Drop / Massdrop 58X vs. HE4XX Headphone Comparison Review! (Sennheiser vs. HifiMan)

[@garyluciani370]

Great review. This is the way comparison reviews should be. Telling what songs are used and describing the way two headphones compare on each song is perfect.

[@MattBorchert]

Thanks Gary!

[@mikepiazza2000]

Ive watched 3 videos on these exact sets being compared and this is by far the best. A ton of actually relevant information and I really like how you use different music to compare the different elements instead of just giving generalized sort of ethereal/abstract descriptions. Doing it over with multiple specific songs that I know/can listen to really lets me understand what you mean with some of those abstract terms, whereas other people might say "this pair sounds warmer" or something without any reference to any actual sounds that I can physically experience which makes it near impossible to draw my own conclusions. Its really difficult to describe the sense of hearing in words so everyone sort of has to default to using the sense of sight to metaphorically make reference to sound so it makes it tough to really interpret reviews of sound without a lot of specifics/details and a legitimate reference point so I think you do a fantastic job of taking a lot of the guesswork out of things

[@MattBorchert]

Thanks Michael! Appreciate the detailed feedback. :)

[@melmagallon6233]

The exact review I was looking for! And it was very well done. Thank you!

[@MattBorchert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ProtectMyLiberty]

Love the way you did this review. Emphasizing various musical tastes with different songs is quite informative. I can clearly see the advantages of having more than one set of headphones. Thank you!

[@MattBorchert]

Definitely, but that's a slippery and expensive rabbit hole. :)

[@carlmichaud1713]

Amazing review man! This helped me out a lot as I am not an audiophile that can afford all kinds of headphones like these to see the difference between them. I do admit that you've picked my curiosity though with the soundstage differences of these 2. As someone who's shopping for a great pair to game on PC, I think its important to have a closer feel to what surrounds you and be able to clearly hear every sound that goes on and be able to pinpoint their location in addtion to the music that might be playing in-game for example. For those purpose I think that the Sennheiser's would be a better pick since it wouldn't focus only on music all the time. But let me know what you think about that. :)

[@MattBorchert]

First appreciate the comment! Second, I totally agree. I'd go with the Sennheisers for that.

[@carlmichaud1713]

@Matt Borchert I decided to go for the HD58X after all! Still didn't receive them yet though as I live in Canada and Drop uses DHL to process their shipping internationally. Anyway, I can't wait to test these bad boys once they get here! Thanks again for your shared thoughts, you got yourself a new sub ;)

[@kuerwski3371]

which one did u pick?

[@joshuato579]

You are extremely underrated! So so so informative and the way you used your words was great. Thank you!

[@MattBorchert]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@joshuato579]

@@MattBorchert I ordered mine last night, but canceled the order due to a huge amount of people complaining about the build quality. Apparently Hifiman sent out a bad batch or their QC is really bad. There were countless complaints on Drop about the pads falling apart, the joints and screws becoming undone, and even the cups separating themselves. I really want these pair for its excellent sound stage and relaxed tone. But I cannot see myself using them if they wont last. I am considering the AKG K7XX now for it is a similar calibre soundstage and widened feel.

[@azkulfrost]

Great review! I particularly like that you listened to many different genres and highlighted the unique characteristics of the headphones on different songs.

[@JIDE.O]

Really glad I watched this. Moved me to get both but I already decided on 58X first because of the detail and intensity. Really informative vid. Looking forward to that Physics lecture! XD

[@MattBorchert]

I'm still brushing up on quantum mechanics. :P

[@JukkaX]

Almost clicked "place order" for HE4XX's for 139,50 USD (shipping included) (thanx to Linus Tech Tips) + ~35 USD tax here in EU, but now decided to save the money and just keep listening to my old damn HD 580 Precisions.

[@dante8077]

Classic Headphones, I've been using for 20+ years.

[@sumeetagarwal6561]

amazing review. Was really helpful how you reviewed how they both sound on 5 different songs

[@MattBorchert]

Thank you :)

[@sumeetagarwal6561]

@@MattBorchert Just purchased the 4XX!

[@kittydukakis]

Great review. I have both sets of headphones. For classical music, besides the reasons your cited, the HE4XX is more realistic sounding. It can can differentiate the timbre of various instruments. A Strad sounds like Strad. The HD58X makes the various instruments sound like Sennheiser headphones. It is an attractive sound and I use these Senns for pop music and for various acoustic recordings in which the sound is so overly engineered that realism becomes a mute point.

[@duckwerksofficial]

The Hifi community needs more reviews like this.

[@MattBorchert]

Thank you!

