🟥HiFiMan Can't Lose _(Z Reviews)_ HiFiMan HE400SE

[@ZReviews]

Want to see these Reviews Early, Get in on Monthly Yard Sales, Hear Sound Demos? Check out... ⚔️www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Subscribe Star 🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Check out the Patreon

[@Dan.a.k.a.bradpitt]

ZEOS you should be going to church rather than reviews on sunday :)

[@khaled_2249]

Hi Zeos, do you have a playlist for the songs you listen to in your videos?

[@donm9090]

SVS included your review of the 3000 micro in one of their marketing emails. Described you as "Always Amusing Z reviews"

[@joshuagilmore5878]

I bought mine through amazon and it came with the same vinyl wire on the older black hifiman externally packaged.

[@MichaelSidneyTimpson]

what about the HE-X4?

[@BillyC500]

0:30 Yard Sales Access 1:20 HE400SE vs HE4XX - Cheap & Good, Planar Magnetics! 2:00 The headband 2:30 Stock pads 3:00 HE400SE vs HE4XX 4:40 Rounded magnets = win 4:45 Sundara 2020 enters the ring - $200 better or...? 5:04 Sound profile 7:49 A buy? 8:10 Cable rant 14:25 Pads and swapping (be careful doing so!) 19:41 Putting the back back 20:40 Outro - Sound demos, Patreon & Subscribe Star, telegram chat, HiFiGuides

[@johnvonshepard9373]

Thx.

[@MrBlitzpunk]

Zeos should hire you

[@Go-nb9jz]

Doing God's work

[@foysalislam7588]

Received my HiFiMan HE400SE today. Surprisingly it came with a different cable. Now it comes with the same black cable as the HiFiMan HE400i. By the way, thanks for this great video. It helped me to press the trigger for this headphone. All the best wishes.

[@NotAFanMan88]

Yeah, they received a lot of complaints in reviews about the 400se cable so they switched it out for the cable that no one seemed to hate. Good on them, and you for getting a nice pair of cans.

[@1000dreams]

Drop has added the HEX4 too which are supposedly indistinguishable from the HE400SE, it's an update to the HE4XX. It's getting a bit confusing haha, I dunno why they just don't number their headhones.. Planar 1, planar 2, planar 3 fucking done

[@dragonborn.k]

THANK YOU! I've been hoping Zeos would review the HE-X4. Maybe this will finally get his attention.

[@dasninjastix]

@@dragonborn.k It's pretty good, definitely worth the asking price. It's not the kind of headphone that you need to wait for a review. They're solid. If you're okay with medium-sized oval cups I'd say buy them. And they come with a stock cable that isn't a prank. You can actually use it.

[@dragonborn.k]

@@dasninjastix Unlike the repurposed bread ties on the 400SE.

[@kabir0418]

i have a pair and they sound amazing. they're my first set of planars so i can't really compare them to any of the other hifimans but i can say they sound much better than both my shp9600's and my dt770's. the imagine and soundstage is VERY good on these especially with orchestral music, i tested out the soundtrack for A New Hope and it was quite poggies

[@1000dreams]

@@dasninjastix medium-sized oval cups? they're pretty big and round aren't they? :>

[@gamergtx2602]

Such a great VFM headphone with a great tuning. Using them for a month now with Ifi Zen Dac v2 running balanced. They sound amazing that my HD 650s do not get any love. Removed the dust filter and the sound stage improved. There are also honeycomb mesh replacements sold online for even greater soundstage. Pair with palipads and you have something that is greater than the Sundaras for less price.

[@mrfarax4944]

What cable are you using

[@hypnoz7871]

Greater than Sundara ? lol keep lying to yourself. HE400 have shit imaging + lower resolution and no mod is gonna fix it. Also the grill mod is a joke for HE400, it was meant for HE560/HE5/HE6.

[@speeddrift3]

"looks like it wants to be straight but can't be" I felt that

[@JeradBenge]

"I want to thank myself for doing this review." - Zeos 2021

[@andtothewestamerica]

peak Zeos

[@krayozmines]

💀💀💀

[@3dScience_uk]

😅 i also want to thank himself for doing this review

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

Thanks! This was My first set of non gaming headphones....thanks again

[@Akirilus]

When taking the back off, you gain a bit in the 10-40 HZ range in bass but probably lose it around 150-300 in my perception at least. I tried to mod these in 15 ways, different pads, putting stuff on the magnets, closing them. Frankly the way they are out of the factory is my favorite.

[@teste-yh5df]

gaining at 10-40hz is more important than 150-300. You get a better soundstage removing the back off, th 150-300 you can increase with EQ if u want

[@Akirilus]

@@teste-yh5df Sure, I used to keep the back off on my first pair, unfortunately due to hifiman's quality that pair died, the damn membrane literally disintegrated on me. And then I got a second pair but I feel it didn't quite sound the same, but that's probably cause I had been spoiled by more expensive stuff at the time.

