[retskrad]

Is it worth to shell out money to get the he-500? Is the HE-500 treble as forgiving and polite as  the HD650? The main thing I really hate about the he-400 is the sibilance and fatigue from the treble. 

 

[billybob_jcv]

I have not compared them side by side, but I think what you are hearing is the basic sound signature difference between Sennheiser and HiFiMan. The HiFiMan planars are significantly more forward in the treble than Sennheiser. The Sennheisers are going to be warmer.

 

[StanD]

I found the HE-400's treble to be a bit strident and got the HE-500's which I really like. If you check InnerFidelity they have found this to be the same. I also have a pair of Sennheiser HD600's and unlike the HE-400's it has a very nice treble response. This is to my tastes, some people like elevated trebles, but I think the HE-400's are more than just that.

 

[retskrad]

@StanD, what what the difference between the mid range between the 400 and 500?

 

[StanD]

  @StanD, what what the difference between the mid range between the 400 and 500?

I don't uderstand your question.

 

[retskrad]

I mean is there a difference how the 400 and 500 renders vocals?
 
Quote:

  I don't uderstand your question.

 

[StanD]

I mean is there a difference how the 400 and 500 renders vocals?

You can see that the dip that starts around 1 Khz and relatve peak around 9kHz of the 400's will affect more than just vocals. The 500's are relatively flat up to arounf 10 kHz.
I found that 9 kHz peak of the 400's to be irritating.
 

 

[davidsh]

HE-500 sports fuller and smoother yet clearer vocals IMO

 

[KG Jag]

The HE 500 is, within its price range, a master of mids.  On the other hand the somewhat funky mids of the HE 400 is its weak point.  See:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-58-headphones-compared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13#user_HE500

 

[Youth]

There is also the HE-400i. I dont know it though.