HiFiMAN HE 6 vs Sennheiser HD 400: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 400 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 400 - Great overall at around $77.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sennheiser HD 400 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN HE 6
Sennheiser HD 400

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

Value

6.0

8.0

Price (USD)

$1,300

$77

Specifications

HE 6HD 400

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,300; $77
HearWiki score: 69; 82
Released: 2010; -
Availability: Discontinued; Availability unknown
Driver: 60 mm planar magnetic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 60 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 65 kHz; 18 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature: neutral-bright; -
Impedance: 50 Ω; 120 Ω
Multipoint pairing: -; No
Wireless charging: -; No
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: 502 g; 240 g
Water resistance: -; none
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: -; Yes
Connector: 6.35 mm; -
Balanced connection: Yes; -
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN HE 6 vs Sennheiser HD 400
Spec	HiFiMAN HE 6	Sennheiser HD 400
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,300	$77
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Great
Released	2010	-
Audio
Driver	60 mm planar magnetic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	60 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 65 kHz	18 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature	neutral-bright	-
Impedance	50 Ω	120 Ω
Wireless
Multipoint pairing	-	No
Battery
Wireless charging	-	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	502 g	240 g
Water resistance	-	none
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	-	Yes
Connector	6.35 mm	-
Balanced connection	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 6

The HiFiMAN HE 6 is a demanding planar headphone that rewards owners with a bright, detailed, and highly resolving sound. It offers exceptional technical performance, especially in clarity and speed, but requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. Its neutral-bright tuning and heavy build make it a niche choice for serious listeners who prioritize precision over warmth.

Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail retrieval
Pro:Fast, precise transient response typical of top-tier planars
Pro:Balanced connection option for improved channel separation

Con:Very low sensitivity demands a powerful dedicated amp
Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing on poorly mastered tracks
Con:Heavy and bulky, lacking comfort for long sessions

Sennheiser HD 400

These over-ear Sennheiser headphones are built around a neutral, open-back design aimed at studio work, delivering a wide soundstage and detailed, transparent audio for critical listening. They are lightweight and comfortable for long sessions, with a high-impedance driver setup that helps maintain low distortion, though they lack isolation and come without a carry case. Wired connectivity via USB-C and detachable cables adds versatility, but the open-back nature means sound leaks both ways.

Pro:Accurate, transparent sound with wide soundstage
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
Pro:Detachable cables and USB-C connectivity

Con:No included carry case or spare ear pads
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Con:High impedance may require a dedicated amplifier for best results

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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