[@kendoglarson5419]

The he400se EQ'd through my K7 amp as balanced output is unbelievable. This level of sound is truly astonishing for $110. Mine came with a very nice black plastic coated/jacketed cable so I was happy.

[@EvLTimE]

Oh yeeh K7 give more controlled bass overall. Even I have edition XS and Arya SE , sometimes I listen to 400se with k7 +balanced cable is really open these headphones to another level. I didn't have same experience with zen dac v2 and k5 pro ess.

[@damnbrosky]

me and my K7 we waiting 2 more days for this headphones, nice to hear about great synergy between, balanced cable is ordered to!

[@IAmNotA.12345]

This is one of the funniest audio videos I have seen! I bought a pair of these headphones a couple of years ago after seeing this video. And they are brilliant! As is the video.

[@MrBlitzpunk]

Got mine for 110$ for the chinese version, what a time to be alive for audiophile to be able to have planar anything for 110$. I think even the cheapest planar IEMs cost more than that. And it sounds good! I love how hifiman cheap out in the build department instead of the sound, it's a compromise, but one im willing to accept for the price.

[@Criiies]

Does it play your music in Mandarin? Where did you buy it from?

[@MrBlitzpunk]

@@Criiies the chinese version doesn't have a stealth magnet and comes with the HE4XX cable. Where did i get it? Uhh... China?

[@requiemforameme1]

The bundled cable is really good for fishing out wires that fell behind your workstation. Like a pliable wire hangar. I’ve tried it as a backscratcher, but it’s not quite rigid enough.

[@joshualee6932]

I appreciate that your reviews are more compact and concise now

[@ronzack4572]

Yeah, he's finally broken that 30 minute mark....

[@bryan.e]

Got em for $100 on Amazon, eager to get em, my first open-back planar. Love the Z12s

[@Akirilus]

Just as reassurance, you can break the magnets with your fingers, once my original pair failed, I decided to test that. But you do have to be fairly forceful. A bit harder than breaking a twig and I'd say it's hard to put that much pressure on the magnets by accident.

[@Blackw1ng]

Oh thanks, that def helps me feel less cautious about getting these headphones 😵‍💫

[@Akirilus]

@@Blackw1ng Though, I can tell you some downsides. Unfortunately as with many headphones the headband plastic and the cups sort of self destruct within 1-2 years. Which was a bit surprising for me as I did not expect a serious company to have this problem. Ofc you can replace both, or rather solutions can be found, but you should be aware it will be a problem. All Hifiman products suffer from this sort of issue. As I also own a sundara which had basically the same happen.

[@Blackw1ng]

@@Akirilus yikes, well im glad I got a 2 year protection plan for them😬 Now I'm just hoping something fails within the two years💀

[@Akirilus]

@@Blackw1ng I mean for the price it's a good headset, I compared it with much better ones like AKG K712 pro and it was pretty much identical. I also preffer the tuning here better than with the Sundara. The Sennheiser hd 600 beats all of them but that's double the price and teribly unconfortable. So overall I'd say it's a good buy even if you might have to fix it up later on.

[@RobbieG17]

Just purchased these, (and a new cable,) based on this review. I started crying one minute into the first song I listened to. Thank you.

[@josha8715]

i bought them because of this comment, i hope i love them

[@RobbieG17]

@@josha8715 I hope so too, talk about pressure!

[@josha8715]

@@RobbieG17 haha

[@josha8715]

Just got them. Might sell my Sennheiser HD800 now.

[@kaziratul]

What dac/amp you're using with these ? I'm planning on buying one for this

[@Vorse_Raider]

Bought them on Amazon back in January, got the better black cable. I have a wide head and these are surprisingly comfortable for me despite the moderate-high clamping force they have. The contact area with the pads on the head is large, and it spreads out the force well-enough. Headband does not have a plastic frame and the metal flexes pretty easily. Recommended to try out if you have a wide head.

[@hirdy932]

Just bought the 4xx like 2 days before seeing this. I'm sure they'll still be great. I don't like the new headband though. All and all, can't wait for the 4xx to arrive, when I want brighter planars I'll get the Sundara's.

[@gulla04]

Got me a pair of 4xxs recently and they’re soo good with fiio K3 amp. Don’t care if these cheaper 400s sound better. This man over hypes things

[@soup_troop]

I’ve had a pair of 4xx for a year now, don’t regret anything, they are a fantastic headphone. I’ll never sell my pair :)

[@elliotparnell7805]

I've had my 4xx for about 3 years now and they're fantastic, dont leave them in the sun or a hot room though, my pads glue melted and they fell apart

[@TsunTzu]

4XXs are great. You're gonna enjoy them, so no worries.

