• What is a planar headphone? What are its benefits over other designs? Planar headphones feature conductive layers that cover nearly the entire diaphragm, resulting in significantly lower distortion than conventional dynamic headphones.
• Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.
• Durable Connections The headphone’s drivers are protected by a newly designed casing for enhanced durability and protection from the elements. A dual-sided high-performance 3.5mm cable is packaged with a 6.35mm adapter for maximum compatibility with a wide range of devices.
• The HE400SE’s high sensitivity makes it the perfect match for low-voltage sources, including portable hi-res. audio players.
• Maximum Comfort for Hours of Listening Pleasure Thanks to its newly designed adjustable lightweight headband, the HE400se remains cool and comfortable for hours, even in excessively warm weather.

The HiFiMan HE400se are planar magnetic over-ears ideal for audiophiles who value high audio quality at a more affordable price. If you're not already familiar with planar magnetic headphones, this driver design can offer three benefits over more conventional dynamic drivers, such as the AKG K371: a better bass response, more immersive soundstage, and less distortion. Adding to this, HiFiMan has refined their drivers with 'Stealth Magnets', a design choice they advertise as further lowering audio distortion without degrading audio quality.

The HiFiMan HE400se are great for neutral sound. Thanks to their open-back design, they're able to create a great passive soundstage that feels immersive and wide. Although this same design means that they lack thump and rumble, they have a fairly neutral sound profile overall and even have a bump of extra warmth that helps balance out their bass. Vocals and lead instruments also sound natural and clear. However, their high-mid to low-treble is recessed, which veils the upper harmonics of vocals and instruments in mixes. On the upside, they deliver audio consistently, so you don't need to worry about large deviations in bass or treble due to fit, seal, and positioning.

PROS

• Very comfortable fit.
• Consistent audio delivery.
• Wide, spacious, and natural passive soundstage.

Compared To Other Headphones

The HiFiMan HE400se are budget-friendly audiophile headphones. They stand out from the affordable, open-back crowd, thanks to their planar magnetic drivers. This design helps them create a more immersive soundstage than many of their dynamic driver competitors such as the Philips Fidelio X2HR, and they can produce a bit more low-bass. As HiFiMan also produces a wide lineup of planar magnetic headphones, these over-ears are often compared to some of this manufacturer's mid-range products such as the HiFiMan Sundara 2020. The HE400se are similarly great for neutral sound, but their high-mid to low-treble is more recessed, which weakens and veils vocals and instruments compared to the Sundara, which have a flatter overall response.