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HiFiMAN HE 400se Dual-MagneticImage © Amazon

HiFiMAN HE 400se Dual-Magnetic

69/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$110
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
HiFiMAN
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2021

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound7.3
Value6.5

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The HiFiMAN HE400se is a budget-friendly planar magnetic headphone that delivers a largely accurate and detailed sound signature, with a natural midrange and crisp treble. Its open-back design and 80 mm drivers provide an expansive soundstage, though it benefits from a capable amplifier to reach its full potential. It offers impressive value for those seeking planar sound without a high price tag.

What works

  • Excellent value for planar magnetic performance
  • Accurate and natural midrange with crisp highs
  • Open-back design provides a wide soundstage
  • Detachable cable with balanced connection option
  • Lightweight build at 385 grams

What doesn't

  • Weak bass extension due to open-back design
  • Requires a decently powerful amplifier to perform well
  • Limited soundstage compared to higher-end models
  • Some midrange coloration may be noticeable

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - HiFiMAN HE 400se Dual-Magnetic
Driver80 mm planar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Driver size80 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance32 Ω
Sensitivity91 dB/mW

What the reviews said

5 source(s) feeding this product's score.

theaudiostuff.com

76

The Audio Stuff rates the HE400se as a recommended budget planar with a 7.6/10 score. It praises the Stealth Magnet implementation and value, while noting weak bass extension and some midrange and soundstage limitations.

Read the full review

headfonics.com

Headfonics lists the HE400se specifications and positions it as a very affordable planar headphone. The page supports the model’s value-oriented reputation, though the excerpt provided here does not include a full verdict in the search result.

Read the full review

headphoneer.com

Headphoneer describes the HE400se as an excellent value planar magnetic headphone that needs a decently powerful amplifier to perform well. The review recommends it for its strong bass, warm mids, and crisp highs.

Read the full review

soundonsound.com

Sound On Sound says the HE400se brings HIFIMAN’s planar magnetic sound to a very low price while keeping much of its core character intact. The review highlights its strong performance relative to cost.

Read the full review

What owners say

A sample of buyer reviews, quoted as written. They aren't verified and they don't feed the HearWiki score - that comes from published reviews only.

Surptisingly good actually, and two bits of adhesive tape make them 10x better

They are amazingly good for the price, definitely much better sound than my old AKG K271 MKII (which aren t just V-shaped, they are N-shaped, I can t believe I ve spent at least 6 years in them. Yeah,Read more

Definitely the best model for your first introduction to the world of planar magnetic headphones.

Attention! I want to warn you in advance that this review is purely my subjective opinion, and your feelings may differ significantly from mine. I received them a little over a month ago, and in thatRead more

nice, good price, returned 1h after receiving them....read on to see why

I m a headphone phanatic. I ve owned dozens, currently have Grado SR80e and Meze 99 Classics and Bose QC 35; have owned Sennheiser, Beyerdynamics, Koss, more Bose...and Sony, Bose, Kleer, Klipsch,Read more

Precise Sound and Comfortable Fit

I have never owned or heard a planar headphone before. I am not a major audiophile, and the best headphones I have owned are V-Moda M-80, which I have had for a while, and Philips Fidelio X2HR, whichRead more

via Amazon customer reviews

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