[@Bobboberson1234]

@@TsunTzu 6xx all day. 4xx are good, but sundaras beat them in every way. If you can find the Nighthawk carbons they are probably my most listened to headphones.

[@ThathousecatSHC]

I just got a pair of these cans, from Amazon, direct from factory, and they included an extra audio cable, it's not shit, it's really nice. The bad one is still included. I believe you may have fixed and issue.

[@mildtotemperate]

Good to know, thank you.

[@kimchi3600]

Lmao that wire... I don't think there's even a combination of words to fully describe how godawful they are but watching you shit on them was very satisfying haha, another entertaining review! Also I'm eagerly waiting on your Kinera Skuld review considering you loved the Nannas!

[@nuadarstark]

Had the HE400SE for about 3 weeks now and yeaaaah, that cable is just...I don't know, bad beyond my comprehension I think. It has all the "bad" qualities a headphone cable can have. It's super microphonic, so any touch will translate into noise in the drivers. It's super stiff so it's always going to hang awkwardly. It's super "memory", so any "hard" kink you make into it imprints into the cable no matter what you do. And it's super thin so it's also somehow fragile as fuck. Thankfully replacing a cable in these is super easy, as these headphones are otherwise absolutely amazing.

[@joshuagilmore5878]

mine came with the vinyl wire that was on the other ones when I bought through amazon, they were separately packaged.

[@januszdusigrosz4328]

@@joshuagilmore5878 maybe they ware like. Shit this cable is retarded better ship him anything else :D

[@Grom84]

it's strange because aliexpress version has similar to 4xx cable.

[@shahmi5727]

I'm watching this as I'm listening using he400se right now

[@VEN0M415]

my 4xx fell apart but it was the first itteration, pads glue popped off the rings, cable lost connection somewhere, hope these are more durable. The headband looks better at least.

[@HtS643KyS6555GxQ3edA]

“Enigma of failure” lol loved that

[@reanimation777]

YES, YES, and YES! I've waited for this for a long time

[@collinalbert6276]

They did start shipping with a new cable though and if you buy from amazon they send a free replacement one with it

[@Cinnabuns2009]

I just got a set of these and can confirm, they come with both. The 'other' cables were placed in the package box, not the HP box so... likely an afterthought when the community cried out about how awful the stock cable was.

[@ManicQuinn]

@@Cinnabuns2009 How does the new cable stack up?

[@stevy2]

"It looks like it wants to be straight but it can't be" relateable

[@clemsiemckenzie9799]

Wow those have to be the worst cables I've seen in a long while. I already don't like the one on my HE4XX, but that's amazing. For once I'm not complaining about the 15mn Zeos Cable Rant...

[@MrDutch1e]

Apparently they updated the cable shortly after launch to a way better quality grey rubber cable.

[@spencerkowalski9566]

The cable portion of this review was genuinely hilarious.

[@tradingplaces-alphagenerat8484]

With so many headphones this guy still keep some for an emergency :)

[@ajl1430]

allready listening this on the 400se. saw them in the other recent vids laying on the side. yes they are great and the added bonus of the silver is that you can draw cool shit on it.

[@primeshmohanty7701]

I am waiting to buy these for the past month here and i can now whole heartedly buy them. Thanks Zeos!

[@bichukrishnan8984]

An amp is must for these. My phone, laptop and tablet couldn't drive it to required volume and the sound was thin too.

[@primeshmohanty7701]

@@bichukrishnan8984 Can you recommend a cheap amp or amp/dac combo to go with this? I was eyeing a Fiio E10K too to go with these.

[@bichukrishnan8984]

I use ifi hip dac with xbass on. I guess E10k does the job too. There is slight roll off in subbass, so an amp with bass boost on will be better. Mids are little laid back, not very forward. Treble is smooth. The best quality of these headphones must be instrument seperation and imaging. Sound stage is average. I don't think there are any good open back alternatives at this price range. I found the Senheiser 500series too muddy. I Haven't tried the beyerdyamics.

[@primeshmohanty7701]

@@bichukrishnan8984 Yeah i am hoping to get them for the instrument separation and detail retrieval. I currently have hd 559s(i like their sound though) and want something different sound wise. I would go for either ifi zen v2 or e10K with these.

[@ImChasingChase]

I almost got these, ordered the 5xx instead, then returned that and saved up a little more and got the Sundara 2020/21? Whatever point is, I love them.

[@uhgungawa4574]

Just an FYI. I got my set in the mail today, and it had a second normal rubber coated cable thrown in with the packaging box

[@nicholasrockstroh6920]

Huh, I'm surprised your perception of the bass on these is that it's stronger than the Sundara, because if you just look at the FR they're pretty similarly tuned in the bass. I guess it's probably because the treble on the 400SE is much more laid back by comparison, so the bass feels more forward even though it, technically, isn't.

