Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
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:
  1. 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.)
  2. To use any aftermarket pads, you will need to acquire the official HIFIMAN Velour pads and use their removable pad-attachment rings (https://www.ebay.com/itm/HIFIMAN-Velour-Earpads-Headphone-replacement-Ear-pads-for-HIFIMAN-HE-Series/253238435364)
  3. 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.)
  4. Finally, load an EQ profile using a program called Equalizer APO. EQ-ing is not necessary, but do you like sub-bass?


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!
(Edited)
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile