To all 4XX owners and prospective owners:
After experimentation with pad-swapping and EQ, I discovered that the 4XX has loads potential. Consider performing the following to your 4XX:
Exchange the stock pads with these perforated leather pads which, compared to the stock pads increase the ear-space area for significantly improved comfort, sound, and sound-stage. (Others have reported great success with other perforated leather pads.)
Purchase a good DAC and powerful headphone amplifier (at least 500 mW). Compared to using the 4XX with your phone or computer, you will hear a substantial difference... and can be used with all of your headphones. (For those on a budget, I recommend the Monoprice Monolith THX AAA Portable DAC/amp.)
Finally, load an EQ profile using a program called Equalizer APO. EQ-ing is not necessary, but do you like sub-bass?
EQUALIZATIONUsing a sound modification program called Equalizer APO, I configured an EQ profile for the HE-4XX that subtracts everything but sub-bass... that extends flat to 46 Hz. (More profiles will be added.)
Once installed, click on the green "+" and select 'Graphic Equalizer with variable bands'. Then copy-paste the following into the (pencil and paper) 'Edit text' bar:
GraphicEQ: 46 0; 48 -1; 50 -1.85; 52 -2.57; 54 -3.2; 56 -3.77; 58 -4.25; 60 -4.65; 62 -5; 64 -5.28; 66 -5.5; 68 -5.7; 70 -5.85; 72 -5.95; 74 -6
Using the columns on the right side of the window (or within 'Edit text'), the frequencies/levels can be adjusted to taste. To deactivate the profile, click on the white 'profile active' button, and it will turn black.
* When a profile is activated, all sounds that are played on your PC will be altered.
In summary, the 4XX headphones has potential that can easily be unlocked. With a powerful amp, high quality DAC, and perforated real leather earpads, you can really bring them new life!
EQUALIZATION Using a sound modification program called Equalizer APO, I configured an EQ profile for the HE-4XX that subtracts everything but sub-bass... that extends flat to 46 Hz. (More profiles will be added.) Once installed, click on the green "+" and select 'Graphic Equalizer with variable bands'. Then copy-paste the following into the (pencil and paper) 'Edit text' bar: GraphicEQ: 46 0; 48 -1; 50 -1.85; 52 -2.57; 54 -3.2; 56 -3.77; 58 -4.25; 60 -4.65; 62 -5; 64 -5.28; 66 -5.5; 68 -5.7; 70 -5.85; 72 -5.95; 74 -6 Using the columns on the right side of the window (or within 'Edit text'), the frequencies/levels can be adjusted to taste. To deactivate the profile, click on the white 'profile active' button, and it will turn black. * When a profile is activated, all sounds that are played on your PC will be altered. In summary, the 4XX headphones has potential that can easily be unlocked. With a powerful amp, high quality DAC, and perforated real leather earpads, you can really bring them new life!