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RayF
22210
Jun 5, 2018
Get 'em, they're Good. A little Gooder than the 6XXs if you ask me...
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blazer39
93
Jun 6, 2018
RayFno build quality issues?!
RayF
22210
Jun 6, 2018
blazer39None so far.
The 4XX build is a little awkward/primitive compared to the 6XX--no doubt about that, but it works. I wouldn't stuff them in a backpack or book bag without a protective hard-case of some kind, but for in-home use, I don't anticipate a problem. The 4XXs have big cushy ear pads that feel good compared to the 6XXs which are comfortable, but tend to pinch at the lower extremes (near your jaw). The 6XX pads are completely velour and tend to pick up dust and hair. The 4XX pads are leatherette-ish with velour interiors and stay cleaner. The 4XX OEM cable is two feet too short, the 6XX cable is the perfect length. Neither cable is especially thick, but both get the job done.
I like 'em both and don't regret buying either.
blazer39
93
Jun 6, 2018
RayFdid it shipped 2 months after the drop ended?! im one of the may buyers...the wait will be painful :(
RayF
22210
Jun 6, 2018
blazer39Ordered March 2nd, delivered May 29th--don't recall the date the drop ended, but the whole process took about two and half months longer than I wanted it to--that's for damn sure!
Deathbed
140
Jun 6, 2018
RayFMine is still on the way far far away in the Galaxy milky way........ Farr.... Harr.... Away....
RayF
22210
Jun 6, 2018
DeathbedWell blow me down! Curse those scurvy dogs all to hell; I say we make everyone of those bilge rats that's becalmed your shipment, walk the the long plank!
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paperassgasket
57
Jun 6, 2018
RayFI disagree. The 6xx are the goodest. But I do love how sturdy the HE4XX are compared to the other HiFiman offerings. They're super comfy with those giant earpads. They're a great headphone for certain, but I just happen to prefer the sound of the HD6xx.
RayF
22210
Jun 6, 2018
paperassgasketWell, if I were there with you now, I take you out front and give you a sound thrashing for saying so! But as I'm not, all I can say is: "Each to his own." ;- )
mindhead1
599
Jun 6, 2018
RayFI picked up a 9’ Neomusicia cable from Amazon to deal with the 4xx shorty L connector cable flaw. It’s now a 6’ cable.
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RayF
22210
Jun 6, 2018
mindhead1That would be a significant improvement--I'll check 'em out. Thanks!
Deathbed
140
Jun 7, 2018
RayFHahahahaha I'm literally lmao here sir.. who needs the long plank! Toss em all down! Btw, I hope u are enjoying the 4xx much? Har har
RayF
22210
Jun 7, 2018
DeathbedAs to the 4XXs; Immensely, me-harty, immensely!
DasKey
26
Jun 7, 2018
mindhead1that's a nice cable. Mind giving me a link?
mindhead1
599
Jun 7, 2018
DasKeyNEOMUSICIA Replacement Cable For Hifiman HE400S / HE-400I / HE560 / HE-350 / HE1000 / HE1000 V2 headphone 3.5mm male & 6.35mm adapter to 2x 2.5mm Jack Male Audio HIFI cord Black 3m/9ft https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5O8S4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_A6kgBb06M81PW
DasKey
26
Jun 7, 2018
mindhead1Thanks. My stock cable start to make trouble.
Deathbed
140
Jun 7, 2018
RayFNeed it now need it now!!!!!!!!!!
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RayF
22210
Jun 7, 2018
DeathbedMay have to take legal action for the Emotional Distress this drop has caused you, and others (might be a Class Action suit in there). Let's see if any of these conditions apply:
How Do I Prove an Emotional Distress Claim? To prove that you suffered emotional distress, you should provide supporting evaluations from a doctor or a psychologist. You should show that your suffering is ongoing and that it is serious (e.g. a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder). In some cases, it is also necessary for you to show a serious accompanying bodily injury.If the defendant's conduct was intentional, a plaintiff may claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. In this situation the plaintiff must prove:
  • Defendant's conduct was extreme and outrageous
  • Defendant's conduct caused you to suffer some kind of emotional harm
In order to prove that the defendant's conduct was extreme and outrageous, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant's behavior was unacceptable and uncivilized behavior that a reasonable person in the plaintiff's position would believe the conduct was extreme and outrageous. Plaintiff's sensitivity is irrelevant since the standard is viewed objectively. What Are the Different Types of Emotional Distress Claims? There are several ways in which emotional distress issue may be brought up in the court of law:
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress
  • Negligent infliction of emotional distress
  • Parasitic emotional distress (accompanying bodily injury)
  • Using emotional distress to get damages for "pain and suffering"
  • Using emotional distress to recover damages for "loss of consortium"

I'm no lawyer but I'd say you have good case all the way around, but especially for that last point "Loss of Consortium"--I have no idea what that actually means, but damn it, no one should be allowed to contribute to the loss of someone elses' bloody Consortium!!!
