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HiFiMAN He 400 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£330
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

HiFiMAN He 400 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

3.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.3

Design

8.0%

4.8

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 1.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £330

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The HiFiMAN HE-400 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring a 35-ohm impedance, 92.5 dB sensitivity, and a frequency response of 20Hz – 35kHz. It is characterized by its powerful, punchy bass response and smooth, non-fatiguing high frequencies, making it a standout entry-level audiophile choice for genres like rock and electronic music. Main pros include its relatively high efficiency for a planar design—allowing it to be driven by modest amplifiers or even some portable devices—and its exceptional instrument separation and detail retrieval for its price point. However, notable cons include its relatively heavy 440g build, a somewhat recessed midrange, and a 'darker' tonality that may lack the airy soundstage and treble extension found in more expensive models.

Technical Specifications of HiFiMAN He 400

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.4
HiFiMAN He 400 has a technical score of 3.44 points, which is lower than that of 94.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
HiFiMAN He 400 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.4

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

5.0
HiFiMAN He 400 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5 points, which is lower than 95.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
HiFiMAN He 400 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

80 mm
HiFiMAN He 400 uses a driver size of 80 mm, larger driver size than 97.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
HiFiMAN He 400 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
HiFiMAN He 400 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
HiFiMAN He 400 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
HiFiMAN He 400 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
HiFiMAN He 400 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
HiFiMAN He 400 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
HiFiMAN He 400 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

HiFiMAN
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

440 g
HiFiMAN He 400 weighs 440 g, heavier than 96.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

3
HiFiMAN He 400 has a clamp force of 3, lower clamp force than 79.9% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
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HiFiMAN He 400 vs the average headphone

  • 40 mm larger driver size
    HiFiMAN He 400 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    HiFiMAN He 400 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.80 mm vs 40 mm
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    HiFiMAN He 400 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.35000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
    When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    HiFiMAN He 400 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3 vs 4.3
  • Open-back design
    HiFiMAN He 400 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    HiFiMAN He 400 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    HiFiMAN He 400 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    HiFiMAN He 400 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    HiFiMAN He 400 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (54 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    HiFiMAN He 400 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (54 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.54 mm vs 43 mm
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    HiFiMAN He 400 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • Open-back design
    HiFiMAN He 400 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    HiFiMAN He 400 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (54 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 40 mm larger driver size
    HiFiMAN He 400 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.

Total
Design
Sound
  • 2.02x higher weight
    HiFiMAN He 400 is heavier than the average headphone (440 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    HiFiMAN He 400 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    HiFiMAN He 400 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    HiFiMAN He 400 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    HiFiMAN He 400 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 9.5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (92.5 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 10.5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (92.5 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Not headset-ready
    HiFiMAN He 400 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    HiFiMAN He 400 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    HiFiMAN He 400 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    HiFiMAN He 400 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2012
  • No passive noise reduction
    HiFiMAN He 400 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    HiFiMAN He 400 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.02x higher weight
    HiFiMAN He 400 is heavier than the average headphone (440 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    HiFiMAN He 400 is heavier than the average headphone (440 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.440 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    HiFiMAN He 400 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    HiFiMAN He 400 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 9.5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (92.5 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    HiFiMAN He 400 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (92.5 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.92.5 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    HiFiMAN He 400 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    HiFiMAN He 400 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    HiFiMAN He 400 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    HiFiMAN He 400 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    HiFiMAN He 400 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    HiFiMAN He 400 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.54 mm vs 60 mm
  • 33.6% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN He 400 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.04 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    HiFiMAN He 400 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.04 vs 6.736).5.04 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of HiFiMAN He 400 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about HiFiMAN He 400?

  • Exceptional bass response that is weighty, punchy, and deep without being muddy
  • Excellent clarity and detail retrieval, particularly for its price point
  • Wide, open, and spacious soundstage that provides a high sense of realism
  • Relatively easy to drive compared to other planar magnetic headphones
  • Strong instrument separation and accurate imaging
  • Great value for money as an entry-point into high-end planar magnetic technology

What customers dislike about HiFiMAN He 400?

  • Noticeably heavy (440g), which can lead to neck strain during long listening sessions
  • Substantial sound leakage due to the open-back design, making them unsuitable for public use
  • Comfort issues reported, specifically high clamping force and earpads that can get warm
  • Stock frequency response includes treble spikes (specifically around 10kHz) that can be sibilant on some tracks
  • Recessed midrange that can make vocals feel a bit distant or veiled
  • Questionable build quality in some units, including reported issues with the screw-on cable connectors

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
22/01/2012
HiFiMAN HE-400 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The HiFiMAN HE-400 headphones are highlighted for their high-value, warm-neutral sound, featuring impressive technical performance, quick attack speed, and spacious presentation. Key benefits include significant 35Hz bass extension and the potential to enhance the audio through aftermarket ear pads or EQ, which can mitigate stock treble issues. Conversely, the stock configuration...Read more

E
earmass.wordpress.com
10/05/2013
Hifiman HE400 : The Enormous Bass Response Audiophile Headphone Would you like reviews for the current successor models, such as the HE400seGo to prod...

