Home Open Back Headphone Reviews HIFIMAN HE400i Review – Better Options In 2024?

HIFIMAN HE400i Review – Better Options In 2024?

by Stuart Charles Black
Published: Last Updated on

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Hey there friend, and Welcome aboard!!

Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions.

Given my extensive experience with a lot of HIFIMAN products, I thought I’d go back to where it all started.

The experience of listening to the original 400i is something I will never forget, but times have certainly changed since 2017.

In this article, we’ll go over the very first model 400i and find out if there’s something better you should purchase in today’s overcrowded landscape.

Small Disclaimer before we get into things: HiFiMan previously had quality control issues for quite some time, mostly with the cable connection. Nowadays their build has improved considerably.

My video shootout goes into much depth about my overall impressions of the big 4, including Drop’s HE-4XX, the original 400i, the 400S, and the Sundara.

It should also be noted that Audio Advice (a store I frequent to demo these models) stopped carrying HiFiMan products around 2019 before the changes took place.

Also, all of my final impressions of the big 4 can be found here in the HiFiMan 400 Series Shootout!


Hello there friend and Welcome aboard!!

Before we get into the HIFIMAN HE400i Review, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

  1. Ratings/Price
  2. Specifications
  3. Summary
  4. Pros
  5. Cons
  6. Video Review
  7. Amp/DAC requirements
  8. Who do these headphones benefit?
  9. Consensus/Conclusion
  10. Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!

HIFIMAN HE400i

Check Amazon! | Check eBay!

HIFIMAN HE400i Review

 

Specifications

  • Type: Planar Magnetic.
  • Fit: Circumaural.
  • Impedance: 35 Ohm. What is Headphone Impedance?
  • Sensitivity: 93dB.
  • Sound Output: Stereo.
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-35kHz.
  • Material: ABS Plastic, Polymer.
  • Weight: 370g.
  • Inputs Supported: 3.5mm, 1/4″.
  • Cable Length: 1.5m.
  • Additional Features: Detachable Cable.

Build & Comfort

Crafted with a blend of lightweight materials, the HE400i strikes a balance between durability and comfort.

The headband, featuring a suspended design and ample padding, ensures even weight distribution, making extended listening sessions a breeze.

The ear cups, albeit slightly bulky, provide a snug fit without causing discomfort during prolonged use.

Despite its overall ergonomic design, some users with smaller head sizes may find the fit a touch loose.

That said, the 400i is certainly one of the most comfortable headphones of all time and deserves high praise.

The pads themselves tend to flatten out with prolonged use, but this is to be expected.

Expect to change them out depending on usage. Users typically purchase a new set around the 1-year mark.

Sound

HIFIMAN HE400i Review

Sound-wise is where it gets interesting for me.

I love the crisp attention to detail that these cans provide, and unlike the Audeze LCD-3, I don’t feel like it’s laborious or exhausting.

There’s enough clarity to make you stop and analyze the music in a pleasant way.

What really stood out to me was the Timbre of the instruments.

It’s like I discovered this newfound appreciation for how an instrument or a band is truly supposed to sound.

The HIFIMAN HE400i’s sound signature is marked by its rich, detailed, and immersive audio experience.

The planar magnetic drivers deliver a precise and articulate sound, with an emphasis on the midrange frequencies that offer a clear presentation of vocals and instruments.

The bass response is satisfyingly punchy and well-extended, though it might lack the sheer impact that some bass enthusiasts seek.

The treble range is smooth and refined, contributing to a balanced soundstage.

Audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and clarity will be particularly pleased with the HE400i’s performance.

Detail and Imaging

HIFIMAN HE400i Review

One of the standout features of the HE400i is its ability to portray intricate details and imaging within tracks.

Instruments and vocals are separated with impressive clarity, allowing the listener to discern subtle nuances and layers within the music.

The soundstage, while not as expansive as some other high-end headphones, still provides a satisfactory sense of depth and space, enhancing the overall listening experience. More on that later.

Cable and Connectivity

HIFIMAN HE400i Review

The included cable is serviceable but lacks the premium feel one might expect from headphones in this price range.

Its durability is acceptable, but users might consider upgrading to a higher-quality cable for enhanced longevity and peace of mind.

