Impressive work on bugs
The HiFiMan HE-400SE headphones are an updated version of the 400i with an improved design and a sturdy headband that many owners of the original model dreamed of. Now the arms and grille are made of metal, and the headband is made of spring steel, covered with faux leather with foam filling. The rotating bowls are made of plastic so as not to weigh down the structure. A convenient detachable cable and adapter from 3.5 to 6.3 mm complete the picture. The HE-400SE's materials quality, packaging and design are reminiscent of HiFiMan's more expensive Deva Pro model.
Planar magnetic drivers
The HiFiMan HE-400SE headphones use planar magnetic drivers, which incorporate a larger number of magnets evenly distributed across the diaphragm. This minimizes distortion and promotes a more natural, realistic and spacious sound. In terms of price/performance ratio, these headphones offer clear, neutral, balanced and pleasant sound, with detail on par with the Sennheiser HD 600/650 and a detailed soundstage in the spirit of the AKG K712.
An amplifier will not be superfluous
Despite its low sensitivity and impedance (98 dB, 22 ohms), the HE-400SE requires high-quality amplification. When used with a portable amplifier from FiiO, low-end processing and high-frequency detail are improved. Paired with the Creek Destiny 2 desktop amp, the sound is reminiscent of HiFiMan Sundara planar headphones costing three times the price. HiFiMan has succeeded in creating affordable planar headphones that sound natural without sounding sterile.
