Hifiman

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Regular price $109
Sale price $109 Regular price $149.00
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Hifiman

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

On sale
Regular price $109
Sale price $109 Regular price $149.00
Save 27%

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Entry-level king of planar magnetic headphones

Cup style More information
Open-back headphone designs are often higher-performance but have poor noise isolation and leak sound. Closed-back designs provide better noise isolation and leak less sound.

Open-Back

Wearing style More information
Over-ear headphones sit over your ear and surround your ear with a ring of padding. On-ear headphones are padded but rest on top of your ear. In-ear monitors are worn inside your ear canal.

Over-ear

Driver type More information
Speakers and headphones use a device called a 'driver' to create sound. Different types of drivers have different strengths and weaknesses, but can all produce great sound. Common varieties include dynamic, planar magnetic, and electrostatic.

Planar Magnetic

Amp required More information
Some headphones require the power of an amplifier to reach comfortable listening volumes.

Yes

Connectivity More information
Connectivity refers to the method in which the headphones connect to the audio source. Headphones can be either wired or wireless.

Wired

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Description

HiFiMan HE400se: The Entriest Level Planar - Written review by FC Construct. 

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones | Headphones.com

Headphones.com is happy to bring you the global version of the Hifiman HE400se Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones which features Hifiman's unique stealth magnet design. The stealth magnet design is unique to the global version and is not including in the version available in China. The stealth magnet helps reduce wave diffraction turbulence and reduces distortion levels to barely audible levels.

Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet

Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Hifiman's stealth magnet enables sound waves to pass through the magnet without any interference.

Hifiman's advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, reducing wave diffraction turbulence which would lead to a degradation of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.

Hifiman HE400se planar magnetic headphones lifestyle | Headphones.com

Maximum Comfort for Your Listening Pleasure

Thanks to the Hifiman HE400se's newly designed adjustable, lightweight headband, the HE400se remains cool and comfortable for hours, even in the most extreme heat.

The Hifiman HE400se planar magnetic headphones also come equipped with a newly designed driver casing for enhanced durability and protection from the elements.

Durable Connectors

The Hifiman HE400se ships with Hifiman's dual 3.5mm headphone side connectors and single-ended 3.5mm on the amp side with a 1/4" adapter. If there was any flaw with the HE400se, it would definitely be with the cable which we would recommend replacing when you have the chance. As the HE400se uses 3.5mm connectors, there are countless aftermarket cables that will do the job. 

Technical Specifications

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20,000kHz
  • Impedance: 32 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 91dB
  • Weight: 385 grams

Specifications

Title Description
Sensitivity More information
Headphone sensitivity measures how loud a pair of headphones will be at a given signal strength. Headphones with higher sensitivity ratings will produce louder sounds than headphones with lower sensitivity ratings. It is measured in dB SPL (decibels of sound pressure level) per unit of power (typically 1 milliWatt) or sometimes unit of voltage (typically 1 Volt) from the source at a frequency of 1 kHz.
91dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) More information
When driving headphones at high volumes, it is possible for the diaphragm (the ‘speaker’ inside the headphones) to be unable to move fast enough. This leads to distortion, manifesting itself as crackling, popping or the alteration of musical notes. Most headphones will fall below 1% THD.
Frequency Response More information
Headphone frequency response refers to the frequency-specific sensitivity of the output. Frequency responses show the range that headphones are capable of reproducing—a graph shows which frequencies are accentuated over others. The ideal range covers the audible sound range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
20Hz-20kHz
Driver Type Planar Magnetic Driver
Driver Materials & Size 100mm
Headphone Weight 390 grams
Warranty More information
Warranty differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Warranty covers factory defects but most manufacturers do not cover drops, water damage, driver damage, mistreatment of the product, etc.. It is always best to look at the manufacturer's website for the most up to date warranty information.
1 year manufacturer's warranty

Our review

Video review

Reviews

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.6 / 5 from 27 reviews.