The detachable nature of the cable, however, is a practical feature that allows for customization and easy replacement.

Pros:

  • Rich and detailed sound signature
  • Comfortable fit for extended listening
  • Impressive detail retrieval and imaging
  • Balanced presentation suitable for various music genres
  • Great instrument timbre.

Cons:

  • Cable quality could be improved
  • Fit might be slightly loose for some users
  • Soundstage, while good, could be more expansive

My Experience

HIFIMAN HE400i Review

My very first experience with these was nothing short of remarkable. It’s like a blanket was taken off of certain aspects of the recording.
 
Imagine the true character of a person, the stuff we don’t see, the condition of their heart.
 
This became especially apparent in Led Zeppelin’s “Over the Hills and far away.” It was like hearing the song in an entirely different light.
 
Granted I was plugged up to a Bryston BHA-1, and I’m sure the source file was immaculate, but I just couldn’t believe it.
 
People talk about laser-like precision with the HD600, but this took it to a new level.
 
It was as if the guitars actually had a true personality in and of themselves. Like you were connecting with Page’s heart (and the band as a whole for that matter) on some level.
 
All our lives we’ve always heard music, but this was more than just hearing. It was more enlightening. And no I wasn’t high. ๐Ÿ˜›

Pink Floyd

Another example of this came in Pink Floyd’s “Time.”
 
Unfortunately, this experience was neither bad nor good. It was more revealing than anything.
 
I’ve heard the song probably over a thousand times, but it sounded different this time.
 
Those jangly guitars started to really stand out, and not necessarily in a good way.
 
It was as if someone stripped David Gilmour naked and exposed him. Don’t get me wrong, the guitars didn’t sound bad.
 
But they had this raw energy that’s hard to put into words. I could hear them so clearly that it was almost scary.
 
In the past, I kind of knew they were there, but the way they came off was muffled, perhaps a bit distant.
 
But here, they almost take center stage and demand that you pay attention to them.
 
They want you to notice how fast they are and how much texture they’re able to discern for you. Like a painter?
 
In a nutshell, that’s what the 400i is like. They demand attention. In a way, it’s sort of like a high-maintenance
 
girlfriend. I’ll leave it at that. ๐Ÿ˜€

Video Shootout

Here I compiled all of my impressions of the big 4 since 2017!

Amp/DAC requirements

Technically these will sound pretty good out of a phone given the low impedance and the fact that they don’t need a lot of power to perform optimally.

However, their Sensitivity is also a bit low, meaning you’re limited on how loud they can get without an amp.

I would plan to invest in an amp to get these to sound their best. Way back when, I used an Oppo HA-2, but nowadays I’d recommend a JDS ATOM or K5 Pro; both of which are my top choices for beginners just starting.

Who do these headphones benefit?

These headphones will sound good with almost any genre. I find them to be fantastic with Rock predominantly.

Endorsed for:

  • Jazz
  • Acoustic
  • Instrumental
  • Classical
  • Electronica
  • Techno
  • Pop
  • Dance
  • New Age
  • Ambient
  • Vocals
  • Violin
  • Guitar
  • Piano
  • Rock (Classic & Modern)
  • Gaming

Consensus/Conclusion

The HIFIMAN HE400i headphones hold their ground as a solid option for audiophiles and discerning listeners seeking a balanced and detailed sound profile.

With a comfortable design, captivating sound quality, and impressive detailing, the HE400i offers a well-rounded package.

While some aspects like the cable and fit could benefit from refinement, the HE400i’s sonic prowess and overall performance make it a compelling choice in the world of high-end headphones.

Closing Thoughts

HIFIMAN HE400i Review

The HE400i was one of my first real light-bulb moments in audio. The lifelike instrument timbre, incredibly natural overall sound, and superb resolution really sold me on the planar sound way back in 2017.

Today, you don’t need to buy one as there are much cheaper alternatives. In fact, HIFIMAN themselves came out with the very headphones you should purchase.

Interested?

