HIFIMAN HE400SE REVIEW 

Regardless of your budget, you can get high-quality planar magnetic headphones from Hifiman. From the incredibly pricey Susvara to the more affordable HE400-series, the most recent iteration of which is the HE400SE, which is an entry-level model,.

The original HE400, a new entry-level planar magnetic headphone from Hifiman, was released in 2011 or 2012. Both the HE400i and the HE400S were released in 2014. Launched in 2017, the HE4XX was the result of a partnership with Drop, and the 400SE we have today was introduced in 2021.

Round stealth magnets that improve acoustic performance are used in the HE400SE. It features the iconic Hifiman circular cup design with a detachable grill that opens the door to the idea of a “grill mod,” and the ear cups’ round shape makes it simple to try out different pads. One of the reasons Hifiman headphones have grown so popular is because they can be adjusted.

The manufacturer sent us the HE400SE, which costs 109 USD as of writing.

HIFIMAN HE400SE SPECIFICATIONS 

• Driver Type: Planar Magnetic Driver with stealth magnet 
• Double-sided magnet driver 
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-35KHz
• Sensitivity: 91dB
• Impedance: 25 Ohms
• Weight: 390g 
• Cable connector on headphones: Dual 3.5 mm jack 
• Included cable: 1.5 meter (4.9 feet) 3.5mm plug with 6.3 mm adapter  

BUILD AND COMFORT 

In my experience, the HE400SE is both sturdy and pleasant to wear. Metal makes up the yokes and grill, while padding and pleather encase the headband made of spring metal. You can turn it in a nice way. There is plastic in the cups.

With mesh facing the head, fenestrated pleather on the inside, and solid pleather on the outside, these pads are comfortable.

The one thing I would alter is the somewhat rigid padding on the headband. Even if it doesn’t bother me, it could be an issue for those whose heads aren’t designed to distribute weight evenly. Focal offers plush headbands that are comparable to those brands. On the whole, nevertheless, for the money, these headphones are sturdy and well-made.

LISTENING IMPRESSIONS 

During this session, I utilized the RME ADI-2 DAC FS in conjunction with the Sparkos Labs Gemini hybrid tube amplifier.

Queen Beyoncé’s “Daddy Lessons” is an impressively roomy setup, yet it falls short when it comes to vision and separation. The bass is quite consistent and sturdy. The singing by Beyonce is superb. The guitar has a lively and clear tone.

The Liszt Liebe Nonnenwerth, written by L.O. Andsnes, is the perfect instrument for this lovely piano tune. The timbre and harmony of tones are really appealing to me.

Embrace the Calm by Coldplay The rendering of Chris Martin’s vocals is excellent. Natural and cozy. The percussion is lively, and the bass is strong. The soundstage is small and cozy, with just the right amount of space between instruments.

In the shadow of Stone Temple Pilots—excellent performance. The fuzz guitars and bass are distinct, the vocals are powerful and enthusiastic, and the drumming is lively and punchy without being overwhelming.

Boris Blank’s Escape Route Excellent electronic tunes. A well-organized and entertaining presentation is what you can expect from the HE400SE. Impressive bass, and the sound is balanced all around.

858-3, written by Bill Frisell String music that is enjoyable. The HE400SE has a wonderful tone, and the violins seem authentic. There is a cozy, textural quality to the strings.

HEADPHONE COMPARISONS

HIFIMAN DEVA PRO VS HE400SE 

This is the main point, although I also wrote a review comparing these headphones. Even when comparing high-end amplifiers like the Auralic Taurus with more affordable options like the Fiio K5 PRO ESS and Schiit Magni Heretic, there are noticeable variances.

Construction: These earbuds are practically identical. This is the same headband. Oval cups are a little bit bigger on the Deva PRO. Lighter by 30 grams is the Deva PRO. Additionally, the amplifier is easy to drive. The HE400SE appears to have a driver unit that is thicker, resulting in thicker cups. With the exception of their form, the pads are mechanically identical.

Treble: The treble on both of them is quite good. Having said that, the Deva PRO is easier and more sophisticated. The HE400SE’s high notes are more robust and have more punch. Occasionally, I hear the HE400SE being a little more forward-thinking, and not just in the treble but also in the upper midrange.

