Name: HIFIMAN HE400SE
Brand: HIFIMAN
SKU: B08Z2SK5C4
Price: 109.00 USD

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HIFIMAN

- Would benefit from more bass and sub-bass impact
- Height scene not as good as higher-end Hifiman midrange models
- Requires more than 1W of amplifier power, making powerful amp essential

- Noticeable sibilance and treble peak that can become fatiguing without EQ
- Bass may feel light for bassheads
- Initial clamp force may feel tight
- Average comfort overall
- Stock cable is mediocre

- Harder to drive than specifications suggest
- Uncomfortable headband that causes pain with extended wear
- Lacks sub-bass presence

- Stock cable extremely microphonic and uncomfortable
- Bass level isn't high
- Lacks bass shelf under 120Hz
- Dip between 1-2kHz affects instruments
- 7kHz peak adds grittiness
- Imaging less precise than competitors
- Weak center image limits gaming
- Cheap feeling earcups despite solid yokes

- Stock cable is extremely microphonic with poor ergonomics and durability concerns
- Bass level isn't particularly high
- Lacks bass shelf under 120Hz
- 3dB dip between 1-2kHz affects instrument balance
- Mild peak around 7kHz adds grittiness to treble
- Imaging is less precise than some competitors
- Center image is weak, limiting gaming applicability

- Requires quality amplification to shine
- Headband padding slightly stiff
- Limited soundstage width compared to competitors
- Not the biggest soundstage

- Cable has poor ergonomics
- Sub-bass roll-off
- Upper-treble can get fatiguing with noticeable planar timbre
- Some hollow-ness in midrange fixable via mods or EQ
- Narrow staging
- Needs decent amp to shine

The HE400SE delivers clean neutral tuning with standout midrange clarity and fast planar bass, though bass quantity remains light and sub-bass rolls off noticeably. The headband creates pressure points during extended wear, requiring aftermarket padding for comfort beyond 30 minutes. Resolution and detail retrieval earn consistent praise at this price tier, with the sound responding exceptionally well to EQ adjustments. Amplification demands run higher than the 25Ω impedance suggests — the 91dB sensitivity requires roughly 1000mW to fully open up. Best for budget-conscious listeners exploring planar technology who have adequate amplification; skip if you need strong sub-bass impact or plan to use portable sources.

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- Build quality is good for the price
- Good tonality that works well across genres
- No competition at $100 USD price point
- Affordable entry into planar headphones
- Awesome sound when properly EQ'd

- Great sound for the price
- Good resolution with best performance under €250
- Wide scene on X and Z axes
- More musical sound than higher-priced Hifiman models
- Cup and pad system designed for good comfort

- Clean and neutral-leaning tuning
- Fast and controlled planar bass
- Natural and clear midrange
- Good soundstage and imaging for the price
- Strong detail retrieval in its segment
- Responds very well to EQ
- Good entry point into planar headphones

- One of more enjoyable and balanced frequency responses
- Structural upgrades over predecessors
- Outstanding bass extension
- Linear midrange
- Extended treble with good air
- Exceptional layering
- Better soundstage than HD600/HD650
- Strong entry point recommendation

- One of more enjoyable and balanced frequency responses out-of-the-box
- Structural upgrades make it more rigid-feeling and comfortable than original HE400
- Outstanding bass extension
- Excellent midrange tuning with linear response
- Treble extends well with good air qualities
- Exceptional layering and separation capabilities
- Better soundstage than HD600/HD650
- Strong recommendation as entry point for high-end audio

- Good build quality for price
- Comfortable to wear
- Good layering and separation
- Good imaging
- Near-neutral tuning works with most genres
- Class-leading resolution
- Responds well to mods and EQ
- Excellent value for money
- Scales very well with better amplification

- Good build quality for the price
- Comfortable overall
- Good layering and separation
- Good imaging
- Near-neutral tuning works well with most genres
- Class-leading resolution for price
- Mods improve sound further and driver handles EQ well

HE400SE

Wait — at $109, this is within $12 of the all-time low.

HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version Over-Ear Open-Back Full-Size Planar Magnetic Wired Headphones for Audiophiles/Studio, Great-Sounding, Stereo, High Sensitivity, Comfortable, Sliver

HIFIMAN HE400SE

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Features & Opinions

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