Is it just me, or did the 500-1000 dollar price point became sort of a no mans land for headphones? It isn’t the ridiculous TOTL where anything goes and price is immaterial yet, but it also isn’t the more “what do I get for my money” mid-fi (I hate the term) space where your 6X0s, 900X Pros, FT3s, various Sivgas, Paras and Sundaras reside. Like, it gets really tough to justify considering the frequent price cuts mentioned in the review. Hell, right NOW the Sundara is at 250 bucks (!) on the HiFimans store. 250. For what is arguably one of the overall best headphones outside of “fuck you money” space. I don’t care what you say, that’s a bargain. And here we have a cool pair of cans, no doubt, but it’s still an unproven one-man outfit and at this price… I don’t know, guess I just don’t feel it?
To pour more salt - the HE400se is 100. For the Stealth version. The non-Stealth is 60. 60. Dollars. This is insanity, a decade ago a decent planar would set you back what, 500 at least?