[@BobKarnowski]

Probably been mentioned before somewhere in the comments, but I got mine today and they came with the crap cable with 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter as well as a cable that's the same you get with the Drop HE 4XX. The "better" cable was in the outer box; not the actual box. Maybe your review had something to do with this. I just tossed my balanced Periapt cable from my HE 4XX.

[@oliverriezebos]

I actually also got my HE400se with a proper cable, I think they changed it

[@Gavanater7]

I just brought these but they have a new cable now and it's solid

[@mildtotemperate]

Good to know, thank you.

[@thatfellarosto]

Just bought these today, they seem to match a sound profile I really like will update this comment when they arrive!

[@getoutsidenow420]

Can yah update what your thoughts?

[@ExitiumD]

THOUGHTS PLEASE =)

[@thatfellarosto]

@@ExitiumD they're alright, I had to get them shipped twice because a UPS center the package went through stole them. then UPS damaged the second pair becauseyhe driver threw it at my door. I didn't bother returning it for a third. They do sound wonderful, its just unfortunate the right driver is fucked up which makes it hard to listen to for extended periods of time and the bass response is unlike anything ive heard before. impressive headphones for the price when theyre not broken lol

[@freddierose240]

Love the new thumbnail looks sick

[@samarthasr]

Been waiting for this

[@brothatwasepic]

Dude duuuuuude I got these and they came with a different cable and man do they sound way too good like way way too good compared to my HE1000SE

[@dtz1000]

Never tried those expensive ones but the he400se is way better than Ananda V3 and Sundara despite what all these BS KZbinrs claim.

[@SaucerX]

Any opinions on the HE-X4? It's supposed to be Drop's version of the HE-400SE, is it a good first planar for the price?

[@RoyAlf]

Used the 4XX from Drop for 3 years, fantastic first planers. You do need some extra power to get the most out of them, but they're great not only for the price but up to $250 headphones. If you like sound stage and not a very heavy base, you will enjoy them. I'm thinking of getting these SE's.

[@SussyBaka-em9rq]

just get the 400se???? No need to use Drop

[@januszdusigrosz4328]

@@SussyBaka-em9rq id get them and for price difference get DESCENT CABLE FOR THEM :D

[@wardprocter2371]

Yes! For the price they are great, I bought mine two months ago and don’t regret it at all. They’re my first set of planars and although bulky, they’re very comfortable. As far as the cable goes the one that came from Drop is different from the one Zeos is showing. They definitely need an amp to get the best sound out of them.

[@daniluzzu]

Zeos as far as I know all stealth magnet models have NO damping whatsoever! Hifiman is making amazingly tuned headphones with literally no damping, just through research of diaphragm thickness/tension, cup, dustshield, etc.

[@DroidLocks6971]

When I listen to my LetShouer S12 with 2.5 balanced , hibizs S9 DAC Amp via my Z FOLD 3 I hear music and movies like never before at a lower volume than the 3.5mm cable

[@chowism4414]

Hey Zeos , I like the way you talk 😍 you’re sooooooo daring and honest 😅 reviewing the products from your thru heart 😅 and that’s why I follow you 😍 keep it up 👍💪💪💪

[@ChoppaCity27]

Was going to mention the cable for these when you was talking about how shitty the cable is for the Anandas in one of your previous videos, but now you know lol. These are my first planars (and most expensive headphone I've bought) and now I think I may end up falling down the rabbit hole. RIP wallet

[@scottster8858]

Dammit, I literally bought my 4XX last month. Oh well, I still love their sound. I have a bunch of bright headphones already, and I was looking for something a little on the darker side anyway.

[@ElRobin]

When Zeos started bending the cable at 9:00 I laughed my ass off 😂. I got a pair of Sundaras, would these be a good compliment to them if I want just something different or should I go with something like the Harmonicdyne Zeus?

[@thiscorrosion900]

Sundaras are a few steps above these.

[@Ty_7]

This is why we watch you. The cable art..... Yes..... More.....

[@trellusg]

HE-X4 is cheaper, $129, but only via Drop, HE-400se is $20 more but available everywhere else

[@larryknicks]

Wish there was a mashup of looks here. 400 build (BETTER CABLE) with 4xx colors. 🔥🔥🔥

[@spizzlo]

why did he not listen to these compared to he400i 2020? In that review he said basically the 4xx are obsolete. It seems like that would have been a better comparison.

[@shinku2826]

If you buy from Amazon they include the same cable that comes with the HE-X4 along with the janky silver noodle

[@wesleyleigh4063]

Have had these for 3-4 months now. a slight upgrade from my previous 58x's, which I eventually started to dislike due to the dips in the treble. I also just found them to sound a little dull or thuddy, and I think i personally prefer Planar's though there's definitely a degree of haze or lack of sharpness to the whole spectrum which you have to accept. Have bought some Verum 1's though so already looking toward a better Planar, though these are my top pick for around $150

[@foxandroses]

"Slight"

[@MrBlitzpunk]

Interesting, i already got me a HE400se and is looking for a dynamic to add to my collection. I really like the HD600 but it's too steep for my pocket, so i decided to look for a cheaper alternative. I thought to get hd58x at first but i guess HD6xx it is

[@wesleyleigh4063]

​@@MrBlitzpunk I'm pretty sure they are so similar that 58X is the better option due to price

[@MrBlitzpunk]

@@wesleyleigh4063 does that mean hd58x are good or the hd6xx are just bad for the price?

