Orthodynamic Headphones & all things planar

[vivek.saikia]

After enjoying the ortho goodness of the Fostex T50RP, I want to move to the next level buy getting myself a HiFiMan HE-400s.
Can anyone give me what to expect from this upgrade? I haven't heard the HE-400 till now but already overwhelmed by the online reviews.

I finally pulled the trigger and got myself the HiFiMan HE-400s today.
Initial impression is pretty impressive. It is definitely a step up from my Fostex T50RPs. The mids and highs have an identical feel but the sub bass is something which is just WoW!!
I have ordered the valour pads as well and they will reach me in another 2-3 days. The valour pads are said to smoothen out the sound more.
Haven't got much time to do a proper listen as I am still in office.

 

[gurubhai]

^Congrats!
Sounds like its a great headphone, do post more detailed impressions when you get the time.

 

[doors666]

got yamaha hp3 and realistic pro 30:yahoo:. still abroad with friends. waiting is hard, I will probably get these mid november

any suggested easy mods for these.

 

[iaudio]

Congrats Vikas! Two orthos in one shot. What amp will you be using with these?

 

[doors666]

Congrats Vikas! Two orthos in one shot. What amp will you be using with these?

for the time being, it will be asus essence. o2 is still under construction. already got hold of tubes for peter millet's starving student.

 

[gurubhai]

Good to see more people getting into orthos.

@doors666 : the usual beginners mod is to simply place a felt disc of the same size as driver between the driver & the foam.From there on, you can further refine it according to your tastes.
The goal would be to eventually get somewhere close to these.

 

[rohitmusic]

Hi,
I have got the Fostex T50RP after auditioning one of my friends which I liked a lot. Can you please suggest some DAC+Amp combo to go with same.

I have started this thread. Also this wanted thread.

As this is thread dedicated to orthos so I think I will get good suggestions from your gurus

 

[gurubhai]

Hi Rohit,

Congrats on getting the T50RP, its a pretty good headphone stock & can be modded to get performance which can rival even current TOTL headphones.
As you must have learnt by now that the orthos thrive on power & so unfortunately the flea powered sub5k dac/amp combos that work with dynamic cans just won't do with most orthos.However, T50RP is among one of the more efficient orthos so you don't have to chase after big power amps for them either. Regardless, I would advise you to splurge a little more to get the most out of these splendid cans.

Among the budget options, you can consider the Nwavguy's Objective & Schiit's Magni/Modi DAC/AMPs.
I have heard the O2 amp & it is pretty decent for its price & you can check ODAC thread we have here on HFV for further impressions.
The Schiit combo was released recently & looks pretty good on paper & people whose ear I trust have given a thumbs up to this combo. The schiit amp is also more powerful than the O2 so that's something you might want to consider if you want to try some other orthos in the future.

 

[rohitmusic]

Hi Rohit,

Congrats on getting the T50RP, its a pretty good headphone stock & can be modded to get performance which can rival even current TOTL headphones.
As you must have learnt by now that the orthos thrive on power & so unfortunately the flea powered sub5k dac/amp combos that work with dynamic cans just won't do with most orthos.However, T50RP is among one of the more efficient orthos so you don't have to chase after big power amps for them either. Regardless, I would advise you to splurge a little more to get the most out of these splendid cans.

Among the budget options, you can consider the Nwavguy's Objective & Schiit's Magni/Modi DAC/AMPs.
I have heard the O2 amp & it is pretty decent for its price & you can check ODAC thread we have here on HFV for further impressions.
The Schiit combo was released recently & looks pretty good on paper & people whose ear I trust have given a thumbs up to this combo. The schiit amp is also more powerful than the O2 so that's something you might want to consider if you want to try some other orthos in the future.

Thanks Gurubhai!

Mods: Yes, I have already planned for mods
1. I have ordered the Shure earpads
2. Will get feedback from you regarding further mods I have seen a huge list of mods and so will need inputs from you. will keep you posted

Amps: OK, I will check these recommended amps.

 

[gurubhai]

You are welcome!

I would recommend these pads instead :
Brainwavz HM5 Spare Earpad 1pc - BRAINWAVZ

These come highly recommended from my good friend Rhythmdevils who has tried dozens of different earpads on T50RP & likes these the best.

 

[dheepanprakash]

any ideas of speakers??
Jamo d590?

 

[rohitmusic]

You are welcome!

I would recommend these pads instead :
Brainwavz HM5 Spare Earpad 1pc - BRAINWAVZ

These come highly recommended from my good friend Rhythmdevils who has tried dozens of different earpads on T50RP & likes these the best.

Oops already ordered the ear-pads There is always next time in HIFI (upgrades..upgrades...)

 

[rohitmusic]

Received the Fostex today! Now the DAC+Amp part

 

[alcy]

Attempt at resurrecting this - got my HE-400 yesterday ! A little confused with the first impressions. When using marantz cd5004 + pm5004 as the combo, I wasn't that impressed, or should I say I wasn't blown with my first planar magentic phones. Seemed lacking on the bass and punch a bit. Now here's the confusing part - hooking it with the diminutive cowon e2, I was much happier (maybe it was the alcohol level in my blood ?), the cans sounded more open, bass was nice too. Having said this though, I very much 'like' them, waiting to experience it omre after the break-in.

 

[Audiodoc]

Orthos need a nice dedicated headphone amplifier. Check the EHHA or aikido DIY hybrid kits.

 

[anm]

I think you can use regular speaker outs as well to drive headphones, spl the orthos - gurubhai can shed some light here. Lebens amps are supposed to be very good at driving orthos.

 

[gurubhai]

I have tried the HE-400, they are very efficient and work well even with some lower powered amps. I remember the O2 amp was quite adequate for these while it won't work with any of my older Yamaha orthos.
The EHHA ofc is on another level and would be a great choice if you can DIY.Otherwise, the O2 amp which is on sale currently might be a good choice.

 

[alcy]

Thanks guys, but I am a little surprised about the notion of a headphone ampilfier Vs a speakers' amp, shouldn't these cans sound to their potential with an amp like the marantz pm5004 ?

Also, @gurubhai, re: the O2 amp, on sale where ? or did you mean generically on sale by jds labs ?

 

[gurubhai]

Thanks guys, but I am a little surprised about the notion of a headphone ampilfier Vs a speakers' amp, shouldn't these cans sound to their potential with an amp like the marantz pm5004 ?

I don't think that would be safe for HE-400 & I won't recommend it.It also voids the warranty.

Also, @gurubhai, re: the O2 amp, on sale where ? or did you mean generically on sale by jds labs ?

There is one on sale here in India. I thought it was listed here as well, I'll send you the link if I find it.

 

[grubyhalo]

I'd probably go with a CTH if I wanted a compact, in-expensive amp for an ortho can:

The Compact Tube Hybrid Amplifier