Learn More:

 

Well, thatโ€™s about it for today my friend! I hope youโ€™ve enjoyed this HIFIMAN HE400i review.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

Are you likely to purchase the 400i? What about the HD600? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

Save

HIFIMAN HE400i

4.6

Build Quality

4.5/5

Sound Quality

4.9/5

Comfort

4.3/5

Soundstage

4.8/5

Pros

  • Intimate, Revealing, and Detailed
  • Comfortable Overall
  • Great for Casual Listeners

Cons

  • Headband slides down on your ear lobes
  • Yoke Issue on Newer Batches

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40 comments

Tyler Redlev April 23, 2017 - 9:23 am

Looks great!! I’m definetely a fanboy of Sennheiser but this also looks great, especially when you look from the perspective of ergonomics and comfort. I have no doubt that it will fit into my head like a charm.

I’m also a great fan of Pink Floyd and would like to listen to “Time” with the best audio quality.

Reply
Stu April 25, 2017 - 11:57 am

Yeah, I really liked the 400i, but I preferred the snappier sound of the HD600. The 400i’s tend to be on the warmer side, even though they’re still really detailed. They’re just not quite as clear, and the mid-range isn’t as resolving.

The song Time actually sounds a lot different with a great pair of headphones. Scary almost. It’s like you’re putting a microscope to it and can analyze exactly what’s going on. I can honestly say the 400i’s enabled me to look into the soul of David Gilmour for a few minutes.

Reply
Sydney Bailey December 15, 2017 - 3:33 am

I’m deciding between the HD600s and the HE-400i. Right now they are the same price ($175). I’m confused trying to come to a decision. My music of choice is Classical, with some Jazz, Pop and Dubstep on the side. I’m also into gaming, with the V Moda M100’s being the most open headphones that I’ve tried. But I’ve heard that the HD600s need a decent Amp/DAC combo to get them closer to their true potential while the HE-400i doesn’t NEED one. If i decide to get one over the other, I’ll be pairing it up with the Schiit Magni 3. How much do these gain from getting a dedicated DAC? Will I notice a difference in getting an Amp without a DAC as opposed to an Amp with a DAC?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black December 15, 2017 - 10:13 pm

Hey Sydney!

Unless your internal Soundcard on your computer is really good (which I doubt because most aren’t), then getting a DAC for your desktop Amp is always a good idea. What it will do is give you a better digital to analog conversion, resulting in better sound quality to your ears.

All an amp does is pretty much raise the volume a bunch. So if your DAC is crappy, you’ll only be magnifying bad sound. That’s why I pretty much always recommend the Magni Amp with the Modi DAC.

You’re also making a great choice with the Magni. Because of it’s super low output impedance (less than 0.2), it will work with the majority of headphones. As an example, the HD600 needs roughly 20 mW of power to perform optimally. The Magni provides 260 mW into 300 Ohms. You can see why it’s such a valuable piece of equipment.

As for the HE400i, it doesn’t necessarily need an amp like you point out, but I personally wouldn’t buy them not intending to pair them with something. I appreciate the sound of them with an amp more-so than I do without one. Again, the Magni/Modi stack is perfectly fine here as well.

That said, the differences between the HD600 and HE400i are a bit more subtle than you would think. One of the biggest is Soundstage. You’ll get a wider image with the 400i’s, as the 600’s are known to have a much narrower one than your typical open back headphone. Know that instrument separation with the 600’s is nothing short of magnificent, but there’s no real out of your head feeling.

The bass on the 400i is also heavier, but still not bloated or out of place. The 600’s tend to be a lot lighter in this regard, and there is a lot more roll off after 40-50 Hz. Even so, I find the bass on the 600’s to be plenty, but that’s just me. ๐Ÿ™‚

Also, the mid-range is better on the 600’s, though it can be a bit intense at times. With the 400i’s it kind of takes a more aggressive dip after 1k, while with the 600’s, it’s gradual.

I would also say that the treble is a bit brighter on the 400i, as the 600’s have been accused of having a “veil” or being darker by comparison. I don’t really hear it much, but your mileage may vary.

Those are probably 3 of the biggest differences. The rest take a bit of listening to really discern.

In a nutshell:

The HD600 is more analytical, detailed, and “cool.”
The HD400i by contrast is warmer, more lush, more inviting.

