Reddit mentions of HIFIMAN HE400S Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphone

I really enjoy the HE400S. They don't have the quality issues of the 400i and the sound isn't as cool/analytical. You can grab the focus pads that come on the 400i and use them for a slight bass boost and they're very friendly to your budget as well.

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Hifiman-HE400S-Full-Size-Magnetic-Headphone/dp/B00Y2EOI94

Also, you may want to check out the HE4XX from Massdrop. Very similar sound to the 400i at an even better price with no headband issues!

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-planar-magnetic-headphones

Philips X2 are probably the best choice. They have a slightly "V" shaped sound signature, which puts the drums slightly forward in most mixes, and really are known for complimenting electronic music because of their sound signature. They are a great balance between "forgiving" and "revealing" meaning they can still make poorly mastered recordings sound good, and can still show quite a bit of detail that most headphones will not be able to show. Before their release Sennheiser's HD600, were the main champ of the "mid-fi" range, but after the X2's were released plenty of people say they prefer them. They're really known for their very good bass and mids, what I really like about them is their soundstage is 3-D meaning sounds can be perceived as not only appearing around you, but above and below you and I've heard this very frequently in Aphex Twin songs, specifically the drums in IZ-US and the slow monophonic synth at around 2:30 in Mt. Saint Michel's Mix.

Here's a good review, and a more entertaining, but far less objective review.

Other options to consider are Hifiman's HE-400s, I have heard mixed stuff about them from "meh" to "absolute game changer for $300". But they are certainly worth looking into.

If you're looking to spend less and get the headphones Richard says are his favorite for studio, the Sony MDR-7510 would be good to look into.

If you find you can't get your headphones to good listening levels, notice a lot of floor noise, or just want to spend more money to get a little better sound you should maybe look into getting a dedicated headphone amp. I personally use the Schiit Fulla for my Philips X2's, and I think they make a difference well worth the price. The next step up would be NwAvGuy's Objective2 Amp which is well known for competing against much higher priced amps and being very neutral.

If you want to do more of your own research I highly recommend using head-fi's popular headphone guide or posting a purchase advice thread in /r/headphones. Spending $300 is a big decision and there's a HUGE difference in the best headphones $300 can buy and the worst. I would definitely avoid noise-cancelling and blutooth unless it's an absolute necessity since it just redirects the price tag to additional technology instead of focusing on the driver. Also in pretty much any price bracket, open-back headphones will trump closed-back. Open back allow for a much larger soundstage and typically do everything better than closed. Before I made the move to open back I hated the idea, but after hearing how open back headphones almost feel like sitting perfectly in between two very nice speakers, I never can imagine going back to closed.

I will any questions you (or anyone else) have.

Aren't these $299 new?

link

For the Xbox I use HiFi Man HE400S with a ModMic and a splitter. All of that plugged into the stereo adapter for the controller. No need for the splitter on the PC obviously.

Also, here is a good place to start looking for new headphones/headsets.

Hello again guys. :)

I came here 6 months ago looking for help and advice before getting my current pair of Sennheiser HD 598s.

The 598s are really good and all, they met my expectations.

This was my first pair of actual audiophile headphones, and it was a great and fun experience, from researching to using the headphones.

As many of you predicted, I am now looking for something better and more expensive, now complete with a DAC and an amp.

I currently have my eyes set on the HIFIMAN HE400Ss.
I'm looking for a balanced or neutral sound signature, maybe even a bit bright. I do not mind the lack of a punchy bass as long as it's not completely void of any bass. I also like mid-treble heavy headphones, like my current pair.

I've done my research about them and they seem to meet what I'm looking for. I've however, read about the not-so-great construction quality and use of plastic of the headphones. This isn't really much of a concern since my focus is of course audio quality. It is however, something to consider.

For the amp and DAC I think I would go with the Shiit Vali 2 and Modi 2

This would be a grand total of $570 + shipping. Quite a big difference from the $100 I spent on my 598s (I got em' on a good sale on my country's amazon.

