Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
82Great
$169
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
Sound8.5
Value9.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $169 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 70 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-35kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 370 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
The HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 is an open-back planar headphone that delivers impressive clarity and speed for its budget-friendly price. While its neutral tuning may benefit from EQ for some listeners, it offers solid comfort and strong overall value in the sub-$200 range. Its main limitations include lighter bass response and an open design that lacks isolation.
- Pro:Fast, resolving planar sound with good detail
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Excellent value for the price
- Con:Tuning can sound sharp on bright tracks
- Con:Bass is lighter compared to some rivals
- Con:No carrying case included
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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