If you would like a more in depth comparison, here are my impressions: Sennheiser HD600 vs. HIFIMAN HE400i

If I had to make a recommendation based on your specific needs, I think the 400i wins out by a slight margin due to a bit of a better Soundstage, planar magnetic drivers, and more bass. The 600 just won’t work as well for dubstep. The planar drivers of the 400i give it a bit of a more realistic and raw energy that’s tough to put into words. It’s difficult to recommend one over the other because I like them both and they both do so many things right. I usually recommend the 600’s outright, but the 400i’s happen to be one of the only headphones that puts up such a good fight with regards to a head to head. To be honest, you’ll be extremely happy with whatever you decide in this case.

Hope that helps! Let me know what you go with.

-Stu

Reply
saman January 23, 2018 - 9:46 pm

hey, thanks for review!
if i ask grado sr325e, 400i or hd600 for Post-Rock what is your answer?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 23, 2018 - 11:22 pm

No problem Saman!

It depends on the type of sound you’re after. The 325e has a brighter sound, but the mids/treble can easily become sibilant and just too much. Plus the build is questionable, with a bulky cable and they’re not comfortable at all.

Between the 400i and HD600, would you rather have a clinical/sterile, clean sound? That’s what the 600’s provide, with a bit more bass roll off than the 400i.

The 400i by contrast is also a slightly warmer tone, with more bass emphasis. Between the two, you’ll be happy with either, as the differences are subtle and take a bit of listening time to discern.

Also do you plan on investing in an amp? Both basically do need one.

Let me know!

-Stu

Reply
saman January 28, 2018 - 8:06 am

Thanks! I am using a Fiio X3 (first Gen) as amp/dac now! with a sennheiser IE80, plus an Iphone 6s. now i was looking for a home headphone like 400i. Gl

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 28, 2018 - 9:35 pm

Hey man! Are you leaning towards this one? I think it would be a great purchase. I also like the HD600 and feel it’s the best overall buy, but it’s very close and entirely dependent on the sound signature you’re looking for. Let me know what kind of sound you’re after and what sorts of genres you like!

Reply
saman February 2, 2018 - 9:06 pm

hey Stuart, try these:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUR3Iz9VzKc
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7j4tXYJRmQ
i listen post-rock, post-metal, ambient and classical symphonies. they had almost no vocals but many instruments and many complex textures. i don’t need bass either.

Stuart Charles Black February 3, 2018 - 3:37 pm

Ugh I used to like Post-Rock but it’s soooo depressing to me now. Well some of it is. Some of it is still awesome. Ever heard Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Sigur Ros, Tortoise, God is an Astronaut, Russian Circles, The Album leaf, Broken Social Scene, Trans Am? Those are some of the artists I used to listen to. ๐Ÿ™‚

That said, if it’s mostly post rock you listen to, it’s not going to make that huge of a difference here. Basically if you’re after a more sterile/cleaner sound, go with the 600. If you like a bit more added bass emphasis, and and overall warmer tone, the 400i is awesome too.

saman February 3, 2018 - 9:14 am

stu! what is your opinion about beyer amiron home?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 3, 2018 - 3:38 pm

Haven’t researched or tried it, but would love to!

Reply
Jason February 22, 2018 - 6:30 pm

Heya! So I’ve been looking into getting a good set of headphones for console gaming for the past few weeks. I’ve been eyeing the Sennheiser HD 599 for awhile now (which is currently going for $187 on Amazon), but looking at rtings.com made me aware of the existence of these HE400i , which just so happens to cost only like 30 dollars more at $219. So of the two, which do you think would be best for gaming? I’m specifically looking for an awesome immersion experience, and comfort for long play sessions would help, so I have a particular interest in how the soundstage and comfort between the two compare.

Also, what would be a good budget amp/DAC combo? I was going to pair the suggested FiiO F10K with whatever I got, but I noticed that it only had an USB connection. Unfortunately in order to get the 3D audio processing out of the PSVR for the PS4 I would need a headphone jack connection, so I’d need one that has that as an option.

Thank you for your help!

Reply
Jason February 23, 2018 - 2:16 am

…I’m kinda leaning heavily toward the 599s now after visiting the Reddit headphones page. Apparently the Hifiman brand is getting/has a bit of a reputation for breaking, specifically the plastic yoke that connects the cups to the band. I was kinda curious why the 400i were selling for so much less than their initial price compared to other headphones…I suppose that’s why.

