Massdrop x HIFIMAN HE4XX Measurements and Impressions

Discussion in 'Headphone Measurements' started by purr1n, Aug 1, 2017.

  1. Forza AudioWorks

    Forza AudioWorks MOT: Forza AudioWorks

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    Yes @Kattefjaes, both pinout and diameter of the connector (2.5mm mono jack) is the same, but the difference is in outer barrel of the plug. This means that some connectors will be compatible with both headphones, some only with HFM and some only with HD700.
     
  2. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    The Elear uses 3.5mm mono plugs, not 2.5mm. So it's not compatible with Oppo, HiFiMAN, or HD700 cables.
     
  3. Outerspace Wasabi

    Outerspace Wasabi Friend

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    So is it a safe bet that the 2.5mm connectors for the 400i will be compatible with the 4XX?
    Or is it wait and see at this point?
     
  4. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    You should be fine there.

    (Also, for some reason, I started using my HE-560 again, I blame this thread. They may sound a bit funny, but they're great for games.)
     
  5. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Yeah, I have used the same cable from my HE-350 with HE-4XX and it works, and presumably, the same cable worked with HE-X so I'm guessing it'll work with the others either way. It's just not economical for them to change connector specs. Plus there really aren't a lot of ways you can wire these things, so you can most likely use your 2.5mm cables with headphones that accept 3.5mm connectors with adapters.

    No, seriously, I think it's highly likely you can get that to work, and then you'd realize that the whole cable connector thing is actually a pretty pointless game of manufacturers doing something just so they could be... different. Every single one of them could have conformed to the same standard, I think, but for some reason, they all like to do this thing to try to be "unique."
     
  6. Outerspace Wasabi

    Outerspace Wasabi Friend

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    Cool. Probably going to get some pretty cables made for these then.. for, you know, vanity.
     
  7. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    should anyone care for 30strand copper litz cables (and maybe a silver coated copper litz cable) with balanced XLR connector for the newer hifiman connector headphones, send me a PM. length probably 5-6ft?
    am consolidating offices and may have a couple spare custom cables around. hm, and 6922 tubes. ;)
     
  8. Junki

    Junki Facebook Friend

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    Soulsik's review of the HE4XX:
     
  9. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Can anyone summarize? I only have time to waste 10+ minutes on GoT and Rick+Morty.
     
  10. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

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    Summary of his review, I think its worth a watch though.
    • More comfortable than HE400i and HE400s
    • Poor quality stock cable
    • Thankful for 2.5mm instead of SMC connectors (he calls them FX?)
    • 5 different amps for review:
      • woo audio wa-7
      • ?? HA-1
      • Yulong DA9
      • RA2B??
      • Schiit Stack
    • Matched volume at 100hz
    • wrote impressions down so not to rely on memory
    • He4XX vs He400:
      • tighter bass on 400, everything else better on 4XX
      • Overall 4XX more refined and more articulate
      • 4XX Less grain, cleaner but more fatiguing
      • more dynamic, more fun, more correct sound in 4XX
      • 400 more soundstage
    • HE4XX vs HE400i:
      • 400i more sub bass presence but less bass overall
      • 4XX more punchy and fast
      • 4XX less fatigue, smoother
      • 4XX Better imaging more soundstage
    • HE4XX vs HE400s:
      • He4XX more bass, faster stronger bass
      • Mids equal/same
      • HE4XX more sparkle and presence
    • HE4XX vs M1060:
      • 4XX better headphone, better value
      • M1060 more bass, less controlled
      • 4XX destroyed M1060 in every other aspect
    • Did not expect this much from entry level headphone
    • Not worth side-grade from 400i or 400s if you are satisfied already
    Whew...
     
  11. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    I was focused mostly on the HE400i vs HE4XX because I bought the HE400i in my earlier days of getting into headphones. I don't like the upper midrange/lower treble peak(s?) on the HE400i on a lot of program material, to the point that I don't really like that headphone. And the HE400i is the only HiFiMan headphone that I have listened to.