MikefromEarth
64
Jun 8, 2018
mindhead1Also got the neomusica cable and quite like it so far.
Longevity may be an issue but I like everything about it at the moment.
Deathbed
140
Jun 8, 2018
RayFBawhahahahahahhaha u guys are so funny!!!
RyCan
144
Jun 8, 2018
RayFI would have agreed with you until last week. Since I got my 4XX two months ago I have barely plugged my 6XX in. Their dynamics seemed very dull in comparison. Last week I plugged my old iPod Classic into my Bravo Ocean into my 6XX again. This was the combo that made me enjoy the 6XX in the first place. Heavenly!.... ahhhhhh....... Now I am unsure which I like better
RayF
22210
Jun 8, 2018
RyCanFrankly, I've gone back and forth on the two; the 4XXs look like a high school shop project compared to the Sennheiser's now classic design, and the 6XXs sure look like they'd sound better--but as people often tell me: "Looks aren't everything." So, despite making you look like a sonar operator in a WWII submarine movie, sound-wise, the 4XXs just seem to provide a slightly more immersive listening experience (especially when you're being pursued by a British destroyer dropping depth charges off your port bough).
mindhead1
599
Jun 8, 2018
RayFI have been listening t both the 6xx nd 4xx for a few weeks now with a flat EQ. If I had to chose 1 I’d stick with the 6xx Primarily for comfort and low end response. I really like the 4xx, but I find the lack of low end to be my bigges problem with it at this point. I’m going to start playing with EQ settings to see if I can get the 4xx a little more oomph.
The other thing working against the 4xx for me is that it doesn’t take to the DarkVoice as well as the 6xx. It doesn’t sound bad, but it’s not the same. The DV and 6xx are currently my go to setup for rich, deep , wide, hard hitting sound.
RayF
22210
Jun 8, 2018
mindhead1Well I have no tube amps to try them with (using a Jotunheim at present) so I'll have to take your word for that pairing. I'm surprised you find the 6XXs better for base--that was something I felt the 4XX was one or two clicks better at.
Of course "bass" is a pretty esoteric construct--I'm always referring to acoustic base, rather than the sort that rattles the body panels of those annoying cars that pull up to you at a stop light. That sort of bass just needs to be attenuated and I have just the tool for the job--
Say hello to my little attenuator:
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Deathbed
140
Jun 12, 2018
RayFFinally... The long wait is over. I was offshore(for real not a pirate thingy) working till I came home with this... Waiting for me welcoming me like I'm his new daddy.... Tears... Haven't got time to test it yet tho. Lol. Will do some now.
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RayF
22210
Jun 12, 2018
DeathbedEeeeee-haaaaw!!!
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Congrats--I know you'll dig 'em!
Deathbed
140
Jun 12, 2018
RayFAhahahahahahahahahhaha!!! Haaarrrr haarrr Harr.
@RayF still mind f'd with that freeman mind thingy lmao!! Barely catch what he saying. Lol
DeathbedHaha, you liked that? Amazing he was able to keep up pirate talk that whole episode! The narrator did that just for Talk Like A Pirate day, cracks me up
Deathbed
140
Jun 13, 2018
EvshrugYea loving it my friend. That pirate talk is totally a work of art. Don't understand much but yet so interesting. Oh yea and the most ironic part is listening it through the He4xx first hand straight after unboxing!!!!!!!! I'm like wwwwaaaaadaaaaaffffffffff'd
RayF
22210
Jun 13, 2018
DeathbedPropper attire required...
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@Evshrug
RayFSo many pips...
RayF
22210
Jun 14, 2018
Evshrug"And though the pips were rather small They had to count them all Now they know how many pips it takes to fill the Albert Hall"
Deathbed
140
Jun 15, 2018
RayF@Evshrug About that beer I owe yer both...
Deathbed
140
Jul 5, 2018
RayFI received my HD6XX through fowarder. I still can't decide which is better between both the 4XX and 6XX!! Help me!!!!
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RayF
22210
Jul 5, 2018
DeathbedLooks like you captured a bloody pirate treasure ship, matey!
Well I'd say if you bought the 6XX and the 4XXs you've already made the right choice ;- )
I like the 4XX for a little better bass, isolation, and maybe a little more comfort--but the 6XX seem to have the nod for mids, highs and build quality.