[@Ted_homie]

Omg, this review is amazingly perfect, personally I learned a lot of stuff and I really like ur style of speaking... thank you for the great work ❤️❤️

[@MattBorchert]

Thanks Ted!

[@MegaVector2011]

You can't see the headphones when they are on your head so the glossy black doesn't bother me. Great review. Waiting for 58X to be shipped on the next drop.

[@MattBorchert]

Good point :)

[@arielargo]

Great review and comparison video! Thanks for doing this! I'm curious. I'm in between the entry level HIFIMAN HE-X4 and HIFIMAN HE-4XX. Would be interesting to know the differences. The X4 are $129 and the 4XX are $180 in Drop at the moment.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

shanling is cool, will work well with m40x or 599

[@michaelreed649]

Great comparison. Thanks for making this one

[@rodrigosmusic]

Man, I feel much better now. Your impressions on these headphones are EXACTLY the same as mine! I own both of them as well.

[@MattBorchert]

Haha, glad to hear it!

[@velko2433]

I have choose 4xx an year ago and i am very happy, they was 130$ on Drop. Amazing planar phones on this price!

[@MattBorchert]

That's a very very good price!

[@velko2433]

@@MattBorchert yes it was!

[@qt5172]

Been looking at new set of cans to upgrade from my HD598's. Just brought the HE400i 2020 editions because of this review. Use my HD598 for gaming and music with my Schiit HEL.

[@leo_misha]

The Hifiman has more sub-bass, right?

[@JebsonofJeb]

Have both. Prefer the HE4XX. Soundstage makes me not want to pick up the 58x again.

[@giladkingsley]

Hi I have a question, what kind of music do you listen to? It would really help me make a purchasing decision.

[@JebsonofJeb]

@@giladkingsley Rock, Metal, Jazz and Blues, Classical/Insturmental

[@Hydrasito]

@@JebsonofJeb So the 58x are bad?

[@JebsonofJeb]

@@Hydrasito No they are good, I just like how the 4XX sounds more. It sounds less close in your head, more far away.

[@jeffrielly]

I have both, I also just got a pair of Bayerdynamic DT 990 pros, as I've seen these reccomend by some tech channels for gaming, I got the DT 990 pros for online shooters, or stealth games as from my understanding their Soundstage has more of an emphasis on the highs, thus being good for hearing footsteps, but If I'm playing an offline shooter I'll go with the he4XXs since they handle bass better, like the "BOOM" from a shotgun on Doom Eternal.

[@mlagathomason2555]

58X: crisp, powerful and treblely 4XX: SPARKLY, chill and W I D E

[@RumpelStiltskindarkone]

I can tell you own the 4XX

[@sabyasachibanerjee124]

Very practical review...

[@noturnleftunstoned72]

X3 coax~> modi 3 DAC ~> magni heresy AMP~> hd58x is my basic setup and I'm in heaven, not 1 complaint. I will not be upgrading a thing for a long while unless something breaks. the new heresy with the 58x are meant for each other. peace.

[@joeyidontnoyu]

My 4xx are arriving tomorrow and I am excited

[@MattBorchert]

Congrats!

[@jamestorres5582]

Loved your review . Tbank you and new subscriber

[@MattBorchert]

Thanks James!

[@rtplayer3543]

Great review! I own the 4xx and just purchased the 58x, just awaiting delivery. I like the style in which you did your review. Subscribed!

[@MattBorchert]

Awesome, appreciate it. :)

[@rickywilson4762]

Let us know your opinion?

[@buzzmas8068]

Have you come to a conclusion on which you prefer? I’m still curious

[@benis9965]

the thing with "build quality" is that materials are only 50% or less of it, fit and finish is what matters more, since it means things are thought through, everything is tighter and feels firmer, and it doesn't make weird movements nor does it gets loose, so sennheiser wins for me, in general they are more prone to polish their products more than other brands, while hifiman headphones may not work from the very beginning, and you need to do all those dumb procedures to return them and get the money back

[@TheClutchPro]

I appreciated the way that you picked different musical genres to compare each headphone with. I'm more torn between the HE4XX and the HD6XX, as someone who primarily listens to electronic music, would you be able to shed any additional light as to which pair would better suit me?

[@MattBorchert]

I can't directly speak to it, but this thread may be helpful for you to check out: drop.com/talk/10027/6-xx-or-58-x-jubilee-go

[@camelCased]

I've heard 58X can be opened up to get wider sounstage if you remove the inner pads behind the mesh. I wish HD58X were available in Europe easily. They cost 250 EUR on ebay.

[@MattBorchert]

Yes that's true, I had actually done that before. Definitely opens up the soundstage a bit!