I was hoping you guys could tell me if I am making the right decision, your experiences with the headphones, a recommendation for a different headset or a different amp and DAC combo, etc.

The thing I would use them mainly on is definitely gaming, followed by listening to Rock, Soft Rock, Classical Rock, Classical Music, some Punk. I would also use them to plug in my guitar and digital piano, but not as much as gaming or music.

Note: The Philips X2 Fidelio have also caught my eye and was wondering how do they fare against the HE400Ss.

My budget would be less than $350-400 for the headphones, and around $300 for the amp and DAC.

Thanks everyone for their time :)

By the way, sorry for any mistake on my english, I consider my self good at it, even though mistakes pop from time to time.

Sincerely, Fritz.

Edit: Hmm, the BeyerDynamic DT 88s Also seem like an interesting choice to consider. The 600 ohm version is pretty tempting.

As a youngster, I was always a fan of bass heavy music and installed subs into my shitty car many years ago. Fast forward many years, I'm looking for something to match that silly rattling again.

I've searched and searched and searched and have found the following choices, in order: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 250 Ohm Headphones, Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphones and HIFIMAN HE400S Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphone

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00193FT26/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SY4H/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y2EOI94/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2763VQ7SN6URD

Problem is I don't think these are meant for gym use.

I do have a pair of the Shure SE215s but not a fan of the IEMs at the gym, it's too good at blocking outside noise. I also have a pair of Portapros but they broke and am looking for something with better build quality.

I wouldn't use these for running, just for lifting

Open to any and all suggestions!

I was teaching him and carried his ass back in the days in wotlk.. :D

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00Y2EOI94/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

isnt that on sales? they are 400euro in sweden

Thank you! I was looking at some myself aswell, are these ones any good?

HIFIMAN HE400S Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y2EOI94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_AJeMwbVGM6D0Z

What will you be using for a headphone amp? Just curious in case we need to leave room in the budget for that.

It might be down to personal preference so if you can get your ears on any of these headphones in person then that'll go a long way in making a decision. If I'm looking at this as my own $300 and I were looking to buy, I'd be interested in checking out the following pairs:

• Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (always wanted a 770 or 990 for myself)
  
• HIFIMAN HE-400I or HE-400S (the S model seems to be lower impedance so would need a good amp to drive them)
  
• Sennheiser HD 600
  
• Shure SRH1440
  
• Bose QuietComfort 35 (wireless and noise-cancelling)
  
  See if you can check any out at your local electronics store. Might consider buying used or setting up a deal alert at slickdeals.net to get a good price.
  
  Also, I already own a pair of M50's and they're very popular. Sits at about $150.

Hifiman HE-400s Planar Magnetic headphones.. Absolutely gorgeous sounding cans even unamp. With proper amp the detail, imaging, soundstage, air, treble & bass extension are all fantastic. They're incredibly comfortable too.

In direct A-B comparison to some of the best cans in the world (Senn HD650, Senn HD600, Beyerdynamic DT880 600ohm) I find the HE-400s superior to all of them w/ my PC and HT setups.

Obviously I use these for more than just gaming. When searching for headphones to replace/complement my DT880s I needed cans that would excel both at FPS gaming and critical music listening. These fit the bill wonderfully

My current PC sound rig is a modded Creative Titanium HD sound card > BlueJeanCable LCA1 IC's > Meier Audio Corda Opera amp > HE-400s.

I would suggest the Hifiman HE-400S with the replacement Focus Pads also from Hifiman. I could go on about how much I love these headphones, and why the added focus pads helped improve the bass, but I suggest reading Tyll's review instead as he is much better at it than I am.

