HE-400i mod

Are there any mods for the HE-400i that reduce its brightness? I really like my HE-500s now, but I'm using the HiFiMan velour ear pads. A simple mod for sure, but the HE-500s are now great. It seems like HiFiMan has moved to a house sound with their newer headphones which is rather bright which is unfortunate for me...

 

Just use a DT880 for awhile. Then you'll appreciate the HiFiMan treble.

 

That's a bummer... I figured as much. I have been able to EQ them, but I'm not entirely happy with the result of that either. I guess HiFiMan has shifted away from a HE-500 like sound to something that is more bright across their entire product line. I like the quality and comfort of their newer headphones, but the sound quality doesn't match my tastes. Nonetheless, thanks for the warning!! In short, I'll probably need to look at some other headphone manufacturers instead...

 

That's ok. I'll pass. That's one of the primary reasons why I haven't considered an upgrade to the face tweeters (aka HD800) either. In short, I already cringe when listening to the HE-400i... That alone makes me appreciate my HD600, HE-500, and even my audio technicas much more.

 

You could possibly try a passive frequency filter, design courtesy of Solderdude. I can get you the schematic link if you're interested. Here's a link on HF showing results of a filter with my HE-4.

 

The price premium just for decent treble is a travesty. These companies have got us all by the balls.

 

No kidding. I'll need to get the HD 650 eventually.

 

Yes, the HD600 is pretty good, but for me it misses just a little in impact for Rock music and perhaps just a little sparkle up top. Other than that, it is awesome. I use it as my reference headphones... My HE-500 adds those things, but it can be a little unrefined in the bass region and heavy (comfort is only so so). Nonetheless, I kind of viewed the HE-400S as more of a side grade since I already have a HD600 and HE-500. I actually purchased the HE-400i on a whim due to the $299 sale, but I guess that was a mistake as Hands hasn't been able to tame the treble on his HE-560 either. I did consider the HEK and HEX, but I don't want to lose the impact of my HE-500. The only headphone that might do that is the HE-6, but it seems like a lot of people mod it to make it better which is unfortunate at that price point. It also requires a heck of an amplifier. I'm not sure if my Violectric V100 or Schiit Lyr 2 would be up to the task since some people are actually attaching the HE-6 to speaker taps. After looking at HiFiMan, Fostex and its derivatives, Mr Speakers Ether, and etc., the only one that I was kind of interested in was the Audeze LCD-3F. It probably has a sound signature that I'm looking for, but Audeze seems to have a lot of quality control problems based on reports that I have been able to find. Do you know if anyone is making perhaps a spiritual successor to the HE-500 for around $2K or less? The Abyss is just a little too salty from a price point for my blood...

 

As a side note, I wouldn't mind the price if it had at least the same impact as my HE-500s and had roughly the same brightness. Do you know if it does? I know that Tyll at Innerfidelity stated that the HEK pulls its punches, and I'm guessing the HEX probably is the same.

 

I'm currently enjoying a Schiit Lyr 2 w/Electro Harmonix 6922 Gold Pin Tubes. That is what I used to compare my HD600s and HE-500. I'm considering getting a Schiit Mjolnir 2 in a year or two. At that time, I'll probably get some balanced cables for both my HD600 and HE-500 at the very least.

 

Thanks for the info, and it looks like you mention some sibilance was still remaining. Since the filter seems to be targeting the 6-8kHz range, you might want to expand that to 4 through 10kHz. I found this article that might be helpful: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may09/articles/deessing.htm

 

Good call. Solderdude's filter was designed based on Marv's measurements of the same headphones: http://www.changstar.com/index.php?topic=1451.0

But I believe you're right. Some cans give me sibilance trouble because of an 8kHz peak, some because of a 10kHz (these seem to be favored areas for treble spikes). Solderdude should be able to design a filter that affects several frequencies at once. Either way, it's a good option, as the driver can remain unimpeded on the ear side!

 

Yes, I kind of figured the Lyr 2 was punchy enough, and yes I'm one of those that hear a little more impact from planar magnetic headphones. I also notice how fast they are especially in the treble frequencies. Nonetheless, do you know if anyone is making perhaps a spiritual successor to the HE-500 for around $2K or less?

 

So they have not just modified the connectors on the new revision of the 400i.

From HIFIMAN : "Yes, that is the reason for the change. Slightly more open, better soundstage and more detail. Also a little lighter without the backing plate."

http://www.head-fi.org/t/698974/hifiman-he-400i-impressions-and-discussion/6210#post_12170416

 

Whoa! This is quite a development in my opinion.