[ruthieandjohn]

I traded away my HE-500s for a pair of buttoned RS-1s, the "logic" being that while buttoned RS-1s are hard to find, HE-500s and their ilk are not and I could get a replacement.
 
So now I am looking for a replacement.
 
Here is what I loved about my HE-500s:
 

1. Simultaneously good at teeth-vibrating bass and fast clear treble (the only one of my full-size headphones, including  the HD-800, that is).

 
It seems that the HE-560s are even better at this than the HE-500s, but they also cost $300 - $400 more.
 
How about the HE-400i?  A step up from the HE-400, yes, but enough to get into HE-500 territory?
 
Comparisons on this board rank any of the LCD-2s (i.e., 2.1, 2.1 + fazor, 2.2, 2.2 + fazor) as higher than the HE-500, and some of these (e.g. LCD-2.1) can be had used at a price similar to a used HE-500.  How does the LCD-2 compare to the HE-500?
 
Are there any others I am missing, e.g. Sennheiser HD 650?
 
Thanks for any illumination you can provide!

 

[PETEREK]

Have you tried a Beyer T1?  

 

[YtseJamer]

  How about the HE-400i?  A step up from the HE-400, yes, but enough to get into HE-500 territory?
 

 
IMO, yes!  

 

[ruthieandjohn]

Have you tried a Beyer T1?  

is the T1 closed? Does it SOUND closed? I like Open. Thanks! (It IS on super special at buysonic.com!)

 

[PETEREK]

It's semi-open. It sounds open, it has a very big sound stage, nice precise bass, smooth mids and isn't overly bright on the treble. There was no competition between it and my old HE-400, it put the Hifiman to shame IMO.

 

[chowmein83]

Quote:

 
How about the HE-400i?  A step up from the HE-400, yes, but enough to get into HE-500 territory?
 
Comparisons on this board rank any of the LCD-2s (i.e., 2.1, 2.1 + fazor, 2.2, 2.2 + fazor) as higher than the HE-500, and some of these (e.g. LCD-2.1) can be had used at a price similar to a used HE-500.  How does the LCD-2 compare to the HE-500?

 
I've heard both the 400i and the 500, and actually own the 400i, and I can definitely say that the 400i is at least as good as the 500 (in terms of detail, tonality, transparency,etc.). Overall, the 400i is better, due to its lighter weight and better comfort.
 
As for the LCD-2, I've heard that as well (though I'm not sure whether it was pre-Fazor or with the Fazor, though I assume it was the latter because I heard it at an actual Audeze booth). I think the biggest difference between the LCD-2 and the HE-400i/HE-500 is its overall sound signature. Do you prefer a darker one, like with the LCD-2, or do you prefer a more neutral but slightly tilted towards warmth signature that the 400i/500 provides? Both sound signatures are well done, though, and I enjoyed listening to both. Technically, both are about equal in my opinion. For soundstage, I would say that the 400i/500 is definitely better than LCD-2 (the HiFiMen have a wider soundstage, though I think the Audeze and HiFiMan headphones have about the same depth). Also, keep in mind that the LCD-2 is way heavier than the 400i - while the actual comfort of the pads and headband of the Audeze is decent, the weight is personally too much for me to bear for extended listening sessions, which is something I have not had a problem with for the 400i.

 

[jodgey4]

The 2's with Fazor are more open but very expensive (this is what I use, and I'm not sure if the slightly darker signature would be your thing, but perhaps you could try an audition a pair?)... I'd wager the 400i would be your best safe bet from what I've gathered. The T1 is very dry and neutral sounding, but can be had for great prices, and is certainly at the flagship level.

 

[miken024]

If you don't mind me asking... What did you end up getting?

 

[ruthieandjohn]

If you don't mind me asking... What did you end up getting?

Thanks for asking!

I got another (used) HE-500! Probably the best-value headphone for simultaneous palpable bass and transparent treble.

Then I sold it, after having bought the Grado PS-1000 and run it with its perfect companion amp, the (Joseph) Grado HPA-1 amp. For me that is the perfect combination, except for high-noise environments (it is open), so I later I bought the Beyerdynamic T 5 p.

I.
Have.
ARRIVED!

I'm selling my stepping-stone headphones left and right.

 

[kawaivpc1]

so, how would you guys rank: HE-400i, HE-500, T1?
 
HE-500 and HE-400i both cost 499 dollars now (HE-500 is 499 dollars as used or open box).
 
Do they sound very different from each other?
HE-400i looks like a newer and more comfortable model. HE-500 seems to be a higher grade model.

 

[343 Grenadier]

so, how would you guys rank: HE-400i, HE-500, T1?


 


HE-500 and HE-400i both cost 499 dollars now (HE-500 is 499 dollars as used or open box).


 


Do they sound very different from each other?


HE-400i looks like a newer and more comfortable model. HE-500 seems to be a higher grade model.

 


I've been wondering the same thing for a while now. Now you can get HE-500s and HE-400is NEW at the same price point. I'd like to know the specifics of how they compare. Is there anything the HE-500s are better at than the HE-400is, or is it a straight-up all-around upgrade?