If you replace the earpads with ones recomended in Zeos review they get a little bit more bassy but just enough :) yeah i paid mine 300eur as well. If im not wrong H400s i saw them nowdays on amazon for much cheaper https://www.amazon.co.uk/HIFIMAN-HE400S-Full-Size-Magnetic-Headphone-Silver-Black/dp/B00Y2EOI94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539019577&sr=8-1&keywords=hifiman+400s here :) 180£ from amazo.uk not sure is it convenient for you in terms of delivery etc.

I'm kind of new to the world of quality headphones, but I have always appreciated the art. The most I have had are a random pair of cheap headphones from my local store, and the crappy apple earpods. So its time for a change. I've spent quite a few weeks learning and researching about headphones in general, I have visited the /r/headphones' Purchase Assistant which was not only very helpful but also helped me understand what I want. After it all, I have narrowed down the selection to a handful of potential headphones which I think are suitable for my specific needs. I have included my list below, after some useful information for you guys to understand me better..about my headphone needs:

• Budget - £100 - £400. I can push it up couple of quids if needed. But ideally, something that is best value for money. Currency: Pound Sterling.
  
  
• Source - Going to be plugging the headphones into my PC. As far as I know, there's nothing special about my motherboard (MSI Gaming 5) so I wouldn't be too fussed if the headphones require a DAC and AMP, as long as headphones + dac/amp doesn't go too much above my budget.
  
  
• Requirements for Isolation - As much as I like the idea of complete isolation, I cannot afford to do so. Since I will only be using these at home, there are times when I will need to respond to phone calls, door bells, conversations, people chatting shit about me, etc. so I can't completely isolate myself. Sound leak is fine - I have my own room. Long story short: Open back headphones are be ideal.
  
  
• Will I use these Headphones in Public? Nope. Home set up only.
  
  
• Preferred Type of Headphone - Over-ear/Full sized (that's what she said)
  
  
• Preferred Use of Headphone - The main aim for these headphones will be gaming > movies > music in that order. Games: Single players as well as competitive multiplayers. Solely based on what I have read, when it comes to gaming, headphones with a large soundstage would be ideal as long as there is localization/imaging present to accurately portray where the sound is coming from. This is best achieved by open back headphones. However, one particular thread on tomshardware made me doubt what I understood. TL;DR of that post: open back headphones with big soundstage create too much echo, effectively making the localization much worse because you don't know where the sound is coming from - especially in an already echoey environment of a game. They recommended closed-back. This is probably where I will need input the most, from guys who have tested both types of headphones for this specific use. When it comes to music, yes I will definitely be using them for music but not as much? Music type is usually theme songs of games and movies, classical, vocal, and random stuff people suggest on internet.
  
  
• Preferred tonal balance - As mentioned above, since its mostly games with not as much music, and even in music, its pretty random I think it would be best if the signature is balanced, neutral, flat? The word flat makes it sound boring..
  
  
• Past headphones - Crappy cheap earphones not worth mentioning.
  
  
  
  So that's basically what I have deduced for myself, at least what I think I want. Based on the above, below is a list of headphones I think fits my needs. However, a few are included in the list simply because of their songs of praise all over the internet.
  
  
• AKG K702 Reference Open-Back Over-Ear Studio Headphones
  
  
• Audio-Technica Professional Open-Back Reference Headphone - Black
  
  
• Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition HiFi Headphone - Fully Open Backed Construction
  
  
• Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones - Black Limited Edition
  
  
• HIFIMAN HE-400i Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphone
  
  
• HIFIMAN HE400S Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphone
  
  
• Sennheiser HD 650 Audiophile Open-Back Dynamic Headphones

Sorry it took a while before I could provide this list, it took a bit longer for me since I am not very much into the bass style of headphones & music.

Ow interesting, do know which Sennheiser's exactly?
Just so I have a reference.

But we have a very high budget left over for some amazing headphones or even some great headsets (altho, there aren't a lot).
The difference between headphones & headset is that the latter got a microphone. That's all! In general this means that a headset is more focused towards "gamers". So they're often marketed and produced to give gamers "everything they need!".