[@wesleyleigh4063]

@@MrBlitzpunk I mean i haven't tried both, but the general impression is that the drivers are the same, just with slight different tuning. definitely an unfortunate lineup for your sake, but this is the present consensus.

[@silvydb]

I was waiting for this. I got a pair like a month or so back and I cant put them down. Even over my Stax...they old and like not the best....but stilllllll~ To combat the headband I took a spare sennheiser headband cushion and taped it to the headband XD

[@3dScience_uk]

thanks for uploading this review. spot on - so nice headphones

[@baja71688]

Finally, been waiting for soooooooooooooo long for this review, Thank You!!!!!

[@baja71688]

Replying to myself from the future, I bought em, Love em, coming from DT 770's 250 Ohm it's a nice change, still getting used to open backs and hearing myself talk while gaming but I love the extended range of sound that I'm hearing and can pick out. Don't get me wrong, I love my 770's and both will stay on my desk but damn I'm glad I got these. Those sivga 21's look like something to try in the future.

[@baja71688]

Forgot to mention mine came with the new black cable, it's not a lot better then the old one but at least this one works.

[@baja71688]

I ended up sending the HE's back, my environment just made the open backs a living hell for me. They sounded amazing but tone-alitty wise they sounded near identical to my DT's just louder from the lower impedance, but the sound stage and extension and everything sounded wonderful till the real world would creep in over the top and couldn't escape like I could with my DT's. I also wasn't expecting how heavy they would be, and the construction on mine was a bit poor in places. If you picked up the headphones by the headstrap and pinched the sides near the sliders, you would get poked by the spring steel from the headband poking through the fabric, also the headband was very stiff foam and the first few day's I could feel it pressing into my skull where the DT's would just rest on top of my head.

[@baja71688]

I ended up picking up the Sivga's after returning the HE's, I've learned I'm a closed back only kind of a guy. I've been looking for an upgrade for a while now, something like my DT's but better. I thought I'd have to pick up a set of 1770's or something to find what I was looking for. I wanted more bass, something that I could FEEL, the DT's are always regarded as one of the best for it's lowend but my DT's have never shook like these have. Part of the reason is my DT's are 250ohm, why my friend said to get these over the 80's is beyond me but they were comfortable, built like a tank, and easy to repair / get parts for. I love my DT's but I didn't know what I was doing wearing a Monitoring headphone as a Daily Driver, coming from any headphone the DT's are great for picking everything out, hearing things for what they are, and while that's great, sometimes you just want a set of headphones that are fun to listen to. These sivga's are it, from the headstrap padding, to the sound, holy shit the sound. The tone of sound changed night and day, the HE's I could swap back and forth from my DT's and they sounded the same, one was louder from the lower impedance and more open but sounded very similar. One thing I didn't like about the planers was how they removed the reverb from bass heavy voices, I'm used to hearing like an echo of edededed in peoples voices on some songs, the HE's removed that entirely and sounded sterile. I don't know if that's a side effect from the planar technology but something as subtle as that could really ruin your favorite music. When I first heard the Sivga Phoenix on here I was blown away, they sounded amazing to me and almost picked up a set when I found them below 200. I'm really glad I didn't as after having the HE's I've learned I can't use or have a Open back set of headphones, if I lived alone, had a quite place to listen to music they'd be great but with family, pets, responsibility the open's were a nightmare for me. The driver technology is really something, immediate sound difference from the DT's drivers. I don't know if it's souly the lower impedance but wow to these things sound fucking amazing, they feel and sound like a closed back but the have far bigger stage, deeper lowend, and bass that you can FEEL. I could feel the DT's but it was always subtle, if I listened for it I could hear/feel the impact of bass but I don't have to squint my eyes on the Sivga's, they just ARE! If I'm editing a video I'll wear the DT's, If I'm playing a game or listening to music I'm wearing the Sivga's. I reach for them 99% of the time now and have hung up the DT's for only when I need them, it's great to have finally found an upgrade to DT's and am very happy with these. The construction, the fit, how soft the pads are, zeos hit's it out of the park with describing the sivga's for truly what they are. If you have the time, look in the sv021's reviews video description for his first review, it has so much more information that I think could help deciding buyers try these first over the HE's. /book

[@Akirilus]

To be fair, I just broke my he400se, I abused it quite a lot and it was 2 years old, one of the drivers just failed on the left side. To be fair I had touched the drivers, cleaned them, brushed them lightly, even poked one a bit, they're not as fragile as one might think, but also they did break so :D. I just bought my second pair of these headphones and WOW everything is much better than the first, the tolerances are tighter, the driver looks better than the old one, more well put together, the old one was a bit crooked, the pads are a bit better, the cable is better. So actually if you buy these headphones in 2022 you're getting a bit of an improvement on all fronts.