Both have a detailed and present mid-range. But the HE400SE has a little more midrange power, tonal weight, and overall body. The vocals and other instruments sound richer, closer, and more upfront. The course determines whether this is an advantage or disadvantage.

Bass: To reiterate, they’re both excellent, but in different ways. It looks like the HE400SE has a more controlled and defined bass. In stark contrast, the Deva can occasionally come out as too carefree and flowery. Nonetheless, this is little and seldom a major concern. Both are commensurate with high-quality planar magnetic headphones in terms of their bass response.

When it comes to timbre, I’m still not sure which one is better. When it comes to highs, the Deva PRO sounds the most authentic. The middle is more of a draw; it all comes down to the course. In all honesty, I believe the HE400SE’s bass is its strongest suit. I would say the HE400SE is the superior headset if I had to choose between the two, but the Deva has a fantastic presentation, so I’m not ruling it out.

Both headphones have a fairly spacious soundstage. On the other hand, the Deva PRO creates a stereo image that is broader, taller, and deeper. It is very remarkable. There is a noticeable but not insurmountable gap between them due to the HE400SE’s size.

As one could expect from its specifications, the HE400SE places a higher demand on the amplifier in comparison to the DevA desktop amplifier can easily drive the HE400SE, but keep in mind that it consumes more power than the Deva PRO, which could be problematic for portable setups.setups.

To sum up, these headphones are both excellent buys. They sound fantastic with plenty of detail, a balanced tune, and excellent planar magnetic bass.

HIFIMAN SUNDARA VS HE400SE 

At almost double the price of the HE400SE, the Sundara has been a standard-bearer for headphones for quite some time. They can use the same pads, but they’re made differently, with a strap headband and fixed grills. There is more swivel motion on the HE400SE.

Here’s a track-by-track comparison: 

From Labyrinth, “All For Us” To begin with, their sounds are remarkably similar. The Sundara has somewhat improved bass response and room separation.

The Freiburger Barockorchester perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 3—with the Sundara, it sounds a little brighter and more expansive. Substantially the same.

Almost Like Leonard Cohen’s Blues—Again, the Sundara gives the bass a little more body. The “listening room” also seems larger and more expansive.

One Night Stand by Norah Jones: Using the Sundara makes the voices a little more audible.

Although they sound very similar, the Sundara has a touch more detail, dynamics, and precision than Olga Konkova’s As Before.

As I bounce around my playlist, I keep having the same impressions: You won’t hear much difference between the two headphones’ sound characteristics. Sundara makes the treble sound little clearer. The bass is a little fuller, and the mids are a little looser. A little larger soundstage and improved instrument separation characterize the Sundara. Timbre, tone, and tuning are all extremely similar. The Sundara is nearly identical, with the exception that it has somewhat superior sound quality across the board.

HE400SE vs. SENNHEISER HD560S
Build: Less bulky and less heavy is the Sennheiser HD 560S. A detachable 3.5 mm cable with one side was included. The HE400SE is more comfortable for me, and the clamping force is rather high. Using the Topping A90 amplifier, we compare each track individually.

SENNHEISER HD560S VS HE400SE

The Sennheiser HD 560S is a more compact and lightweight headset. A detachable 3.5 mm cable with one side was included. The HE400SE is more comfortable for me, and the clamping force is rather high. Using the Topping A90 amplifier, we compare each track individually.

I was astonished by how similar they sounded to Pearl Jam’s In My Tree. My eyes and ears were not deceiving me when I found several frequency response charts online; the graphs are quite similar. On this track, the HD560S has a somewhat more dynamic sound, although, I must admit, the distinctions are barely audible.

One Night Stand by Norah Jones They are identical once more. Both are excellent, but the HE400SE gives Norah’s voice a little more clarity and nuance.

Queen Beyoncé’s “Daddy Lessons”—The HE400SE has excellent bass. Rich and velvety in feel. Smooth, with no noticeable sloping. The guitar is sharp, and Beyonce’s vocals are audible. The bass isn’t as deep or punchy on the HD560S, and it sounds like it’s been slightly rolled off. Aside than that, they’re really comparable.

