[Philistine]

Looking to buy my first serious over the ear headphones after living with IEM's for years.  I'm demoing HiFiMan 400i's, Audeze EL8's and Audioquest Nighthawks's.  The HiFiMan 400i's hit the spot for me overall and was wondering if the HiFiMan 560's would be worth considering also, assuming that they'd have the same house sound but maybe offer more performance - curious if anyone had compared the 2 back to back and could offer some feedback?

[FullRangeMan]

I have only the original HE400 driving by a PC and the bass is too correct and firm, I would like a fat bass & more SPL.

[Letitroll98]

Yes I have.  The 560's are 400i on steroids.  I love my 400i's, but after hearing the 560's I'm going to sell the 400i and a pair of Grados to finance the 560's.  Same sonic signature with more detail and impact.

[Philistine]

Yes I have.  The 560's are 400i on steroids.  I love my 400i's, but after hearing the 560's I'm going to sell the 400i and a pair of Grados to finance the 560's.  Same sonic signature with more detail and impact.

Thanks for the feedback - that's what I suspected, and feared!  I really like the 400i's and could happily live with them, but didn't want to be in the situation of wanting to upgrade in a few months time.  I'm not going to be able to do an AB demo of the two, I'll just order the 560's...

[Armaegis]

If you already have the 400i, I'd suggest skipping the 560 and grab the HE-6.

[Letitroll98]

Yes, I could see that, and my amp would drive the HE-6 just fine, but a lot of people would find the 6 a bit problematic to drive.  Thus my recommendation to the op for the 560, which is a much easier to drive phone.  But you're right about the HE-6 being a much better product.  I think I could live happily with the 560 for a long time though.

[Philistine]

Yes, I could see that, and my amp would drive the HE-6 just fine, but a lot of people would find the 6 a bit problematic to drive.  Thus my recommendation to the op for the 560, which is a much easier to drive phone.  But you're right about the HE-6 being a much better product.  I think I could live happily with the 560 for a long time though.

You beat me to it!  I set a budget and the 560 is inside the HE-6 isn't, I'm also using a Chord MOJO and I believe it might not have enough steam to drive the HE-6?  I do see the logic though so appreciate the recommendation.

[Armaegis]

Indeed the HE-6 is a pig to drive for typical headphone outputs, although even a $100 Topping speaker amp does the job nicely.

The HE-6 prices on the used market aren't that much more than the 560 new right now (granted, you have to shop around for it as the used prices have fluctuated quite a bit lately).

I felt the 400i was more a meaty sound with stronger and cleaner bottom end than the 560. The 560 shares more with the 500 and 6 in tone. For ease of use and no need to mod (except perhaps buying the various focus pads), the 560 is a solid choice. With some modding, the 6 is superior to even the HE-X (which I was quite frankly disappointed by).

[Philistine]

I went ahead and bought the 560's and very happy, the top end has more clarity and extension than 400i's which is what I was looking for.  Agree that the bass sounds fuller with the 400i's, but prefer the 560 presentation as the bass is more articulate and defined.  Both great headphones, thanks for all the feedback.

[FullRangeMan]

I went ahead and bought the 560's and very happy, the top end has more clarity and extension than 400i's which is what I was looking for.  Agree that the bass sounds fuller with the 400i's, but prefer the 560 presentation as the bass is more articulate and defined.  Both great headphones, thanks for all the feedback.

Congratulations, curious this handsome woman say same thing(clarity) about the EditionX.
She has heavy hands and aggressive gestures, I thought she would break that EditonX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT2eCcEMu0U

[Guy 13]

Hi all,
unless I am wrong, in the video the lady, she's wearing the HD800 in reverse L and R ???

Guy 13

[FullRangeMan]

Hi all,
unless I am wrong, in the video the lady, she's wearing the HD800 in reverse L and R ???

Guy 13

Yes, what is normal for a woman.