[@ljtech20]

This is great to know! I've been eyeing these headphones for a while and I've been always put off by HiFiMan's alleged QC issues.

[@Akirilus]

@@ljtech20 The original version of these was definitely shoddy, my original pair has a crooked driver, and the traces on it were anemic and small, and they seemed to break off, there were bends and dents in the driver all around. Which I think is the reason they failed. The ones I replaced them with just look overall closer to tolerance. Everything is straight on them, the traces on the drivers are much thicker and there's no dents in the drivers or anything of the sort. Overall every single aspect is much improved in terms of production. So yea, I think it's probably the best time to buy.

[@ljtech20]

@@Akirilus thanks for the details!

[@matfalkner]

Can you run them off a phone or portable dac/amp?

[@Akirilus]

​@@matfalkner You can, but at lower volumes, most certainly lower volumes than you would ideally like. I'm sure a portable dac/amp would work but I am not informed enough to recommend anything.

[@listerino316]

going to buy my first set of planars. im torn between these and the he400i (2020). which does Z favour of the two i wonder?

[@eeyorebill04]

What do you think about this vs HE400i 2020?

[@TsunTzu]

Newer HE-4XXs have the dual 3.5 connectors too. Replaced that with a new fantasia cable off Amazon since it was just...sproingy? Felt odd. $22 with Prime. Might give these a look though.

[@Tripokaridos22]

HE400SE or HD560S ??? Thats the BIG question.

[@RajaaDima]

It's tough to be an audiophile and a poor man in the same time. But I will be saving as I can to be able to buy those cans.. I've always dream of being able to put a planar on my ears 😍😍🤩🤩😍😍. I listened to the sound demo and those seems to be the right ones ! Thanks Zeos !

[@scottster8858]

The more expensive stuff gives you very marginal gains. Having bought some of the more expensive stuff, I don't really feel I was missing much when I only had cheaper headphones. It's easy to get wrapped up in the hype for more expensive stuff, especially with Zeos, but just go with his cheaper recommendations and enjoy the music.

[@RajaaDima]

@@scottster8858 agree ! I have never be able to test a planar headphones and obviously planar like Ananda, Arya or emperyan are out of reach for me .. that's why I think saving to get those, who cost around 150 $, is good enough to try getting them.

[@bb_lou]

Ayyy I've had these for a bit. Like them a ton

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

My only issues with these is the weight and how much power they need to run. But they are good sounding with solid build quality and aside from the weight they are comfortable.

[@ReloaderJoe]

These things are $109 right now on Amazon. So the question now: These at $109 or the Sundara for $349?

[@dexxeve9420]

Dear Z, Woud you say the bass kick from these H400SE is as good if not better the H4XX ? Also side question if you have the time to answer. Which Plananar's are the bass'er or dark or better bass kick you have tried or recommend ? cheap or expensive Planar

[@VchaosTheoryV]

Just ordered mine to replace the 400xe. The cable is threading apart at the end seams and cheap insert is ripping apart on the cans. So i figured, eh after a couple of years it's time to try something new.

[@werewolf1e]

How does this compare to the HE400i 2020?

[@sauhamm3821]

better all around… I sold mine after listening to these for a few hours (well put them up for sale) these sit below the sundara but not way below. if you’ve owned sundara for months and are used to how good they are these will feel inferior. that same energy applies to listening to these for a few hours and then going back to the 400i or deva … these sit a couple steps away from those.

[@josha8715]

I bought these a few weeks ago and they are major go. they are almost as clear as my sennheiser HD800, they just have more bass/different bass because i’ve never tried planar before. basically, these compete with my headphones there are over $1000. Also, the stock wire is very fun to use and it’s the perfect length. no one talks about how it sounds really good

[@josha8715]

I got the hifiman arya v2, definitely a worthy upgrade

[@nov3316]

@@josha8715 nice! congrats on arya!

[@gamergtx2602]

This is Z reviews, people are here for the cable rant :P

[@arcspike193]

i just purchased these how do they compare to a pair of ath ad 900x?

[@Fruggggg]

I just bought a pair and i cant wait how they contrast against my beloved hd600. My very first experience with planars... lets hope its a good one

[@ExitiumD]

how are they?

