beninfl
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2008
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Curious about how these compare if anyone has listened to each. Currently on the 400's and love them.
Thanks!
Thanks!
I've only got the 400S and 400i. I did a comparison in the 400S thread. There is a note that should be made though, the 400S' stock pads don't do the headphones justice. The roll off early, so getting a pair of Focus Pads (regular or A) is a must (to get depth and quantity).
Comparisons short hand (search for my full comparison in the 400S thread if you want the full scoop).
With stock pads:
- 400S has a mid-bass focus creating a slower, smoother bass in general. Overall, it is above in quantity throughout. The 400i gets much better depth and texturing. Impacts are tight with the 400i and thicker with the 400S.
- The 400S is much smoother than the 400i overall. The 400i has more details than the 400S, likewise with clarity. Darker, lusher sound signature in the 400S comes out in vocals as well.
- The 400i offers much more quantity up in the treble. There is an edginess to the 400i's treble which the 400S does fix up. The cost of this smoothness is indeed detailing and presence. The i offers more air at the highest highs over the 400S.
With focus pads (A):
- The 400S fixes up the sub-bass roll off here offering much more quantity overall. In many aspects, it does end up making the 400i sound anemic in the process. It tightens up the bass slightly and offers a more convincing, direct impact.
- The midrange smooths out even more, you get a warmer, lusher sound out of the 400S.
- Treble is mostly unaffected with the new pads.
I wish I had a normal HE-400 to compare with, unfortunately, I don't.
So with the new pads, do you feel that the 400s becomes a competitive headphone with the 400i, or is it still lacking? I understand it's a personal preference thing, but am curious how you feel.