The Fading Sorrow Trio, Composed by Marcin Wasilewski With its warmer tone, the HE400SE is a great fit. Compared to the HD560S, the trumpet has a richer tone. Additionally, the HE400SE adds body to the bass drum.

This is Todd Sickafoose’s Flush. The HE400SE is noticeably richer and has a softer tone. I love the bass. On the other hand, the HD560S has decent bass as well, if not quite up to par. In spite of the HD560S’s lighter tone, my favorite is the HE400SE.

In conclusion, I am really pleased with both headphones. Depending on the song, the HD560S can sound more dynamic and slightly clearer, but the HE400SE has superior bass performance and a warmer sound presentation overall.

These headphones sound quite similar. Price and practicality/functional requirements would be my deciding factors. While the HE400SE produces somewhat superior sound when connected to a high-quality amplifier, the HD560S is more convenient when traveling. Its size is likewise reduced.

PHILIPS FIDELIO X3 VS HE400SE 

The third generation of Phillips’ highly regarded X-series is the Fidelio X3. X1 HR and X2 HR were HR appendices in the earlier. The X3 is roomy, yet it’s sturdy and pleasant to ride in. Plus, compared to the HE400SE, it’s over twice as expensive.

Flush by Todd Sickafoose 

It is difficult to envision the X3 performing better than the HE400SE when it comes to the bass/piano playing combination. Also, it isn’t. Still, it’s on the cusp. The HE400SE produces a richer midrange piano sound, while the X3 produces a crisper treble. While the X3’s soundstage is more expansive, its midrange is more muted in comparison to the HE400SE.

Floratone by Floratone 

Its HE400SE boasts excellent bass. It’s rich, substantial, and harmonious. The X3’s bass is top-notch as well. Not to mention the improved imaging and separation, not to mention the ample space. The HE400SE has a better tonal balance, in my opinion. Though it may come across as somewhat dry at times, the X3 truly shines in this particular instance.

Fly Forward by Jennifer Higdon and Hilary Hahn

Although the HE400SE sounds good with this orchestral piece, the X3 has a larger soundstage, superior imaging, and greater detail recovery.

Limit to Your Love by James Blake

Vocals sound rather dry, but the X3’s massive soundstage is nothing new. For a more comfortable and realistic sound, I like the HE400SE. In any case, the bass is killer.

Cold, Cold Heart by Norah Jones: 

Additionally, the X3 has somewhat dry Norah Jones vocals; I prefer the HE400SE.

Amplification 

More electricity is required to run the HE400SE than the X3, but the X3 faces an additional obstacle. There may be a need for assistance with the dry mid-range. While the Sparkos Gemini hybrid tube amp did a better job of adding warmth and reducing treble, not even the Woo WA22 could get that “warm” midrange sound. The timbre of the HE400SE was still my favorite.

Conclusion 

These headphones don’t sound anything like the others. The Fidelio X3 has a large and lively soundstage, excellent bass, and fine detail reproduction. In contrast to the lively upper midrange, the mid-range lacks the finest and most genuine timbre I’ve ever heard, coming across as somewhat dry. Additionally, the treble is quite lively.

Even if it isn’t treble-shy, the HE400SE strikes a much better balance, in my opinion. While it misses the X3’s expansive soundstage and superb imaging, its warmer tone and increased midrange body make up for it.

AKG K701/K702 VS HE400SE

One of Floratone’s products. In terms of sound quality, the two headphones couldn’t be more different. The HE400SE offers a lot of bass, is cozy, and sounds great. The bass is severely underdeveloped in the K702, but the treble and midrange are more detailed, and the overall sound is lighter. The HE400SE is my favorite.

Written by Faraj Suleiman, Akka-Safad. The K702 has a lighter, more expansive tone. The micro- and macrodynamics in the middle and upper regions are improved. But the HE400SE really shines in the bass department.

This is Norah Jones’s Cold, Cold Heart. On the HE400SE, I perceive an improvement in bass, timbre, and tonality. Yet, the K702 not only performs well, but it also has more detail in the mids and treble.