To tell the truth, I'd swing from a yardarm before I'd give either one back!
Harrrrr!
Deathbed
140
Jul 5, 2018
RayFNoted with thanks my Captain aboard! Captain Ray Harr Harr that's some straight good info there. I might be noticing the characteristic of both heqdphones bt could describe it's detail . And true the 4xx has more bass to em. Personally I love both equally and currently trying to burn em both in. Burnnnnnnn emmmm!!!
Thanks again Rayarrrrrr Harr!
RayF
22210
Jul 5, 2018
DeathbedGood luck--and don't forget to report back in a week or two!!!
NeoZard
7
Jul 5, 2018
Deathbed
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Why not you keep both of it? I lje them both
Deathbed
140
Jul 5, 2018
NeoZardLol hello sir I already own both of them XD Running them through my Aune X1S to the Cavalli Hybrid and they both sound equally amazing but just curious on my own thoughts that which is better cans lol. I'm just being paranoid that's all.
NeoZard
7
Jul 5, 2018
DeathbedThere's no one is better.. 6XX and 4XX has their own unique sound.. Keep them both sir
If I want more punchy bass, more open and engaging sound I'd go to 4XX If I want to enjoy the music, just relax and listening for a long time period I'd like 6XX I'm pairing it with IFI micro IDSD black label.. So far I'm enjoying both of them.. Love it..
Audios81
48
Jul 5, 2018
DeathbedWhere in the world are you since you use a forwarder? Thankfully they ship most things here to Australia otherwise I wouldn't be getting anything lol
Deathbed
140
Jul 5, 2018
Audios81I'm living in Malaysia sir. Yeap it's quite complicated since I need to fully trust and bank in a huge amount of money to the forwarder (never met him) for 5 units HD6XX. Lol. Some are for my friends tho. I had a friend his HD6XX got lost in Custom during inspection on one of the transit. Thankfully the forwarder fully refunded him so yes I'm in peace for then and now. And yes lucky u that ur staying at places where they do ship to... Im so jealous. Sigh
Secret762
8
Jul 5, 2018
NeoZardI am in this dilemma as well. Most people have been telling me that the 4XX will have a brighter/higher treble than the 6XX but it will also be more clear than the 6XX. Is that what you experience because that is what I am trying to find. Something like the DT990 but without the ear piercing treble.
mindhead1
599
Jul 5, 2018
Secret762The 4xx are brighter than the 6xx and neither headset is sibilant. While I very much enjoy the 4xx my preference is for the 6xx because it is more versatile with my setups.
I have an Aune X7S amp that pairs wonderfully with the 4xx and 6xx. I also have a DarkVoice 336SE which is exceptional with the 6xx and tolerable with the 4xx. Both sets need amplification to be at their best.
Also, to my ears I dont have to EQ the 6xx when listening everything is just right for the genres of music i primarily listen to (Jazz, R&B, Classic Rock). With the 4xx I often find myself adjusting the EQ to get things sounding good, usually bumping the bass a bit. To their credit the 4xx respond well to EQ.
RayF
22210
Jul 5, 2018
Secret762It seems to me most people have solved this dilemma by buying both! You'll be happy with either, and neither model sounds harsh or unpleasant in any way--regardless of the source you use (assuming you're a reasonable fellow when it comes to sources).
Secret762
8
Jul 5, 2018
mindhead1Do you think the 4XX have clarity with the brightness?
Secret762
8
Jul 5, 2018
RayFI did have the 6XX, but compared to my K7XX, which i love, just sounded muddy to me. Or I just could not tell the difference between the two. Thats why when I bought the DT 990 ( and then returned) on, the clarity was there! but unfortunately the hard treble forced me to return them. Thats why I am hoping the 4XX may have the same treble but just not harsh.
mindhead1
599
Jul 6, 2018
Secret762To my ear the 4xx sound very good but not as detailed as the 6xx. While I prefer the 6xx the 4xx is an excellent headphone and think it's worth trying out to see if you like it. That's ultimately the only way you'll know.
RayF
22210
Jul 6, 2018
Secret762Nothing harsh about it--hope you find what your looking for!
bloodpig
157
Jul 6, 2018
DeathbedFor me there is no base for comparison. HD6XX is a class + above HE4XX. The bass is astonishing in 6XX. Rumbling, physical, moving, making you go smile :) With 4XX is like , eh ... Plus to hear good base respond from 4XX you need amplification. Sadly i both 2 pairs of 4XX and im stuck with them. Maybe they will be a good BD gift :> If you want to go portable go for 6XX's little brother 58X.
bloodpig
157
Jul 6, 2018
mindhead1I have almost the same setup like yours, but instead of the Aune i have Topping DX7s and. I am wondering im i crazy or ppl are just saying good things about he4xx just to justify their purchase? When im listening the HD6xx and than switch to my he4xx its like i have a metal taste in my mouth. Its just tinny and unpleasant. what do you think?