The Hifiman HE400 ($399) is an open-back, planar magnetic headphone praised for its exceptional audiophile-grade audio performance and excellent price-to-performance ratio. Its standout feature is an agile, deep, and impactful bass response that avoids muddying the sound, coupled with high-energy, sparkly treble that delivers crystal-clear instrument separation and natural...Read more

H
hifiplus.com
20/12/2013
HiFiMAN HE-400 planar magnetic headphones - Hi-Fi+

The HiFiMAN HE-400 is a groundbreaking, open-backed planar magnetic headphone designed to offer high-end sonic performance at an affordable price point. Unlike traditional planar magnetic models that require expensive, powerful amplifiers, the HE-400 is exceptionally easy to drive due to its high 92.5 dB sensitivity and 35-ohm impedance, allowing it to run directly from portable...Read more

S
soundstagexperience.com
[Original Publication Undated]
HiFiMAN HE-400 Headphones - SoundStage! Xperience

The HiFiMAN HE-400 is an open-back, planar-magnetic headphone priced at $399 USD that offers high efficiency (92.5dB) and a low 35-ohm impedance, allowing it to be easily driven by portable players or a standard DAC/amplifier without requiring a high-output "super amp". The standout feature of these headphones is their exceptional, robust bass response, which provides deep...Read more

T
theabsolutesound.com
25/07/2012
HiFiMAN HE-400 Headphone (Playback 54) - The Absolute Sound

The HiFiMAN HE-400, reviewed in The Absolute Sound, acts as an accessible entry into planar magnetic technology, featuring high efficiency (92.5 dB sensitivity, 35-ohm impedance) that allows for easy driving via portable devices. Its primary strengths include powerful, articulate bass and an open, detailed midrange, achieved through automated manufacturing to lower costs. While...Read more

H
headfonia.com
01/02/2012
Mike and Lieven on the Hifiman HE-400 - Headfonia [1.2.1)

In the Headfonia review, Mike and Lieven identify the HiFiMAN HE-400 as an entry-level, consumer-oriented planar magnetic headphone known for its fast, high-resolution sound and powerful, well-controlled bass, which excels with electronic and hip-hop genres. These headphones provide excellent clarity and instrumental separation while remaining relatively easy to drive without...Read more

H
head-fi.org
03/01/2021
HiFiMAN HE-400 - Reviews - Head-Fi Head-Fi

The HiFiMAN HE-400 headphones are described as an exceptional, high-value, planar magnetic option characterized by outstanding technical abilities, fast transient speed, and great customization potential for modders. While suitable for modification, users note the stock performance shines with aftermarket velour pads and EQ, producing a warm-neutral sound with clean mids and airy...Read more

C
cnet.com
29/06/2012
HiFiMan HE-400 review - CNET

The HiFiMan HE-400 is a full-size, open-back headphone priced at $399 that utilizes thin-film planar magnetic drivers to deliver superior, balanced sound quality from deep bass to high treble. Reviewed by Steve Guttenberg, these headphones excel in performance with a score of 9 out of 10, praised for their exceptional detail, articulate and deep bass impact, and an expansive...Read more

A
av-magazin.de
15/07/2012
HiFiMan HE-400: Two Pounds of Musical Fun

The HiFiman HE-400 is an open-back magnetostatic headphone that serves as an entry-level audiophile model, offering exceptional sound quality that punches above its price class. A key benefit is its high efficiency and low impedance, allowing it to easily pair with mobile devices like an iPod without needing an external amplifier. When properly driven by a dedicated home amplifier...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.nl
04/02/2018
High-Fi Headphones: The Real Deal. Would you also be interested in Dutch reviews of their successors, such as the HE400i or the HE400se?

The provided review focuses on high-end, enthusiast-level "head-fi" headphones, emphasizing how top-tier models from brands like Audeze, Focal, and Sennheiser ranging from €4,000 to €6,000 offer a much more direct, room-acoustic-free listening experience compared to price-equivalent flagship loudspeakers. The author details the crucial role of external Digital-to-Analog Converters...Read more

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F
fwdmagazine.be
17/02/2014
Review: HiFiman HE-400 - FWD Magazine

The HiFiMan HE-400 is an open-back headphone featuring planar-magnetic drivers, offering a high-end speaker technology rarely seen at its original €399 price point (now discounted to €299). The main advantage of this model is its exceptional sound quality, which delivers an incredibly detailed performance, a wide soundstage, and a prominent, powerful bass response that provides rock...Read more

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