The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the winter. Both of those sound great to me. While the HE400SE has a somewhat thicker and warmer sound, the K702 has a more open, lighter, and thinner profile.

Finally, the K702 boasts improved dynamics, a broader and more accurate soundstage, and cleaner treble and mids. The HE400SE, on the other hand, presents bass that is considerably more robust. In my opinion, the mids and bass have better timbre, and it sounds warmer overall.

AMPLIFICATION 

The HE400SE isn’t the most user-friendly headset due to its sensitivity level of 91 dB. Nonetheless, many excellent substitutes are available. Some of them are listed below:

SCHIIT MAGNI HERETIC 

Little but mighty. For the HE400SE, a solid amplifier. Superior to the Fiio K5 in terms of tightness and definition.

FIIO K5 PRO ESS 

Tonally warmer and more robust than the Heretic. For the HE400SE, a solid amplifier. Not to mention, the Fiio K5 PRO ESS comes with a decent built-in DAC.

TOPPING A90 

The A90 has a lot of power and excellent control, and it sounds clean and neutral. With the HE400SE, it’s pretty capable, but it needs a bit more juice to shine. The A90D has superseded the A90.

SPARKOS LABS GEMINI

An amplifier that uses both vacuum tubes and solid-state components is the Gemini. This isn’t exactly a budget amplifier, but when paired with the HE400SE, it produces a delectable sound that hints at tube fluidity.

PORTABLE OPTIONS

I recently acquired a Poco F5 that has a headphone output since I am adamant about keeping my phone’s headphone port. Even at maximum volume, the HE400SE produces passable sound. Using the THX Onyx dongle, though, is a whole new ballgame. At the moment, it’s at Tidal’s 70% listening level.

THE ULTIMATE OPTION

After turning off the speaker taps on my 100wpc Creek Destiny 2 amplifier, I let the HE400SE a little time to settle in. It brought out the HE400SE’s full potential, and the headphones sound so much better than their price tag would indicate: incredibly detailed, bass-heavy, highly dynamic, and incredibly well-balanced. It also worked with my Cary SLI-80 Signature, which I connected. Absolutely breathtaking. It gives the impression of costing ten times as much, if not more. The light is similar to a HE-6. I am astounded by the scalability of numerous Hifiman headphones.

WRAPPING IT UP

Although it stands out on its own, the soundstage isn’t the largest or has the most accurate imaging when compared to some of its rivals. Having said that, the HE400SE delivers a well-organized and entertaining audio experience. It mimics the sound of an open headphone, although one without a particularly impressive soundstage.

The treble is clear and, depending on the amplifier, a bit harsh. In order to fully regulate the treble, Hifiman headphones typically require power. I don’t have any complaints when I consider the pricing. In addition to having decent resolution, I find it balanced and easy on the eyes.

The midrange is my favorite part of these headphones. The tone is rich and full-bodied without being cloying, and it sounds extremely real.

Good bass is one of the HE400SE’s best features. It’s vibrant and textured, and it’s powerful without being overdone. It stays present and under control even as it slowly drifts off in the lowest octaves.

Timbre and dynamics: The HE400SE has lively bass, but its mids and highs can’t compete with the best in the business. The overall impression is one of great satisfaction, nevertheless, because of the accurate timbre, particularly in the midrange, excellent bass, and respectable highs.

CONCLUSION 

Since their inception, the HE400 series has served as Hifiman’s entry-level planar magnetic headphones, and the company is currently offering them at record low pricing. Apparently, Hifiman’s mission in life is to ensure that all people can afford high-quality planar magnetic headphones. I must say, I commend that.

I am quite fond of the HE400SE. No headphones are flawless, not even this one. Having said that, the HE400SE offers great bang for the buck. With a reasonably powerful amplifier, it produces excellent bass, warm mids, and clear highs. We strongly suggest the HE400SE.

The following products are discussed in this article and can be purchased through Amazon or directly from the manufacturer: HE400SE, DEVA, SUNDARA, FIDELIO X3, AKG K702, Schiit Magni Heretic, Fiio K5 PRO ESS, Topping A90, and Sparkos Labs Gemini.

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