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Showing 1 of 1469 conversations about:
domcobb1
56
Aug 15, 2018
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Anyone have opinions on these vs the 58x's? Would the different drivers make a tangible difference in sound for someone that's less an audiophile and more of an avid music listener?
domcobb1
56
Aug 16, 2018
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etroze86So what are the main differences in sound? What are these references I see to the he4xx being "quicker"?
domcobb1
56
Aug 16, 2018
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etroze86So what kinds of differences are there in different genres of music? Sorry if these are really dumb questions I just see people saying these are "fast" with no real explanation
omniweltall
76
Aug 17, 2018
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domcobb1Just get the Senns. Hifiman and Senns are not comparable. Senns is a professional company with impeccable reputation, pedigree, and build quality. Hifiman is a rip off.
domcobb1
56
Aug 17, 2018
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omniweltallI already have the 58x. I guess my real question is the Sonic differences between planar magnetic and dynamic drivers and if it translates to a tangible difference for someone that listens for fun and not analytically
Joeb1kenobi
72
Aug 18, 2018
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domcobb1I hate to answer your question with a question but.....
Do you have a decent amp?In my opinion the HE4XX require a good amount of power.
I have both the HD 58X and HE4XX. Love both but the HE4XX do require a decent amp.
mattris
1301
Aug 18, 2018
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domcobb1The main sonic difference between planar magnetic and dynamic drivers is that planars sound more real... smoother with better dynamics. This is assuming the dynamic and planar headphones cost about the same.
I haven't heard the 58X, but I do own the 4XX. My research points to these differences: the 4XX has a wider sound-stage and more treble.
I completely removed the grills of my 4XX* and use EQ**. With the portable FiiO Q1 mkII DAC/amp and a balanced cable***, the resulting sound is simply jaw-dropping. My advice is to get the 4XX as soon as you can and make at least one (preferably all three) of these alterations. The experience will be so tangible, you'll feel you can touch your music.
* This modification is a little precarious since the driver (magnet structure and membrane) will be exposed, but you can put the grills back on any time... but you won't want to. ** ... using a free program called Equalizer APO to lessen the upper-bass through the lower mids, as well as a bit of treble. I'll post some EQ profiles on Massdrop soon. *** Cables: https://www.ebay.com/itm/223042745518 https://www.ebay.com/itm/223039915843 https://www.ebay.com/itm/202122585731 Choose the version that has dual 2.5mm connectors and a 2.5mm termination. First though, make sure your 4XX has 2.5mm connectors. (A Head-Fi member reported that their 4XX had 3.5mm connectors, like some of their newer-model headphones.)
I haven't heard the 58X, but I do own the 4XX. My research points to these differences: the 4XX has a wider sound-stage and more treble.
I completely removed the grills of my 4XX* and use EQ**. With the portable FiiO Q1 mkII DAC/amp and a balanced cable***, the resulting sound is simply jaw-dropping. My advice is to get the 4XX as soon as you can and make at least one (preferably all three) of these alterations. The experience will be so tangible, you'll feel you can touch your music.
* This modification is a little precarious since the driver (magnet structure and membrane) will be exposed, but you can put the grills back on any time... but you won't want to. ** ... using a free program called Equalizer APO to lessen the upper-bass through the lower mids, as well as a bit of treble. I'll post some EQ profiles on Massdrop soon. *** Cables: https://www.ebay.com/itm/223042745518 https://www.ebay.com/itm/223039915843 https://www.ebay.com/itm/202122585731 Choose the version that has dual 2.5mm connectors and a 2.5mm termination. First though, make sure your 4XX has 2.5mm connectors. (A Head-Fi member reported that their 4XX had 3.5mm connectors, like some of their newer-model headphones.)
domcobb1
56
Aug 18, 2018
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mattrisThanks for the in depth answer! What exactly about Dynamics makes it sound so realistic? I've heard the phrase thrown around a bit but I haven't really seen a good explanation
domcobb1
56
Aug 18, 2018
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Joeb1kenobiI am currently running with the DACport HD which I believe I have read are able to provide the HE 400s' with ample power. I'm just wondering if to someone like me who just causally listens to music as opposed to analytically if there's a point to having a pair of planars and dynamic driver cans
Joeb1kenobi
72
Aug 18, 2018
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domcobb1No.If you enjoy the 58X I would save the $170.The HE4XX are low end planars.
