks more like a circumaural version of the s500 if anything.  

 

[RoMee]

  I am starting to think this thread needs the title changed to "Headphones that are better than the S500's"...
 
If I want an improvement over the S500's then I'd put on my 'Sones, SOMiC's, German Maestro's or in all reality even the Monoprice 8323's sound better. BUT considering the price of these for a nice portable headphone, the S500's share equal time with the PortaPro's in my daily carry and they fit that job to a tee!
I don't know about everyone else, but since this is an Appreciation Thread for the S500's I am starting to get real tired of all the S680 hype and foolishness. If you don't think the S500's are a good headphone anymore then please sell your pair and move along to your OWN thread where life is so much better...

 
Agreed.
The over exaggerated hype from non-credible source is a turn off for me.