[@jaw3410]

i have had both of these. The 4xx had really bad flutter in the drivers... obviously an issue with quality control. the 58x are fantastic

[@kristofpali]

Splended review! I think i buy this 4xx for competitive gaming because i love open , precise soundstage. I heared planars need a buff amp. to show there full potentional. Will it show in gamming to the extra amp? (Any good recommendation around 100$ budget?) Thx

[@MattBorchert]

Yes, a good amp will make a world of difference. I'd suggest the JDS Labs Atom - jdslabs.com/product/atom-amp/ (You'll also want to get a DAC)

[@kristofpali]

@@MattBorchert I got a preaty good warm audio interface ofr my speakers, Audio Probe Spartan Cue 110. But i think it need a better amp . JDS Labs Atom sadly it s too expansive in EU (150 usd) . Maybe a cheaper alternative form aliexpress?

[@trojen2429]

@@MattBorchert i don't know if it's worth it. Buying a amp seems complicated.

[@rodrigo3509]

@@kristofpali Fiio K5 pro will do the job. You can catch it at around USD 150 in Aliexpress

[@C7Tmac]

So for gaming you recommend the 4xx?

[@Justontimepe]

This is an amazing video.. very well done.. but i am still thinking about which one is the better option

[@MattBorchert]

Yeah it's a tough call. Generally for me as I want to wear headphones for several hours I gravitated towards the 4XX. They were more comfortable on my head, and have a more relaxed sound, so better for all day working headphones in my case. If I wanted as technically accurate and precise as possible, the 58X definitely win there. Also if I used them for competitive gaming, I'd take the 58X (again for the clarity of sound). All in all I think most would be happy with either one.

[@PreacherwithoutaPulpit]

I'd be very interested to hear your take on the Phillips SHP9500's vs the 58X's. I own the 4XX and my first real headphones were the SHPs and the way you describe the 58X kind of reflects my own in the difference I hear between the 4XX and the SHPs except the SHPs have comparable Sound Stage and Bass to the 4XX's without the Ice Pick in your ears Highs, the highs are there and very clear just not painful. This was a very thorough review and I really wonder if I'm missing anything by not owning the 58Xs when I already own the SHPs and 4XXs. Thanks for your time and work on this...

[@MattBorchert]

Yeah I've never used the SHPs, although I've heard very good things about them, so I can't make any direct comparisons.

[@8bliss]

I just got the SHP9500. Which set do you prefer overall?

[@tranxvillanueva1092]

Which should I buy for acoustic music, and pop songs?

[@MattBorchert]

It's all personal preference. If you want the sound to be a bit more intense, closer to you, with a bit more detail I'd go for the 4XX. For sound that's wider, more relaxed, and a bit more interesting sounding (personal opinion), I'd go 58X. If you're willing to pay $300 instead, the Hifiman Sundara is an INCREDIBLE value for that price, just make sure you have an amp to help it really sound its best.

[@cavemancam4545]

I am wondering which would be better purchase without a dac or amp, which gets closer to it's fullest potential? Great vid, subbed

[@MattBorchert]

I would say the 58X will likely fare better. Planars like the HE4XX are well known to benefit a lot from ample power.

[@cavemancam4545]

@@MattBorchert okay that's great info, thanks! Do the 58X get loud enough through being powered by just a phone ?

[@yerpster]

MAC MILLER 4 LIFE. RIP MAC. MOST DOPE FOR LIFE

[@getore100]

You obviously spent a great deal of time putting this together. You did a great job. I listen to Michael Buble, Sinatra, Chris Botti, and some classical. Based on your review, I am therefore thinking that the Hifiman is a better fit. However, going through the Massdrop website, I am concerned about the QC control issues that you yourself mentioned. There just seems to be a LOT of them. Do you know if they are making them better now? Any further thoughts or suggestions? Based on what I listen to, do you agree that the 4xx is probably a better fit?

[@MattBorchert]

It's very hard to beat planar magnetic headphones for classical music, so I would go 4XX. I own 2 pairs of Hifiman headphones, and neither has serious quality control issues. Given how great the price is at Massdrop is right now, I'd give them a shot. If you get a "bad" pair, you can just exchange them. Not ideal, but when you compare these against the prices of other planar headphones, the value proposition is generally worth the slight risk.

[@getore100]

@@MattBorchert Thank you very much.

[@kevinmlfc]

great review I own hd598 which of the 2 headphones would be better for heavy metal/hard rock and is it worth the upgrade from what I have? also I have a fiio e10k DAC would I need to upgrade it for these headphones?

[@MattBorchert]

I would go with the 58X, and I do think they'd be an upgrade over the 598s.

