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rosso
84
Dec 1, 2018
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Should I get these or the HIFIMAN HE4XX?  
Dec 1, 2018
mattris
1260
Keyboard Club Member
Dec 1, 2018
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rossoI've heard them both (and currently own the 4XX). I'd be happy to give you a recommendation. Tell me, if you please: Where would you be using the headphones most? What would you be listening to, mostly? Do you prefer and around-ear design? Do you prefer headphones with minimal clamp? Do you own a DAC/amp?
Dec 1, 2018
PyroL
38
Dec 1, 2018
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mattrisI'm also interested in a response. I will be using these mostly at my computer but also occasionally on road trips or on my commute. I listen to electronic, post-rock, prog, experimental electro, ambient, and a small dose of pop and hip hop. Around-ear is optimal. I don't care too much about clamping force, most everything fits me well enough. I don't have a DAC/AMP yet but I forsee myself getting a FiiO E10K maybe in the next year.
Dec 1, 2018
rosso
84
Dec 2, 2018
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mattrisThank you for the reply. I'll be using the headphones mostly at home I'll be listening to mainly vocal music, lots of acoustic music, not much dance music I don't mind about an around the ear design I'm not fussed on clamp force I've got the JDS Labs objective 2 on the way along with a Topping D50 dac. Many many thanks for the help :)
Dec 2, 2018
mattris
1260
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Dec 2, 2018
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rossoNo problem. The fact is, you really can't wear the open-back 4XX anywhere but in a almost silent environments, as they have too much sound leak (in and out). And to sound their best, they need loads of power and a pad-swap. They also benefit from a balanced cable/connection. On the other hand, the DT770 is much more versatile and easier to own. It's fully-closed back (for use outside... or a library) and quite comfortable, with light-clamp and (easily replaceable) around-ear pads. Unfortunately, the longish cable is not (easily) replaceable. You have a good entry-level DAC and amp, so I'd recommend that you select the 250-Ohm version of the DT770. On a personal note, I very much enjoyed the DT770 when I owned it a few years ago. Considering all <$200 close-back headphones in stock form, I'm would bet that the DT770 would be at (or near) the top the the most-comfortable and best-sounding categories. TBH, I can't remember why I sold it... I really shouldn't have. Closed-back headphones I use now include the BOSSHIFI B8 (with Brainwavz XL MicroSuede pads) and Sivga SV006 (with Brainwavz XL Perforated Pleather pads). Compared to the DT770, the B8 has a bigger soundstage and slightly more detail... the SV006 with a more bit more 'bite'... but the required XL pad-swaps are not entirely stable. TL; DR Get the DT770 (250-Ohm) and enjoy!
Dec 2, 2018
mattris
1260
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Dec 2, 2018
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PyroLBased on what you said, the DT770 would be a fine choice. As far as DAC/amps go, FiiO just announced the upgrade model to the E10K: the K3. Though, if you will be using headphones on-the-go and want better sound than practically every phone or computer, I would recommend you get the portable FiiO Q1 mkII. I own one, and it's superb... probably the best <$100 portable DAC/amp in the world right now... and won't draw power from your phone. Do you have and iPhone, by chance?
Dec 2, 2018
PyroL
38
Dec 2, 2018
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mattrisNo, I have an Android with USB-C and a headphone jack. I will definitely look into the K3 and particularly the Q1 MKII, sounds great. Thanks for the recommendations! I think I'm going to go with the 80 ohm version because the 32 has a reputation for being kinda thin compared to its Brothers, I'll just crank up the volume.
Dec 2, 2018
rosso
84
Dec 2, 2018
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mattrisThank you for taking the time to help me out. :)
Dec 2, 2018
matt_961
4
Dec 2, 2018
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mattrisRecommended pads for the he4xx? My pads are falling off. Are they easy to replace?
Dec 2, 2018
mattris
1260
Keyboard Club Member
Dec 3, 2018
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matt_961I recommend the Brainwavz XL Earpads (the non-perforated protein leather model). Compared to the mostly on-ear stock pads, the fully-around-ear XL pads have more ear-space area for improved comfort. In addition, they improve all aspects of the sound (detail, solidity) and essentially transform the 4XX into a headphone that punches way above its class. (In comparison, the Perforated XL model offers a larger sound-stage at the expense of some bass quantity and overall solidity.) To use any aftermarket pads with the 4XX, you will have to acquire the official HIFIMan Velour pads and use their removable (not glued) pad-attachment rings (https://www.ebay.com/itm/HIFIMAN-Velour-Earpads-Headphone-replacement-Ear-pads-for-HIFIMAN-HE-Series/253238435364). The tabs on the rings fit into the holes on the cup - four on each side. You can remove the stock pads by pressing toward the center of the pad's ear opening , one tab at a time... tabs at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock.
Dec 3, 2018
matt_961
4
Dec 3, 2018
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mattrisThanks, this helps a lot!
Dec 3, 2018
mattris
1260
Keyboard Club Member
Dec 3, 2018
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rossoYou are most welcome.
Dec 3, 2018
mattris
1260
Keyboard Club Member
Nov 10, 2019
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matt_961Hi, Matt. Just wanted to let you know that these perforated leather pads are absolutely superb with the HE4XX... superior to any of the Brainwavz XL pads for fit, comfort, and sound. I believe other 4XX owners have had great success with perforated real leather pads. I can confirm they make these headphones really sing. All the best.
Nov 10, 2019
matt_961
4
Nov 10, 2019
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mattrisI'd go for them but I can barely wear the velour without my head getting sweaty, which gives me acne. I basically use my headphones as speakers now :/ thanks for the recommendation after all this time though!
Nov 10, 2019
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