Discover the HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version
Immerse yourself in the world of high fidelity audio with the HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version Over-Ear Open-Back Full-Size Planar Magnetic Wired Headphones.
Designed for audiophiles and studio professionals alike, these headphones promise to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience, characterized by clarity, comfort, and precision.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a budding music enthusiast, the HE400SE is engineered to meet and exceed your expectations with its state-of-the-art technology and user-centric design.
HIFIMAN: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded by Dr. Fang Bian in 2007, HIFIMAN has carved a niche in the realm of high-performance audio equipment. Known for its critically-acclaimed planar magnetic headphones, HIFIMAN has consistently pushed the boundaries of sound innovation. The company’s commitment to quality and cutting-edge driver technology has garnered numerous awards and rave reviews, establishing it as a leader in the audio industry.
Unveiling the Magic of Planar Magnetic Technology
Planar magnetic technology is the cornerstone of the HE400SE’s superior sound quality. Unlike traditional dynamic headphones, which utilize conductors that vibrate in limited areas of the diaphragm, planar headphones feature conductive layers covering nearly the entire diaphragm.
This design results in significantly lower distortion, providing a purer, more accurate sound output.
The HE400SE’s planar magnetic drivers ensure that every note is reproduced with stunning clarity and precision. This technology allows the headphones to deliver a full-range frequency response, from the deepest bass to the highest treble, making it an ideal choice for those who demand the most from their audio equipment.
Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnets
The HE400SE features HIFIMAN’s unique Stealth Magnet technology, which sets it apart from conventional headphones. Traditional magnets can interfere with sound waves, causing distortion and affecting sound quality. However, the Stealth Magnets’ special shape allows sound waves to pass through without generating interference.
This acoustically transparent design dramatically reduces wave diffraction turbulence, ensuring that the integrity of the sound waves is maintained. The result is a pure sonic output that is both accurate and full-range, offering an immersive listening experience that is second to none.
Design and Comfort: Form Follows Function
HIFIMAN understands that great sound should not come at the expense of comfort. The HE400SE is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring a lightweight and adjustable headband that ensures a snug fit for hours of listening pleasure. Even in warm conditions, these headphones remain cool and comfortable, allowing you to lose yourself in your music without any discomfort.
The ear cups are crafted to provide a secure yet gentle fit, minimizing pressure on your ears while ensuring optimal sound isolation. This combination of comfort and functionality makes the HE400SE the perfect companion for long studio sessions or extended listening periods at home.
High Sensitivity and Versatile Compatibility
The HE400SE boasts a high sensitivity rating, making it the perfect match for low-voltage sources. This means that you can enjoy rich, pure sound without the need for a bulky amplifier. Whether you’re using a portable hi-res audio player or connecting to a home stereo system, the HE400SE delivers exceptional audio quality across a wide range of devices.
To enhance compatibility, the headphones come with a dual-sided high-performance 3.5mm cable and a 6.35mm adapter. This ensures that you can easily connect your headphones to a variety of audio equipment, making them a versatile choice for any audiophile or professional studio environment.
Durability and Protection
HIFIMAN has taken durability into account with the HE400SE’s design. The headphones feature a newly designed casing that protects the drivers from the elements, ensuring longevity and reliability. The robust construction and high-quality materials used in the HE400SE guarantee that they will withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining their premium sound quality.
Q&A Section
Q: What makes planar magnetic headphones different from dynamic headphones?
A: Planar magnetic headphones, like the HE400SE, feature conductive layers that cover nearly the entire diaphragm. This design results in significantly lower distortion compared to dynamic headphones, which have conductors vibrating in limited areas of the diaphragm. The outcome is a purer, more accurate sound quality.
Q: How does the Stealth Magnet technology enhance sound quality?
A: The Stealth Magnet technology in the HE400SE allows sound waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. This acoustically transparent design reduces wave diffraction turbulence, maintaining the integrity of sound waves and resulting in a pure sonic output that is both accurate and full-range.
Q: Are these headphones suitable for long listening sessions?
A: Yes, the HE400SE is designed for maximum comfort. The lightweight and adjustable headband, along with secure yet gentle ear cups, ensure a comfortable fit for hours of listening pleasure, even in warm conditions.
Q: Can I use the HE400SE with portable audio devices?
A: Absolutely. The HE400SE’s high sensitivity makes it compatible with low-voltage sources, including portable hi-res audio players. The dual-sided high-performance 3.5mm cable and 6.35mm adapter provide versatility, allowing you to connect to a variety of audio devices.
Customer Reviews
“I’ve been using the HIFIMAN HE400SE for a few months now, and I’m blown away by the sound quality. Every note is crystal clear, and I love how comfortable they are for long listening sessions. The value for money is unbeatable!” – Sarah T.
“As a music producer, I need headphones that can reproduce every detail of my recordings. The HE400SE does just that. The clarity and precision are fantastic, and the comfort is a huge plus during long studio hours.” – Mike R.
“I was initially skeptical about planar magnetic technology, but the HE400SE has converted me. The sound is incredibly pure, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the design. Highly recommended for any audiophile.” – Jessica L.
“These headphones are a game-changer. The Stealth Magnet technology really makes a difference in sound quality, and I love the versatility with different audio sources. A great investment for anyone serious about sound.” – David P.
Our Review
The HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version is a testament to HIFIMAN’s dedication to audio excellence. With its advanced planar magnetic technology, innovative Stealth Magnets, and user-focused design, the HE400SE offers an unparalleled listening experience that caters to both audiophiles and professionals.
The sound quality is nothing short of spectacular, with a full-range frequency response that captures every nuance of your music. The comfort and durability of the headphones make them an ideal choice for long listening sessions, while the high sensitivity ensures compatibility with a variety of audio sources.
In conclusion, the HIFIMAN HE400SE is a standout product in the world of high-performance headphones. Whether you’re looking to enhance your studio setup or simply enjoy your favorite tracks with exceptional clarity, the HE400SE delivers on all fronts. Experience the difference for yourself and elevate your audio experience to new heights.
Scott D. Briggs –
Another Hifiman winner and audiophile bargain
I already own the Hifiman HE400Is I got on here five years ago, so why did I buy these? I tried to buy the IFI hIP dAC V2 AMP, only to find that it lacks a 3.5″ basic input, all USB, which is not what I neededfor my simple but solid Fiio X1 player/Fosi Audio amp rig. I am not using my smartphone for most musiclistening. I use the iPhone14 in the car and it’s great for that. I realized I was looking a gift horse in the mouth: I have the player and amp I love, so don’t mess with it! Headphones can always be improved, however. At least, until you hit the diminishing returns wall, but I’m not in the market for $10,000speakers or headphones, in any case.Instead, this came up at $100 on here and I realized I was staring a true deal right in the face.I love the He400Is but they aren’t terribly portable. Well, these are slightly more portable, butstill a big, bulky headphone, let’s face it. But, the tradeoff is sheer luxury, sound quality, andto me, the build quality is fantastic and solid. Maybe Focals are better, i dunno, but my budgetis not for $8000 phones, sorry. I know some have had issues with Hifiman’s quality control,I haven’t. I tend to baby my gear, anyway. I’m not about to lug these around outsideall day long, etc.I was willing to bet on Hifiman again, and I’m so glad I did. These beauties showed up Sat.night and I unboxed them gingerly, tested them on the Fiio player with .wav files, hoursof Miles Davis Quartet the Second box set, (Columbia CD edition) Wish You Were Here (latest remaster), and some Morton Feldman For Bunita Marcus by Aki Takahashi (newest Mode edition CD). All sounded sublime, but particularly the Miles Davis. This is half the reason to invest in Hifimans or planars or electrostatics, treating yourself to quality music, well recorded, etc. I’m a heavy metal fan too,but I wouldn’t buy these whatsoever for speed or death metal. Get something with more slamand heavy bass if anything. Beats, whatever.Even if you’re not a jazz or classical fan, and I’m mainly a rock/pop guy, or dance,these are a darned good reason to expand your horizons and get a good headphone amp,portable or not, a good high res player (not your phone!), and load it with HQ sourcesand you’re in for a real treat. Put on John Coltrane’s Heavyweight Champion box setand have a good ol’ time. Steely Dan! Hells yes.As with the HE400Is, these open backs shine with the detail, wide soundstage, solid but notsuper deep bass (just “true” but with bass boost/EQ on it extends more), and shimmering, naturalsounding treble. The mids are decent, if not super extended. But the mids are anything but”screechy” or sibilant, either. Comfort level of the pads, suspension, and headbar are off the charts,at least for me. My head is smaller so I don’t even extend the bands. You can sit there with these or the 400Is for hours and never get fatigued, either your ears, or your head. They bleed sound in room….who cares!? Don’t worry about it unless you’re in a public space with tons of people near you. I thinkthe treble in the 400Is might be a bit clearer, or sharper, but I’m not sure since I haven’tused those in a while.This is extraordinary in the headphone world, where in myexperience, cheap earbuds and headphones are often totally lacking in comfort. Pioneer,I’m talking to you! These actually seem very efficient for planars, my Fosi Audio amp powers them very easily, and I only have to crank them up a bit more than say, my Sennheiser Urbanites XL toachieve the same level. I wouldn’t try this without an amp, however, and let’s face it, planars will only truly shine utilizing a good amp, so get one! Though via your phone with a good amp would be fine, too.Don’t bother with Bluetooth either, you’ll only cheapen the experience, and degrade the signal.As for Bass-heads: these are NOT for bass heads. There is some good bass here, but it’s not likenightclub Beats over the top super sub bass. What you get instead is some of the tightest,truest general deep bass you’re going to ever hear. It’s all about accuracy, in the bass, but,never clinical, either. The 400Ses are accurate, detailed, but warm, maybe a tiny tad “dark”sounding.For $100 these are a total steal, I believe. You can spend $1500 for Audezes, I’m sure they’reworth every penny (they are, I’ve heard them), but if you’re starting out with mid-Fi, or audiophile stuff, you can buy these and be confident that your $100 was spent very wisely indeed. Just don’t takethem to the beach, for goodness’ sake! Even better running these from a really good desktopheadphone amp or receiver, but portable amps will do fine! At 32 ohms and “high sensitivity,”these shine with an amp but you won’t push the amp beyond belief. They also look phenomenalwith a beautiful black and silver metal suspension and those velour pads. OMG!Get them now before they are discont’ed and sell for $1000. A bit of burn-in time will likely’be a good idea, too.