    I was confused with Soulsik's comparison. He said that the HE400i had more sub-bass. But since the driver is closer to the ear, the HE4XX reproduces the sub-bass more (the most of the HE lineup). More to my concern with the upper midrange/lower treble: "I found the HE400i and HE4XX to sound very similar, with the HE4XX sounding less fatiguing with a little bit more smoothness". Given my reaction to the HE400i, it would need to be more than "a little bit more smoothness" for me to enjoy it.
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2017
  12. neogeosnk

    neogeosnk Friend

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    I found a solution from another sbaf member: ETHER C angled ear pads. Really love the 400i's now, especially for gaming (but does well with most genres). I end up listening to them more than my Hex v2. I'll bring them to the next LA meet.
     
  13. Outerspace Wasabi

    Outerspace Wasabi Friend

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    Me too... hope the highs on these are tolerable. I just want a good pair of planars without having to spend a bunch.
     
  14. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    I don't think you have much to worry about there. If HD600 is "listenable" to you, then the HE-4XX should be comparable. Also to say, I've gotten confirmation from Massdrop that all early HE-4XX review samples got regular Focus Pads because of some mixup. Production HE-4XX should have Focus Pads A, which is almost 3dB smoother in the upper mid/lower treble region. You can see it in my graphs.

    I'm already asking Massdrop if they have any extra review sample that I can borrow to try and measure to see if this is a repeatable difference.

    Also the mods I did to the last sample were quick and dirty. If you have more time, I suspect more can be done to tighten up the sound and specifically tune it such that more apparent details can be heard.

    Here's the thing: with the mods I did, the HE-4XX is actually more laid back than my 580 and Brent's Code-X, both of which are already on the laid-back side. So...
     
  15. Outerspace Wasabi

    Outerspace Wasabi Friend

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    Thank you, Bill, that was much needed information \ (•◡•) / .
     
  16. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    I appreciate your explanation of the current HE-4XX situation, @Bill-P . HE-400i left a very bad impression for my sonic tastes. (And I had to exchange my first pair before I could listen to it. The cable on one side would not stay in the earcup, right off the bat.) I had decided against a purchase of HE-4XX.

    Sure these are cheap, but one of the first things I learned after getting into headphones is buying a few "bargains" that I don't really care for can add up to money that I could have used to get something that I do enjoy.

    This post of yours (and I went back and re-read your other posts in this thread) have me seriously thinking about giving the HE-4XX a try.
     
  17. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Yeah, and this is the main reason why I haven't joined the drop yet. I already have a Code-X, and though just the cable alone costs more than the HE-4XX, I'm happy to pay because I'll enjoy the Code-X more.

    I think HE-4XX is a good option for those who don't want to break the bank thinking too much about upstream components, etc... and who just want something they can throw on O2 and be done with it, ya know. Incidentally, Massdrop is also selling O2 for quite cheap. I think the pairing would be a "good enough" reference for folks until they decide they need more details, more soundstage, etc...

    For those with already good/awesome gears, this won't make much sense. Even a HD6XX/HD650 is better. But HD6XX/650 definitely need more upstream gear considerations.
     
  18. Outerspace Wasabi

    Outerspace Wasabi Friend

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    Interestingly, though, I tend to use my lower-end equipment more than I use my higher-end. The 650, for example, is my favorite (out of what I have and have had) but I use my cheapo AKG Y50 more. The value of a product is sometimes derived from its use. So I joined this drop not to find something that'll supplant the 650 but to find something I'd actively use.

    But, in all honesty, I don't actually need this... because I have the 650. I just want a new and different experience.
     
  19. chrolls

    chrolls New

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    [​IMG]

    Hey SBAF! Quick question...

    So I joined this drop weeks ago and somehow just now noticed that the drives are secured by like super glue in some way I think? I feel like such an idiot! Is this just the status quo for cheaper planars to keep costs down and nothing to be alarmed about? Do the 400s and 400i do this too? Quicksearching Google just brought up issues with glue in the earpads, so any expert feedback from people more knowledgeable than I would be appreciated, thx in advance!
     
  20. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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