HiFiMan First Impressions.

[dylan43270]

Ever since I got into audio, I was curious to try out planar magnetic headphones. Once my K7xx's died, and I was refunded to return them I had a choice between the Phillips Fidelio X2's or the HiFiMan HE-400S'. My curiosity tipped me to the planars.

 

I found an open box for $250 and took the plunge. Not even hours later I found a used pair of 400i's for $360 with several other goodies included (custom cables, extra rings, velour pads, and Brainwavz velour pads). It was too good to pass up, and I decided I could decide which one I liked more, and sell the other.

 

I got the HE-400S' on Saturday, and first impressions were pretty good. They were pretty neutral with a slight bump in the mids, which is pretty nice. Build did not feel as bad as some people say online.

 

Monday is where the fun started. I go my HE-400i's in, which also meant that I had an extra pair of rings. I put the Brainwavz angled pleather pads on them and hooked them up to the 400S', and it was like awaking a beast. I can tell it recessed the mids a little bit, but it really showed me what planar bass means. It is very hard hitting, but still very detailed.  Even though it lacks soundstage, it can definitely give the X2s a run for its money, and deserves to be called a more refined reincarnation of the HE-400. 

 

Next up is the 400i's. I tried them with the Brainwavz angled pads, but it didn't really make any difference, so I stuck with the stock pads. These are very classy headphones, and they look so good. Again has the same sound signature of pretty neutral with a slight bump in the mids. The imaging and clarity on these are very impressive. These came with the cloth removed from the grill, so the soundstage was actually pretty decent. I was not expecting AKG levels of soundstage, but these don't disappoint. They are more like a refined HE-500.

 

For everyday listening, and probably even gaming I am most likely going to be using the 400i's. They just sound so good with every type of music (that I listen to). I actually can't bring myself to return the the 400S' either, since they are so fun. My wallet hates me, but I think I am keeping both!

 

It doesn't look like my other headphones are going to get much use any more, and are mostly going to be wall decorations of my wall of headphones. 

 

Let me know if you have any questions/suggestions.

[RazerZ]

I put the Brainwavz angled pleather pads on them and hooked them up to the 400S', and it was like awaking a beast. deserves to be called a more refined reincarnation of the HE-400. 

 

Next up is the 400i's. They are more like a refined HE-500.

? Have you tried the original HE-400 and 500?

[dylan43270]

? Have you tried the original HE-400 and 500?

I have heard them via sound demo, but that is about it. That is not an assumption I have come up with, but it is something that I agree with. 

[Guest]

Sick, I'm planning to get the 560 once my refund for the dang Beyer T1 goes through. I'm excited for le planar bass.

[dylan43270]

Sick, I'm planning to get the 560 once my refund for the dang Beyer T1 goes through. I'm excited for le planar bass.

May your refund be quick and painless. The 560s are beautiful, and I doubt you will be disappointed. 

[RazerZ]

I have heard them via sound demo, but that is about it. That is not an assumption I have come up with, but it is something that I agree with. 

Interesting. From Tyll and Lachlan's comments it seemed like the HE 400S are closer to a more neutral pair like the AKG K712 and HD 600 which are less "fun" sounding and lacked the sub bass that planars are usually known for. From general comments/reviews at headfi/reddit, the 400i seemed like a refined 400 while the 500 is a step above or at least on par.

 

One thing they seem to have got right is the new headband design, I've heard they are much more comfortable now. How do they compare to the other headphones you own?

[Guest]

May your refund be quick and painless. The 560s are beautiful, and I doubt you will be disappointed. 

 

Thanks, me too. Sorry if I missed it, what amp are you running your headphones from?

[dylan43270]

Interesting. From Tyll and Lachlan's comments it seemed like the HE 400S are closer to a more neutral pair like the AKG K712 and HD 600 which are less "fun" sounding and lacked the sub bass that planars are usually known for. From general comments/reviews at headfi/reddit, the 400i seemed like a refined 400 while the 500 is a step above or at least on par.

 

One thing they seem to have got right is the new headband design, I've heard they are much more comfortable now. How do they compare to the other headphones you own?

Stock the 400S' are pretty neutral, but with the pad change, they almost sound like a whole different headphone. Most dramatic change I have heard from a simple pad swap. I wouldn't say the 400i's are better than the 500s, just more refined. If you want to use "audiophile terms' the 500's are more liquid sounding, while the 400i's are more airy. The 500s extend more in both ways, but the 400is are more detailed.

[dylan43270]

Thanks, me too. Sorry if I missed it, what amp are you running your headphones from?

I am currently using a SMSL M2, which honestly isn't cutting it. It will get to comfortable listening levels without distortion since these are pretty easy to drive, but if I want to crank it, it doesn't perform. Since I switched to my current motherboard I had to sell my SD793-II, but I am getting a SA-160 which comes with a decent headphone amp, and I am thinking about getting the O2+ ODAC from Massdrop.