Has anyone tried the Hifiman RE-400i or RE-400a?

[Natcho]

I'm in the market for a balanced, low-cost (<$100) IEM for my smartphone, and it seems like the RE-400i would fit the bill. But I've read the thread on the RE-300h/i/a and it seems there is a pretty noticeable difference between the remote cabled and non-remote cabled versions. Has anybody actually listened to these yet? I'm also considering UE-600vi as a cheaper alternative.
 
First time poster here, so I'm obviously not an audiophile. Just looking for some decent consumer IEMs that would be durable enough for commuting, with smartphone controls a plus. I have Momentum on-ears for home use that I'm fairly happy with (too much bass though), particularly for treble clarity and soundstage (in so much as I know what those terms actually mean).

 

[Natcho]

Responding to my own thread, here are some questions I sent to Hifiman customer service about the RE-400i. Listed below is their (not very helpful) response. I have these on order, but unfortunately I don't have RE-400s so I won't be able to directly compare.
 
QUESTION:
These appear to be pretty new, so I can't find much information on the web. A couple questions:
– Is there any difference in sound quality between this and the original RE-400? There are some threads on head-fi indicating a different sound signature for the RE-300h vs RE-300i.
– Does the packaging for the RE-400i include comply tips?
 
RESPONSE:
The RE-400i is specially designed for iPhone / iPad / iPod or other Apple products. It has advanced ergonomics for comfort and extended listening. 
The RE-400i does not include comply tips.

 
 

 

[jis1]

I just purchased these from Amazon. I was a little confused whether these were the “400 Waterman”. The box they came in was totally different then the Waterman box. The construction seemed a bit flimsy.
 
When I first used them with my Ipod Touch 5^th generation, I was extremely disappointed. The sound at least to my untrained ears was very harsh. (I also have the Klipsch S4i; the RHA MA750i; Sennheiser 598; and the Audio Technica ATH M50X). I considered returning them, but thought maybe a short burn-in would make the better.
 
After about a 20hr. burn-in they do sound much better. I still think the highs are a bit harsh. I am hoping that with additional burn -in that will get better. My opinion to this point, their not great, but I have heard worse. Maybe I am spoiled by my RHA, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica.

 

[Natcho]

Interesting thoughts, I ordered a set from Amazon as well just last week. I do not have nearly the same audio reference points (only Momentum on-ears and some pretty terrible Soundsoul S-018s), but I'm actually pretty pleased with the sound quality. To my ears, it sounds fairly balanced overall with just some roll-off on the higher end. Bass is definitely more attenuated compared to my (overstated) Momentums, but that's my preference. I can actually discriminate pretty well between different recording qualities, or at least that's what I'm telling myself.
 
Do you have the original RE-400 Waterline as well? I'm most interested in how that compares, since the RE-300 remote and non-remote versions are supposedly pretty different.
 
And I definitely agree, build quality does not inspire much confidence. If I can make these last even a year I'll be surprised.

 

[jis1]

I don't have and have never heard the original "Waterman". But I have seen the box which said "Waterman" on it. My box did not. My reference point began by reading the very good reviews of the "Waterman". I guess I was expecting something that would sound great right out of the box. I was disappointed by the harsh sound as I perceived it. Burn-in definitely helped. I am still in the process of burning -in. I am at about 50 hr. trying to reach 100. I'll report back after that. I am happy, however, they they work for you. It could be I got a defective pair.
 
Jeff

 

[jis1]

Just received this e-mail from HiFiMan.
 
So far I am impressed with their customer service. Burn in does seem to be helping.
 
"Dear Customer,
We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience caused.
We understand that you purchased the RE400i. Usually it needs a burn-in process to get the best sound quality. The burn in process usually takes around 100 to 300 hours.
If after the burn in process, the sound quality still does not get any better, please be so kind as to contact us for refund within 30-day purchase. We will arrange it for you."
 
 
Best Regards
Amy
Hifiman Customer Service

 

[jis1]

After a little over 100 hours of burn-in these iem's are sounding much better. This is what I had hoped for right out of the box. Burn-in time does seem excessive but it it well worth the effort.
 
Jeff

 

[TJ Max]

How is the build quality of the revised re-400a/i? 
After 3 years the rubber part of the cable on my re-400 has started to decay and expose the copper wires underneath.