I would still love to know what a good amp/DAC would be for my needs though!

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 23, 2018 - 3:15 am

Eh, prices tend to fluctuate a lot, but yeah it could be based on less of a demand at the moment. That said, the 400i is an excellent headphone and would work well for gaming, but I think you’re making the right choice in the 599.

Hope my other response helped! Let me know.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 23, 2018 - 3:13 am

Hey man!

I actually really like the 400i, but I can see your concern. I don’t own a pair, but have demoed them on many occasions and wouldn’t mind having one at all. I think comfort on the 599 is slightly better. The 400i’s tend to slide down onto the tops of your ears, and take a bit of fiddling to get a good fit. The 400i’s have a great Soundstage as well, but not as good as a 599. That said, the 599 is most excellent, and has a fantastic Soundstage conducive for gaming, so it’s the right decision and I would say go for it. I have the HD600’s and would recommend them, but they won’t be as good because of the infamously narrow staging.

As far as a budget Amp/DAC combo, the Magni 2 Uber + Modi 2 Uber would work well. You need the Uber version of the Modi because it has optical which you would need for a PS4 hook up.

If you decide to attach a boom mic, an adapter will also come in handy.

So should you go this route, the Magni 3, Modi 2 Uber, PYST cables to hook up from the back of the Magni to the back of the Modi, and the adapter.

So your set up would go PS4 > Modi 2 Uber > Magni 2 or 3 > Headphones. I have the Magni 2. They have since come out with the 3, which is the same price but better ๐Ÿ™‚

Alternatively, you could just get the Astro Mixamp which will be more convenient, but not provide as good of sound quality. It’s got everything you need on it including optical and a 3.5mm jack. I would def go with the Magni/Modi combo, as it’s an excellent Headphone Amp and will be a staple in your studio/gaming environment.

Hope this helps! Let me know what you think.

-Stu

Reply
Jason February 25, 2018 - 3:38 am

Thanks for the advice! With it, it’s settled – I’ll opt for the 599s!

As for the Magni 3 + Modi 2 Uber setup, I weirdly can’t find it listed for sale anywhere aside from the Schiit website itself, where both together comes to $250. That’s a touch steep for the budget range I think (though it probably is considered budget in the audiophile world – this stuff gets pricy!), so that’s going to be something I work up toward.

In the meantime I was eyeing the FX Audio DAC-X6 or the SMSL Audio M3 DAC/amp combos. Which of those do you think would be best to hold me over in the meantime, or do you think neither are worth it?

Oh, and I did look into the Astro Mixamp, but it kinda came off to me that a lot of what you’d be paying goes more for the various presets and the Virtual Surround Sound that it offers instead of quality audio, right? I also play primarily single player games, so having a mic isn’t really important to have at the current time.

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Stuart Charles Black February 26, 2018 - 10:51 pm

Yeah I hesitated to even mention the Mixamp but did because of pure convenience and that the sound quality is not bad per se, just not as good as the Magni/Modi combo. I also had trouble finding them on amazon as well. I would still wait it out and buy them when you have saved enough. They are absolutely worth the investment, and are a bargain even at $250 combined. Haven’t heard of the others you mention, but reviews are not that great. I generally don’t mess with stuff that’s under 4 stars ever, and it’s prevented a lot of headaches given all my gear is still holding up after years of use.

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ๅฐๆœ April 5, 2018 - 5:47 pm

Interesting that you find these warm. My own experience is that its a very flat even sound. True to the source material, but does tend to make some genres of music feel boring. It may be the lack of amp though.

I’m using mine with an AUNE X1S DAC. I’ve had my HE400i’s about a year and a half, so far only casualty has been the audio cable, had to replace mine once.
Will be getting the AUNE X7S Headphone amp to play with in a week or two, will see if it improves the sound.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black April 5, 2018 - 7:20 pm

I think in comparison to the 600 it sounds warm. Perhaps on it’s own without that buffer to A/B test, it’s not. It is a very flat and even sound, with some nice bass impact. The 600’s by contrast are very sterile/clinical, so that may be why I perceive the 400i as warm. I still think they are a bit warmer than average. Let me know your impressions with the new amp when you get it!