Audios81
48
Jul 6, 2018
RayFSo I have to share my experience with the HIFIMAN HE4XX. I've had them some time now but, they just don't have that je ne sais quoi that PM's usually have. While a great can for the price, I find them flat and uninspiring to be honest. And yes I've tried several amps, no amps, portable amps and most recently a Woo WA7. And still the sound won't come alive. I'd say with over 250 hours of use, if anything we're to be happening, it would have. I sit often and compared them to my SINEs, a vintage pair of AKG 501's, several Sennys, and not sure where to place them. Don't get me wrong they are great, but something is missing. I've listened to the Sen HD6XX and the Jubilees and even at $199 they easily sound 2-3 times what the cost would be indicative of. With jazz, old school electronica, R&B, Pop, K and C Pop, Classical... But these HE4XX I don't know. I wanted to buy a pair of regular non MD HIFIMAN and try them out, but if its similar, maybe its a waste. Anyone feel similar?
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RayF
22210
Jul 6, 2018
Audios81Well that is certainly a revolting situation to be in--not to mention a tad atypical to boot! I suppose there may be others with a similar reaction to the 4XXs somewhere, but so far, they haven't shown up here--everyone on this site seems to love them?
I have a couple of theories--but first I have to say up front, I have limited options to base my opinions/listening experiences on: I only have the 4XXs, and 6XXs to compare, and DAC/Amp-wise, only a Jotunheim and a Oppo HA-2 SE to drive them with and . As I've mentioned, I like both headphones and both amps, but I give a slight nod to the 4XXs for marginally better bass-- probably due to a better sense of isolation, and that, due mostly to the big, fat, cushy ear pads they come with, as opposed to the fairly standard Sennheiser pads on the 6XXs. None of which is to say, I don't like the 6XXs--I do, plenty! I was telling @Deathbed earlier that I wouldn't give up either pair for love or money (well, maybe love, but that's a story for another time). Meanwhile here's my theory: none of the cans and amps I mentioned above sound anywhere as good to me, as the music I listen to through my JBL series 3 LSRs--those babies are capable of producing truly "religious experience" grade enjoyment. But so far, none of the headphones I use come quite as close. They're good, but not the same. So, perhaps it just comes down to what our individual ears are actually hearing--and perhaps, headphones are not the optimum way to put music into our ears and brains?
I subscribe to the theory that none of us actually see the same colors, or hear the same sounds--we share approximations of one another's senses, but never identical copies of them. I read descriptions of how others hear this or that sound, through this or that sound source, but that really comes down to words, not sound. Some are moved more than others, and some just do a better job of describing their feelings, but none of the flowery Audiophile talk we read (here and elsewhere) communicates SOUND. I don't have that $50,000 Sennheiser headphone setup I've seen in videos. I don't doubt it sounds good, but I do doubt people are hearing the same thing as they demo it at shows. It's possible (price not withstanding) that some folks wouldn't find it to be the best sounding headphone they've ever heard, others might. And I'm guessing the 4XXs just aren't tuned to your ears, and your expectations. Nothing wrong with that. You like the 6XXs pretty well, so I don't imagine your ears are dramatically different than other folks who like them, but they must be just different enough to make the 4XX sound sub-par for you.
I'm of a mind to stick with what I've got for now. You may have already found the setup you're happy with as well (4XXs not included). Or you may be willing to throw more money down the rabbit hole in search of audio nirvana? I'm hoping not too far down, before you hear what you're looking for ('cuz that way, madness lies), but enough to finally say: "I'm good"--or at least good enough for now...
RayF
22210
Jul 6, 2018
bloodpigI think you shouldn't put the 4XXs or the 6XXs in your mouth--one tastes like metal, one tastes like plastic--neither one is good for you!
EyeStrike
11
Jul 7, 2018
Secret762Hey there Secret; do you still have your 6xx? I have about 15 hours on my K7xx if your interested in a trade. Or, if your forthcoming 4xx are in sound condition and you would rather trade for my K7xx lemmie know. I live in the midwest. I have not tried the 4xx yet but prefer the 6xx with my equipment over my like new K7xx. Always good to have a backup pair of whatever fav cans we own, eh? I'm on the fence on ordering the 4xx but lovin' me 6xx's and will keep the 58x I just received.