You will not hear a massive difference.Also I'm not sure the DACport will drive the HE4XX to their full potential.
There is also quality control issues with the HE4XX.
domcobb1
56
Aug 18, 2018
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Joeb1kenobiThank you! I've been trying to find a straightforward response
mattris
1301
Aug 18, 2018
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domcobb1Your DACport HD has gobs of power... plenty for your 58X and 4XX. Heck, you could probably power both headphones at the same time.
My 4XX's are a few months old and seem solidly build. The only quality control issue I have is that one of the pads isn't angled as it should be.
Regarding sound-stage width and treble presence/clarity, I guarantee you would hear a massive difference (IMO, improvement) with the 4XX. If you removed the grills and/or use EQ, the 4XX would pull ahead. As good as the 58X is for its price, I suspect they could never catch up - even EQ'd.
Just curious, what genres of music do you listen to?
My 4XX's are a few months old and seem solidly build. The only quality control issue I have is that one of the pads isn't angled as it should be.
Regarding sound-stage width and treble presence/clarity, I guarantee you would hear a massive difference (IMO, improvement) with the 4XX. If you removed the grills and/or use EQ, the 4XX would pull ahead. As good as the 58X is for its price, I suspect they could never catch up - even EQ'd.
Just curious, what genres of music do you listen to?
Joeb1kenobi
72
Aug 18, 2018
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mattrisMattris is correct the DACport HD should power the HE4XX with no problem.
I just listen to music WAY TO LOUD! However I respectfully disagree with the massive
sound difference . Is there a difference?Yes.Massive?Not to me.However mine are not modded.
For anyone who is a casual music listener on the go I would recommend the 58X every time.
Do not go down the rabbit hole of audiophilia . Your wallet will thank you!
domcobb1
56
Aug 18, 2018
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mattrisI listen to a lot of hip hop and game a bit on the side. So far I've noticed a decent difference in soundstage coming from the M40x's but I'm still doing testing as this is my first pair of real audiophile equipment
domcobb1
56
Aug 18, 2018
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Joeb1kenobiYeah I think you're right. Everytime I research something pertaining to cans I always see people talking about these huge differences and then someone comes along and reminds people it's all very subjective. I'm in a place rn where I'm happy with my current set up, but definitely in the future I want to spend more on audio equipment
omniweltall
76
Aug 18, 2018
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domcobb1Try Fostex T50RP mk3 instead. They are just as cheap, but Fostex is a well-known reliable brand. You can really tell the difference in product quality. I just don't get why people buy this instead of Fostex offerings.
mattris
1301
Aug 18, 2018
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domcobb1Hip hop and gaming is too arenas where the 4XX would be noticeably better than the 58X. With FPS gaming, a wider sound-stage and more-detailed/present treble are welcome attributes. And hip hop would sound best with driver than can produce bass fast and clean. I would bet my 4XXs that they would win against the 58X in this regard... especially if you EQ'd them.
The only way to know is to get them and find out for yourself.
Go ahead and install Equalizer APO - as I mentioned before. It's a system-wide EQ program. Once you so, let me know, and I'll come up with an EQ profile (or two) for your 58X. All you'll have to do is copy-paste the text.
The only way to know is to get them and find out for yourself.
Go ahead and install Equalizer APO - as I mentioned before. It's a system-wide EQ program. Once you so, let me know, and I'll come up with an EQ profile (or two) for your 58X. All you'll have to do is copy-paste the text.
Joeb1kenobi
72
Aug 18, 2018
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omniweltallI really want to try the T50RP but I'm always hearing about how hard they are to drive!
I have a Magni 3 and from what I understand I would need a more powerful amp.
mattris
1301
Aug 18, 2018
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omniweltallI owned the Fostex T50RP mk3 for a few months. While it does have an excellent (proven) driver that produces superb center imaging (vocals), the bass is tuned poorly (too much mid-bass and major sub-bass drop-off). Also, the headphones are uncomfortable with the (super-thin) stock pads... and you essentially have to replace them with Shure 1540 pads that don't mess up the overall sound.
TL;DR For hip hop and gaming, the T50RP would be a poor choice.
TL;DR For hip hop and gaming, the T50RP would be a poor choice.