[@FAMOUSdaboss]

Awesome review, would I have to get an AMP and DAC for the 4xx? I was told I only need an amp but is a dac worth the extra money?

[@MattBorchert]

Yes, and many amps will need the outputs from a DAC to drive the sound in (depending on what your computer's soundcard has). Most DACs that cost $100 will be as good as you'll ever need to be. Since they're outside of the electronic noise of a computer case, they're also far better than pretty much any sound card could be that sits inside a computer. I think Drop has a Grace DAC for $70 or so that's pretty awesome.

[@MattBorchert]

Or go to JDS labs website and check out the OL Dac. Get that and you're good to go.

[@FAMOUSdaboss]

Matt Borchert alright thanks for the help!

[@buzzmas8068]

For me, the 4xx is sounding like the right option since I’m more of a casual listener, but I’m concerned that it won’t work well being powered by my phone with no amp. How much of a difference would it really make? How loud can the 4xxs get without an amp? Thx for the comparison btw, just what I needed

[@MattBorchert]

Good amplification makes a pretty big difference. I would consider getting something like / similar to this for phone use: drop.com/buy/helm-audio-db12-aaamp-thx-amp (this one is kind of expensive, but supposedly quite good. You can find cheaper options out there I'm quite sure.)

[@MattBorchert]

Also I haven't used the 4XX's on my phone, so I can't really help you there (they don't have a 3.5mm headphone jack).

[@frankwhite2230]

If you don't have an amp get the 58x, the 4xx can be hard to drive, the dragonfly red barely powers them.

[@blitz00123]

How about for gaming? Which headphone is better?

[@MattBorchert]

I'd use the 58X for gaming.

[@rpgPalette]

High quality review, but now I am more confused what to buy )))

[@MattBorchert]

Hah, they're both excellent! For more chill relaxing sounds, go HE4XX. If you want much more detailed and analytical sounding headphones, go 58X. They're both fantastic to listen to, just for different reasons. :)

[@rodrigo3509]

@@MattBorchert I've already read reviews that describe them the opposite way you did.

[@frope01]

I also have them both. I love them both. I reach for the HE4XX much more often for sound and comfort.

[@dukoproduction9159]

Support this channel by watching ads, without AdBlock!

[@13massfreeman42]

I have HD58 over 1 year, I like them, also I have tried to change earpads to few other options, also changed cable to custom (self-made) and anyway decided to buy 4XX (110$ now on Drop), I think for 110$ it is bargain.

[@MattBorchert]

Yeah it looks like they're $120 right now, and that's a CRAZY good deal. Probably because the 5XX are out now.

[@13massfreeman42]

@@MattBorchert 5XX is pretty expensive in my point of view, already 220$, when for 250$ you can buy HD58X+4XX 😁

[@Jeffdachefz]

my 58x is already so dark sounding out the box. Missing so much 10khz and up sparkle.

[@bandhanjha8563]

Do you have both ?

[@gianchaudhry5280]

I’m mainly here as I game and I’m so stuck. I’m not getting an aml but do u think that the he4xx are better cuz soundstage or shall I go for 58x. Rn I have Razer headphones

[@MattBorchert]

If it's strictly gaming you're most interested in, I'd actually go 58X. I like the HE4XX because it's very "chill" to listen to music on. The 58X is a bit more in your face, which is actually an asset for competitive gaming.

[@gianchaudhry5280]

@@MattBorchert Ty. I am signed to an org for comp fortnite and this should help me i will try to shout you out. I might keepw looking but for gaming planar or dynamic. Also ive subbed with notis

[@Joseph-sq4bo]

@@MattBorchert I heard the 4XX sounds better overall. What do you think abiut that statement?

[@Tallnerdyguy]

I went with the 4xx mainly so i can use modmic...and I find the positional audio very easy to locate players in pubg or csgo

[@stipeslol]

Which is better for gaming immersion?

[@MattBorchert]

Tough question. I find the 4XX to have a much bigger soundstage which helps a lot with feeling immersed. If being immersed was my primary goal, I'd use the 4XX. However, if you're a competitive FPS player (for example) and hearing sounds articulately matters to you, the 58X will be better for that. Depends what you place more value in.

[@mka996]

What do you recommend me for music and gaming in these headphones

[@MattBorchert]

I personally think the 58X would be better for gaming (more clear and detailed sound). I also find the 4XX to be far more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, so depends on what you prioritize.