Christopher Viers –
One of the Best Sub-$200 Headphones Available…!!!
Should you want to venture into the world of ‘Magnetic Planar’ headphones without breaking the bank, then the HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnet headphone is a great place to start…!!! I bought mine in May 2022 and have been extremely pleased with their quality-build, comfort, and overall sonic performance…!!! You will notice small nuances in the music that weren’t there before when using other dynamic headphones in the past… The clarity and detail retrieval is amazing, especially when considering the price point…!!! Hifiman is a well-known company that produces planar magnetic headphones, that come in a wide range of prices, so you’re dealing with a quality brand from the get-go…!!! Before I jump into its outstanding features, you should understand one aspect of planar magnetic headphones versus dynamic headphones… Magnetic Planar Headphones require a little power to drive them to their optimum level/performance… You can’t just plug them into your cell phone or laptop and expect them to sound great…!!! They require some extra power to perform to the best of their ability… I run mine through an iFi Zen DAC V2, which is a DAC/Amp that puts out 380mW-Balanced & 280mW-unBalanced, which is more than enough to drive these headphones to the maximum…!!! There are numerous portable DAC/Amps on the market that can drive these headphones, so it’s not as bad as it might sound to people new to the Hi-Fi hobby… As to sound qualities – (1) Bass is well-detailed, well-controlled, and overall is pretty neutral in its tonality (2) Mid-Range is clean, highly detailed, organic/natural sounding… (3) Treble is slightly emphasized, but never too bright or harsh, with good clarity and detail retrieval… The soundstage is wide with accurate imaging overall… These headphones are neutral and well-balanced, so they are great for long listening sessions, yet you can also use an equalizer to tune them to your own personal tastes, if you like… At its price point, I believe the HIFIMAN HE400SE headphones outshine the competition with (1) High Resolution (2) Fantastic Clarity (3) Overall Balanced/Neutral Tuning (4) Top-Notch Price-Performance…!!! At approximately $120 dollars, it truly punches above its weight in every aspect you can think of… My friends are amazed when they try out these cans…!!!
Pakinam Mekki –
Fantastic Headphones with a few caveats
These headphones are probably the best headphones at this price range, but with a couple of notes.First, the pros. The performance of this headphone is excellent. There is a high level of consistency which is good news to glasses-wearers because it means that you won’t have to worry about fit. The default sound signature is good but not great, fortunately these headphones also take EQ very well without additional distortion so I highly recommend that you EQ to your taste.The cons: there’s a reason Hifiman ditched this headband for its premium models around 2020. It’s uncomfortable and creates a hotspot at the top. This is fixed by distributing the weight better. I DIY’d my pair to make it more comfortable.Also this is a pretty insensitive pair of headphones, so be prepared to use it with a good amplifier.
Amazon Customer –
The sound is good, not much on the bass side , if u have a dac, they sound amazing.
D. E. Potts –
I’ll keep this short. The frequency measurements are very good. The imaging and depth are fantastic. The soundstage is wide and spacious. The clarity and detail retrieval are as good as hp’s costing quadruple the price. They need a bit of power for them to shine – atleast 1 watt. There’s loads cheap hp amps out now that will cater for these.Extremely comfortable and light.Ive owned 5 different Hifiman hp’s and these are my 2nd favourites after the Ananda’s. But these actually measure better in regards to FR and balance.No brainer.
Abhishek PM –
Its not a easy headphone to drive. You need to have a good amp to actually enjoy the headphone. Keep that in mind. The headphone sounds out of this world. No questions about that.If you are looking for something you can listen at home attached to an amp and a decent device ( lg phones, IPAD or any decent laptop with a jack). Then go for it. This is a cheap planar but believe is premium where it matters.If you looking for something more versatile as in just plug and play device without amp then, Phillips SHP9500/9600 is your go to.