• Gaming vs "real" headphones
  
  ---
  
  So.. bass heavy headphones are often closed headphones, which means that you lose some of the sound stage, it means that the music will sound like it comes from inside your head, instead of from around you.
  I absolutely love open-back headphones for this reason. They sound a lot more natural and especially for my music styles this is ideal. Those are classical, rock & metal. The instrumentals sound fairly close to what they sound like in real life and the vocals are very natural and crisp.
  
  
• Open vs closed-backed headphones
  ^(sorry.. I can't help it why he freaking used that.. guy in the video to show us what a concert is. He makes up for it a little bit later on.)
  
  
  Anyway, I've had a lot of looks at some contestants for great headphones for your use.
  
  ---
  
  

  Headphones
  

  
  

  PCPartPicker part list
  

  
  

  Product Name|Open/Closed|Ohms|Review|Price
  

  ----|:----|:----|:----|:----
  Kingston HyperX Cloud Pro Headset | Closed | 60 | Click & Click | $70.29 @ Newegg
  Kingston HyperX Cloud Headset | Closed | 60 | Same but in white |$74.99 @ Newegg
  Audio-Technica ATH-AD900x Headphones | Open | 38 | Click | $149.00 @ Amazon
  Philips X1/28 Headset | Open | 30 | Click | $194.00 @ Amazon
  Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium 250 Ohm Headphones | Semi-open | 250 | Click |$239.00 @ Amazon
  Beyerdynamic DT 990 Headphones | Open | 250 | Click & Click |$258.99 @ Amazon
  HiFiMAN HE400S Headphones | Open | 22 | Click |$299.00 @ Amazon
  Sennheiser HD600 Headphones | Open | 300 | Click | $329.95 @ Amazon
  Prices include shipping, taxes and discounts |
  Total | ||| $1351.22
  Generated by Kiwiandapple |
  
  So I list the impedance (Ohms) for a good reason. The 3 that are above the 80Ohms would benefit a lot from dedicated amplifier. The motherboard I selected got some pretty good on-board audio and a solid AMP, but a dedicated one will be a much better experience.
  Now DACs (Digital to Analog Converter) & AMPs (AMPlifiers) can get expensive really quickly.
  
  But there are also a couple of great value options out there.
  
  ---
  
  ##DAC & AMPs
  
  Type|Product Name|Review|Price
  

  ----|:----|:----|:----
  DAC & AMP combo | Schiit Fulla | Click | $79
  DAC & AMP Combo | FiiO E10K | Click | $75
  DAC & AMP Combo | SMSL SD793-II + Toslink Cable | Can't find an in-depth review. | $65 +$6
  
  ---
  
  Now my suggestion would probably go towards the Philips X1's. How-ever the DT880's aren't bad either, but they require an AMP.
  The HE400S would be a slightly cheaper option if you exclude the AMP.
  The AD900x would be my next option and then it's followed by the DT990's & HD600's.
  
  I only included the Kingston headsets in case you don't want to spend as much money.
  
  As for the AMP/DAC options, I really like the Fulla Schiit (yes that's really their name). But if you read the product page & FAQ, you'll see that they're no bullschiit at all.
  The company was founded by 2 audio veterans who wanted to create affordable, high quality audio devices. Well they did just that.

So currently Amazon has the H400S on sale for $287 but then they have the H400I on sale for $249 would it be a better choice going with the H400I's? This is for purely gaming and according to /u/ZeosPantera he recommends the H400S's just curious if anyone could chime in with a suggestion since to ME the average person the better headphones are less expensive, am I correct in that regard?

Edit: Ok so the X2 keeps popping up everywhere I look, so I am assuming these are the headphones I probably should just go with. I hate headphone chasing lol. But I think I am ready to get rid of the Astro a40's with the mixamp pro and get these X2's and amp them later with the Sennheiser GSX1000...