[@OkGreat-]

Do u plan on reviewing the he-560 v4? They seem to go on great sales every now and then and I wonder if they are better then the other 560's

[@jonsays3762]

Sundara for occasional home use and an older set of pioneer flagship flat-folders for traveling are all the headphones I’m ever going to need. Thanks for the tip on the sundara’s. Only prob with those is the thick pads get a little warm. Can’t wait for winter? :)

[@dtz1000]

These are better than the Sundara.

[@jdk_360]

I had the 400s. Not many people talk about that one but I thought it sounded great after getting the hybrid pads. The one you’re reviewing now looks really similar so I’m wondering if it sounds almost the same

[@dtz1000]

I have owned both and i cannot tell any difference in the sound quality. However, the 400se is still definitely a downgrade. It has a worse frequency response, is harder to drive and is less comfortable to wear than the 400s. Two of these issues are quite annoying to me. I would choose the 400s over this if I had to choose between the two.

[@danielcohn6884]

What do you guys think? 400SE or 4XX? I am treble sensitive, weary of sibilance. I'm concerned by the construction of the SE, so I'm leaning toward 4XX, but maybe that's a mistake....

[@Sir_Corgerus]

Had this for a few months now, and they have solidified their position as my main and favorite headphone. A very clear and decently balanced sound. What's most impressive with this headphone in my opinion has to do with the bass as it is tight and well separated from the mix, which makes it easy to hear it in music without having to EQ it (I hate EQ btw). Nothing much to comment about on the mids and highs simply because they are perfect to me. Overall a fast, clear, and balanced sound. These do not do that great for competitive gaming, but they are okay to use compared to my other headphones (primary gaming can being the SHP9600) just not to the level of the other ones. What's weird is that the imaging is very precise and intimate with music, but it feels blurry when gaming. This likely has to do with the soundstage being somewhat narrow but not closed in. You will get plenty of out of head moments with the soundstage, but 90% of the sound will be in your head. But the clearness/airiness of the sound helps it feel immersive which helps me forget about the narrow-ish soundstage. Comfort was a miss for me only because the headband is very deeply padded but it is hard as shit. I had to buy Dekoni nuggets and I ended up putting all four nuggets on the headband. Thankfully, that has rectified the headband problem completely with a minor downside being that the height adjustment bottoms out leaving my ears in just the right place, but I could use just one notch more on occasion. One really annoying thing with this headphone has to do with the pads. They are very comfy, but removing and installing them is honestly terrifying. The driver is very close and almost not protected (somewhat normal for planars I guess?), and the clip system for the pads nearly broke itself when I carefully removed it. So please be careful and be prepared to buy replacement pads in the event that the clips inevitably break. Hifiman, why do you do this? 9/10. I just with the comfort was a bit better and it would be great if the pad attachment system was more work-able and less dangerous. 5/10 for gaming. For context, I give my SHP9600 a 7.9/10. The HE400se outclasses the SHP in music performance for sure.

[@RumpelStiltskindarkone]

I got these yesterday and the description in ur first paragraph is exactly how I felt about them, especially ur description of the bass. What amp do you run them with? I noticed they are very power hungry..

[@Sir_Corgerus]

@@RumpelStiltskindarkone I use an iFi Zen DAC with the HiFiMan using the 4.4 Pentaconn output. 10 to 11 o clock on low gain is enough to reach a reasonable listening level.

[@gamergtx2602]

@@Sir_Corgerus Have the zen dac v2 + 400se as well. Running them balanced, although I have removed the dust filter and the soundstage improved a lot. These get more time than my trusty HD 650s.

[@Sir_Corgerus]

@@gamergtx2602 been wondering how effective removing the dust cover truly is. i do not want to risk long term damage with having the cover off.

[@gamergtx2602]

@@Sir_Corgerus I believe it depends on where you use and how dusty your room becomes :). You could try to remove the grill and listen to it without the grills, if you think the soundstage is worth the mod then look for a honeycomb grill, if not you can put back the grill.

[@jb678901]

When these were offered on AliExpress for just under $100 plus another $28 for shipping, I pulled the trigger. Under $130! No-brainer. I did buy a third party cable, just in case this set comes with that crap silver cable. Went with a Cavo OPENHEART [8 wires 1.4m, (4 Silver-plated Copper wires + 4 Copper wires), 240 cores, single wire 30 cores] on sale (50% discount) for another $13.

[@cali_cal]

did you get the crappy cable?

[@jb678901]

@@cali_cal No. Nice cable.

