Is the HiFiMAN HE 6 worth the upgrade from the Yamaha Yh-4000?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN HE 6 actually scores 14.1 points below the Yamaha Yh-4000, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on value (7.0 to 6.0) and sound (9.0 to 8.5). On paper: driver size 50 mm to 60 mm. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes No to No and weight goes 320 g to 502 g. It is at least $1201 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.08.5
- Value7.06.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Yh-4000 | HE 6 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | No | |
| Weight | 320 g | 502 g | |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 60 mm | |
| Driver | 50 mm planar magnetic | 60 mm planar magnetic | |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 70 kHz | 8 Hz - 65 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Yh-4000 to HE 6". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.