HiFiMAN HE 6 vs Yamaha Yh-4000: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Yamaha Yh-4000 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Yamaha Yh-4000 - Great overall at around $2500.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

Yamaha Yh-4000 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN HE 6
Yamaha Yh-4000

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

9.0

Value

6.0

7.0

Price (USD)

$1,300

$2,500

Specifications

HE 6Yh-4000

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,300; $2,500
HearWiki score: 69; 83
Released: 2010; 2026
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 60 mm planar magnetic; 50 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 60 mm; 50 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 65 kHz; 5 Hz - 70 kHz
Sound signature: neutral-bright; -
Impedance: 50 Ω; 34 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 97 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
ANC type: -; none
Transparency mode: -; No
Companion app: -; No
Custom EQ: -; No
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: -; none
Weight: 502 g; 320 g
Foldable: -; No
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Pad material: -; leather
Connector: 6.35 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN HE 6 vs Yamaha Yh-4000
Spec	HiFiMAN HE 6	Yamaha Yh-4000
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,300	$2,500
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Great
Released	2010	2026
Audio
Driver	60 mm planar magnetic	50 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	60 mm	50 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 65 kHz	5 Hz - 70 kHz
Sound signature	neutral-bright	-
Impedance	50 Ω	34 Ω
Sensitivity	-	97 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
ANC type	-	none
Transparency mode	-	No
Companion app	-	No
Custom EQ	-	No
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	-	none
Design
Weight	502 g	320 g
Foldable	-	No
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Pad material	-	leather
Connector	6.35 mm	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

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

Yamaha Yh-4000

The Yamaha YH-4000 is a premium open-back planar headphone that prioritizes exceptional detail retrieval and a natural, airy soundstage. Its lightweight build and plush comfort make it easy to wear for long sessions, while the robust construction and balanced connection cater to discerning audiophiles. It's a high-end choice for those seeking a transparent, composed listening experience without digital extras.

Pro:Outstanding detail and clarity across the frequency range
Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
Pro:Excellent transient response with low distortion

Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
Con:No noise isolation or ANC due to open-back design
Con:Lacks built-in controls or app support

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

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