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maXXXjacker t1_jedjiht wrote

400SE is really a solid headphone. The X4 is basically its twin brother from Drop and can be sometimes had for a little cheaper. (I wouldn't really worry about which one is better as most will not be able to tell them apart so I wouldn't worry about missing out on something by choosing one or the other)

I would recommend some kind of dongle dac/amp at a minimum as I found my own desktop (alienware r13) to sound rather bland.

When I say Dongle Dac/amp I mean something a bit more robust than a apple dongle. While an apple dongle is not bad sounding per say and noticeably better quality than my desktop PC, it doesn't quite do the headphone justice.

I'm a bit fond of my Creative SXFI AMP dongle with the 400se (without SXFI enabled). I'm sure the latest wave of cheap dongles like the 7hz, Shio, iFi Go Link and such are probably all fine. I'd shoot for a Qudelix 5k if budget allows which makes for a great computer dac/amp in my opinion. For those that already have a full sized desktop dac/amp, you already have all you need unless for whatever reason your gear makes the headphone sound muffled and flat or you can't get enough volume. The volume ranges I listen at are around 65-75dB with peaks into 85dB. I do not usually use EQ with the 400se as I think it sounds good as is but sometimes a boost in bass to add a little warmth hits the spot when the mood strikes.

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Coel_Hen t1_jeesdqv wrote

Haha I have the X4, run it on the 5K, and love it! It’s my favorite headphone.

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maXXXjacker t1_jeeujf6 wrote

I got mine for under $80 on drop, unbelievable! If my X4 ever kicked the bucket I would 100% buy another without thinking if it is on sale which it almost always is around $99. I prefer the comfort and fit of the X4 over the 400se but that's just a personal thing.

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AidenBernstein t1_jedybb0 wrote

Can you recommend me a dongle for my laptop/phone?

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roladyzator t1_jeemt50 wrote

Apple or Samsung USB-C dongles are fine, but on Android phones they require some fiddling in UAPP every time you connect them to get the volume limit removed.
You can do this for free (UAPP Trial works to unlock the volume), but it's a nuissance.

Also, the Samsung dongle is impedance-sensing, which means it slightly reduces maximum output voltage if you connect low impedance headphones, like K702 or the planars.

So I recommend something like Tempotec Sonata HD II, because it is using one of those ESS chips that have 2V output and do not care for headphone impedance.

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maXXXjacker t1_jees7kh wrote

If you have the money and want to do it right, the Qudelix 5k would be my first choice and only choice.

If I need to keep under budget, next on my list would be the Creative SXFI AMP (not to be confused with the X1 which looks identical). The SXFI AMP has a LOT of power compared to other cheaper dongles. 370mW at 32 ohms. It happens to be on sale for 60 dollars. The Creative app for it is kind of trash on PC but it's usable, same with Android. You can adjust bass and treble and select from some presets and there is also the SXFI gimmick which I hate but you can turn this off if you share the same feelings about it. Works on PC/Android.

Last for me would be the Truthear Shio because it suits my tastes for neutral sounding headphones.

There is probably some new hotness out there in dongles but the only one I can confidently recommend that should delight is the Qudelix. Worth every penny.

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AidenBernstein t1_jeguh3s wrote

Got any links to the sxfi amp one sale? Thanks for the help, much appreciated

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maXXXjacker t1_jegvfm9 wrote

Yea fam, here you are.

https://us.creative.com/p/audio-enthusiasts/creative-sxfi-amp

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