Best Regards,
-Stu

Reply
Omer Yaseen May 13, 2018 - 2:54 pm

Hi there,

I am a newbie and I am very confused right now between the HD600, HE400i and DT990 250.
Price is also my concern.

So I have omitted 600 right now as they are 286$ on amazon and I am more inclined towards 650 which is 386$. DT990 is 160$ and HE400i is 219$. I will be using it mostly for movies and music (latest pop mostly) and somewhat games. What do u suggest? Is it worth spending extra 60$ on 400i or DT990 is okay?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black May 13, 2018 - 10:08 pm

Hi Omer!
Hm.. The 990 is a fantastic Gaming headphone and also will do really well for Pop. The HD600 is great, but it’s more of a reference headphone and not the best for Gaming. The HE400i is a bit warmer than the 600 but won’t have as much bass impact as a 990. That said for me it’s more than enough, and has some nice impact. If you desire more bass, try the 990, if you desire a more balanced sound, the 400i is the way to go. The 990 also has a very bright treble for most, and may become grating to you after awhile. Something to keep in mind.

Let me know what you decide!

-Stu

Reply
Omer Yaseen May 15, 2018 - 2:35 pm

Hello Stu,
Now I am stuck between 250ohm and 600ohm dt990, both are 152$ and 184$ respectively. 600ohm model is premium and 250ohm is pro, what should I buy. Right now I have topping tp32ex DAC/amp and I have a plan to buy magni 3 later. How much difference in sound quality both would have
Regards Omer

Reply
Stuart Charles Black May 15, 2018 - 2:44 pm

Hey Omer!

There is very little difference between the 250 and 600 Ohm. I would go for the 250 Ohm with the Magni 3 as it will work with 99% of headphones should you ever purchase more.

As for the small differences:

The 600 Ohm’s bass is a bit tighter, with less impact than the 250 Ohm. The mid-range is also a bit more forward than the 250 Ohm. It’s the most refined out of the 3 impedance levels (32, 250, 600). That’s about it. Just keep in mind that these differences are extremely minuscule and not all that noticeable. In other words, please don’t stress out about it.

Let me know how you like the 990!
-Stu

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Omer Yaseen April 13, 2019 - 10:09 pm

I have both He400i and Hd6xx as well as Hd202 and I cannot tell the sound difference between these headphones. Weird thing is I like Hd202 sound more than other two headphones :). What am I missing? Sometimes I feel like I just wasted money on these headphones. I have Magni 2 amp and topping tp32ex Dac/Amp.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black April 14, 2019 - 11:33 pm

Hey man!

So you’re using a Magni 3 and Topping Tp32ex DAC/Amp with all three? or just the 400i and HD6xx?

Reply
Omer Yasin April 15, 2019 - 1:51 am

Ye I am using Tp32ex as DAC and Magni 2 as Amp for He400i and Hd6xx. Hd202 dont need amp so I am using Topping Tp32ex directly with Hd202. Although Tp32ex is powerful enough to drive 6xx and 400i as I dont find much difference while using “magni 2 as Amp” or “Tp32ex as DAC/Amp combo” standalone with 6xx and 400i.

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Omer Yasin April 16, 2019 - 9:10 am

Ye I am using DAC Tp32ex with all three but use magni 2 with he400i and hd6xx. Hd202 don’t need magni I think. Although tp32ex also works well with he400i and hd6xx as it has amp builtin. I usually don’t find much difference with magni 2 as amp or tp32ex as amp. Its just I have to increase volume above 90 for tp32ex as amp for he400i and 6xx. With magni 2 as amp sound is quite high at 12 O clock.

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Luis January 20, 2020 - 6:59 pm

I have some HifiMan HE400i (in addition to the Akg 240 600 Omh,) reading their excellent reviews of both products, I cannot agree more with their conclusions, focusing my comments on the HiFiMan HE400i and amplified with a model of Lake People G3 phone amp, the headset acquires a more dynamic sound, and with a more extended bass and with greater control, the middle area continues to retain a very pleasant naturalness, and an acute, extended, detailed, and not aggressive, with it the modern, well-recorded recordings sound excellent, wearing special qualities for rock, jazz fusion, etc. Somehow it is complemented by the excellent results also achieved with the akg, which demonstrates a greater fit for music recorded in the 50/60/70/80, classical, jazz, blues, and pop rock that at least is my opinion and experience Greetings

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Stuart Charles Black January 22, 2020 - 11:22 pm

Nice man! So glad you’re enjoying. I agree totally about the K240 – it does very well with older Rock music. I love the 400i as well as I find it does well with all genres.