Great product and a great place to purchase from. Very good communication and they care about the business and customers. Thank you

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Customer photo review of Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Great headphones. Sound is spacious and easy on the ears (I am on my early 60's). This is my first pair of Planar Magnetic headphones and I am really liking it. They make you want to listen to all your favorites songs and instrumental pieces. I have been changing and upgrading my 2-channel speaker system, since 2011. I think I have finally reached the upgrade end for that system. I wanted to get back into headphones like I did back in the late 70's when I was a teenager. I had the Koss Pro4AAA and I remember how great they sounded. I keep reading and noticing how the new generations have embraced headphones and headphone amps. It is a great entry way for the younger audiophiles to start on this Internet based era. I have read positive things about your shop/business and have been to your website several times. I bought form you all because I decided to help the small business instead of Amazon or BestBuy. I also wanted to learn and experience more about balanced headphones and amps. I have had for a while now 3 headphones, AKG K240 Studio, Sennheiser HD 518 and Grado SR80, but they are single ended. I also read your article about balanced vs single ended headphones and amps, and I was impressed that you all take the time to explain and help prospective customers understand the technology. I can tell that you all do it, have a headphone centric business, because you love music and the gear that makes experiencing the music an emotive endeavor. I look forward to upgrading headphones and amps.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

My only other reference for these is a pair of Audio-technica ATHm50 and Grado Sr80. I always loved the brightness & clarity of the Grados over just about anything else. These blow that all out of the water. I feel like a newbie again, listening to lossless versions of my favorite songs for the first time. Songs I know VERY well sound like nothing I've ever heard before! Love them! Paired with a Schiit Magni w/ Unity DAC.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Arrived 2 days after purchase, feel strong and durable, very good sound quality however I was using dollar store earbuds before so I am not an audio expert. Would recommend for someone who wants good audio that doesn’t cost 300$+

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Solid entry level headphone! Sounds nice and leans a little warm when compared to other "entry" gear. Has decent low end and nice detail. Delivers an appealing overall sound that belies it's entry level price. Needs a little power to make it sing but when connected to a proper headphone amplifier it truly shines and sounds like a true auddiophile headphone.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

I'm very happy with these headphones. They are light, comfortable, well-designed and constructed. I didn't realize they are a planar magnet design until I received them. They are my first, and I'm impressed. They sound wonderful to my ears - very balanced response, needing no equalization. One aspect of their design that I really like is having only foam in contact with my head, with 'leatherette" sealing the side. These replaced a nice set of Phil Jones Bass headphones which were still functional, but the cups were coming apart. At a mere $109, I consider these a high value product!

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Exactly the entry level planar I was looking for. I always wanted to try a planar and this one is exactly what I was expecting for an entry level.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

WoW! I started with Sarah Brightman singing Andrew Lloyd Webber, then Michael Murray's Organ Blaster tour. So clean and crisp on the top and so tight and controlled on the bottom. I'm over 80 and don't hear all that well, but the Hifiman headphones were a revelation. And so comfortable on the ears. Wish I had the hearing I had when I got the Koss Pro phones so long ago. Thank you for introducing such great gear. I'm already thinking of trying the Sennheiser in-ear headphones.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Great product, great sound. The headphones are very comfortable and the sound reproduction is excellent. I look forward to doing more business with your company. The ads are crisp and clear. The product information is well done and the other information is also helpful. The shipping time and shipping documentation was great. Packaging was excellent. A positive experience. I'm now a fan. So, as a fan... The only negative is that after the order, I was deluged with ads for your company. To the point of distraction, then irritation. I mean, I'd just made an order and then, woosh! ad after ad. And yet I like being on your mailing list. Maybe you could let folks opt in to a weekly or monthly newsletter that includes ads along with comparisons and more product information.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Just getting into high end audio on a whole different level. Before I spend 2k on headphones I bought these as a starter. Great write up in newspaper helped me decide. So far love them

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Love them. They have clarity I haven't heard in years. I'm a heading aid (behind the ear) wearer. These phones fut over my aid and don't induce feedback, and don't pinch my ears around the aids. Very comfortable.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

