Sennheiser hd6xx or fiio ft1 pro

[Brandonfire2]

I am trying to decide between purchasing the sennheiser hd6xx and the fiio ft1 pro. I am currently using an atom amp with smsl su-1 dac and the hifiman he400se. They sound great, but I'd like to add to my collection, on that note the 6xx seems like the obvious choice as it a bit different than the 400. But I keep reading great things about the fiio fr1 pro and really want to compare it to the 400. Any thoughts?

 

[solderdude]

Below the tonal balance differences between HE-400SE and FT1 pro

comfort-wise the FT1 pro (my opinion on my head) the FT1 pro is the winner here.
The tonal balance of the FT1 pro is also better and is lacking the 'etched' treble and has a bit more clarity than HE400SE.

Below the Sundara versus the FT1 Pro

The FT1 pro is far more comparable to the Sundara with the edge going to FT1 pro.
Also in comfort these aren't that far apart nor price.
FT1 pro has less clamping force and weighs as good as the same.
The FT1 pro will play louder at the same volume control setting as the Sundara.

So... having a FT1 pro next to a HE400SE is like owning the Sundara next to HE400SE. You would probably end up not using the HE400SE as it is more of a side-grade than a true upgrade. A small step.

No original pads are available for the FiiO though so only aftermarket pads (that may change the sound) is what one would end up with after 1 or 2 years of regular usage.

Below the HD560S versus the FT1 pro

Instead of the FT1 pro you could consider the HD560S, the HD550 or HD505 instead of the HD6XX(HD650)

When the goal is different comfort (low weight, very low clamping force, low price), a bit more deep lows and the sparkly treble of the HE-400SE you should consider the ATH-R50x as well. Below the ATH-R50x compared to the HD650 (=HD6XX with different cable and color).
Clamping force of the HD650 (out of the box) is very high, the AT is very low. Both headphones can have the clamping force adjusted (takes careful bending at specific points)

 

[Brandonfire2]

Thank you, I'll look into the 500's and the R50x. I agree I'll eventually not use the he400se much as I get more cans, but for the price it was a good entry point to compare to some of my iems. I appreciate the response and detailed charts

 

[Brandonfire2]

Ended up getting a good deal on a gently used pair of the hd560s, looking forward to putting them on. I still want the fiio ft1 pro, figure that will most likely take place of the he400se planar, and the we will see where to go from there.

 

[Brandonfire2]

So the HD560S is wonderful, a great listening experience. While the HE400SE were crisp and detailed, the 560 is just better. I picked up the Fiio FT1 Pro here recently as well. They are definitely better than the HE400SE as well. FT1 Pro still sounds like a planar, crisp and detailed, but just does everything better than the Hifiman and seemed to have a better full range of sound. For reference I did EQ all sets to the Harman Curve as best as I could. Thanks again for the recommendation @solderdude

 

[Dazzman]

So the HD560S is wonderful, a great listening experience. While the HE400SE were crisp and detailed, the 560 is just better. I picked up the Fiio FT1 Pro here recently as well. They are definitely better than the HE400SE as well. FT1 Pro still sounds like a planar, crisp and detailed, but just does everything better than the Hifiman and seemed to have a better full range of sound. For reference I did EQ all sets to the Harman Curve as best as I could. Thanks again for the recommendation @solderdude

Are you still liking your FT1 Pro? I currently have a set of HD560s and I'm very curious about the Pro's, I'm wondering if they're a worthwhile upgrade

 

[Brandonfire2]

Yes it do like the FT1 Pro. They are crisp, clean, and I feel a slightly warm sound. As far as upgrade to the HD560S, they are different sets of cans. The 560 is great to listen to music with, and gets great reviews even compared to the HD600 and HD650. The FT1 Pro is definitely a Planar and very much responds that way. If you like the Planar sound then I would recommend them, but they definitely sound uniquely different than a dynamic driver set of cans. Hope that helps