[Alexium]

Looking to upgrade my HE-400. I want to get that audiophile sound and hear every bit of the recording (as well the setup). Well, at least I want to get as much of it as my salary can afford.
I've been told HE-400 are not the best resolving phones, and I'm inclined to agree. I've also been told HE-560 are not much better in that regard so that model is off the table.

What can you recommend? With all else being equal I prefer even/monitor sound and solid bass (not forward or over-amplified, just deep and precise), but I suspect I will have to give up tonal balance with my next purchase.

 

[kman1211]

For the most detail and highest resolution for under/around $1500. I would look into the HD 800 or HD 800S, lower end/vintage STAX systems, and Beyer DT 48/480(discontinued and acquired taste).

 

[pbui44]

If you really like the sound signature of your DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and want to go electrostatic, then get this:

https://www.staxusa.com/system/stax-srs-5100.html

Absolutely clear upgrade to the HE-400i and a more complete sound as a system than just the HD800S alone, unless you already have a beast of an amp to power the HD800S.

Edit: I saw your profile page for your equipment, so assuming you use your EMU0404, you have 1/4" mono TRS L and R outputs, according to this page:

http://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/emu-0404

You could use these cables to make a unbalanced-DAC-to-balanced-amplifier setup with the EMU 0404 Stax SRS-5100 system:

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-PXM-105...rd_wg=Y3Oq6&psc=1&refRID=VJ4XNMG5YKH1X2VPWMEM

 

[endgame]

Couldn't agree more with the above suggestions. The 800 S is just a marvelous headphone. It changed my mind on open backs and now I don't know if I can ever go back to closed back headphones again.

 

[kman1211]

Couldn't agree more with the above suggestions. The 800 S is just a marvelous headphone. It changed my mind on open backs and now I don't know if I can ever go back to closed back headphones again.

The HD 800 S is fantastic, one of my favorite open-backs outside of some STAX's. Not many closed-backs would take some head-time away from the HD 800 S for me, thankfully I own one of the few world class closed-backs(let's just say it destroys the other headphones I've owned). So at least I'm getting world class fidelity from one of my headphones, but it's closed and not very comfortable. Sadly can't get an HD 800 S for a while as I have other financial obligations.

 

[pbui44]

@Alexium, if you wish to stay with Hifiman, here is an ex-Demo Edition X set heavily discounted by TTVJAudio:

http://www.ttvjaudio.com/HiFiMan_Edition_X_Headphones_Demo_p/use0000918.htm

Edit: Forgot to add the Chord Mojo and a DAC/Amp upgrade addition with the Hifiman Edition X to make it a $1,600 combo:

https://www.amazon.com/CHORD-Electronics-ultimate-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B016W1X94O

Edit: TTVJAudio also has the discounted ex-Demo MrSpeakers Ether Open to pair with the Chord Mojo:

http://www.ttvjaudio.com/MrSpeakers_Ether_Headphone_Demo_p/use0000888.htm

 

[wsqqq777]

In terms of resolution/details, absolutely Fostex TH900 !

 

[Alexium]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I was hoping you could mention something cheaper, but then I certainly can't blame you for giving the best advice possible within the budget I provided

If you really like the sound signature of your DAC (digital-to-analog converter)

I really do like it because, to the best of my knowledge, it has no signature. The built-in amp is quite fair, but in the worst case I have O2 which is a beast.

Edit: I saw your profile page for your equipment, so assuming you use your EMU0404, you have 1/4" mono TRS L and R outputs, according to this page:
http://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/emu-0404

You could use these cables to make a unbalanced-DAC-to-balanced-amplifier setup with the EMU 0404 Stax SRS-5100 system:

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-PXM-105...rd_wg=Y3Oq6&psc=1&refRID=VJ4XNMG5YKH1X2VPWMEM

Interesting! I don't imagined balanced/differential connection would make any audible difference compared to a short regular cable that's not terrible, but it's good to have the option.

As for Hifiman headphones: I've been content with my HE-400 for quite a while (not 400s and not 400i, btw, the "old" HE-400), but lately I've come to realize they might not be as revealing as I suppose them to be, and one person on another forum confirmed that to me. He also said he has HE-560 and they're not much better. So somehow I have no trust in HE X, either. Maybe HE-1000v2, but I won't spend that many monthly salaries on one pair of phones

P. S. Thanks for your elaborate posts!

 

[rayhe19]

How fragile are the STAX headphones? One of the main drawbacks for them seems to be the difficulty for repair on them but I feel like theres been more complaints about QC from audeze and hifiman.

 

[Hondadude85]

The HD800S is at the very top of your budget but absolutely worth it in my opinion. Have you heard the T1's at all? They are quite resolving and full of detail and cost quite a bit less than the HD800S

 

[Matez]

As far as my knowledge goes, that’s HD 800.

 

[daltonlanny]

I highly recommend a used Sennheiser HD800 for $600.00 to $800.00 off the Headfi classifieds, according to condition, then mod it with a SDR (Super DuPont Resonator). Google it.
A simple mod that costs less than $30.00.
Or, you may be able to buy a used pair with the SDR mod already installed off the classifieds.
My 2 cents.

 

[LaCuffia]

How fragile are the STAX headphones? One of the main drawbacks for them seems to be the difficulty for repair on them but I feel like theres been more complaints about QC from audeze and hifiman.

I've had a couple of Stax systems in the Lambda series (404 Limited Edition and the 2170 system) and I actually think the build quality is pretty solid. Not bad at all. Peculiar designs, but very durable in my opinion. I also had a SR-5 (built in 1975) that was like new and sounded great. I should have never sold it.

 

[Kazekeil]

I'd go with a used Koss 950. I'm actually selling off my hd800 because the 950(with custom vesper audio pads) beats the hd800 for me in detail, transparency, and overall frequency response. The hd800 is still a marvel, but I'll have the 950 until Koss goes bankrupt. Any issues and I send it off +$9 for return shipping

 

[Russian1]

He also said he has HE-560 and they're not much better

So, you didn't try HE-560, I see.

I heard some nasty dirty things said about HE-560, but that's mostly about some peak in the highs, sibilants... this kind of bad stuff.
*I own HE-560, but cannot confirm these complains, or maybe I am not that sensitive to that; non-allergic, so to say.

But I've never ever heard somebody complaining about resolution / amount of details in HE-560. Of course, in their price range.

My point is if you have a chance - try HE-560; they might be what you're looking for.