[Zoomer13]

Just ordered a set of the reds from ebay, but won't be here for a few weeks. Had the 500s a while back (then sent to a friend after tweaking as a gift, have T50rps for home and GR07 MKIIs for on the go....), so should be able to give an overview of the difference. Hoping this will work well with my X3 or Note 3 for on the go. They look much more comfortable~

 

[7S Cameron]

 
^ LoL the dood prefers his S400s over the ES700s so that really ain't saying much tbh.

All credibility lost! 

 

[BenF]

 
^ LoL the dood prefers his S400s over the ES700s so that really ain't saying much tbh.

 
HA-S400 and ATH-ES700 have almost indistinguishable mids and highs, but the bass is slightly better on S400. That's why I put "HA-S400 >= ATH-ES700".
Of course, that's based on SQ only. Considering that ATH-ES700 is 6 times more expensive, S400 would be a clear winner for the "bang for the back" award between the two.
 
If ATH-ES700 would be available for the same price as HA-S400, people wouldn't be so surprised by this comparison.
Often the price dictates expectations...
 
HA-S680 is a clear step up in every department SQ-wise and comfort-wise - from both HA-S400 and ATH-ES700.

 

[BenF]

  Just ordered a set of the reds from ebay, but won't be here for a few weeks. Had the 500s a while back (then sent to a friend after tweaking as a gift, have T50rps for home and GR07 MKIIs for on the go....), so should be able to give an overview of the difference. Hoping this will work well with my X3 or Note 3 for on the go. They look much more comfortable~

 
The red ones are very nice, they are more bordeaux then red - same color as HA-S400 "red".
The white ones look gorgeous - would be a perfect gift for a wife/girlfriend for anyone on this forum that can afford them (wife/girlfriend).

 

[BenF]

  Have the S400's and the HM5 pads on them. Unless it's a jump in SQ (or as I said designed as overear) not sure I see a reason to jump on these. Although I do like the idea of improved imaging and soundstage.  Overear versions of these and the S500's have been a fastasy of many since this hype train started.

It is a jump in SQ. HA-S680 with stock pads is clearly better both SQ-wise and comfort-wise to HA-S400 with stock pads.
When you put HM5 pads on both, they are equal in comfort, but HA-S680 is still superior in SQ.
Don't forget, it is the next generation driver.
They do scale up better than HA-S400 with better sources, so I recommend using the best source you have for any comparisons.

 

[Zelda]

Subbed!

 

[BenF]

  Subbed!

But not bought?
Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-ooooooooooooooooooo-oooooooooooooooooo

 

[Zelda]

  But not bought?
Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-ooooooooooooooooooo-oooooooooooooooooo

 

[TekeRugburn]

Maybe do a tour of the s680

 

[BenF]

Maybe do a tour of the s680

 
No chance in hell I'm letting them go.
 
They are cheap enough for people to buy and re-sell if they don't like them - 81$ with worldwide shipping.
I think previous owners of HA-S400 or HA-S500 have a very high chance of liking them - they sound like S400 with harder hitting bass (but still not bleeding into the mids), plus better soundstage and imaging.
And the comfort is on a whole new level.

 

[TekeRugburn]

They aren't irreplaceable but oh well on the suggestion. Un-subbed

 

[Orel]

Very intresting.. I was planning on getting the S500 but now I'll have to reconsider.
Any comment on the highs on these? I found the S500's highs to be a little harsh when I heard them but then again I was in a crowded plane so I probarly bumped up the volume and they probarly weren't burned in properly.

 

[BenF]

  Very intresting.. I was planning on getting the S500 but now I'll have to reconsider.
Any comment on the highs on these? I found the S500's highs to be a little harsh when I heard them but then again I was in a crowded plane so I probarly bumped up the volume and they probarly weren't burned in properly.

The highs are not harsh at all, female vocals sound amazing.

 

[BenF]

For these of you that wait for the cirumaural CNT headphone - you can stop waiting.
HA-S770 has been around for a year, and it's no good:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/637477/jvc-ha-s770-first-over-ear-carbon-nanotubes-headphone
 
HA-S680 with HM5 pads is your best chance.

 

[BenF]

I have been using the HM5 pads in the office during the day (when it can be quite noisy) and the stock pads in the evening (when it's quiet).
HM5 do isolate better and add soundstage, but the audiophile in me prefers the stock pads' sound by a large margin.