1.8K
>AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Updated 2/23/20. Added HiFiMan Video Shootout.
1,188 word post, approx 2-3 min. read
Let’s start with a quick chart!
Comparison Chart
Preview
Title
OPPO PM-3 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones (Black)
HIFIMAN HE-400I Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones Adjustable Headphone with Comfortable Earpads Open-Back Design Easy Cable Swapping
Color
Varies
Black
Weight
320g, 310g (Depending On Color)
370g
Fit
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Type
Closed Back
Open Back
Impedance
26 Ohms
35 Ohms
Sensitivity
102dB/mW
93dB/mW
Driver Technology
Planar Magnetic
Planar Magnetic
Materials
Protein Leather, Foam, Brushed Aluminum
ABS Plastic, Polymer, Velour
Amplification Required?
Cable Detachable?
Prime
-
-
Price
$349.99
$349.95
Details
Preview
Title
OPPO PM-3 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones (Black)
Color
Varies
Weight
320g, 310g (Depending On Color)
Fit
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Type
Closed Back
Impedance
26 Ohms
Sensitivity
102dB/mW
Driver Technology
Planar Magnetic
Materials
Protein Leather, Foam, Brushed Aluminum
Amplification Required?
Cable Detachable?
Prime
-
Price
$349.99
Details
Preview
Title
HIFIMAN HE-400I Over Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones Adjustable Headphone with Comfortable Earpads Open-Back Design Easy Cable Swapping
Color
Black
Weight
370g
Fit
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Type
Open Back
Impedance
35 Ohms
Sensitivity
93dB/mW
Driver Technology
Planar Magnetic
Materials
ABS Plastic, Polymer, Velour
Amplification Required?
Cable Detachable?
Prime
-
Price
$349.95
Details
Hey there friend, and Welcome aboard!!
Before we get into the Oppo PM3 vs. HIFIMAN HE400i Comparison, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this comparison
- Introduction
- Similarities & Differences
- Video Review of the 400i
- Video Review of the PM3
- Final Word
Now let’s get rolling!
Introduction
The Oppo PM3’s are some of the best headphones I’ve ever heard. In fact, I actually ranked them in the Top 5 out of about 80 demoed units (at the time of this review).
- Focal Utopia. Definitely the best I’ve ever heard. Learn more: Focal Utopia Review
- Sennheiser HD600/650. It’s hard to decide on which is the best, but I think the 650 is more enjoyable from a casual listening standpoint, while the 600 would be better suited for mixing/mastering/reference. These 2 headphones are some of the most important audiophile cans that have ever been released. Learn more: Sennheiser HD600 vs. 650!
- The MrSpeakers Aeon Flow. Wow. Perhaps the finest example of a closed back that I’ve ever heard. It has an openness and spaciousness about it that’s truly stunning. It actually reminds me a lot of an open back. Paired with a Chord Mojo? Forget about it. One of the best listening experiences I’ve had. Learn more: MrSpeakers ÆON Review
- Oppo PM3. One of the most relaxed and detailed headphones I’ve heard, the PM3 combines everything that makes a headphone great: Comfort, Build and Sound are all exemplary. There’s really nothing this headphone does wrong. Learn more: Oppo PM3 headphones review
- Craig’s Black Mage (A Modded DT770). This headphone is another fine example of a closed back that sounds extremely open. Fantastic for Gaming. Learn more: Beyerdynamic DT770 Review | Mage Audio’s DT770 Black Mage Modded Version!
I also love the HE400i, but I wouldn’t call it a Top 5 ever headphone. It’s probably just outside of that. Maybe Top 10?
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get into the comparison proper!
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- Both have a Circumaural fit.
- Both headphones use planar magnetic driver technology. What is a Headphone Driver?
- The mid-range on both is very revealing, and I couldn’t discern a huge difference. Perhaps the 400i is a bit more forward around 3-4k. You may notice instruments and vocals have some extra zest.
Differences
- Build. I think the PM3’s are more durable overall than the 400i’s. You should know that the newer model 400i’s have QC issues with the headband Yokes. The old model that I’ve demoed on countless occasions is still in great condition over at Audio Advice. The PM3’s feel more rugged in your hands.
- Comfort. I would these two headphones are kind of similar with regard to comfort, but if I had to choose, I’d take the PM3 over the 400i. Sometimes the 400i tends to slide downwards onto the tops of your earlobes and it can get annoying after awhile. The PM3 by contrast has an almost perfect comfort level over long periods of time. It just tends to snuggle with you like that special someone. 😛
- Bass. The bass on the PM3 is pretty much a flat line. There’s a really nice amount, but it doesn’t ever become overbearing. It doesn’t roll off, but it’s also not V-shaped like the bass head variety cans. By contrast, the bass on the 400i does roll off more, but it’s still very articulate and detailed. Depending on your tastes, you may like one more than the other. For me personally, I enjoyed the bit of extra bass on the PM3.
- Treble. Another difference is the treble. The PM3’s rolls off quite a bit. I would say for a lot of people this will be a concern. For me it wasn’t for whatever reason. I really enjoyed the relaxed nature of the treble. It’s a welcome change from the overly bright nature of a lot of other headphones. Yes, the PM3 tends to be a darker sounding headphone with a similar treble to something like the HD600. The treble on the 400i is also fairly relaxed, but perhaps a bit brighter than the PM3. You’ll notice a little more sparkle out of the 400i.
- Amplification. This is a big one. The 400i’s come in at 93dB of Sensitivity which essentially means they will need quite a bit of power from an Amp to reach peak loudness (The standard is around 110dB). They are not efficient at all. Related: What is Sensitivity in Headphones? By contrast, the PM3’s have 102dB and are very efficient. You can plug them into your phone and they’re going to sound great. That’s not to say an Amp/DAC won’t help though. I tend to recommend Amps to most people because it’s a sound investment (no pun intended). If you have a good amp, you can pair it with many headphones as you upgrade and try more. That said, it’s mandatory that the 400i’s be paired with one. With the PM3 you can get away without it. Check out my big article on it: What is a USB DAC?
- Portability. Because the PM3 doesn’t need an amp and it’s closed back, it’s much more portable than the 400i. Being that the 400i is open, it tends to leak sound which will bother others around you. I would never use the 400i in public, but I would carry around the PM3 with me. The 400i is more of a studio headphone and 95% of the time that’s where it will dwell. Learn more: Closed back vs. Open back headphones.
HiFiMan Shootout
Here I compiled all of my impressions of the 400 series since 2017!
Lachlan’s PM3 Video Review
Subscribe to him as well!
Final Word
I really love the sound of the 400i, but I would only purchase a pair if I knew it was one of the older models. HIFIMAN is bound to improve upon this issue in the future, so stay tuned for that and definitely reach out to me if you have any questions about it!
With that, here’s my review:
HIFIMAN HE400i REVIEW!
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!!
If you’re looking for a similar sound to the 400i, the HD600 is definitely the solution.
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL SENNHEISER HD600 REVIEW!
SEE THE GLOWING REVIEWS ON AMAZON!!
Interested in the PM3?
CLICK HERE TO READ SOME REVIEWS ON AMAZON!!
Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Oppo PM3 vs. HIFIMAN HE400i Comparison..
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 do you think about the PM3? I would love to hear from you. Until next time..
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
