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Description

The HIFIMAN HE-400i is a high quality, full-size planar magnetic headphone designed for critical listening in the home or studio. At little more than twelve ounces, HE-400i is 30% lighter allowing the listener to comfortably enjoy music for hours on end. In addition, a newly-designed headband and beveled hybrid ear pads provide added comfort and improved sound quality. Its increased efficiency of 93dB allows it to be driven with a modest size amplifier or portable audio player.

Headphone Specifications:

Impedance: 35 Ohms Sensitivity: 93 dB Weight: 370g Frequency Response: 20Hz - 35KHz Cable Length: 1.5m Plug: 3.5mm Cable type: Removable 3.5mm Driver Type: Planar Magnetic Headphone Type: Open-Back

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Z Review - Hifiman HE400i

Video thumbnail for Z Review - Hifiman HE400i by Z Reviews

Z Review - Hifiman HE400i

Z Reviews

Z Reviews

Video thumbnail for HiFiMan HE-400i: High-end audiophile headphones for a semi-affordable price by CNET

HiFiMan HE-400i: High-end audiophile headphones for a semi-affordable price

CNET

CNET

Video thumbnail for Review: Hifiman HE400i Planar Magnetic Headphones by aornic

Review: Hifiman HE400i Planar Magnetic Headphones

aornic

aornic

Video thumbnail for HIFIMAN HE400i Review | + HD600 Comparison!! by Home Studio Basics

HIFIMAN HE400i Review | + HD600 Comparison!!

Home Studio Basics

Home Studio Basics

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about HIFIMAN HE-400I Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones.

Comparisons

  • The 2020 version of the HE-400I is recommended over older models for improved sound quality, but it may be discontinued soon.

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  • The HE400i's planar magnetic drivers deliver cleaner, more detailed bass compared to the Sennheiser HD 560S, which offers more rumble in certain tracks.

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  • The treble of the HE400i is described as more energetic and lively, contrasting with the HD 560S's smoother, less fatiguing sound.

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  • The mids of the HD 560S are compared to the Sennheiser HD6XX and 58X, but fall short in body and tonality.

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  • Compared to the ATH-AD900X, some users feel the HE-400I isn't a significant upgrade unless paired with an amplifier to unlock its full potential.

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Value and pricing

  • Open box deals on Amazon offer significant savings, making them a great option for budget-conscious buyers.

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Features and functionality

  • The 400se is identified as the successor to the 2020 model, suggesting possible improvements or changes in features.

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  • The Atom Amp or Schiit Magni are recommended for driving the HE-400I, providing sufficient power and quality for future headphone upgrades.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the HE400i's design but note that the Sennheiser HD 560S is significantly lighter, improving comfort for longer listening sessions.

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  • Owners note that even headphones perceived as easy to drive, such as the HE-400I, benefit from dedicated amplification, enhancing overall audio quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • The HE400i is favored for its fun treble presentation, making it suitable for genres like Jazz, Pop, and Celtic music.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Planar magnetic headphones like the HE-400I benefit from an amplifier, enhancing soundstage and bass response compared to using just a smartphone or motherboard jack.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Combining the HE-400I with a dedicated DAC, like the JDS Labs Atom DAC or Schiit Modi, improves sound clarity and reduces RF noise interference from motherboard audio outputs.

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Critic Reviews

Competitive in 2020? Hifiman HE400i Review - Headphone.ph

headphone.ph

The HIFIMAN HE-400I headphones offer decent build quality with plastic materials that don’t feel cheap, and a comfortable fit thanks to their hybrid earpads. However, their short cable may be inconvenient for some users. While they deliver satisfactory sound for their price point, their open-back design leads to significant sound leakage and no isolation, making them unsuitable for public use. Overall, these headphones are a reasonable option for home listening, especially given their reduced price over the years, but potential buyers should weigh the lack of isolation and portability.

HIFIMAN’S HE400i And The Moment Everything Changed - Home Studio Basics

homestudiobasics.com

The HIFIMAN HE-400I headphones are a gateway to an audiophile experience that feels transformative. They offer intimate, revealing sound quality with a sense of realism that makes music feel alive and tangible. The build is comfortable for long sessions, although some users report it can be a bit loose. While the sound is detailed and lush, the headband design could be improved to prevent it from sliding. For those venturing into high-fidelity audio, the HE-400I is an inviting option with an impressive soundstage, particularly excelling in rock and hip-hop genres. Despite minor ergonomic issues, it delivers a passionate listening experience that justifies its place in the audiophile world.

positive

HiFiMan HE-400i Review - RTINGS.com

rtings.com

The HiFiMan HE-400i headphones offer stellar sound quality and comfort, making them a fantastic choice for critical listening. Their open-back design ensures a spacious soundstage, but also leads to high sound leakage, making them unsuitable for public use or noisy environments. While they boast a comfortable fit, their build quality is questionable due to fragile hinges, which may deter critical listeners seeking durability. Bass enthusiasts might find the low-end slightly lacking compared to other models. Overall, these headphones are a strong contender for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality in a controlled setting, overshadowing their build limitations.

positive

HIFIMAN HE-400i 2020 Review - Headfonia Reviews

headfonia.com
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
conner

Entry-level Planar HiFi

I like these cans, but they aren't the best for mixing / mastering. They are very good for HiFi and can be fun to write music with. They feel well built, but are kind of ugly. There is a sweet spot in my heart for these headphones.

jeffreymmviii

flat sounding and great

Had to let them burn in but once they adjusted it really help me mix my tracks better. make smarter decisions

modularofficial

Live your music

Immersive surround sound, be able to place each instrument wherever you want.

Artist usage

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See how VOIA uses HIFIMAN HE-400I Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones

VOIA

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

Featured in this Twitter post by VOIA.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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