Xyrium
36
Aug 19, 2018
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domcobb1Yeah, coming from any sealed can to an open back will most likely be a revelation. I have the m40x myself, and almost any open headphone has better midrange, cleaner or better-defined bass, and a treble range that simply opens up the soundstage. That's not to say that the m40x is bad, it's a cost-conscious, closed can. It suits my needs perfectly, just not for focused music listening on anything acoustic or vocal. Eletronica absolutely rocks on the m40x though!
mattris
1301
Aug 19, 2018
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XyriumJust so you know, the mids, bass, treble, and sound-stage of your M40x are not defined or limited by the fact that it is a closed-back headphone. Some closed-back headphones have far better (natural) sound than many open-back headphones.
But as a general rule, most open-back headphones will present a wider sound-stage and a greater sense of space than closed-back headphones.
But as a general rule, most open-back headphones will present a wider sound-stage and a greater sense of space than closed-back headphones.
domcobb1
56
Aug 21, 2018
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mattrisHey I appreciate the offer! Sorry I have been away on vacation. How do you come up with an EQ profile? I might try it myself
mattris
1301
Aug 21, 2018
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domcobb1Sure. Equalizer APO is a system-wide sound modification program*. After you download and install the program, 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: 27 0; 33 -1.3; 38 -2; 44 -2.5; 50 -2.9; 56 -3.2; 63 -3.5; 71 -3.7; 80 -3.8; 100 -4; 160 -4; 2500 0
This EQ profile will lower the mid-bass through the lower treble, removes the perception of 'haze' in the sound, widens the sound-stage, and generally makes things sound more real... with extended sub-bass. Using the graph on the right side of the window, you can play around with the frequencies/levels.
This profile is meant to replicate 'real' sound. If you want a profile that has a little more bass, just raise points 6 through 11 to -3.
* When a profile is activated, all sounds that are played on your computer will be altered. If you want to deactivate the profile, just click on the white power button, and it will turn black.
GraphicEQ: 27 0; 33 -1.3; 38 -2; 44 -2.5; 50 -2.9; 56 -3.2; 63 -3.5; 71 -3.7; 80 -3.8; 100 -4; 160 -4; 2500 0
This EQ profile will lower the mid-bass through the lower treble, removes the perception of 'haze' in the sound, widens the sound-stage, and generally makes things sound more real... with extended sub-bass. Using the graph on the right side of the window, you can play around with the frequencies/levels.
This profile is meant to replicate 'real' sound. If you want a profile that has a little more bass, just raise points 6 through 11 to -3.
* When a profile is activated, all sounds that are played on your computer will be altered. If you want to deactivate the profile, just click on the white power button, and it will turn black.
malaprop
13
Sep 4, 2018
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domcobb1after 12 minutes of listening to the 4xx, i'd say get the 58x (which i've owned for about a month)
the 4xx is making me cringe. i'll burn them in a bit but not expecting any drastic change from that and i don't expect to keep them. the 58x is incomparably superior .
odac + o2
odac + o2
mattris
1301
Sep 5, 2018
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malapropCould you elaborate on the sound differences between the two? Do continue to burn-in the 4xx for 100+ hours, and try my 4xx EQ profile (shown above). While you're at it, here is a Equalizer APO profile I designed for the 58x:
GraphicEQ: 27 0; 33 -1.3; 38 -2; 44 -2.5; 50 -2.9; 56 -3.2; 63 -3.5; 71 -3.7; 80 -3.8; 100 -4; 160 -4; 2500 0
GraphicEQ: 27 0; 33 -1.3; 38 -2; 44 -2.5; 50 -2.9; 56 -3.2; 63 -3.5; 71 -3.7; 80 -3.8; 100 -4; 160 -4; 2500 0
malaprop
13
Sep 17, 2018
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malapropi'm giving these more time.
removed the dust screen from under the outside grill, seemed to open it up a little, reduced what i felt initially was an overwhelming mid-range sound.
they seem to have louder mid range than other headphones, to the point that having the bass at the volume i wanted was making the mids too loud for me.
@mattris appreciate the suggestion but (although i'm not against EQ in principle) i'm running these straight through my DAC without software eq adjustment currently
@mattris appreciate the suggestion but (although i'm not against EQ in principle) i'm running these straight through my DAC without software eq adjustment currently
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