When HiFiMan refers to the single-sided planar magnetic driver in the HE-400i headset they are describing the positioning of the magnets within the drivers, single sided only have magnets on the side of the driver that is facing away from your ear. As you might expect from this design decision this is not an inexpensive gaming headset but a high end audiophile headset and the $500 price tag further emphasizes this. TechPowerUp had a chance to don these earphones and try them out, connected to JDSLabs C5D and O2 headphone amps and were more than impressed. Indeed the bass reproduction of the HE-400i came near to matching the HE-560 which is twice the price. If you have a decent headphone amp and discerning ears then HiFiMan is brand to take under consideration.
"HiFiMAN has always been known to produce some pretty interesting high-end headphones. Today, we take a look at the new HE-400i. It uses the same magnet array technology HiFiMAN introduced with the critically acclaimed HE-560."
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For anyone interested in
For anyone interested in these, the HE-400’s are pretty much every bit as good, just an older model and can be bought new for $250 or less used.
I think at that price point they open up to a lot more people
Thanks for that info. My
Thanks for that info. My Grado SR80’s, which I have had for many, many years have amazing sound but I still can’t wear them for more than a few minutes before they hurt. $250 is much more palatable for me. I gather they will match or surpass the Grado sound? And they have to be more comfortable?
Could you direct to me the
Could you direct to me the shop that sells them for the price you mention? I’ve been looking at these for a while but haven’t seen them for less than the normal $299 price on head-direct.com yet.
Much obliged, Dan
yes, they are good, but the
yes, they are good, but the comfort of the HE-400 is bad. I’m wearing them now, my second pair because the headband bends out of shape over time. They also sound very different, the HE-400 has a “V” shaped sound signature, while the HE-400i has more refined treble and bass, as well as much higher mids, making it sound much cleaner.
The HE-400 does have a slightly larger soundstage, making it a little better for gaming, but it’s sound is regarded as inferior.
The older model is heavier
The older model is heavier though.