The headphones are beautiful, but not as loud as two other pairs of headphones I have--a 50-year-old Koss headphone set and a noise canceling Bose set that is about 10 years old. I have to turn the volume up on the receiver to get comparable loudness. Perhaps that is due to different technology (i.e., planar magnetic). I tried to register them on the Hifiman website for warranty purposes and found it very difficult and then gave up. It wouldn´t take a pdf of my order and receipt confirmation, and it kept telling me the verification field, where you interpret different letters and type in what they are, was incorrect even though I know it wasn´t. I think this is an obstacle that the Chinese manufacturer has created to not allow people to register the product. Also, nowhere on the box does it say what the serial number is. I put in a bar code number, then a number on the box the cable came it--not sure which, if either, is right.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Customer photo review of Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Comfort can be hit or miss some people say the HE400SE's headband style doesn't bother them and some people can't wear them for more than 2 hours I ended up swapping it with a ripoff hybrid headband and thought it was a drastic improvement. for the price these sound stellar going off memory I at least prefer these over the Sundara for music likely not for gaming, I think they are much better than 6xx's and trade blows with things like the DT 880 and AKG 700 series. if build and comfort were better these would be a industry breaker for their fairly often sale price of around $130 and are a great deal at $150.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

This is my first pair of audiophile quality headphones and they sound great! At first glance, I thought they would be heavy and uncomfortable but they are very comfortable and well balanced. I am using them with an Audioquest Dragonfly Black.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Amazing for the price. Natural sound, very balanced and detailed. Would recommend to anyone looking for great sound on the cheap.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Customer photo review of Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Great product with a good cable in addition to the headphones included. Thank you! My first set of higher end headphones are a dream come true. I able to power it with an old fiio kilimanjaro portable amp. The sound is so real for lack of a better term from a noob. I waited over 30 years of being a part of the workforce to finally experience such good sound. Thanks!

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

5/5 experience with headphones.com I was hesitant buying these headphones because of QC issues, and was anticipating having to buy a new cable. Headphones.com anticipated the customers needs and shipped my pair with a very nice aftermarket cable that I immediately swapped in. It also comes with a 1 year warranty to give me piece of mind. How do they sound? Amazing I am a huge fan of openbacks for their staging and atmosphere. These have all the benefits (and downsides) to openbacks with tight, hard hitting bass that I've previously only heard in closed backs. They are still overall balanced, but very fun and image beautifully. Negatives: With QC issues plaguing Hifiman, you may need to use your warranty They are a bit heavy and aren't great for all-day listening They need an amplifier. I have mine paired with a Shitt Magni 3 If you're looking to try out these headphones, I would recommend buying from this website.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

First set of planars...first time I heard soundstage with headphones! If this is the quality you can buy at $129, I am astounded. The packaging had to cost that!

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Purchasing was great! Communication was fast, great service. One common complaint about these headphones is the cable, and I was surprised to find a basic replacement cable already included. The headphones are listed as “entry level”, and I think they’re great in that context. Very comfortable, decent sound that responds well to EQ. I’m afraid to try the ones higher up in the range because I think I’d need to buy them.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Customer photo review of Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Entry level price, superior look, feel, and quality. I am pairing these with the iFi Hip Dac V2 and Tidal for that studio quality sound. I currently own a pair of Sennheiser HD660S, Sennheiser PXC 550-ii, Meze 99 Classics, and the 64 Audio U12t’s and I have to say that with a little EQ adjustments, I have a new favorite pair of headphones. It was my first time listening to a planar magnetic headphone and I have fallen in love. It is an audible experience different from anything I have heard and at only $129!!!!! The only issue is the cable they ship with it, but thankfully mine was shipped with an additional cable that is of much better quality. First thing I did after playing with the EQ was order a custom 4.4mm balanced cable and the rest will be history. 100/10 would recommend.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Nicely built, sound great - except they really need an amp. Neither of the headphone jacks on my desktop (different audio "cards") get quite loud enough to prevent clipping at moderately loud volumes.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Customer photo review of Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

Wonderful tonal balance, nicely detailed for the price, cable in the box was terrible but a much better one was included on the side.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones

400-se give off a slightly warmer sound than i had initially anticipated and brighter and more prominent mids. As one of my first headphones i had thought the low impedence would mean i would not need an amp for these but that was very wrong as these barely head comfortable levels on the loudest volume. You definitely need an amp.

Hifiman HE400se Entry-Level Headphones