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SpamShadow
65
Dec 19, 2017
I picked up a used pair of these because I was curious about planar headphones. My daily driver is the AKG K7xx which I drive with a Schitt Fulla 2. I love my K7xx a lot. I didn't expect to like the 4xx that much, turns out my expectations were off. I'll start with areas where I like the 7xx more. The isolation is better on the 7xx. I know open backs will always bleed sound, but my 4xx is like a tiny loudspeaker. The sound bleed gets picked up by my condenser mic when I'm in Discord chat. Not necessarily a problem but bear in mind, people around you will be listening along with you! The soundstage is slightly better on the 7xx. The 4xx still handles games great, I don't have any trouble getting a feel of where things are coming from. The 4xx still feels a bit more intimate to my ears. The 7xx is unbelievably comfortable on my head. They feel like tiny pillows gently resting on my ears. They feel weightless (and kinda cheap, sadly). The 4xx is heavy and sturdy with almost no give. It makes the 4xx feel expensive, but they aren't as comfortable as the 7xx for the hours and hours I spend with them on my head.
Now on to the good! The 4xx is incredibly clear and resolves details my 7xx struggles with. Its most noticeable in busy passages of songs. My 7xx loses some of the edge on the high notes when a booming bass track is present. The 4xx manages to separate out each instrument and keep them all very clear. Coupled with the crisp highs and extended sub bass the 4xx is my current music match. I still like the 7xx, even for music, but I'll be primarily using it for gaming now. The 4xx wins out too strongly in clarity. I think I get what they're saying when they use the word "speed" now. I like it. A lot.
tldr - While my 7xx wins out in isolation, soundstage, and comfort, the 4xx brings out the best in music. I plan to keep both as they compliment each other nicely. Which is the better headphone? Hard to say, but $170 for the HE 4xx is just madness. I'm very happy with them.
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Brandon123
168
Dec 20, 2017
SpamShadowLol both are bad at isolation because they are open back
SpamShadow
65
Dec 20, 2017
Brandon123You're absolutely right. But the 4xx has less isolation than the 7xx, to the point where my mic picks it up when chatting on Discord. I don't have that issue with the 7xx. Its an important consideration for me when choosing which to use for what purpose. Generally speaking though, yes, both have very little isolation.
Brandon123
168
Dec 20, 2017
SpamShadowI see, I don’t use them for those purposes like gaming. Makes sense. Though planar for gaming a bit overkill right and heavy too
Sadih
50
Dec 22, 2017
SpamShadowDon't know about you guys, but these are great for gaming. Great sound separation and, personally, I don't mind the outer sounds coming to my ear while I'm gaming. For now I tried them on The Evil Within 2 and Wolfenstein 2.
Mohannad13
94
May 6, 2018
SpamShadowCould you please provide me with the dimention of the box and the shipping weight ?
Mohannad13About 3.3 lbs and 7.75"x 9.25" x 5.25"roughly for the headphone box. The shipping box is arguably a bit larger. Hope that helps.
timkjr
0
May 9, 2018
SpamShadowThanks for the review -- how have you found the Fulla 2 / 4xx pairing?
Mohannad13
94
May 10, 2018
jaydunndidditThanks a lot bro i hope it weights less than 3lbs .
SpamShadow
65
May 10, 2018
timkjrI have since upgraded to a Schiit Stack (Mimby+Magni3) and the sound is better. The Fulla 2 worked but ultimately lacked the punch I get out of the stack. I'm in general rather cold on the Fulla 2 now. It works, and will work for the He4xx, but these cans like more power. I tried them with a Little Dot MkII for a bit as well and also sounded very flat.
jaydunndiddit
3262
May 10, 2018
SpamShadowThe 4XX definitely prefer something warmer sounding. Out of my Yamaha receiver they have a ton more punch in the low-end and tamed high end. Some of the sparkle and air is there but not nearly as intense out of something like my CTH. My iFi amp also wamrs them up a bit and makes them sound much more dynamic. I think a brighter amp would accentuate the bad parts of the 4XX, personally.
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