Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 400se Stealth
78Great
$109
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 400se Stealth 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 400se Stealth
Sound7.5
Value8.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 400se Stealth | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $109 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB/mW | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 390 g | 370 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN HE 400se Stealth
The HiFiMAN HE400se is an affordable open-back planar headphone that brings many of the brand's core technologies to a budget price. It offers a balanced, accurate sound signature with a comfortable fit, though its bass extension is limited and its midrange has a slight dip. Overall, it's a strong value for those seeking their first planar experience.
- Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Pro:Stealth Magnet design improves clarity
- Pro:Accurate and neutral sound profile
- Con:Bass rolls off below 60 Hz
- Con:Slight midrange dip around 2 kHz
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lacks isolation
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.