[@frankwhite2230]

I also have both, I feel the opposite, I think the 4xx is more detailed, 58x have that veil but the bass is better...I like them both and appreciate their differences. 4xx eat power, if you have a good amp the 4xx would be my overall winner.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

true they cant be compared actually

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

i personally very used to fiio and topping sound so might be slightly biased

[@mrchriz1000]

Why did you decide to make this type of content? Very different from your current content and im curious... i am considering creating content and looking for insight

[@MattBorchert]

I think it's important to make content around the things that interest you. What those things are will change over time, and as a result, the content might change too. You see a lot of people who get very popular doing some certain thing, and because they do best at that certain thing, they end up doing exactly that the rest of their career. What makes me happy in life is constantly learning and doing new things, and then hopefully giving other people value through what I've learned doing those things. So while this sort of content might not perform as well as other videos on my channel, if I think some people will gain value from it, I'm happy to do so. There isn't a right or wrong so much as what is best for you to keep you interested in making videos etc. I also have an added luxury of not relying on my KZbin income, so I can float around a bit more.

[@saidx5896]

which one good for mixing and making music

[@MattBorchert]

The 58X will likely be more "accurate."

[@nicholaslewis279]

It's sounding like the 58x is better for rock music.

[@MattBorchert]

I generally agree with that!

[@toneysunny9283]

QC is a major issue with Hifiman... I will go with HD

[@MattBorchert]

Yes, I've had to take apart the right driver of my Sundara's twice now to "fix" them, and I know they're not going to be long for this world after the second repair, so that's a very valid concern. You get incredible headphones for the price, but that's a very real concern.

[@pascaljean2333]

Ya, the cello is crazy on the 4xx, piano is great, but the harp is a little lacking.

[@pascaljean2333]

Btw now I'm a subscriber after this great video

[@MattBorchert]

Thanks Pascal!

[@HansProbs]

Lol...on deadmau5...4XX wins for me...but 58X wins for everybody else???

[@MattBorchert]

It really depends what you want. More chilled and relaxed, 4XX. More in your face and intense, the 58X. It's super subjective, both are very good.

[@pedecia]

Massdrop Re-branded to the shorter Name Drop so they could shit easily their stupid useless shorter brand on top of every gear. One thing is to accomodate "DROP" on top of amps and Audio Gear one thing is "MASSDROP".

[@patrickf6120]

Hello sir. I have a pair of X2s. Would either of these be a noticeable upgrade?

[@infiniteheygtre4580]

No dont do it X2s arent that far behind atleast to warrant a upgrade

[@MattBorchert]

I don't have them to give a proper comparison. The best I can say is that the HE4XXs will sound very different due to the planar drivers. Different not meaning better nor worse, just a different listening experience.

[@patrickf6120]

@@MattBorchert Thank you, that's what I needed to hear. Could you give me a few alternatives that would noticeable pass the X2s in SQ in the $300-400 range?

[@patrickf6120]

@@infiniteheygtre4580 How about the HD6XXs, would they warrant an upgrade?

[@jhstudio749]

Content was good but your voice had phasing issues with room ambience and breaths between words. Might be your mic. Might be your interface but kind of annoying.

[@MattBorchert]

Appreciate the feedback! I am by no means an expert at recording audio, but I do record on mono, so I don't know how I'd be getting phasing. What you're hearing is likely a combo of recording in a room that has a fair amount of echo, as well as me not remaining absolutely static in relation to the mic. I have tried to improve things a little bit since I made this video, but if you know of any good resources for fixing the issues you heard, always happy to take a look and try to improve things further!

[@jhstudio749]

@@MattBorchert it's not a big issue but I was listening with headphones so I'm able to hear every nuance. You could try using a foam mic shield and/or processing your audio signal with an EQ equipped with a low pass filter. Most mics are mono (not all)

[@MattBorchert]

I did recently switch to a much larger foam mic cover that did a lot to remove some plosives as well as tone down the sound a little bit. I am not currently processing with a low pass filter, so I can give that a shot. Appreciate the advice!

[@jhstudio749]

@@MattBorchert yeah, my suggestion was to use a shield to isolate ambient reflections in your room. Wall treatment would be good too. Experiment... it's a subtle issue.

[@igorvasilev5148]

Sound demo?!

[@MattBorchert]

I'm not setup to do that, but I think Z-Reviews should have sound demos for both up.

[@shockrocker976]

I know this is old, and this isn't shit talking - but it's pronounced like Vell-ooo-er. Vel like Bell. Velour, the ur is er and the O is look a spooky ghost.

[@MattBorchert]

Appreciate the feedback :)

[@patoestavillo]

Dude I mean, not a bad review but I completely discarded it because you do not even actually have them! Everything you just said is what you have read either on the product pages or forums...

[@MattBorchert]

I own both and said so in the video.