⚡️ Quick Verdict - HIFIMAN HE400se (2021)
- Best For: Entry-level audiophiles and those seeking analytical sound.
- Strengths: Open soundstage, clear treble reproduction, generally comfortable fit.
- Drawbacks: Bass impact can be subdued, requires external amplification for optimal performance.
- Verdict: A strong planar magnetic headphone choice.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros (Based on User Feedback) | Cons (Based on User Feedback) |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Users often note the spacious soundstage and excellent detail retrieval, especially in the mid and high frequencies. The sound is perceived as clear and natural. | Some users find the bass response to be lacking in thump or impact, describing it as lean. The overall sound signature can be perceived as too bright or analytical by some. |
| Comfort & Design | The headphones are generally praised for their lightweight design and comfortable ear pads, allowing for extended listening sessions. The headband design is often found to be pressure-distributing. | A few users have reported the headband pressing on a specific spot on their head. The non-swiveling earcups can limit adjustability for some head shapes. |
| Build Quality | The construction feels solid for its price point, with a durable metal headband frame. The Stealth Magnet design is a positive technical feature. | The included cable is often described as basic and prone to tangling. Some users have noted concerns about the plastic parts' long-term durability under heavy use. |
| Usability & Power Needs | Its relatively low impedance makes it easier to drive than some other planar magnetics. The detachable cable allows for easy replacement. | Despite the impedance, most users agree that it benefits significantly from a dedicated headphone amplifier to achieve its full dynamic potential, which adds to the overall cost. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| HIFIMAN HE400se Headphones | These are the core planar magnetic open-back headphones, featuring HIFIMAN's Stealth Magnet technology for reduced distortion and purer sound. |
| Detachable Headphone Cable | Allows for easy replacement if damaged and enables users to experiment with aftermarket cables for potential sound signature changes or improved durability. Terminates in a 3.5mm plug for broad compatibility. |
| 6.35mm (1/4-inch) Adapter | Ensures compatibility with a wider range of audio equipment, including desktop headphone amplifiers, audio interfaces, and home stereo receivers that typically use larger jacks. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive (User Perspective) | Negative (User Perspective) |
|---|---|---|
| Performance vs. Price | Offers exceptional sound quality for its price point, particularly the open soundstage and detail, which are typically found in more expensive planar magnetic headphones. | Requires an additional investment in a headphone amplifier to reach its full potential, which adds to the total cost of ownership. |
| Durability & Longevity | The metal headband and overall design suggest decent durability under normal use. The replaceable cable extends the product's lifespan. | Some users express concerns about the longevity of plastic components and the basic quality of the included cable which may need early replacement. |
| Included Accessories | The inclusion of a 6.35mm adapter is convenient for various setups. | The cable is often seen as a weak point and a potential immediate upgrade necessity, detracting from the out-of-the-box value for some. |
🔁 HIFIMAN Comparison – How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
| Aspect | HIFIMAN HE400i (2020 Version) | HIFIMAN HE400se (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Technology | Standard planar magnetic drivers. | Stealth Magnet technology, designed to reduce reflections and diffractions, leading to lower distortion and purer sound. |
| Sound Signature | Generally balanced with good detail, but some found it slightly more mid-forward. | Often perceived as having a more refined treble and slightly wider soundstage due to the Stealth Magnets, with a more neutral overall presentation. |
| Build & Comfort | Similar headband and earpad design, known for good comfort. | Maintains similar comfort with the same headband design, but the internal magnet structure is updated. Often comes with more supple ear pads (hybrid velour/pleather). |
| Cable | Often included a longer, braided cable. | Detachable, user-replaceable cable, though the stock cable quality is basic. |
⚔️ Alternatives vs HIFIMAN HE400se (2021)
| Aspect | Sennheiser HD 560S | Monolith M565c | HIFIMAN HE400se (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | Dynamic Driver | Planar Magnetic Driver | Planar Magnetic Driver (Stealth Magnets) |
| Sound Signature | Neutral-analytical, with a slightly brighter top end and good bass extension. Often considered more balanced for critical listening. | Generally warm and smooth, with good bass impact for a planar. Can be somewhat dark or rolled off in the treble. | Neutral with excellent detail and expansive soundstage, but bass can be lean. Treble is clear and extended. |
| Durability | Known for robust build quality and long-term reliability typical of Sennheiser. | Solid metal construction, but some report issues with earpad attachment or headband durability over time. | Generally decent, with a metal headband, but the included cable and some plastic parts are less robust. |
| Value Proposition | Excellent value for a neutral, analytical open-back that's relatively easy to drive, making it a good all-rounder for many. | Good value for an entry-level closed-back planar, especially for bass emphasis, though soundstage is more limited. | Exceptional value for an open-back planar magnetic headphone, offering advanced driver tech and a large soundstage at an accessible price, assuming amplification is added. |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does the HIFIMAN HE400se require an amplifier? While it can be driven by some portable devices, most users find that a dedicated headphone amplifier significantly improves its performance, delivering fuller bass, better dynamics, and more overall clarity.
- Are the ear pads replaceable? Yes, the ear pads on the HE400se are user-replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance or the option to experiment with different pad materials for comfort or sound alteration.
- Is the cable detachable? Yes, the HE400se features a detachable dual 3.5mm cable connection to each earcup, allowing for easy replacement or upgrade.
- Is this a good headphone for gaming? The HE400se's open-back design and expansive soundstage can be beneficial for spatial awareness in gaming, allowing for precise sound localization. However, an external microphone would be needed, as it does not include one.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The soundstage is incredibly wide and open, making music feel expansive and immersive.
- The clarity and detail retrieval in the mids and highs are surprising for the price, revealing nuances in tracks I hadn't noticed before.
- They are surprisingly comfortable for long listening sessions, the hybrid ear pads and weight distribution work well for me.
- For an entry into planar magnetics, the performance delivered by these headphones is truly exceptional.
- The Stealth Magnets really seem to make a difference in how clean the sound is; there's no harshness even at higher volumes.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- The bass is present and articulate, but it definitely lacks the deep thump and impact that some genres really benefit from.
- The included cable feels cheap and flimsy; it was one of the first things I replaced for better durability and aesthetics.
- While comfortable, the headband can create a hotspot on the very top of my head after several hours of use.
- These headphones absolutely need an amp to sound their best; plugging them directly into a phone or PC results in a thin, lifeless sound.
- The overall build, while not bad, has some plastic elements that make me question its long-term resilience compared to more premium headphones.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic |
| Acoustic Design | Open-back |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 25 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB |
| Weight | Approx. 390g |
| Cable Type | Detachable 3.5mm dual-sided cable |
| Connector | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack (with 6.35mm adapter) |
| Ear Pad Material | Hybrid (Velour & Leatherette) |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The HIFIMAN HE400se (2021) offers an accessible entry point into the world of planar magnetic headphones, renowned for their clear, detailed, and expansive sound.
- Its standout features include a wide soundstage and precise treble, making it an excellent choice for analytical listening and genres that benefit from spaciousness.
- However, potential buyers should be aware of its relatively lean bass and the common consensus that it significantly benefits from a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal performance.
- While the comfort is generally praised, the included cable is basic and may warrant an upgrade.
- If you are an aspiring audiophile seeking an open, detailed sound and are willing to invest in an amplifier, the HE400se presents compelling value. If strong bass impact or extreme portability without additional gear are higher priorities, alternatives might be more suitable.
