So honestly, the k5 pro is pretty good and really only gets slightly edged out by the atom, but very minimal difference, and the k5 pro has more power. I would recommend that and better headphones, and I don’t think I mentioned it originally because I don’t think it was out yet.
I would still say the 4xx is pretty good though. The k5 pro would have more oomph to drive it too, since it’s more powerful then the atom
Considering I’d only be able to spend $20 more on headphones, seems like it’s still the 4XX, which I’m fine with.
Yeah, the 4xx is a great headphone, that imo are well worth their price
I’ve never listened to planars before, so it’ll be exciting to hear what the difference is.
4xx are a lot of fun. love mine 
So it seems according to Hifi Guides I could technically afford the ModHouse Argon Mk3 when opting for the K5 Pro. I’ve heard they’re notoriously hard to drive, but the sound is incredible. Would those be fine with being powered from the K5 Pro, and would that same hard-to-drive issue of the Argons also apply to other T50 RP mods like the Dekoni Blue?
the t50 is hard to get going on a phone, but it should be just fine on the k5 pro, and imo would be good. I personally would prefer the 4xx in this case, as imo the argons are good but are a bit more niche then the 4xx. I would just recommend going with the 4xx unless you know what type of sound you want, and if you would think you would really enjoy the argons, then go for the argons
I take it that the sound modification comes from the change in pads? If that’s the case, then chances are I don’t exactly know what I’d be in for when I’m figuring that out. Well, suppose I can save that for later when I know more about how something ‘warm’ sounds, and whatnot.
There’s more to the argon mods then pad changes. The drivers are modified and dampened as well for more tuning. There are also upgrades like the comfort strap or optional balanced wiring. I just don’t think its a good beginner headphone imo
Chances are that I may or may not get the Argons, but whatever I’ll choose, I’d like to ask: what does the website mean when they describe the different sound of the pads? I feel interested in grabbing them with the Cowhide, but the description for how it modifies the sound is rather vague to me. Same goes to most of the other descriptions of the pad options.
it’s called pad rolling. like tube rolling on tube amps, you can change the pads on headphones and affect the sound. it can be for the good or the bad, but is an effective way of changing headphones that don’t sound good to you to something you do enjoy.
a good example is pad rolling on Koss PortaPro’s, KSC75’s and KPH30i’s with the pads made by Yaxi. or how the G pad that come on the higher end Grado’s drop the treble peaks and give better bass response in their Prestige series.
In that case, as someone who hasn’t really gotten into pad rolling at all (keep in mind I’ve only ever tried gamer headsets and cheapo Sony headphones), what would you consider to be a good choice for Argon pads as someone who enjoys emphasis on clarity and some low end?
no idea…I haven’t been interested in the Argon mod’s, so haven’t followed anything. however, if you Google or go to the headphone mod sub-reddit, I bet you’ll find lots of info.
Personally I think the pleather pads are the best on the argons
Would you say it’d be necessary to pad-roll the 4XXs for comfort or improving the sound signature?
Personally no, I think they are pretty comfy and are really the right pad for the headphone already. You can swap the pads if you want more bass, wider soundstage, or a different sound, but personally I think the stock pads are more then adequate
the HE-4xx are comfortable. they do get warm during the summer though.
When do you plan to buy your first system?
Not entirely sure. I almost have enough money to buy the separate DAC/Amp combo with the HE4XX. That being said, college applications are coming up next month, and chances are I may not be totally eligible for fee waivers so I’d have to help my folks with paying for the fees. Furthermore, I have been interested in getting new wireless headphones to replace my current wireless earbuds which are starting to wear out, so right now, it’s a little low priority-wise.
Could you explain to me what Balanced wiring is? I’ve heard it thrown around here and there, but I don’t know what it means other than changing the input plug to a XLR 4-Pin.