Which headphone do you like more and whose excellent reviews are you referring to?

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luis bustillo ojeda January 24, 2020 - 10:51 pm

certainly to those made by you here ,,,excellent and where I can’t (in both cases, which are the ones I know perfectly well)agree more according to your conclusions

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Stuart Charles Black January 27, 2020 - 11:25 pm

Aw thanks man! That means a lot to me! I’m always working to get better here. In fact, there’s a lot of things I would change and add to this review to make it more fully fleshed out, but perhaps that’s a project for another day.

Reply
Gabriele November 25, 2020 - 7:20 pm

Stu, (italy here!!) I find instead that you are eighter hugely passioned, either capable, either generous: you can see it from the BIG amount of singular reviews of all the hifiman-400’s-series, the ones comparatives one another (…), and utterly, the comments, always incoming to the users, and very gutted (is said thus? ???)

I’m less of a fun of that kind of humour on the YouTube channel, but that’s my two cents (another eng saying).
So: I jumped rightly straight to this blog having bought my he-400i **2020** today, because I expected analysis and emotive immersion, because is barely what we aspire from our soundish gears: veridicity and emotion, analysis and hype… not all are capable of staying true to both of them, that’s why I’ve chosed home studio basics ๐Ÿ˜€

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Stuart Charles Black November 29, 2020 - 12:01 am

Thank you so much, man! Let me know when they arrive so we can talk about them! I’m fixin’ to get myself a pair as well for comparison to the DEVA ๐Ÿ™‚

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luis bustillo ojeda January 24, 2020 - 10:56 pm

in reference to the question raised of what would be of the two my favorite, I say, that I honestly keep both, each from its particular reproduction of the musical instant, it brings an excellent musical pleasure, in any case they are not exclusive, if not more well complementary, and in my particular case, depends on the musical style, the type of recording, etc.etc, but , I repeat, each in its style are, in my humble opinion,extraordinary, and luckily I can enjoy them with absolute pleasure,… a greeting

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Stuart Charles Black January 27, 2020 - 11:31 pm

Yes sir! You really hit the nail on the head. There are certain instances where I simply do not like an AKG K240, but those are few and far between. I think for Hip-Hop they work incredibly well if you want to hear everything going on, but: they don’t do as well if you’re goal is to kick back and really feel the music. The bass is just lacking a bit too much. For better impact, the 400i is the way to go. Those really have a knack for digging down deep and representing the sub-bass extremely well; even more so than the majority of other headphones. Bass articulation as a whole is also a lot better being that they are Planar Magnetic. You’re just getting a smoother, more detailed and less clammy sound than a typical Dynamic.

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luis bustillo ojeda January 27, 2020 - 10:58 pm

logically when I mean the excellent reviews, it can’t be any other way than referring to yours about both products
detailed, and with which I can’t agree more
regarding the preference of between, both, and excellent,products,akg 240 studio 600, and hifiman 400i, allow me not to opt for either, or better expressed, I decant for both, the two have extreme musicality, and it only depends on the type of musical style, and especially the recording that i prefer one or the other, I’m lucky enough to be able to live with both, and I couldn’t give one up in favor of the other. ,I’m happy and I enjoy both with igรบal passion

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Stuart Charles Black January 27, 2020 - 11:35 pm

Exactly man! Check my other reply. Thank you so much for the love and continued support. Keep in touch!

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wael September 29, 2020 - 9:42 pm

hellu hellu!! i am AKBAAR! dude amazing videos you are doing, instantly hooked and decided!!

i luv the slides u do, very very professional.
hmmm was thinking about windows software, what do you recomned? i curently use Foobar, and some addons for pcm and dsd towork.

keep it up my audio file man lol

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Stuart Charles Black September 30, 2020 - 3:33 pm

Thank you so much man! I think what you have now is fine!

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