Deathbed
140
Jul 7, 2018
RayFI died reading that comment u replied on @bloodpig harrrrharrrharrrrrrrrrrgghhhh.
Deathbed
140
Jul 7, 2018
Audios81Take my kidney for your WA7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mindhead1
599
Jul 7, 2018
bloodpigI like the 4xx. As I stated earlier or in another thread I have to add some bass via EQ to get it where I like it. I also like the wider soundstage when watching movies. For the price, I think the 4xx is a solid set when properly amped.
All that said, I prefer the 6xx primarily because it sounds so good with my DarkVoice. That pairing with my RCA & Shuguang Treasure tubes is the best I've ever heard through headphones.
Deathbed
140
Jul 7, 2018
mindhead1Now u are making me considering getting the Darkvoice.... Nepp.. nepp. Are those Shuguang's an upgrade tubes for it?
mindhead1
599
Jul 7, 2018
RayF
22210
Jul 7, 2018
DeathbedToo much--just give him your appendix (they're more like an old set of headphones you don't really use any more).
RayF
22210
Jul 7, 2018
DeathbedWell he did say the 4XX left a metal taste in his mouth...
RayFIt’s hard to say what is atypical or not... we don’t have actual statistics, just a couple comments and our own biases (I say bias in the sense that everyone has a bias, not that someone is trying to deliberately be misleading to them self or others). I have heard the HE-400i, but not the HE-4XX, but by all accounts they’re both good headphones with different strengths, and our biases help us pick which strengths we prefer.
The Sennheiser HE-1 (which is more like $55,000 now, and there’s a waitlist on them because they sell faster than they’re made), is not really a fair comparison to make in a HE-4xx thread, though I suppose it’s sheer existence makes it the elephant in the room for any discussion of headphones.
RayFBetter than leaving a rap taste on his mouth... ^__^
RayF
22210
Jul 8, 2018
EvshrugAbsolutely (I'd rather eat dog shit).
RayF
22210
Jul 8, 2018
EvshrugDon't be reasonable--there's no place for that here.
Deathbed
140
Sep 14, 2018
Audios81WoooooooooooooAudiooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!
DeathbedLmao! Did you get one of their amps?
edit: Also @RayF , have you ever heard any electrostat? they’re so low mass and responsive to little changes or nuances that they feel next-level... kind of like going from cheap earbuds to your first pair of good $100+ headphones, then you start to get used to the diminishing returns after that, then WOAH Electrostats! Not everybody likes them though... they usually have plenty of bass, but the distortion is so low that they aren’t warm or feel like they lack body. Also you don’t hear the break up as you turn up the volume that often people associate with ”loud,” so it’s easy to keep turning up the volume to damaging levels because it doesn’t sound harsh. Of course the expertise and sensibilities of the company still make quite a difference in the final outcome... but I’m already waaaay off topic! Sorry!
RayF
22210
Sep 15, 2018
EvshrugNo, never have, but your description of their sound has me curious. I'm going to put a pair of Hifiman Shangra-las on layaway. Should have them paid-off in another three years ;- )
RayFOh yeah... the Shangri La, the “other“ $50k headphone. I can’t make a fair judgement on that one, because when I got a chance to hear it, they had a dedicated, sound insulated room to listen, and the air conditioning couldn’t keep up with the stuffy 100° room and I couldn’t stand staying in there for more than two minutes 😅. I had a few more chances to hear it at CanJams, but their demo model kept being broken when I managed to make it to a show. But hey! They have a Baby Shangri-La that is “only” $8000!
RayF
22210
Sep 15, 2018
EvshrugWell you've come closer to them than I have!
RayFWell, if you ever get to go to a CanJam, or the San Francisco Sennheiser store, make sure to check if there’s sign-ups for the HE-1, and also the Stax anything, HiFiman Shangri La or Shangri La Junior, Mr. Speakers Vocé (I think it’s pronounced Vo-Cheh), Koss GSP 950 (which just went up for sale on Massdrop for $500), or the Sonoma electrostat. I may be missing a brand here, but there’s a bigger difference between electrostats and anything else than there is between dynamic drivers and planar magnetics (and varations of dynamic drivers like beryllium or bio-cellulose).
RayF
22210
Sep 16, 2018
EvshrugWill do!
RyCan
144
Sep 17, 2018
EvshrugI'm very curious at the electrostats. Prior to a couple days ago they were so far out of my budget I hadn't let myself look at them. With that Koss drop my interest is definitely piqued. However, I saw a few comments about lack of bass on the original and going from pleather to velour usually doesn't increase bass response...
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