[@ReefZA]

Buy the Sundara's or save a fair bit of money and get the 400SE instead, what to do

[@krayozmines]

If you can wait to save more than just jump to the sundara. If you can only spend max $200 then get he400se. But you'll probably be looking to upgrade after getting the he400se so just jump straight to the sundara if you think you'll be tempted to upgrade quickly

[@cameronwilkson2982]

Just bought a pair, they come with a better cable now. I'd already bought a new 2.5 cable anyway, but the new one is much more usable if you don't want to spend extra on a cable

[@thatfellarosto]

why would you buy a 2.5mm for these? the 400se uses 3.5mm connectors

[@cameronwilkson2982]

@@thatfellarosto 2.5mm on the source end, I use a fiio btr5 that uses a 2.5mm for balanced output. 3.5mm for the headphone end, of course

[@thatfellarosto]

@@cameronwilkson2982 Ah, ive seen some people buy the version of the cable with 2.5mm connectors into the headphones for these before lol

[@shayan-gg]

If Hifiman Deva(wired), 400i 2020, 400se were at same price, which is best one to buy? I currently have have Zen DAC 2 + M40X(Angled Pads) and love my current setup but wanna try planar. I can buy an amp if necessary for them. Xduoo MT 602 is the best cheapest amp here available

[@amt439]

Zen Dac 2 is more than capable of driving all of them.

[@bichukrishnan8984]

All of them will be bass light for you, coming from a closed back audio technica. I own 400se. They have amazing fast bass, but light on quantity.

[@shayan-gg]

@@amt439 i have heard that they can get loud but sound won't be as good if used with 400mw. Someone on reddit said they need >1w. Is that correct?

[@shayan-gg]

@@bichukrishnan8984 thnx for recommendation. My zen dac has a bass boost button and also use eq (apo with oragatory curve). Would that be good?

[@Omar_ZX]

Note if you buy these new now from hifiman directly they come with a box that includes a headphone stand, a sundara cable to replace the garbade cable it came with at first, and sundara 2020 pads which I am not the biggest fan of considering the 400se pads are velour and these sundara pads are a mish mash of materials and get warmer much quicker

[@areitz1962]

is this still true?

[@ELdASenSei]

I love u Zeos

[@jazmies8794]

Between this and Philips x1s which should I get? I like listening to jpop and some soul jazz

[@HTStudi0s]

My 4xx's sound great but.....after a couple of months the threading on the inserts that hold the drivers to the headband are completely stripped. It's a shame because I really like the 4xx's.

[@guybuddy1]

I bought the HiFiMAN x DROP HE-X4(which is very similar sounding to the 400SE) and I like it a lot. I'm also thinking about getting the Sundaras, but do you think it's worth the money? and which one has a more solid sounding bass. Thanks.

[@neugroove6172]

These vs nth 100 in terms sound quality. I like the 4xx for the openness and low end with Dakoni sheepskin. How do these two compare against each other?

[@wrongfulleaf]

Hey Zeos and fam, looking for a daily driver buds to carry in my pocket (ALWAYS listening but travel light). Do you still recommend the mifo 07, or is there something better out there since those were quite a while back?

[@emjay9733]

Hoping Chewbers feels better soon 😺

[@LaughterOfSilence]

Aye man why don't you give sauce to your wallpapers as in who and what they're from. Other than that loving you're reviews just picked up some 400se myself

[@theumbrellaman2954]

I'm surprised you forgot about the other hifiman revision from 2020 with the HE400i 2020.

[@Hari-kx2er]

He had earlier made a video about them as well.

[@KarmaElectronics.]

love my HiFiMan's

[@elliotparnell7805]

Zeos! my he4xx pads melted, what do I replace them with oh pad king 🤴

[@mattrismatt]

Using the mounting rings from the 4XX stock earpads (or ones separately-available), I recommend using aftermarket earpads that have oval openings. ZMF Headphones have the best-sounding and most-comfortable pads, but they come at a premium. Their *Auteur Perforated Hybrid Pads* are generally regarded as the best choice for most circular-cup HIFIMAN headphones.

[@slyfox720]

How would these compare to the Sony MDR-1AM as far sound quality...I had a pair of the Sony's but was looking to try something different...Have a budget of about $250

[@kristiandawe85]

Please tell the wire is better now that it’s 2025 because I want a set of these, if it sucks then I might get a balanced cable that is less shitty

[@swifty1969]

so here's my question......400se or the shp9500?

[@apple-zq6yl]

400se by a mile

[@axchisler]

Hilarious as always, and very informative. I'm really interested in these do you really like them better than the other Hifiman choices under $200 like the 400s, 400i, HE-X4, etc.? I'd like something a little on the bright side. Thanks much!

[@adamismail2883]

Finally you made a review on these lmao

[@Patback22]

Separate question: what cable can you recommend for the Neuman NDH 20. I hate the two stock cables they come with.

[@ZReviews]

I used one that is a Sennheiser HD560 I think. I had to sand it down a bit.

[@gryffon7497]

How do these stack up against the he400i 2020 version? I've been thinking about adding the 400i to my collection but now second guessing which to get.

[@gryffon7497]

Nevermind, just hit the part where you compared them.

[@spizzlo]

@@gryffon7497 can you timestamp that part? I seemed to have missed it.

[@ManicQuinn]

@@gryffon7497 can you timestamp that part? I seemed to have missed it. 2